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With almost 3,500 miles of coastline and over 3,000 off-shore islands, it’s not hard to work out why Maine’s nickname is Vacationland.
Maine is overflowing with outdoor wonders, including 75,000 moose — second only to Alaska in number. Maine has rocky cliffs, serene beaches, big summits, and a surplus of sea life. But it’s not just the outdoor marvels that bring out-of-towners, either: it’s the dozens of lighthouses and haunted inns, the booming breweries popping up throughout the state, and the incredibly friendly locals that keep people coming back. The best way to experience these adventures is to stay at Maine’s top VRBOs.
So whether you’re looking for a luxurious seaside rental, a romantic retreat, or a place for the whole family, one of these VRBOs in Maine should be the perfect spot for your trip to Vacationland.
Related: 10 Super & Secluded Maine Cabin Rentals
1. Authentic Coastal Farmhouse
Why you should stay: A Peloton in the exercise barn and two kitchens.
- Location: Friendship
- Sleeps: 11
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $350/night
In Midcoast Maine is a town called Friendship. Here, the air is salty, the lobster plentiful, and good ol’ country living abounds. Three Sisters Farm is about as country living as it comes. This authentic and historic farmhouse is chock full of nooks and crannies for your entire party. Every piece of the house is expertly chosen and placed that you’ll think you’ve gone back in time (without the lack of electricity or running water, thank goodness).
However, if you do lose power, the house is equipped with a generator to keep you comfy and cozy during unpredictable weather. There’s plenty to do inside if the weather is poor outside. The entire barn is filled with activities including ping pong, board games, and an entire exercise attic. The multitude of desks allow guests to find a quiet place to do some work or read a book. The two kitchens can host a variety of culinary pleasures and the five bedrooms will house everyone in your party.
But what sets this apart from most places on this list – its location. It’s close to the bustling city of Portland and the natural beauty of Acadia. It’s under an hour to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and 30 minutes to the quaint downtown of Camden. You’ll feel a world (and time) away from civilization but close to all the well-known spots in Maine. This unique farmhouse will leave you with a sense of tranquility and rest that you’re likely trying to find in Vacationland.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 11 Stunning Airbnbs in Portland, Maine
2. Jaquish Lane Compound
Why you should stay: The property manager is a lobsterman and can drop off fresh fish at your leisure.
- Location: Bailey Island
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 7 nights
- Rates from: $700/night
No, you’re not about to enter the compound of some weird cult, though this property can fit a large group of people. There are two separate homes here, though it’s one rental: Jaquish House and #14, both of which have sweeping, unobstructed views of the ocean. The former has enough space for a large family (or those with large and luxurious personalities.) The latter is a romantic, secluded space perfect for those who want a bit more privacy.
If you have more than a dozen guests looking to stay in a VRBO in Maine together, there are two other homes on the property you can rent to accommodate 10 more guests – ask the owner for details on booking all of them.
Check Availability3. Cozy Designer Cottage
Why you should stay: Clean, beachy getaway in coastal Maine.
- Location: Kennebunkport
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $350/night
No need to bring any beach gear when you rent this quintessential beach rental. It comes fully equipped with bikes, beach chairs/towels, a beach buggy, and even a kayak. The views from the floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the salt marsh where it’s not uncommon to see egrets and great blue herons.
Cap off a day in the sun and sand with a sunset by the fire pit listening to the waves crash against the rocky cliffs. You’re also only about 40 minutes south of Portland, which is more than worth a day trip or two.
Check AvailabilityAdditional Read: 10 Scenic Oceanfront Campgrounds in Maine
4. The Coastal Cottage
Why you should stay: Access to a private neighborhood beach.
- Location: Cape Elizabeth
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 6 nights
- Rates from: $510/night
This beautiful seaside home is the perfect basecamp for those exploring southern Maine. The stain-glassed windows look out onto the seashore, though two outdoor Adirondack chairs provide unobstructed outdoor views. Settle in and breathe the ocean air while the sun rises or snuggle on the large leather couches as the sun sets, but make sure to hit the neighborhood beach in the time in-between the two.
The entire house is decked out in floor-to-ceiling rustic wood panels that give it a mountain home feel – but the color scheme and nostalgia are seacoast through and through. This is also a dog-friendly Maine VRBO, but the fee is slightly steep at $50 per dog per night.
Check Availability“What a lovely cottage nestled in a cove on Maine’s coast. You can feel the history of the cottage while you are there.”
