Welcome! If you’re here, chances are you’re dreaming about a coastal Maine road trip, and I couldn’t be more excited for you. Between the picturesque fishing villages, stunning coastal hikes in Acadia, beautiful lighthouses, incredible seafood shacks, and charming towns, there’s so much to see and do that really makes this a bucket list-worthy road trip. Maine is one of those places that continues to feel magical, year after year.
I’ve done this road trip so many times over the last 20+ years, and I’ve stopped at many of the small towns along the way to determine which ones are most worth your time. After countless miles on the road (and plenty of lobster rolls later!), I’ve narrowed down the very best stops, towns, and insider tips to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.
And with that, let’s get started!
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Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Portland, exploring the city
Day 2: Portland’s lighthouses and more city exploration
Day 3: Day trip from Portland to Kennebunkport & Ogunquit.
Day 4: Drive to Boothbay Harbor, with optional stops in Freeport, Georgetown, Wiscasset, or the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Day 5: Explore downtown Boothbay Harbor with an optional boat tour before heading to Camden. Optional stop at Marshall Point Lighthouse & Owls Head Lighthouse.
Day 6: Explore Camden, with an optional sailing tour.
Day 7: Drive to Bar Harbor, with an optional stop at the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory.
Day 8: Explore Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park.
Day 9: Travel day home.
Days Needed For This Itinerary
You can really adjust this itinerary based on however many days you have. However, I have structured this particular one for a full 8 days, as I know this is how much time most people have to make this road trip. As you saw in the breakdown above, you’ll arrive on Day 1, and depending on what time you arrive, you may have time to explore Portland. Day 8 is a full day of sightseeing, and Day 9 is your travel day home.
That said, ideally, it would be great if you had 9-10 days for the drive, as this would allow you some additional excursions, or flexibility to move at a slower pace. I’ll have some suggestions at the very end on how to plan your additional time, so you can adjust accordingly. Maine has over 200 miles of coastline – but if you count tidal shore coastline, it has more than California at over 3,478 miles! So clearly, there’s so much to explore.
However, if you have just the 8 days, don’t worry – you can definitely see the very best of the Maine coastline with that amount of time, and it’ll be an incredible adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Portland
The starting point for this road trip is Portland, which is located along the southern coast of Maine. While I normally recommend starting most New England road trips in Boston because it’s the biggest airport, it actually makes the most sense to begin this trip in Portland. This is mainly because the entire point of this adventure is to explore Maine, so starting here will allow you to maximize your time.
I’ve also budgeted 3 nights in Portland, and there’s a good reason for that, I promise! I recommend 3 nights here because …
→ It allows those flying in from a different time zone a few days to get adjusted.
→ There’s lots to see and do in the Portland area, including lighthouses, coastal walking trails, and there’s lots of old-world charm around the city. The food scene in Portland is also incredible, making it a noteworthy stop for foodies.
→ You’re a short drive from other notable locations, like Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, so taking a day trip to these towns saves you time, as opposed to driving further south right after arriving, and then going back up to Portland.
→ There are some 1-night stays in this itinerary, so having three nights in Portland is a nice chance of pace.
Where To Stay In Portland:
The best area to stay in is Old Port. After many visits to Portland, I continue to think this is the most convenient and exciting part of the city to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. You can walk to many of the top attractions, tons of restaurants, and the waterfront. Old Port is also the most picturesque neighborhood in the city.
Hotels (both are in Old Port):
→ The Press: One of the best, if not the best, hotel in Portland. If you’re looking for a luxury stay, this is where to go.
→ Hyatt Old Port Square: A great mid-range option. I stay here a lot, and redeem Hyatt points with my credit card. The location is wonderful.
Things To Do In Portland On Day 1:
Since this is a more relaxed day after arriving, I’m keeping it simple:
→ Walk around Old Port to visit the shops, and explore the waterfront ports and such. Head down the pier at Luke’s Lobster for waterfront views, too.
→ Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails at Baston River (they have awesome seasonal cocktails in an absolutely stunning bar). You can walk or take an Uber from Old Port. They also have a food menu if you wanted to keep it easy tonight.
→ Make a reservation for dinner – I’ll have suggestions below for you!
Restaurant Suggestions In Portland:
Portland is often named one of the best foodie cities in the country, so this is definitely a great destination to plan ahead and have some memorable meals.
→ Via Vecchia: A stunning restaurant a block from the waterfront, and located inside a gorgeous ivy-covered building. Their focus is Italian, and they also have great cocktails, and outdoor seating. Reservations highly recommended.
