Are you headed to the US East Coast this summer and looking to escape the crowds? It’s possible to get the coastal experience without visiting a popular tourist destination like Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Nearby Maine is a state known for its mouthwatering lobster, seafood dishes, and chilly Atlantic waters. It’s a fantastic spot to spend the warm summer days on vacation or while working remotely. These 10 small towns are quaint and encapsulate the fishing-village charm that attracts travelers to this part of the US.

10 Rockland

Rockland, Maine, is a coastal town that is one of the largest shipping destinations for lobster in the world. Rockland is located in Knox County, MidCoast, Maine, and has a population of nearly 8,000 people. It’s an incredible place to visit for seafood lovers and travelers who want to enjoy some recreational boating. The miles of coastline in the town are dotted with idyllic harbors to explore.

9 Camden

Camden is a resort town, also located in Knox County in MidCoast, Maine. The town overlooks Penobscot Bay with many trails for hiking along the picturesque hills at Camden Hills State Park. The town has plenty of historic attractions for visitors to enjoy including 19th-century homes in the High Street Historic District and the Camden Public Library. Art enthusiasts can take in a theater, film, or dance performance at the restored Camden Opera House during their stay.

8 Kennebunkport

Travelers who are more interested in the natural beauty of Maine should consider visiting the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport. It boasts sandy beaches and a Seashore Trolley Museum where there is a unique collection of old streetcars. Goose Rocks Beach and Arundel Beach are two of the most popular places for travelers to spend time visiting. Besides beaches, the York County town also has a historic lighthouse called Goat Island Lighthouse, which dates back to 1883.

Related: Kittery: Maine’s Oldest Town, And A Modern-Day Seaside Haven

7 Old Orchard Beach

Another quaint beach town in York County, Old Orchard Beach offers some incredible ocean-side accommodation and recreation options for travelers. Although the town has a limited selection of restaurants (travelers can go to nearby Portland for some more high-end options), there’s plenty to do and see in this small resort town. The historic pier juts out into the Atlantic and is a hub for activity in the town. It was first opened in July 1898 and offers a variety of entertainment options to locals and travelers alike. Spend time here for concerts, dancing, and even casino nights.

6 Bar Harbor

The largest community on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is known as a gateway to Acadia National Park. The town is situated along Frenchman Bay in Maine and is overlooked by the immense Cadillac Mountain. Bar Harbor has some of the best restaurants in Maine and New England, so it’s an ideal destination for foodies. There is an abundance of seafood, home-grown produce, locally roasted coffee, and craft beer selections to be enjoyed.

5 Castine

Located in Hancock County, Eastern Maine, Castine has a small population of just under 1200 people. It’s one of the oldest towns in New England and sits on a gorgeous peninsula on the ocean. The town itself boasts plenty of historical sites and quaint old homes that give it the trademark New England village feel. Travelers can also check out the Dyce Head Lighthouse, the Wilson Museum, and Wadsworth Cove Beach.

Related: Maine's Smallest Island Has One Of New England's Best Beaches

4 Eastport

Eastport, Maine is a small city of around 1300 people and it has the deepest port on the East Coast. Eastport is located across the Bay of Fundy from New Brunswick, Canada, making it a natural addition to an East Coast trip for Canadians. Raye’s Mustard Mill is the only remaining stone-ground mustard mill in America and the restaurants in Eastport are famous for their high-quality, locally sourced fresh seafood.

3 Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is a small town in Maine that sits along a harbor of the same name. Just north of Portland and Boston, this is a fantastic getaway spot for East Coast Americans to visit for a weekend of sailing and kayaking on Boothbay. Besides its idyllic location on the waterfront, Boothbay has a multitude of quaint shops, breweries, bars, and eateries to explore and enjoy. There is also a significant arts and culture scene in the town with exhibits and performances at the Lincoln Arts Festival and the Pythian Opera House.

2 Stonington

Another town on Penobscot Bay in Hancock County, Stonington is a charming coastal destination known for its lobster and granite mining. Visitors can go hiking in Barred Island Preserve or rent a kayak and get out on the chilly blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There is more lobster landed in Stonington (in pounds) than any other port in the state of Maine. There is a significant amount of visual arts galleries and exhibitions in Stonington, including The Turtle Gallery, the Deer Isle Artist Association and Nervous Nellies, all worth a visit while in the town.

1 Damariscotta

Damariscotta is known as the oyster capital of New England, so travelers who love seafood can’t miss this charming village on a visit to Maine. Damariscotta is located in Lincoln County and is one of the best places to live in the state. The town is on the Damariscotta River and is extremely walkable and tourist-friendly. Travelers can walk around the town center browsing the specialty shops in the afternoon before taking in a theater show at the Lincoln County Community Theater in the evening.