– I hear it from Maine residents all the time. The groaning, the sighing, the complaining — about having to entertain people “from away” when they vacation in the Pine Tree State. Especially when their guests want to go to tourist destinations.

Granted, I’ve only lived in Maine for three years, so I don’t have a lifetime of visits like native Mainers do. Still, I liken it to when I lived in Florida and took relatives to Disney World or the Dali Museum — people want to go to these places because they’re fun. They didn’t become tourist destinations by being akin to poking yourself in the eye with a fork. (OK, maybe Disney is a little like that toward the end of the day. But I digress.)

So, here’s a list of “touristy” things to do in Maine this week, whether it’s for the first time or the 50th. Because sometimes you don’t really appreciate what’s in your backyard until it (or you) is no longer there:

n Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth: Obviously, the big draw here is Portland Head Light, commissioned by George Washington in 1787. But there’s plenty of other things here as well: walking trails, an historic fort, an expansive grassy area perfect for picnicking and kite-flying. Not to mention the sheer bliss of walking the cliff trail and taking in the spectacular ocean views.

n The Yarmouth Clam Festival: Three days of live entertainment, children’s activities and fresh seafood, all dedicated to clam harvesting and starting this Friday. For a story and a complete schedule, go to pressherald.com/life/foodanddining.

• Old Orchard Beach: Boasting an old-school boardwalk and an amusement park adjoining miles of sand, OOB is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Northeast. Just remember to watch out for riptides, and if you have kids, bet on spending some time in the arcade.

• The Old Port in Portland and L.L. Bean in Freeport: Both are a shoppers’ paradise, and your guests should really experience both. The Old Port offers a mix of eclectic shops, fine dining and a hopping nightclub scene, while Bean’s anchors several blocks’ worth of retail shopping and dining. (Be sure to check out the new Johnny Rockets in Freeport Village Station for an “American Graffiti”-style dining experience, complete with waitresses breaking out in the twist at random moments.)

• Funtown Splashtown: Two theme parks, side-by-side in Saco. Funtown offers amusement rides (think roller coasters and antique cars), while Splashtown offers relief from the hot summer sun with its pools, water slides and tiki hut. A great day trip for the family.

• Acadia National Park: This one is a bit of a haul, but you can make a weekend out of it by staying in nearby Bar Harbor. Acadia offers stunning mountain views, fishing, hiking, boating — everything an outdoors enthusiast could want. Plus, if you go this weekend, you might see a certain president vacationing with his family. Bonus!

Deputy Managing Editor Rod Harmon may be contacted at 791-6450 or at: rharmon@pressherald.com