Lobsters and lighthouses. Charming cities and rocky coasts. The greatest strategy to uncover the sweetness and uniqueness of Vacationland is with a Boston to Bar Harbor highway journey alongside the Maine Coast. I’ve pushed this manner many occasions and every time I uncover one thing new. After so many journeys to Maine, I put collectively this one to two-week Maine coast highway journey itinerary from Beantown all the best way as much as Acadia.
If you might be touring from Boston to Bar Harbor, you’ll want to take not less than per week to discover the Maine coast. Of course, you’ll be able to drive straight via in beneath 5 hours, however there’s a lot to see on the Maine coast. Start off with a few days within the Maine seashores area, which stretches from the New Hampshire border as much as Portland.
Portland is such a enjoyable metropolis, so you’ll most likely wish to take a few days to get pleasure from Old Port and Casco Bay. Next, give your self a number of days to get pleasure from Maine’s midcoast area, as there’s a lot shoreline and so many cities to go to, together with Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, and Camden.
Finish up your Maine coast highway journey in Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park. After spending a number of days, you’ll be able to then take a quick approach again house or proceed Downeast off the overwhelmed path to the New Brunswick border.
Where to Stop on Coastal Maine Road Trip
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The first area you’ll encounter in your Maine coast highway journey would be the Maine Beaches. Of course, in case you have much more time, you’ll be able to at all times add in stops in Salem, Gloucester, Portsmouth, or Newburyport in your approach as much as Maine.
With a one-week itinerary, plan on spending not less than two nights exploring this area. You can at all times break up two to 3 nights between two locations to essentially get a way of the variations between the assorted cities.
Maine Beaches
Kittery
Your first cease in Maine is simply throughout the border in Kittery. Kittery is thought for its in depth buying shops, a few of which you will not discover in each outlet mall. But I don’t come to Maine to buy, not less than not at brand-name shops.
My first cease is normally at Bob’s Clam Hut, simply north of the Kittery shops on Route 1. While Bob’s is a well-liked vacationer cease, they really have a number of the greatest lobster rolls and fried clams round. The strains are lengthy for a purpose. And sure, the strains are loonnngg. Don’t be shocked to seek out the parking zone full and the watch for meals an hour lengthy in excessive season.
On my latest journey, I made a decision to skip Bob’s and take a look at one thing new so I went the place the locals hang around and tried the quieter Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier. You can watch the lobster boats coming in whereas consuming recent seafood proper on Chauncey Creek. But I’ll be sincere with you, I nonetheless want Bob’s.
For a scenic cease, you too can try Fort McClary, a historic fort in Kittery Point the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside the battlements and get a view of two lighthouses within the distance. There are picnic grounds right here for a scenic lunch. Fort Foster is one other great place for spending a day outside, with glorious views of the doorway to Portsmouth Harbor and Whaleback Light, Portsmouth Harbor Light, and Fort Constitution. But you do must a pay $20 per automotive parking payment.
York
Your subsequent cease within the Maine Beaches, about quarter-hour up the coast, must be York Harbor and the York Beaches. Foodies will wish to make a pitstop on the Stonewall Kitchen manufacturing unit retailer on Route 1 in York. Here you can see all of the scrumptious Stonewall Kitchen sauces, dressings, and different meals merchandise, in addition to cooking courses and the culinary faculty, and a restaurant.
York Harbor is a quaint oceanfront space with a number of rocky seashores which might be linked by the York Cliff Walk. If you want to keep in a single day on this space, the York Harbor Inn is completely positioned proper throughout from the city park and the doorway to the Cliff Walk. The Stage Neck Inn is one other nice selection.
The York Beaches, each Long Sands and Short Sands Beach are nice for browsing, however the lodging across the seashores are primarily seaside motels. This can also be the place you can see a majority of the reward outlets, eating places, and memento outlets. Nearby you’ve got household sights like York’s Wild Kingdom, mini golf, and extra. If you might be in search of a quaint downtown and good sand seashores, head a little bit additional north to Ogunquit.
Cape Neddick
Before you get to Ogunquit, you’ll want to cease in Cape Neddick, simply 5 minutes additional, on the Nubble Lighthouse. Located on an island simply off the coast, this is without doubt one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. If you might be hungry, you will get some recent lobster at Fox’s Lobster House proper subsequent door (carry money!) or Dunne’s Ice Cream down the road.
