Maine sums up its philosophy quite simply—just look at the bottom of any Maine license plate. What word do you see? Vacationland! Indeed the state of Maine has earned that title. Every season, hordes of visitors travel to Maine for all types vacations. The state of Maine is divided into eight distinct regions of tourism. Each of these regions offers a variety of unique activities, events and accommodations. The state of Maine has 6,000 lakes, 32,000 miles of rivers, 5,000 miles of coast and 17 million acres of forestland.

When you travel to Maine, you may discover a wonderful family campground that is hidden along the shores of a beautiful pristine lake. Perhaps you may come upon a cozy cottage on a bluff that overlooks a sheltered cove, or a museum presenting an insightful look into the interesting history of the state of Maine.

Many people travel to Maine to see breathtaking scenery of the southern coast. This region is characterized by white sand beaches and picturesque New England villages. The southern coast includes the historic coastal towns of Kittery, The Yorks, Wells, Ogunquit, The Kennebunks, and Old Orchard Beach.

The mid-coast is a popular destination for Maine family vacations. Here you will find a number of charming seaside resorts, quaint villages and glacier-carved peninsulas. Maine family vacations on the mid-coast of Maine may include biking, kayaking, windjammer cruises, scenic train excursions or ferry rides to spectacular islands. You can also go sightseeing for seals, whales, puffins and dolphins. Additionally, the mid-coast of Maine is also a great place to go antiquing or attend a country auction.

Athletic families will enjoy their Maine family vacations in the lakes and mountains. This is where you can ski, snowboard, hike and enjoy a variety of water sports. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the Kennebec and Moose River Valley for their vacation in Maine. This area is known for its cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and fall foliage.

If you are a wildlife lover who wishes to take a vacation in Maine, a visit to the Maine Highlands should be put on your "must do" list. This is the home of the 200,000 acre Baxter State Park, where moose and deer roam freely. The Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers, located in the Maine Highlands are the state's primary whitewater rafting areas.

Would you like to visit a more urban environment on your vacation in Maine? The Greater Portland and Casco Bay area offers a variety of cultural attractions, along with a wealth of historical venues. Twenty minutes north of Portland, Freeport is the home of the famous LL. Bean, which attracts a good deal of Maine tourism.

Many people consider the down-east and Acadia region to be the "heart and soul of Maine." Indeed these areas draw a considerable amount of Maine tourism. The coastal region offers whale watching, puffin watching and sea kayaking, while the lakes are a popular venue for canoeing and fishing.

Finally, Aroostook County is a popular location for Maine hiking. If you visit this region, you can join in the many festivals and fairs where residents celebrate their agrarian roots and Acadian heritage.