What Maine Locals Say Tourists Always Do Wrong Every Summer

Maine welcomes millions of visitors every summer who come to enjoy rocky coastlines, fresh lobster, and charming seaside towns. However, locals notice that many tourists make the same mistakes year after year, often missing out on the best experiences or unintentionally causing frustration.

Understanding what not to do can help you have a more authentic and enjoyable Maine vacation while respecting the people who call this beautiful state home.

1. Expecting Everything to Be Fast-Paced

Maine operates on a different speed than most places, especially during summer. Locals embrace a slower, more relaxed way of life that honors quality over rushing through experiences. When you visit restaurants, shops, or attractions, patience becomes your best friend.

Many tourists get frustrated when service takes longer than expected or when lines move slowly. Mainers value conversation and connection, so your server might chat with regulars or take time preparing food properly. This isn’t rudeness or inefficiency.

The state’s charm lies partly in this unhurried approach to daily life. Instead of checking your watch constantly, try embracing the slower pace as part of your vacation. You’ll notice details you might otherwise miss, like the way sunlight hits the harbor or how locals greet each other. Adjusting your expectations helps you appreciate Maine’s authentic character rather than fighting against it throughout your entire trip.

2. Wearing Flip-Flops Everywhere

Flip-flops might work fine at sandy beaches elsewhere, but Maine’s coastline tells a different story. Rocky shores, barnacle-covered tide pools, and uneven terrain dominate most coastal areas here. Locals cringe watching tourists slip and slide across wet rocks in flimsy sandals.

The rocks along Maine’s coast can be surprisingly sharp and slippery when wet. Barnacles cut skin easily, and seaweed creates a slick surface that sends unprepared visitors tumbling. Even seemingly calm areas hide hazards that proper footwear protects against.

Smart visitors pack sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals with good grip and toe protection. These allow you to explore tide pools safely, climb over rocks to reach better views, and walk comfortably on pebbly beaches. Locals also recommend bringing closed-toe shoes for hiking trails and exploring towns. Your feet will thank you after a full day of adventures, and you’ll avoid embarrassing slips that could ruin your vacation.

3. Only Visiting Bar Harbor and Portland

Bar Harbor and Portland certainly deserve their popularity, but focusing solely on these hotspots means missing Maine’s true character. Thousands of tourists crowd these same locations, creating traffic jams and long waits that locals avoid by exploring lesser-known gems scattered throughout the state.

Small towns like Stonington, Blue Hill, and Castine offer equally stunning views without the overwhelming crowds. These communities maintain authentic fishing village atmospheres where you can actually talk to locals and experience traditional Maine culture. The seafood tastes just as fresh, and the scenery rivals any famous destination.

Heading inland reveals another side of Maine entirely. Lakes, mountains, and forests provide outdoor adventures that coastal-focused tourists completely overlook. Places like Rangeley, Bethel, and the Katahdin region showcase natural beauty that defines much of the state. Locals encourage spreading out your itinerary to reduce overcrowding in popular spots while discovering places that feel like personal discoveries rather than tourist traps.

4. Mispronouncing Town Names

Nothing identifies an outsider faster than butchering the pronunciation of Maine town names. Places like Calais (CAL-iss, not cal-AY), Skowhegan (skow-HEE-gun), and Machias (muh-CHY-us) trip up visitors constantly. Locals don’t expect perfection, but attempting correct pronunciations shows respect and effort.

These unique pronunciations reflect Maine’s rich history, including Native American origins and French influence. Many visitors assume standard English rules apply and end up completely off base. The town of Bangor sounds like BANG-gore, not like the Welsh city. Monhegan Island is mon-HEE-gun, not mon-HEG-an.

Before your trip, look up pronunciations of places you plan to visit. Locals appreciate when tourists make the effort, and it helps you communicate more effectively when asking for directions or recommendations. Most Mainers will politely correct you if asked, viewing it as a teaching moment rather than criticism. Learning these pronunciations adds to your cultural experience and helps you blend in better with the community during your stay.

5. Blocking Traffic to Look at Moose

Spotting a moose ranks high on many visitors’ bucket lists, and the excitement is completely understandable. However, slamming on brakes in the middle of the road or stopping suddenly without pulling over creates dangerous situations that frustrate locals who navigate these roads daily.

Moose sightings happen frequently in Maine, especially during dawn and dusk hours. While tourists might see this as a once-in-a-lifetime moment, locals encounter moose regularly and know proper protocol. The key is pulling completely off the road into a safe spot before stopping to observe or photograph wildlife.

Remember that moose can be unpredictable and dangerous despite their calm appearance. Getting too close for photos puts both you and the animal at risk. Locals recommend staying in your vehicle, maintaining a respectful distance, and never blocking roadways. If you can’t safely pull over, keep moving and hope for another sighting. Maine has plenty of moose, and creating traffic hazards or risking accidents isn’t worth any photograph.

6. Complaining About Lobster Prices

Tourists often express shock at lobster prices, expecting bargain-basement deals since Maine is lobster country. Locals find these complaints tiresome because they understand the hard work, dangerous conditions, and economic realities behind every lobster that reaches your plate.

Lobster fishing requires expensive equipment, licenses, and year-round maintenance. Fishermen face dangerous ocean conditions, unpredictable catches, and strict regulations protecting the industry’s sustainability. The lobsters you enjoy represent someone’s livelihood and generations of tradition. Market prices reflect these factors, not some tourist markup scheme.

Additionally, peak tourist season coincides with high demand and sometimes lower catch periods, naturally affecting prices. Locals pay similar prices at restaurants and markets. If you want the best deals, buy lobsters directly from working wharfs or attend local lobster bakes. But understand that quality Maine lobster costs what it costs, and complaining to servers or market workers accomplishes nothing except marking you as an entitled tourist. Appreciate the experience and the people who make it possible.

