It’s a known fact that the Pine Tree State has the most superlative sunrises in the country, but have you ever wondered what the best places to watch the sunrise in Maine actually are? We all know that Maine offers the best sunrises in the country. Whether you’re seeing it from your backyard as the light comes up over the trees or with sand beneath you as you watch it light up the water, seeing a sunrise in Maine reminds us to take advantage of the day. And, of course, we can’t forget that for much of the year we’ve got access to the very first light anywhere in the country. If you love celebrating the start of a new day in Vacationland as much as we do, head to these beautiful spots to check out the sunrise!

1. West Quoddy Head Light, Lubec
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, West Quoddy Head Light, 973 S Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652, USA
john_getchel / Flickr
Some believe that this is actually the first place in Maine to see the sunrise. That might be true for some of the year, but no matter what you'll definitely catch a great view from here regardless of the month. It's a bit of a hidden gem, so you'll definitely want to plug the coordinates into your GPS to ensure you make it there in time to catch the sunrise in Maine!
2. Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park
Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
ccho / Flickr
If you know about beloved Maine sunrises, you're likely already aware that Cadillac Mountain offers the first sunrise in the country between October and March. And, of course, we expect it to be incredible. You can expect to find crowds here, especially on a warmer morning, but find yourself a comfortable spot and you won't even notice.
3. Eastern Promenade, Portland
Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME 04101, USA
NativeMainer44 / TripAdvisor
This beautiful area of the state's biggest city offers sweeping views of Casco Bay, including nearby islands. The park is 10 acres and has been around officially since the 1890s after being a Revolutionary War fort in 1775 and during the War of 1812. Today it's a popular place to see the boats come in and out of Portland Harbor and to enjoy live music in the bandstand. And the views? Breathtaking. What makes these vistas even more lovely is the distant view of Bug Light and, even further, the Portland Head Light. Add the boats moored in the harbor and you've got yourself a great way to wake up.

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4. Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth
Kettle Cove Road, Kettle Cove Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
pavdw / Flickr
This little spot in beautiful Cape Elizabeth is a bit tucked away, but it's an absolutely stunning place to see both the sunrise and the sunset. Get there early for the full effect, but be aware that cell phone reception isn't great. Although, that might make the entire experience even better!
5. Higgins Beach, Scarborough
Higgins Beach, ME 04074, USA
reech00 / Flickr
If you can get up early enough to catch the sunrise at this popular southern Maine beach, you'll also get to watch the many surfers who flock to the waves. Parking is a bit challenging here in the summer, but make your way on a winter morning and you should have better luck.
6. Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth
Crescent Beach State Park Road, Crescent Beach State Park Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Liam Goble / Google
If you can make it to this beautiful state park in time to see the sunrise you'll be grateful you made the effort. The shape offers a quintessential Maine view out towards the water and as an added bonus you can stick around to explore some of the scenic trails at Crescent Beach State Park.
7. Otter Point, Acadia National Park
Otter Point, Bar Harbor, ME 04660, USA
jimdollar / Flickr
You'll find this spot just off of the Park Loop Road and there's typically plenty of parking making it a great alternative to Cadillac Mountain. And this view is much different than the one you'll find at Cadillac. Dare we say this is an Acadia favorite of ours?

What are your picks for the best places to watch the sunrise in Maine? Did we miss any hidden spots you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments so your fellow Mainers can enjoy the beauty!

And, to really soak up the sunrise, how about a special weekend away in Vacationland? You can stay overnight in an incredible cabin on your very own 23-acre private island in Maine.

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Best places to watch the sunrise in Maine

Sarah M. | June 04, 2022

Why does Maine have such amazing sunrises?

Given the Pine Tree State's location on the far eastern edge of the country, Maine is well-positioned to not only catch amazing sunrises but also bear witness to the break of dawn in the United States. In Acadia National Park, for example, those who plan to summit the peak of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise are in for a treat. During parts of the year, it's also the first place in the U.S. to see the sun peeking up over the edge of the eastern horizon. You'll see the sunrise before anyone else in the country!

Those seeking a bit more adventure should plan to visit West Quoddy Head Light Station in Maine, where you can see the very spot where the light first touches the continental U.S. It's actually the easternmost spot in the continental U.S., and for those who appreciate Mother Nature, it's truly one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Maine. If you visit, plan on arriving just before sunrise. As the sun slowly peeks above the horizon, you'll feel as though you're at the ends of the Earth. And as an added bonus, this lighthouse is typically not very crowded, so not only will you get to catch the sunrise in Maine in peace, but you'll also feel as though you're the only person on the planet... which is a life-affirming and grounding experience sure to fill you with awe and wonder.

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