What to See on a Road Trip in Coastal Maine

Boston, Massachusetts, makes a great starting point for a drive along Maine’s coast: Flying into Boston’s Logan International Airport will grant you easy access to a variety of rental-car agencies, not to mention all that the city has to offer. Before hitting the road, spend a day or two discovering Boston’s historic sites; follow the Freedom Trail to learn more about the city’s significant role in the American War of Independence (which took place in the late 1700s). To get a feel for modern-day Boston, spend some time perusing the shops along Newbury Street or indulging in the city’s exceptional cuisine.

When you’re ready to hit the road, opt for the scenic route. Traveling north of Boston on U.S. Route 1 rather than Interstate 95 will lead you through numerous charming New England towns right along the coast. Follow Route 1 roughly 145 kilometers northeast of Boston and you’ll find yourself in Kennebunkport, Maine, a popular vacation spot for some of the USA’s most influential politicians.

Stately mansions perch on jagged cliffs overlooking the ocean, and the adjacent beaches make for scenic strolls year-round (come prepared with a jacket to ward off chilly sea breezes). After you’ve had your fill of fresh air, sit down to dinner at one of many the charming restaurants in the area, such as Stripers Waterside Restaurant (featuring local seafood, with beautiful views of the water) or Mabel’s Lobster Claw (famous for its lobster rolls, a Maine specialty). When it comes to accommodations, hang your hat in one of Kennebunkport’s charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Get up early and head for breakfast at Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, where the historic warehouses now comprise a variety of art galleries, boutiques and local cafes. Then, pack up the car and head 46 kilometers northeast on Route 1, to Portland, Maine. This thriving city bustles with activity. As Maine’s largest urban area, Portland boasts a variety of things to do, from shopping and dining to hiking and biking.

Take in Portland’s scenery while following the Eastern Promenade; running roughly 3 kilometers along the harbor, this paved path is a great place for a bike ride or a leisurely stroll. The harbor is also the place to go if you’re interested in taking to the water: A variety of charter and tour companies offer sailing excursions on the Atlantic. However, the true highlight of your stay in Portland will be a visit to the iconic Portland Head Light. Perched on a rocky seaside cliff, this historic lighthouse in nearby Fort Williams Park has guarded the entrance to Casco Bay since 1791. When you’re ready to call it a day, downtown Portland offers plenty of dining and lodging options to choose from.  

The nearly 250-kilometer drive northeast on Route 1 from Portland to Maine’s beloved Acadia National Park is nothing short of enjoyable. Out the window, you’ll see the state’s jagged coastline, the rocky beaches lapped by rhythmic waves of the Atlantic.

About halfway between Portland and Acadia, stop for a short break in Camden, Maine, a charming harbor town that’s home to a handful of local restaurants and boutiques and plenty of scenic views. While here, pay a visit to the Curtis Island Light, a historic lighthouse at the entrance to Penobscot Bay. Afterward, hop back in the car and drive the last 115 or so kilometers to Acadia, where you can settle into one of the cute inns in nearby Bar Harbor (or set up camp in one of the park’s campgrounds) and prepare for a few days of outdoor adventure.

We recommend spending at least two days in Acadia National Park. Acadia’s numerous trails can accommodate hikers, bikers and horseback riders, while the dozens of lakes and streams are ideal for those who enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking. For something a little more adventurous, try your hand at rock climbing, or follow the steep trails to the top of Dorr Mountain (a roughly 5-kilometer hike to the summit and back) where you’ll find excellent views of the park.

Although you’ll find plenty to do in Acadia National Park, devote some time to exploring the small town of Bar Harbor, which sits northeast of the park, on Frenchman Bay. This striking resort town is home to a number of boutiques, art galleries, local seafood restaurants and historic mansions. For excellent views of the town and the park, hop aboard one of Downeast Windjammer Cruises’ historic schooners for a scenic turn on the water.