7. Ignoring Private Property Signs

Many tourists assume that Maine’s beautiful coastline and scenic spots are entirely public, wandering onto private property without permission. Locals deal with trespassing issues constantly during summer months, finding visitors on private beaches, docks, and yards. These violations aren’t just rude but legally problematic.

Maine law actually protects public access to certain coastal areas, but this doesn’t mean everything is fair game. Private property rights remain strong, and owners have legitimate reasons for restricting access. Some areas pose safety hazards, while others simply represent someone’s home and personal space that deserves respect.

Always look for and obey posted signs indicating private property. If you’re unsure whether an area is public, ask locals or check with visitor centers rather than assuming access is allowed. Many property owners will grant permission if asked politely, but walking onto private land without asking creates conflict. Respect for property boundaries helps maintain positive relationships between tourists and year-round residents who generously share their state but still deserve privacy and consideration.

8. Underdressing for Weather Changes

Bright sunshine and warm temperatures can disappear within minutes along Maine’s coast, replaced by chilly fog, wind, or rain. Tourists wearing only shorts and tank tops end up shivering and miserable, while prepared locals layer clothing and carry jackets everywhere. Weather unpredictability defines Maine summers.

Coastal temperatures can drop twenty degrees when fog rolls in from the ocean. Morning sunshine gives no guarantee of afternoon warmth. Evenings almost always cool down significantly, even after hot days. Island ferry rides and boat tours expose passengers to strong winds that make temperatures feel much colder than thermometers suggest.

Smart packing includes layers you can add or remove as conditions change. Lightweight waterproof jackets, long pants, and sweaters belong in every day bag, regardless of morning weather. Locals follow the saying that Maine has four seasons in one day. Being prepared means enjoying your activities comfortably rather than cutting adventures short because you’re freezing. Checking weather forecasts helps, but expecting variability and packing accordingly works better than trusting any single prediction.

9. Feeding Seagulls and Wildlife

Tossing food to seagulls might seem harmless or even fun, but locals know this creates aggressive bird behavior and disrupts natural feeding patterns. Once seagulls learn that humans provide easy meals, they become bold, swooping down to steal food directly from people’s hands and creating unpleasant situations for everyone.

Fed wildlife loses its natural wariness and foraging skills. Seagulls that depend on human food stop hunting naturally and can become malnourished from inappropriate diets. They also congregate in larger, more aggressive flocks around popular tourist spots, creating sanitation issues and frightening visitors, especially children.

The same principle applies to other Maine wildlife. Feeding ducks, chipmunks, or any wild animals disrupts ecosystems and can harm the creatures you’re trying to enjoy. Many areas have posted rules against feeding wildlife, and locals wish tourists would follow them. Observe animals from appropriate distances, photograph them in natural behaviors, and keep your food to yourself. This protects both wildlife populations and the quality of experience for everyone visiting Maine’s beautiful outdoor spaces.

10. Rushing Through Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park deserves far more than the quick drive-through many tourists give it. Visitors often try cramming the entire park into a few hours, snapping photos from overlooks before rushing to their next destination. Locals who cherish this special place shake their heads at such superficial visits.

The park contains over 47,000 acres of diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to rocky shores to quiet forests. Each area offers unique experiences that require time to appreciate properly. Hiking even short trails reveals perspectives and details completely invisible from your car. Tide pools, wildlife sightings, and peaceful moments happen when you slow down.

Plan to spend at least a full day exploring Acadia, though multiple days would be better. Wake early to watch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, hike trails suited to your ability level, and explore carriage roads by bike. Visit during different times of day to see how light transforms the landscape. Locals return to Acadia throughout their lives and still discover new favorite spots. Treating it as just another checkbox destination misses the point entirely.

11. Expecting Everything to Stay Open Late

Many Maine businesses, especially outside Portland, close earlier than tourists expect. Restaurants might stop serving by 8 PM, shops close by 6 PM, and entire towns seem to shut down after dinner. Visitors accustomed to city hours find themselves with limited options, frustrated that they can’t shop or eat whenever convenient.

This reflects both Maine’s culture and practical realities. Many businesses are family-owned operations where owners work long days and value personal time. Smaller populations don’t support late-night hours economically. Locals eat dinner earlier and plan activities around established schedules rather than expecting 24-hour availability.

Check business hours before making plans, especially in smaller towns. Eat dinner on the earlier side, and don’t assume you can grab food or supplies late in the evening. Some areas offer more late-night options, but expecting urban convenience everywhere in Maine sets you up for disappointment. Embracing these rhythms connects you to authentic Maine life. Plan ahead, adjust your schedule accordingly, and you’ll find the experience more relaxing than frustrating.

12. Littering and Leaving Beaches Messy

Mainers take pride in their state’s natural beauty and work hard to keep beaches, parks, and public spaces clean. Unfortunately, tourists sometimes leave behind trash, cigarette butts, and food waste, showing disrespect for the environment and the communities that welcome visitors. This behavior angers locals who pick up after careless guests.

Leave No Trace principles aren’t just suggestions but essential practices for preserving Maine’s ecosystems. Plastic waste harms marine life, cigarette filters contain toxic chemicals, and food scraps attract pests while disrupting wildlife. Every piece of litter degrades the experience for everyone who follows and damages fragile coastal environments.

Always pack out everything you bring to beaches or natural areas. Use provided trash and recycling bins, or carry waste with you until you find proper disposal. Participate in beach cleanups if you see organized efforts. Teach children to respect natural spaces by modeling good behavior. Locals notice and appreciate visitors who treat Maine with care. Being a responsible tourist means leaving places as beautiful as you found them, ensuring future generations can enjoy these special landscapes.