→ Scales: Often voted the best seafood restaurant in the city. Reservations highly recommended.
→ Luke’s Lobster: I mentioned this already because they’re located at the end of a pier, but this is a great, more casual, seafood spot with water views.
→ Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro: A great little spot loved by the locals, with fantastic Asian-fusion dishes. It’s very casual.
→ Cheese Louise: This is an awesome grilled cheese spot that has a few locations around New England, but it’s honestly so perfect for lunch.
→ Flatbread: A wonderful pizza place with a very cozy vibe and water views.
Day 2: Portland Lighthouses & Downtown
Start your day with some fresh basked goods or donuts! The Holy Donut is very famous in the city, and they serve potato donuts, which are very yummy. I also recommend Standard Baking, which was named one of the best bakeries in the country. Both of these are located in Old Port.
Next, head to see the lighthouses! These are located in South Portland/Cape Elizabeth, and the best way to get there is by car. However, it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive to get to this part of Portland. I recommend ending at Portland Head Light, or timing your visit to get to this one around lunch time, so that you can get lunch from the Bite Into Maine food truck – you’ll be able to eat while enjoying a view of the lighthouse.
Lighthouses To See In South Portland/Cape Elizabeth:
→ Bug Light: This is a unique and ornate lighthouse that makes for cool photos. It’s small, but I always love visiting it when in the area.
→ Spring Point Ledge Light: This is another small lighthouse, but you can walk out onto the rock jetty to get a closer look at it.
→ Cape Elizabeth East Lighthouse: This one is furthest south, and you should park at the small lot right at Dyer Cove (located at the end of Two Lights Rd). This lighthouse is on private property, so you can’t visit it, but you get a nice view of it from the cove, which also has some very quintessential coastal Maine scenery.
→ Portland Head Light: This is the most famous lighthouse in New England, and one you don’t want to miss. It’s located inside For Williams Park, and you’ll need to pay to park in the lot (via a kiosk), but it’s so worth it. As mentioned, have an awesome lobster roll at Bite Into Maine’s food truck, and grab one of he picnic tables across the street with a view of the lighthouse. Then, enjoy the walking trails around the lighthouse itself.
Things To Do In Portland The Rest Of Your Day:
After visiting the lighthouses, here’s what I recommend checking out back in downtown Portland:
→ Walk from Old Port to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, and pick up the Eastern Promenade coastal trail from there. I suggest crossing the tracks at 43.66437416735339, -70.24027799993151 and taking the stairs up in the woods to get to Fort Allen Park, and walk the upper part of the Promenade (the Midslope trail) for even better views.
→ If you would prefer to get out onto the water, you can also hop on the Casco Bay ferry line, and cruise around. It’s very inexpensive, and most folks choose to go to Peak’s Island, where you can get off, and ride bikes or a golf cart around the island. Or, you can just stay on the ferry to return to Portland for an easy cruise along the bay.
→ If you love craft beer, Portland is an absolutely incredible city for breweries! There are over 60 breweries in the city, and most of them are fantastic and well-rated. I have an entire post of the best breweries in Portland, Maine, if you want to check that out.
→ Head to the Luna Rooftop Bar for pre-dinner drinks.
→ Enjoy one of my recommended restaurants from the previous day for dinner (remember to make reservations if needed!).
→ Get dessert at Gorgeous Gelato in Old Port, which serves really great gelato.
Psst! I have an entire guide on things to do in Portland, Maine, which was developed for first-time visitors, if you need more ideas 😉
Day 3: Day Trip To Kennebunkport & Ogunquit
Today you’ll drive south along the coast to visit two charming towns: Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. Because these two towns are so close to one another, it makes it very easy to see both in one day. It’ll be a busy day out, but it’s very much worth the effort.
I suggest starting your day with the longest drive to get it out of your way, which is Portland to Ogunquit.
Parking In Ogunquit: If you’re visiting in high season (late June through early September), parking will be a challenge. However, the town’s parking website here has great info. I usually just pay to park in the main beach lot. For exploring downtown, you’ll want to park in the main beach lot, Cottage Street/Obeds Lot, Lower Lot, or Jacob’s Lot.
Best Things To See & Do In Ogunquit:
→ Walk Marginal Way, which is a stunning and easy pedestrian path that connects Ogunquit’s downtown with Perkins Cove. The cove has some restaurants and stores to check out, as well as a scenic bridge. Footbridge Lobster at the cove is one of the best in Ogunquit, so you could plan to get there around lunch time for a wonderful lobster roll (take out only).