From right here, observe Shore Road quarter-hour north into Ogunquit. If you want to keep on this space and are prepared for a splurge, in a single day on the luxurious Cliff House Maine.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit may be very widespread with vacationers and most of the resorts and motels will not be positioned proper on the seashore. So if the seashore is your precedence and also you wish to keep in a single day, you’ll want to test and see in case your lodging are actually beachfront. The city itself is quaint and upscale, but additionally touristy. You will discover a mixture of tremendous eating choices alongside along with your typical vacationer clam shacks and seafood eating places. Ogunquit makes a pleasant place for a day journey.
We prefer to cease into Perkins Cove, the small buying and eating space on the harbor. I’ve eaten at Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove and it was tremendous, however there are most likely higher choices within the space. In Perkins Cove, you’ll be able to take within the view of the incoming fishing boats from the Footbridge, or take a 1.25-mile stroll alongside Marginal Way, previous stately inns and rocky seashores.
Kennebunkport
If you haven’t stopped but, you’ll want to mattress down to your first night time within the widespread city of Kennebunkport, simply one other 25 minutes additional north. There are many choices close to downtown Dock Square, however I’d suggest a keep at The Inn at English Meadows. This beautiful mid-18000’s Greek Revival-style inn is positioned in Kennebunk’s Lower Village, only a half-mile stroll to downtown Dock Square. Perfect for romantic getaways, this mattress and breakfast has been tastefully renovated to supply historic appeal with trendy luxuries similar to Frette tremendous linens, toiletries by Malin+Goetz, and cozy Vera Wang beds.
Each morning begins with a three-course breakfast and downtime may be spent stress-free within the two stylishly-decorated frequent rooms with gasoline fireplaces, a beautiful out of doors patio, and an expansive garden with an English-style backyard. There are even particular touches similar to electrical automobile chargers, WiFi entry, and Nespresso machines. There are some lodging that may match a household, however households might want a resort similar to Nonantum Resort, simply south of city and on the water, even when not on the seashore.
In city, you’ll be able to get pleasure from buying and eating on the many eating places similar to Federal Jack’s, Allison’s, Mabel’s, or the well-known Clam Shack. Pedro’s a great place for Mexican and Arundel Wharf gives an awesome view. We additionally like to move out of city to Cape Porpoise Chowder House, which is widespread with locals and vacationers alike. Just be warned that parking is difficult to seek out so chances are you’ll must stroll a bit. I’d extremely suggest a scenic drive round Cape Arundel, though it would trigger some critical home envy!
If you might be in search of seashore time, Gooch’s Beach is broad and lengthy and nice for households, however avenue parking is proscribed so get there early. You also can strive close by Goose Rocks Beach or Colony Beach.
Old Orchard Beach
Thirty minutes north of Kennebunkport is one other widespread seashore city. Families love Old Orchard Beach not solely as a result of it has a beautiful, flat, broad seashore, however children additionally love the rides at Palace Playland and the arcade video games on the pier. This part of the Maine seashores feels virtually misplaced given the remainder of the Maine coast, virtually as if somebody plucked it off the Jersey shore and plopped it in Maine.
My daughter additionally loves going to Funtown Splashtown, an amusement park/water park, close by. But if the boardwalk vibe isn’t your jam, you may wish to skip over Old Orchard Beach and take a look at Scarborough Beach State Park as a substitute.
Portland
I’d suggest spending one to 2 nights within the Portland and Casco Bay area, 25 minutes north of Old Orchard Beach. On your approach into city, you’ll want to cease at Portlandhead Light in Cape Elizabeth. It is a good place to scramble on the rocks, stroll alongside the coast, and luxuriate in these lighthouse views.
We love staying within the Old Port space on the Press Hotel, Courtyard Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, or ACE Hotel. Downtown Portland is a foodie metropolis, with many nice eating places to strive. You also can take a tour on the Beer Bus or cease at one of many many breweries close by. My favourite one to tour and go to is Allagash Brewing Company. For some nice lobster with a view, go to Luke’s Lobster on the wharf.
You can hop on a ferry boat and discover a number of the islands in Casco Bay, or join a lobster boat tour, the place you’ll be able to be taught all about lobstering and assist pull up the traps. Best of all, you’ll be able to eat what you catch! If you don’t wish to keep on the town, you too can get pleasure from a car-free couple of nights on the Inn at Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island.
Freeport (day journey from Portland)
From Portland, you too can take a day journey to Freeport, about 20 minutes north of Portland. Famous for being the headquarters of L.L. Bean, it has turn out to be a buying mecca. In addition to the big firm retailer and L.L. Bean outlet, many different designer shops and out of doors outfitters have arrange store on the town.
You also can cease in for a tasting at Maine Beer Company and pattern a few of their IPAs. If you might be in search of an awesome lobster roll close by, head all the way down to the water at Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company.
