Located on the northeastern tip of the Atlantic Coast, the state of Maine is the epitome of New England charm, with rugged coastlines giving way to an endless expanse of ocean and lighthouses and lobster boats dotting the horizon. For the outdoor adventurer, Maine’s wilderness is nothing short of breathtaking: Trek through the rocky red cliffs of Acadia National Park, cool off in year-round ice caves in Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, and take a dip in the alpine pond on Tumbledown Mountain.

You can spend endless hours breathing in the fresh sea air here. For those more inclined to a city break, Maine has some of the most charming coastal towns around, starting with its biggest city, Portland. Stock up on local artisan wares, sample an up-and-coming restaurant scene, and peruse vintage and antiques shops brimming with treasures. However you choose to spend your time here, one thing is non-negotiable: Make sure to save space in your itinerary to sample Maine lobster in all its freshly-caught glory.

Maine shares borders with New Hampshire and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, making it a popular destination for Americans and Canadians alike. There are 68 public airports in the state, including three that operate international flights: Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Bangor; the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland; and the Houlton International Airport (HUL) in Houlton. The cities of Brunswick, Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells are all linked by train, and you could ride in by rail from New York, Boston, Montreal, and other large cities in the Northeast (though it will be a lengthy journey). If you’re planning your trip around seeing national and state parks and more remote areas, having your own car (or renting one at the airport) is a good idea.

Maine’s full four seasons are part of what makes this state so beautiful. When to visit depends entirely on what you’re coming here to do. Maine rentals on the beach fill up fast in the summer (so book ahead), but with good reason: the weather is typically warm, the beaches are beautiful, and there is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Late spring and early autumn are good choices if you want to skip some of the crowds but still take advantage of nice weather for walking, hiking, and boating. Fall is possibly the most beautiful time to visit, as the forests break out in shades of reds, orange, and gold, though you risk the chance of rain or even snow in later months. In the winter, temperatures drop and blankets of snow turn the mountains into a skier or snowboarder’s paradise.

Lighthouses

Maine’s lighthouses have been important navigational points and welcoming safe havens to seafaring folk for 200 years. Many of these 65 landmark lighthouses are open to the public for tours — some house quaint museums, others can be climbed for panoramic coastal views. As you make your way throughout the state, keep your eye out for them; even if just from afar, they’re postcard-perfect sights to see.

Eat lobster

From inventive farm-to-table fare in Portland’s best restaurants, to piping hot bowls of clam chowder, bean suppers, clambakes, and craft beers, Maine’s local culinary scene is nothing short of drool-worthy. Still, there is one food that rules them all: lobster. Lobster rolls, steamed lobster, boiled lobster, grilled lobster — no matter the preparation, nothing beats eating it here, straight from the sea.

Acadia National Park

Maine is beautiful any which way you look, but Acadia National Park is perhaps the most beautiful corner of the state. From the heritage-protected Merchant Row islands famous for their granite, to learning about the homeland of the Wabanaki indigenous people, to lush forests painted in all the colors of fall, there are endless trails and treks to discover.