Visiting Maine for a travel nursing assignment? With stunning seaside views, picturesque cities, and year-round outdoor activities, this New England state is a great destination for travel nurses looking to experience something different. Learn more about the Pine Tree State and what visitors should know in our Maine travel guide below!
Adjusting to a new place is easier when you know what to expect. Below are some important things to know about living in Maine, including weather patterns, how to get around, major regions, and more.
Characterized by mild summers and snowy winters, the climate in Maine lends itself to four distinct seasons. Humidity is a major consideration, as the state’s coastal location has a direct impact on precipitation patterns.
When traveling to Maine, be prepared to make the most of any season by bringing clothes that suit the climate. This way, whether it’s ice fishing in the winter or hitting the beach in the summer, you won’t miss out on the fun.
Whether you want to utilize public transit, plan to drive yourself, or need to access an airport while working a travel nursing assignment in Maine, there are plenty of transportation options available.
No matter where you decide to take a travel assignment throughout the state, the eight regions of Maine each offer a distinct vibe and unique things to do.
Although the primary travel season in Maine is when the weather is warmest, you can enjoy traveling in the Pine Tree State—also fittingly called “Vacationland”—all year long.
During the summer between June and August, Maine experiences its most active tourist season, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and fun seasonal activities, including popular festivals like the Maine Lobster Festival. The summer season in Maine also brings increased demand for travel nurses, making it a great time to book a travel assignment.
September, just outside of the main travel season, is another highly recommended time, as the weather is still comfortable and brings breathtaking autumnal scenery. And while November through April is the least busy time, Vacationland still offers exceptional experiences you won’t find at other times of year—like snowshoeing and dog sledding.
Whether you’re researching locations for your next travel nursing assignment, or you’re looking into cities that you want to visit during your days off, these are some of the most popular cities to visit in Maine.
Distinguished by its numerous fishing wharfs, Victorian architecture, and seaside location, Portland, Maine’s most populous city, blends a hip, modern vibe with classic maritime aesthetics and recreation.
Bar Harbor is situated on Maine’s largest island, Mount Desert Island, and serves as a gateway to its main tourist draw: the gorgeous Acadia National Park. But there’s more to this quaint, roughly 5,000-person town than its proximity to the national park!
Accessible beaches, quirky local shops, and great restaurants are just some of the features that make the seaside town of York one of the best destinations in Maine. It’s also the second-oldest city in Maine, so history buffs will have plenty of historic sites to explore.
The second-most populous city in Maine, Lewiston sits along the Androscoggin River parallel to its twin city, Auburn, on the opposite bank. The Lew, as it’s often called, is a culturally diverse haven for all lifestyles, making it a fun place to visit in Maine.
A trading hub, the former lumber capital of the nation, and home to the legend of Paul Bunyan, Bangor is an eclectic city in Maine with plenty to see and do. The downtown district is nestled against the Penobscot River and boasts exceptional shopping and dining.
Located along the Kennebec River in the Kennebec Valley region is Augusta, Maine’s capital city. This historic New England town is home to a thriving arts scene, beautiful natural recreation areas, and plenty of fun things to do in and around the city.
No matter where you travel in Maine or what you enjoy doing, the Pine Tree State has an abundance of activities available. Here are some of the best things to do while working as a traveling nurse in Maine.
Known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most beautiful natural wonders. There are more than 158 miles of hiking trail running through this 50,000-acre national park, as well as 45 miles of carriage road and 27 miles of motorways, making it easy to get around.
While there, be sure to go on a nature walk to see local wildlife from bats to beavers, or observe ocean animals from Otter Cliff. You can also stargaze while camping or during events like Acadia Night Sky Week, or try tide pooling to see the park’s diverse marine life up close during low tide.
Maine has thousands of lakes and rivers, as well as more than 228 miles of coastline, including rocky beaches like Birch Point State Park and sandy shores like Long Sands Beach. These beaches are great for surfing, sunbathing, tide pooling, and more.
Fishing is also a popular pastime in Maine, including freshwater, saltwater, and even ice fishing. Another way to get out on the water is by boat. You can smooth sail on a chartered boat or let your adventurous side shine with whitewater rafting in many Maine outdoor hot spots.
Lighthouses are practically synonymous with Maine, with 65 lighthouses situated along the state’s coastline. While these lighthouses formerly served as guides to sailors, they’ve since become iconic landmarks of the Pine Tree State.
Go on the Lighthouse Lovers Cruise through the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, or visit popular spots like the stunning Nubble Lighthouse in York. Check out guided tours on Tuesdays or Thursdays at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in South Portland. You can also explore many others during Open Lighthouse Day, which occurs annually in early September across the state and allows visitors access to these gorgeous structures.
Cold weather doesn’t stop the fun for travelers in Maine. The state’s varied climate lends itself to tons of great winter recreation, so if your travel nursing assignment takes place over these colder months, you’ll still have plenty of fun things to do!
Take a custom dog sledding tour with the Mahoosuc Guide Service in Newry. Go ice fishing at the popular Cobbosseecontee Lake just outside of Manchester, where some of the state’s largest bass have been caught. Go downhill skiing or relax in the lodge at Sugarloaf resort in Carrabassett Valley, Maine’s biggest ski destination. Or experience the thrilling Toboggan Chute, all-ages skiing, and more family fun at the Camden Snow Bowl in Camden.
Maine is a haven for arts and culture. There’s a plethora of fine art galleries like the Courthouse Gallery in Ellsworth, which boasts a wide collection of contemporary art, and the picturesque Down East Gallery, which sits on an Italian-inspired vineyard in Edgecomb.
You’ll find world-class live music in Maine, too. See performances from the Portland Symphony Orchestra at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, traveling acts at the Waterville Opera House in Waterville, or with Broadway shows coming through the Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick.
There’s never a shortage of events and festivals in Maine to explore. One of the most unique is the Great Falls Balloon Festival in the Lewiston-Auburn area, where a variety of beautiful hot air balloons take flight across New England skies.
For something quintessentially “Maine,” sample lobster and other seafood dishes at the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. Savor two days of live music and camping during the Sandy River Music Festival in Farmington. Or check out the Lilac Festival during the summer in South Paris, where you can see beautiful wildflowers, tour gardens, and more.
Maine is a culinary wonderland best known for its fresh lobster, which you can sample at restaurants like Lobster Shack in Perkins Cove or Portland Lobster Company in Portland. But the state has more than just seafood to offer! Asian-fusion restaurant Anju Noodle Bar in Kittery has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the state. There’s also Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast in Bar Harbor, beloved for its wholesome, family-friendly breakfast options, including vegan and gluten-free fare.
The Pine Tree State also has incredible brewery scene with hot spots like Maine Beer Company in Freeport, Cushnoc Brewing Co. in Augusta, Funky Bow Beer Company in Lyman, or any of the great places along the Maine Beer Trail.
Does Maine sound like the perfect travel nursing destination for you? With travel jobs available through TRS Healthcare in cities like York, Bangor, Portland, and many more, you’ll have opportunities to expand your nursing skills and explore Maine!
View current travel nurse job openings in Maine, or apply with TRS Healthcare now to start your next travel assignment!
