Beaches Despite Maine's rocky coast reputation, sandy beaches are a staple of summer life. From undeveloped peninsulas with protected inlets and coves, to state parks with lifeguards and picnic areas, you are bound to find the right spot to set up shop for the day. Beaches also make a walk in fall and spring, and — if you're feeling brave — perhaps a polar dip. Map of Maine's beaches >

Arts, Entertainment, and Heritage From live music, art galleries, museums and theater, to covered bridges, lighthouses, and public gardens, Maine culture is rich with possibilities. Museums > Historic Houses and Forts > Theaters > Map of Maine's lighthouses > Covered Bridges > Public Gardens > Fairs, Festivals & Annual events >

For Children Nothing like exerting all that youthful energy in the great outdoors... and what better place than in Maine? State parks and beaches offer up plenty of space for romps, hikes, swimming and exploring. When clouds and rain threaten, there are lots of kid-friendly museums with challenging and fun interpretative exhibits. There's an entire world out there to discover! Playgrounds > Beaches and State Parks > Great places for children to see and visit > Family Ski Guide > Outdoors with Children >

Outdoor Activities From the mountains and pristine blue lakes of the interior regions to the rugged beauty of our rocky coast, Maine's landscapes are arguably some of the most beautiful in the world. Against this backdrop, adventures abound. In this section you'll find an overview of all things outdoors: land and water, novice to expert—we'll point you in the right direction. Outdoor Activities >

Shopping From casual flea markets to chic boutiques, you'll find it in Maine. If you're in search of antiques, try one of the weekly auctions or grab a map and explore the back roads—you never know what treasures you might find. Souvenirs, of course, are in no short supply, and you're bound to find something for everyone on your list. Want designer items at warehouse prices? Serious shoppers flock to Maine's outlets, where they find national retailers selling everything from shoes to crystal. The most popular outlet centers are in Kittery (Southern Coast region) and Freeport (Greater Portland region). Flea markets are grand for their element of surprise—indeed, some finds are the kinds that cause quite the fuss on the "Antiques Roadshow." Shopping >

Catch a Pro Game For Baseball, see the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston's Double-A affiliate. Their season runs from April to September. For hockey, catch the Portland Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. Their season runs from October to April/May. Portland Sea Dogs > Portland Pirates >

Tastes of Maine You won't go hungry visiting Maine. Whether you've got a hankering for a lobster dinner, a fine micro-brew, maple sugar, blueberries or all four, Maine's got you covered—and then some. Tastes of Maine >

Fairs, Festivals & Annual Events From blueberries and maple sugaring to hot-air balloons and seasonal festivals, whether you're visiting Maine in January or July, there's bound to be a fair or festival happening. Fairs, Festivals & Annual events >