→ Stroll the downtown area, which has cute shops and such.
→ Go for a walk on the beach since it’s one of the best beaches in Maine.
Then, make your way to Kennebunkport, which is about 25-30 minutes from Ogunquit.
Parking In Kennebunkport: Parking is also a challenge in Kennebunkport in high season. I usually park outside of town, located at 43.36613728924775, -70.4751912139581. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the main part of town from here, and the parking is free.
Best Things To Do In Kennebunkport:
→ Stroll Dock Square, which is where most of the shops and restaurants are located. There’s lot of picturesque scenery in this part of town.
→ Walk over to the Morning Walk cottages, which is about a 15-minute walk from Dock Square at most, and is a grouping of shops housed inside cute little cottages.
→ Head out onto the water with Rugosa Lobster Tours.
→ Enjoy a drink at Batson River (yes, they have a location in Kennebunkport, too!)
→ Take a drive over to Cape Porpoise for coastal scenery.
→ Drive along Ocean Ave to the Parson’s Way coastal walk.
End your day back in Portland, and enjoy dinner at one of my recommended spots from the first day 😉
If you’d rather grab dinner in Kennebunkport, I recommend:
→ Mabel’s Lobster Claw
→ Alisson’s
→ Earth at Hidden Pond, which is a resort, but the restaurant here is amazing. You’ll need a reservation for this one.
Day 4: Drive To Boothbay Harbor With Optional Stops
Today, you’ll be saying goodbye to Portland, but don’t be sad because you’ll be heading to some beautiful places! Your final destination is Boothbay Harbor, which is a quaint little coastal town full of character, as well as opportunities for some fun boat tours along the bay.
Optional Stops On Your Way To Boothbay Harbor:
→ Freeport, which is not far north of Portland, and home to the L.L. Bean Flagship Store – which is really more like a giant campus. Be sure to snap a photo with the giant Bean Boot! Downtown Freeport also has some fun shops (a mix of franchise stores and independent).
→ Georgetown: This is a little out of your way, but if you’re looking for a great, waterfront seafood shack experience, you’ll want to make your way to Five Island Lobster. This is often regarded as one of the best in the state, and you’ll have classic Maine scenery to enjoy while you eat.
→ Wisacasset: Known as “Maine’s Prettiest Village,” you’ll actually drive right through it on your way, so it’s an easy stop to make. There are some great antique shops here, and the most famous eatery, Redds, is a local favorite. The line can get long at Redds, so you’ll want to keep that in mind, especially if visiting in season or on weekends.
→ Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: This is located in Boothbay, right before you’d head down to Boothbay Harbor. It’s a stunning botanical garden that spans over 300 acres, and is also home to giant troll sculptures. You can also visit the following day if the timing doesn’t work out on your way in.
Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor:
→ Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront: Located right in downtown Boothbay, but on a quieter part of town. You’ll enjoy water views and a wonderful ambience. The rooms are basic, but clean and cozy, and I highly recommend room 8 for a panoramic view of the water (I always love my stays in this room!).
→ Topside Inn: A great little inn that’s a short walk to downtown.
Best Things To Do In Boothbay Harbor:
→ Head out on a boat tour along the bay. This sunset schooner tour is a great option, as is this day sail tour. If you’re visiting between May and August, you can also book this puffin cruise, which passes by lighthouses out to Eastern Egg Rock, where there’s a puffin colony. You’ll want to pack binoculers for this one, as the puffins are hard to see from the boat because they’re so small. But it’s a wonderful experience!
→ If you didn’t stop on your way in, you’ll want to plan time to see the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
→ Explore the shops in downtown Boothbay, and walk the pedestrian footbridge for views of the harbor.
→ For an extra special dinner, you’ll want to make reservations for the Cabbage Island Clambake dinner experience, which is very unique and exciting. You’ll be brought over to a private island for a traditional Maine clam bake you’ll never forget.
Where To Eat In Boothbay Harbor:
→ Shannon’s Unshelled downtown: This is a very casual take-out place with excellent seafood.
→ Cabbage Island Clambakes, as mentioned! Reservations necessary.
→ Robinson’s Wharf, which is in the neighboring town of Southport, but they have a back deck on the water where you can watch the fishing boats come and go (during the day).
→ Ports of Italy: A great Italian spot if you’re looking for a break from seafood 😉
→ Downeast Ice Cream: the best ice cream in town, and one of my favorites in New England!
