Most Maine visitors fly into Manchester, NH or Portland, ME, with Manchester offering the best rates. From Manchester, take Route 101 to Portsmouth, NH, home to one of the East’s finest historic waterfronts, with excellent restaurants, shopping, and the restored colonial site Strawbery Banke. From Portsmouth, take I-95 into Maine, then pass through Kittery, which is cursed (or blessed) with acres of outlet malls. History buffs shouldn't miss York, settled well before 1630. Get a feel for colonial life at historic York Village, tour the Old Gaol and spend a few minutes in the stocks!

Then visit York Harbor and Long Sands Beach, which boasts more than a mile of sand. Dozens of five star hotels and other accommodations operate in the York Beach area. Many spots throughout The Yorks have picturesque views of the famous Cape Neddick Light at Nubble Rock, which has figured in both artists' work and souvenirs of the Maine coast. Ogunquit’s magnificent coast includes a sand beach and the famed Marginal Way, which attract visitors from around the globe. Artists discovered Ogunquit's scenery over a century ago, and the town is a great spot to shop, gallery-hop or attend a summer theater production. Don't miss the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the famous Ogunquit Playhouse, a grand old summer-stock theater that features top-name entertainment. Everyone wants to see Kennebunkport, which is blessed (or cursed) with great shops, world-class inns, fine dining, classic Maine views, and the Bush family compound on Walker's Point.

Old Orchard Beach has been welcoming tourists to its pristine seven-mile stretch of white sand for over 170 years. Old Orchard’s famed Pier is the center of recreation. Extending 500 feet over the Atlantic, the Pier features shops, eateries, games of skill, and nightlife, including dancing, fireworks, and concerts. Portland is the largest city in Maine, as well as its cultural, social and economic capital. Stroll the cobbled streets of Portland's historic Old Port district along Portland Harbor, at the mouth of the Fore River and Casco Bay. Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth is also a popular tourist draw. It’s packed in summer, so be prepared for congestion and long waits. Hop on I-95 to Freeport, home of the LL Bean flagship store—definitely worth several hours, especially if it rains. Try the world’s best Italian sandwiches and whoopie pies (two Maine specialties to die for!) at Sam’s Italians.