There’s no denying that Maine is one of the best places to visit for New Englanders. Something about breathing in America’s cleanest air and Maine’s pristine water keeps us coming back for more. From Ogunquit to Kennebunkport to Camden and Bar Harbor, there’s no shortage of enchanting Maine towns.
Castine, Maine, serves as the next town to add to that Maine travel bucket list. The quaint Northern Maine town just topped the list of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice “Top 10 Enchanting Small Towns in the Northeast.”
About Castine, Maine
Founded in 1796, Castine’s history dates back over a century prior. The hidden gem’s rich maritime culture began in the 1600s. Much of this history presents itself in Castine’s architecture, which remains well-preserved, with over 52 archeological sites to visit in this not only enchanting, but historic small town of just under 1,000 residents.
Visitors love to stroll through its elm tree-lined streets to admire the well-preserved 18th-century architecture, visit the Wilson Museum, or explore Fort George, a remnant of the town’s Revolutionary War past, notes USA Today.
In addition to earning the title of the Northeast’s #1 enchanting small town for 2025, the publication also recognized Castine, Maine as:
- America’s #8 “best historic small town”
- America’s #3 “best coastal small town”, coming just ahead of Bar Harbor (#4)
Methodology
A panel of seven seasoned travel experts nominates top picks in each category. USA Today 10 Best editors then narrow down and establish the final selection of nominees via editorial review before they are announced to the public who is then invited to vote for finalists over a four week period. The final shortlist of 10 winners is released based on readers’ popular vote.
10 most enchanting small towns in the Northeast
While Castine topped the list, several quaint New England towns ranked among the top 10 best small towns in the Northeast this year:
- Castine, Maine
- Sewickley, Pennsylvania
- Montpelier, Vermont
- Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Wiscasset, Maine
- Stowe, Vermont
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- New Hope, Pennsylvania
Things to do in Castine, Maine
Castine features a plethora of historic sites and natural beauty. Check out Castine’s Wilson Museum and Fort George for a history excursion and stroll the Maine sculpture trail. Enjoy the views from Dyce Head Light and grab a souvenir from Compass Rose Bookstore after exploring the shops along Castine’s Main Street. Of course, when visiting Maine, a lobster roll must be on the itinerary with a blueberry pie to end on a sweet note!
Bask in the natural glow of a bioluminescent bay
Home to one of Maine’s only bioluminescent bays, a nighttime kayak tour is a must. Below are the best dates for a chance to witness flowing microorganisms dancing throughout the water with each stroke, according to Castine Kayak, bioluminscent tour organizers:
- May 14 – 28
- June 14 – 28
- July 13 – 27
- August 12 – 26
- September 10 – 24
- October 8 – 13
With the moon’s light impacting visibility, these dates consider the new moon phases as the ideal time to witness bioluminescence in Castine.
Northern Maine coast road trip from Boston
Situated in Northern Maine, Castine is a 4-hour-drive from Boston. To make a trip of it, check out fellow awardee, Wiscasset first along the route, under 3 hours from Boston, continue north to Castine, and finish 1 hour east in Bar Harbor for a glorious trip up the Maine coast!