Psst! I have a guide on the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, if you need more ideas!
Day 5: Boothbay Harbor, Drive To Camden
You’ll be making your way to Camden today, which is your final destination of the day. If there are any tours or things you wanted to do in the morning in Boothbay before leaving, you have the flexibility to do that if you’d like.
Optional Stops On Your Way To Camden:
→ Marshall Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse is out of the way, and will add about an hour of drive time to the day. However, it’s a beautiful lighthouse that was made famous in the movie Forrest Gump during his running montage scene. I almost always go out of my way to stop here on Maine road trips because it’s such a lovely stop to make, but it’s entirely up to you.
→ McLoon’s Lobster Shack: If you visit Marshall Point, it’s also worth planning to have lunch at McLoon’s, which is also known as one of the best lobster rolls in Maine.
→ Owls Head State Park & Lighthouse: This is more on the way to Camden, and definitely a worth-while stop, especially if you love lighthouses. This lighthouse sits up on a hill overlooking Penobscot Bay, and offers really nice views from the lighthouse itself.
→ Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse: I know, it’s a lot of lighthouses! But this one is unique in that you have to walk about a mile out to the lighthouse on a rock jetty, which makes for a memorable experience.
→ Downtown Rockland: This is an underrated town that many of my readers say was a very worthy stop to make. Main Street is lined with great shops and restaurants, and there’s also a coastal walkway you can do: The Rockland Harbor Trail, which is accessible from downtown.
Where To Stay In Camden:
I highly recommend staying within walking distance to downtown, as parking in Camden in-season can be a challenge. Staying at a hotel in town allows you to park at your hotel, and walk almost everywhere. All of my suggestions below allow you to walk to downtown:
→ The Norumbega: A wonderfully unique hotel that’s about a 10-minute walk along a sidewalk to town. A former castle-turned-luxury boutique inn, this is such a wonderful option if you’re looking to splurge. The breakfasts here are also amazing, and included with your stay.
→ Camden Harbour Inn: Located steps from downtown, this is a more traditional New England-style inn that’s very cozy, and home to one of the town’s best restaurants – Natalie’s.
→ Camden Riverhouse Hotel: Also steps from downtown, this hotel is a great budget option, and tucked away off to the side, so it’s very quiet. You take a cute little footbridge to get to Main Street.
Ending Your Day In Camden – Things To Do:
If you’ve made stops on the way, you may not have time to see much of Camden, but I do recommend trying to get there before sunset so you can walk around downtown and get your bearings before dinner. It’s a very small town, but it’s such a pretty one to see.
→ Take a walk along Main Street, and head down to the water.
→ If you get in early enough, you can plan a sunset sailing tour.
→ Make reservations for a nice dinner out.
Where To Eat In Camden:
→ Natalie’s, as already mentioned, and located inside the Camden Harbour Hotel. This is a great farm-to-table restaurant that offers a more modern approach to traditional New England fare.
→ Franny’s Bistro: Another fantastic option for a nice dinner out that also focuses on traditional New England dishes with a twist.
→ The Waterfront Restaurant: The name really says it all 😂 It’s right on the water, and they also have an outdoor deck overlooking the harbor. The food here is great, and it’s a nice spot for lunch or dinner.
→ Camden Deli: A quick and easy spot for a casual lunch, and they also have coffee and baked goods. Their tables overlook the harbor in the back, and you can check upstairs for additional seating.
Day 6: Explore Camden
Today is all about experiencing everything Camden has to offer. Because it’s a small town, you’ll have a more relaxed day with some potential downtime, which is a nice change of pace, right? 😉
Best Things To Do In Camden:
→ If you didn’t get the chance, spend some time in downtown Camden to visit the cute shops.
→ This is another great destination for sailing tours. You can head out on this day sail along the bay, or opt for the sunset sail.
→ Take a drive to the nearby Camden Hills State Park, and either hike or drive the auto-road to the top of Mount Battie. At the summit, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the harbor from above, which is a great spot for photos. It’s good to know there’s an admission fee for the park.
→ Visit the Curtis Island Lighthouse Overlook: This one is about a mile from town center, and you can either walk or drive – but I do recommend walking because there’s very limited parking at the overlook. You’ll take a very short little path through the woods to a beautiful overlook with a view of the island’s lighthouse. Along the way, you can also stop at the Bay Road Overlook (comes up in Google Maps), which has a nice view of the harbor.
→ If you didn’t have time on your way in, you can also head to Rockland, or one of the nearby lighthouses, with Owls Head being the closest.
