The 9 Best Maine Vacation Rentals of 2023

Best Luxury: Cape Elizabeth Home

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For a truly luxurious waterfront getaway in Maine, book this impeccably designed, coastal retreat in Cape Elizabeth. The three-bedroom home features gorgeous views of the ocean through panoramic windows, including one from a soaking tub in the master suite, and features amenities like a garage, an elevator, and two TV rooms. You can even book a private chef through the rental (for a fee) to prepare all your meals. Though the property is surrounded by a rocky beach, you’re also only a 20-minute drive from the cultural and culinary scenes of downtown Portland.

Best Budget: Ocean Front Condo

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You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay near the water in Maine. This end-unit condo in Old Orchard Beach is the ideal rental for beachgoers on a budget. There’s one bedroom plus a sofa and an available air mattress in the living room, which is great for traveling families, but the real selling point is the private balcony overlooking the ocean. The condo is set just far enough from the chaos of the town’s pier and amusement park that you’ll still get peace and quiet, but they’re only a short walk away when you want to partake in the fun.

Best for Skiing: Carrabassett Valley Home

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Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the premier skiing destinations in Maine, and this three-bedroom rental is just a 10-minute drive from the slopes, with direct access to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center system for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Though it has all the wood elements you’d expect from a ski cabin, the house is quite modern and comfortable with Wi-Fi and a smart TV so you can log into your streaming accounts. There’s also a hot tub for relaxing, as well as a garage that’s ideal for storing your skis or other sports equipment. 

Best City Stay: Light-Filled Portland Apartment

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Artsy Portland is an ideal vacation destination for those looking to eat, shop, and relax near the water. This spacious Victorian-era apartment in the Arts District was built in 1838 but has been expertly renovated with elegant, New England-style decor and modern conveniences, including a full kitchen with a dishwasher. There’s also a plant-filled porch that’s perfect for sipping your morning coffee. The house is within walking distance of all of Portland’s major attractions, including the Portland Museum of Art and the waterfront district with stellar seafood restaurants.

Complete your itinerary with some of the best things to do in Portland, Maine.

Best for Romance: Waterfront Home on Maine Coast

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Get nice and cozy with a loved one in this waterfront home in Harrington, which has all the perfect elements for a romantic getaway: two indoor fireplaces (including one in the master bedroom), a hot tub, and incredible views of the water. In summer, you can even head straight to the ocean during high tide directly from the property. Though it’s an ideal spot to unplug and simply take in the beautiful scenery, there’s also Wi-Fi and Netflix available. Plus, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are only about an hour drive away if you’re looking for fine dining and excellent hiking.

Best for Families: The Bingham House

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Whether you’re having a getaway with friends or a family reunion, this massive home in Bethel is the perfect setting for your festivities. The six-bedroom house and its property have plenty of entertainment — there’s a billiards room, a game room, a hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, a barbecue, and plenty more. Book a round of golf or purchase a lift ticket for skiing and snowboarding.

Best for Nature: Orland Hike-in Yurt

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This rental in Orland isn’t for the fainthearted, but it's ideal for those looking to connect with nature. To get to this yurt, there’s a moderately strenuous quarter-mile hike from the parking area, and you’ll have to bring your own water as there’s no plumbing at the top. Facilities are pretty basic, comprising a small kitchen, an outhouse with a solar shower, two futons (you'll need to bring your own bedding), and a fire pit. But what you’re here for is the mountaintop views, the solitude, and the extraordinary stargazing. Plus, when blueberries are in season, you can pick your own and make some mean blueberry pancakes. If you’re in need of a little civilization, you’re within an hour drive of Belfast, Bangor, and Bar Harbor.

Best Treehouse: Souhegan Treehouse

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One of three treehouses on the owner’s 21-acre plot of land in Georgetown, the Souhegan treehouse has beautiful views of the Back River and its surrounding serene woodlands. There are two rooms here, one of which can function as a living room or a second bedroom, and one that’s a duplex with a king-size bed and a small kitchen and dining room. Also, don’t miss the wood-fired hot tub, set on its own platform in the trees. The rental is just 45 minutes outside of Portland, with plenty of activities from beaches and hiking trails to farmers’ markets and lobster houses within a short drive. You also have free access to canoes and kayaks.