Maine’s Mid Coast
After your time in Portland, it’s time to transfer on to Maine’s midcoast. This space has miles of shoreline, tons of of islands, and numerous charming coves to discover. Picture an open hand pointed down with outstretched fingers and you may think about the numerous peninsulas that jut out into Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is sweet to base your self on this area for not less than two to 3 nights, damaged up between two or extra locations. Although many vacationers may resolve to spend per week on Orrs Island and be fairly content material.
Brunswick
Your mid-coast exploration can begin off within the city of Brunswick, a 30-minute drive from Portland, with a stroll throughout the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge. This pedestrian bridge connects Topsham and Brunswick, providing lovely views of the Androscoggin River. After, take a stroll via downtown Brunswick, house to Bowdoin College.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, the creator of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and member of the Underground Railroad, lived and labored on the town and her home is now a delegated National Historic Landmark. If you want a very good lobster roll on this space, head to Cameron’s Lobster House.
Harpswell
From Brunswick, head south on Route 123 to the tip of the peninsula for lunch at Erica’s Seafood. This little hidden gem gives seafood recent off the boat you could get pleasure from at picnic tables overlooking the harbor. From there, flip in the direction of Route 24, which leads down via Sebascodegan Island to the city of Harpswell, Orr’s Island, and Bailey’s Island.
You will get to the top of the road when the highway reaches the ocean at Land’s End reward store. Backtrack a little bit to the Giant’s Stairs Trail. You can park on the All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Chapel and stroll alongside the trail that runs parallel to the rocks that make up the Giant’s Stairs. When I went, I hoped for one thing extra like Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. The rock formations aren’t that distinctive however it’s nonetheless a cool view and enjoyable place to discover.
If you’ve got extra time within the space, you’ll be able to spend a day at Reid State Park or Popham Beach, or go to the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. You might also wish to line up for a lobster roll at Red’s Eats in Wiscassett, simply don’t make my mistake, you’ll want to get there earlier than they shut! Give your self about an hour to get from Giant’s Stairs to Boothbay Harbor.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor was one of many first locations I visited in Maine, over twenty years in the past! I used to be blissful to see that it has solely gotten higher since my final go to, though the great previous Tugboat Inn remains to be there! This time I stayed on the beautiful Harborage Inn, which was positioned proper on the water and only a quick stroll into the middle of city.
In city, there are such a lot of cute outlets, from Maine Sea Bags to Sherman’s Books, together with different reward outlets, galleries, and boutiques. You may even have your selection of eating places together with Mine Oyster, Kaler’s Lobster, Boathouse Bistro, Ports of Italy, and Shannon’s Unshelled.
For lunch, I’d suggest consuming recent seafood exterior at Boothbay Lobster Wharf. It is throughout the bay from city however you’ll be able to simply stroll throughout the pedestrian bridge connecting the 2 sides of city.
A highly regarded factor to do in Boothbay Harbor is to take a whale-watching tour. However, since I’ve been whale watching many occasions, on this journey I opted for a puffin cruise with Cap’n Fish out to a wildlife protect on Eastern Egg Rock as a substitute. This 2.5-hour cruise passes by lighthouses on the best way, with alternatives to see dolphins and even whales.
The boat is giant so it may solely get so near the island, nevertheless, the puffins usually raft up within the water alongside the shore so you might be certain to see loads of puffins. Just carry alongside some good binoculars or a brilliant zoom lens as a result of puffins are small and also you gained’t get to see their cute, colourful beaks with out a little help.
Damariscotta
From Boothbay Harbor, it is just quarter-hour over to Glidden Point Oyster Farm on the Damariscotta River. I hoped to take a oysters and wine-tasting cruise with Damariscotta River Cruises, however sadly, they weren’t operating on the day I used to be on the town. So an oyster farm tour appeared like the following neatest thing!
Eighty % of Maine’s oysters are farmed within the Damariscotta River! My tour at Glidden Point Oyster Farm defined why the river was the right spot for oysters and its historical past that goes again 1000’s of years to pre-Colonial occasions. After studying concerning the farming course of, I stepped as much as the window to order some oysters to style on their out of doors patio. I even realized to shuck an oyster! And I used to be thrilled to be taught that Glidden Point ships nationwide.
If you’ve got extra time to remain within the space or want a quieter city versus Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta has a really cute however small downtown. Stop into the Maine Coast Book Shop and Sheepscot River Pottery. You also can go to the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site.