5. Seal Harbor Historic Apartment
Why you should stay: Convenient digs just steps minutes from Acadia National Park.
- Location: Seal Harbor
- Sleeps: 5 guests
- Minimum stay: 3 + nights
- Rates from: $125/night
Located in the quaint village of Seal Harbor, this idyllic rental is the perfect place to rest your weary feet. The second-floor apartment has everything you need before a day of adventuring, including coffee.
Of course, Hiking in Acadia National Park is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. Stop by the Naturalist’s Notebook to get all the wildlife viewing information you’ll need for the day. And being located on the main drag, there’s a plethora of dining options if you don’t feel like making anything yourself. One of the most popular is the Lighthouse Inn and Restaurant – the Seafood Newburg en Croute is especially popular.
Check Availability6. Oceanfront Luxury in Kennebunkport
Why you should stay: Lux waterfront home that graced the cover of Maine Home & Design Magazine.
- Location: Kennebunkport
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $750/night
You don’t have to be a Kardashian to stay at this luxurious seaside abode, but you’ll definitely feel like one by the time you leave. From the minute you drive up to this incredible rental, you’ll see that the property oozes comfort and extravagance (a winning combination!) The second floor covers a large portion of the first floor porch, creating a private-feeling outdoor deck complete with an outdoor fireplace.
On the off chance you want to leave, you can head to nearby Mother’s Beach, a local’s favorite. It’s certainly not one of the cheaper VRBOs in Maine, but it could be the perfect spot for an epic family trip after a year or more stuck at home.
Check AvailabilityRead More: 12 Charming Yurt Rentals in Maine
7. Lakefront on Beech Hill Pond
Why you should stay: Lakefront rental with a dock, kayaks, and the option to rent a private boat for the week.
- Location: Otis
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $229/night
Most people think Maine is all about ocean views, but the state’s lakes offer a just-as-compelling option if you’re more into forested views. And if you staying in this rustic lakefront home, you may just start preferring lakes to oceans.
The home has windows galore to bring the outside in. Though with exposed beams and log furniture, you may already feel like the inside is natural enough already. Kayaks, a canoe, and a paddleboard are included with the rental but the host also offers motorized boat rentals. Just let him know if you’re interested in renting one when you make your rental.
Check Availability8. The Dock House
Why you should stay: Duh – there’s a lobster boat library.
- Location: East Machias
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 5 nights
- Rates from: $190/night
It’s worth noting twice that this unique rental has both a library and lounge right on the property – oh, and it’s housed in an old lobster fishing boat. That’s about as Maine as Maine gets.
The uniqueness of this property doesn’t end there, though. With pieces from world-renowned artisans and mid-century decor, it’s a unique space worth a trip even if you barely explore the nearby town. But if you do make it out, be sure to grab some fresh lobster at Cutler Harbor to cook up back at the Dock House before watching the sun set in your backyard.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Maine
9. Authentic Maine Log Cabin
Why you should stay: 50 acres and a nearly endless list of convenient outdoor activities.
- Location: Greenville
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $129/night
This waterfront property is the ideal VRBO in Maine if you’re undecided about exactly what you want to do on vacation as just about every outdoor activity is nearby. Hiking? There are numerous trails out your back door. Kayaking and canoeing? Yup, you betcha: the property backs up onto Sawyer Pond.
But what about winter? If you think there won’t be anything to do, you’re wrong. You can learn to ice fish for brook trout, downhill ski at nearby Big Squaw Mountain, or cross-country ski on groomed area trails. The interior truly looks like a classic log cabin, complete with a log spiral staircase and plenty of flannel blankets and pillows.
Check Availability10. Basin Cove Cottage
Why you should stay: Spot wildlife in Casco Bay from your porch.
- Location: Harpswell
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $115/night
Wildlife abounds around this waterfront rental. Bald eagles, seals, egrets, seagulls, osprey, and more are frequent visitors to the cove, and the lounge chairs on the porch are the perfect place to watch the show as the sun curves across the sky. Sunsets are breathtaking here and luckily, every room has a view of the ocean. Inside, expect a mix of modern coastal and shabby chic interiors, along with a galley (that’s kitchen, to you landlubbers) decked out in deep navy and nautical colors.
If water makes you queasy, there are a few hiking trails behind the property that meander through the Harpswell Land Trust. Whatever your outdoor activity du jour is, this property fits the bill for any of them.
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Seen in: Maine, New England, Where to Stay