You can keep on the Newcastle Inn and have dinner at King Eider’s Pub or Newcastle Publick House. Locals love Shuck Station Raw Bar and if you wish to head a little bit out of city for some beer tasting, cease into Oxbow Brewing Company at their rural farmhouse brewery.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
From Damariscotta, it’s a 20-minute drive all the way down to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, which could be a great place for sundown. Of course, after I went it clouded up so I didn’t stick round that lengthy, however that’s okay as a result of I used to be capable of get to my subsequent cease in Rockland a little bit early.
From Bristol, it’s an hour’s drive to Rockland. I took Route 32 via Bremen and it labored out completely after I got here throughout a park with fields of gorgeous purple and pink lupines stretching all the way down to the water. If you’ve got time, additionally cease on the Marshall Point Lighthouse (you might have seen this in Forest Gump.)
Rockland
Rockland is the Art Capital of Maine, a bustling city with artwork museums, galleries, outlets, and eating places on a working waterfront. It can also be a port for Maine Windjammer ships and even small-ship cruises, so it attracts its share of day trippers as nicely. It is actually a bigger and extra touristy city than most of the others alongside the Maine coast, however I liked it and returned just lately to spend a while earlier than my Maine Windjammer Cruise on the Schooner Heritage.
See extra issues to do in Rockland, Maine.
Make time to go to both the Farnsworth Art Museum, which celebrates Maine’s function in American artwork, or the Contemporary Arts Museum downtown. If it’s open, you too can cease into the Project Puffin Visitor Center to study all issues puffin. It is a enjoyable city to discover, try the numerous murals and public artwork, and store on the many boutiques (my favourite was Barefoot in Denim!)
There are so many nice spots to eat on the town. I had a tremendous dinner at Primo, a farm-to-table Italian restaurant only a quick drive from downtown. Locals additionally suggest Rock City Coffee and Rock Harbor Brewing.
If you’ve got time, simply south of city observe indicators for the breakwater. It is a few mile stroll out alongside the breakwater to the lighthouse on the finish, however it’s a enjoyable outing on a pleasant day. Another day journey possibility is to take a ferry to Vinalhaven, which is thought for its lovely surroundings, rocky coast, and granite quarries.
The greatest place to remain in Rockland is 250 Main Hotel. This trendy, art-forward resort has a rooftop deck overlooking the waterfront and spacious rooms.
Camden
A 15-minute drive from Rockland, Camden is one other widespread city on Maine’s midcoast. There are glorious views of the Camden harbor entrance from the Camden Public Library, and the garden is a good spot to get pleasure from a picnic or calm down and take in the view.
Downtown there are lots of outlets and eating places, similar to The Waterfront Restaurant, Peter Otts, and Fresh and Go. If you’ll fairly keep in Camden as a substitute of Rockland, the Lord Camden Inn is correct within the heart of every little thing, whereas the Camden Maine Stay Inn will likely be a bit quieter and laid again.
Outside of downtown, you’ll be able to get pleasure from scenic views from the highest of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park. Also, strive mountaineering alongside Maiden’s Cliff or the Megunticook Ocean Lookout Trail. Unfortunately, throughout my go to the fog rolled in and I might barely see to drive via that space, not to mention soak up a scenic view.
Before you get to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, you might also wish to cease on the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory or go to Fort Knox State Park. That was my plan too however with the fog, it wasn’t value it.
Bar Harbor
Camden to Bar Harbor is about an hour and forty-minute drive, though chances are you’ll wish to cease in Ellsworth earlier than arriving on Mount Desert Island, for a beer tasting at Fogtown Brewing Company. Instead of staying within the city of Bar Harbor, I selected to remain at Terramor Outdoor Resort about quarter-hour from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.
If glamping isn’t your factor, chances are you’ll wish to go for the luxurious Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor or the charming Salt Cottages overlooking Hulls Cove. Of course in case you are going all the best way to Bar Harbor, you’ll want to spend a while downtown and strolling alongside the Shore Path alongside Frenchman’s Bay. From city you too can take a whale watching cruise. Bar Harbor can also be a enjoyable city for buying and eating places.
If you might be visiting Acadia National Park in the summertime, be ready for crowds and make reservations if you wish to drive to the highest of Cadillac Mountain for dawn. To keep away from crowds, additionally try these issues to do close to Acadia.
A Maine coast highway journey must be on everybody’s bucket checklist. It is difficult to get uninterested in seeing fishing boats bobbing in a harbor, lighthouses standing tall over rocky coasts, and consuming infinite quantities of lobster and seafood. Hopefully, this itinerary makes it simpler to plan your journey!
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