Day 7: Drive To Bar Harbor
Today, you’re off to your final destination on your Maine road trip, which is Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, and the closest town to the top attractions in the park. That said, it’s also a very worthy destination on its own that has a lot of charm and coastal scenery to enjoy.
Where To Stay In Bar Harbor & Nearby:
I really think Bar Harbor is the best town to stay in, especially for first-timers with only a couple of days. However, you’re also welcome to read my post on the best places to stay near Acadia National Park if you’d like more options, including my insight into the nearby towns.
→ Bar Harbor Inn: This is the best hotel in town if you’re like to splurge on a more upscale experience. It’s located right on the waterfront, and home to a spa and on-site dining. You’re also able to walk to all the shops and restaurants in town.
→ Inn On Mount Desert: Also walkable to the town’s shops and restaurants, this is a great mid-range option for your stay.
→ Bar Harbor Villager Motel: This is the best budget hotel in town, and I’ve stayed here quite a bit when my focus was more on exploring the park and hiking. The rooms are spacious and clean, and it’s also walkable to everything downtown.
Best Things To Do In Bar Harbor:
I’ll suggest the best things to do in Acadia in the next day’s itinerary 😊
→ Visit the shops downtown.
→ Walk Shore Path, which starts right in downtown along the waterfront, and offers wonderful views of Frenchman Bay.
→ Walk out to Bar Island at low tide, when the path is accessible, for a really fun and unique experience. Please be mindful of tide times if you do this one, as you’ll get stranded on the island if you attempt to walk back at high tide!
Where To Eat In Bar Harbor:
→ Side Street Café: One of my favorites, and they have a varied menu with lots of great options. Their lobster grilled cheese is perfect after hiking all day 😉 They also make great cocktails.
→ Geddy’s is a Bar Harbor institution, and has been around since 1974. The inside is kitschy and fun, and they have a traditional New England menu with other things like burgers and pizzas.
→ The Travelin Lobster is the best lobster roll in town, but it does require a drive outside of the main downtown area. It’s a very casual place with picnic tables outside, but has great seafood.
→ Mount Desert Ice Cream: A wonderful place for ice cream after dinner, and they’re known for their more unique flavors for something a little different.
Day 8: Explore Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
Today is your final day of the road trip! And you’ll be ending with a bang by exploring beautiful Acadia National Park. The great thing about Acadia is that you can see the highlights in a day. Of course, there’s so much to see and do, and you definitely can’t do it all in a day – but you’ll see some of the best parts of the park, for sure.
Best Things To Do In Acadia National Park:
→ Start off with an epic sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain. This is one of the most popular things to do, and at certain times of the year (October 7 through March 6), it’s the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. It comes up right over the water, and it’s definitely worth the effort.
Here are some things you MUST know when planning a sunrise experience on Cadillac Mountain:
✓ There’s an admission fee to enter the park. Sometimes, there will be a gate attendant to verify your pass, and others, you’ll just need to display your pass on your dashboard. I HIGHLY recommend buying and printing your pass before leaving for your trip, as not all gates allow you to purchase a pass. And your hotel may or may not be able to print it for you.
✓ The Cadillac Mountain auto road requires reservations late May through late October (click here for exact dates each year). They release 30% of the reservations 90 days in advance, and 70% two days in advance. I recommend that you set a reminder to make your reservation two days in advance. The reason is because New England weather is very moody, and if it’s forecasted to be foggy or super cloudy, it may not be worth the effort to get up for sunrise – especially when it’s very early. I usually set a calendar reminder two days prior to remind myself to check the weather and make my reservation.
✓ The auto road is safe and very easy to drive, but there are spots without guard rails. If you get nervous about things like that, it’s good to prepare yourself, or have someone else drive.
Okay, and back to more things to do in the park …
→ Drive Park Loop Road, which is the most scenic road in Acadia. This route is one-way, so it’s best to have a plan if you want to stop along the way, as turning around is usually not an option.
→ Do one of the hiking trails, of course. The Beehive trail is one of the most popular in the park, and definitely worth it. However, it can be challenging. There are iron rungs, and places without guard rails that can make some people uneasy. The views from the top are fantastic, though! I also really like Gorham, Great Head, and the Bubble Rock trail.
→ Sand Beach – the only sandy ocean beach in Acadia, and it’s absolutely beautiful. This is also where you start the Great Head Trail.
→ Walk the very easy Ocean Path, which is a 2.2 mile (one-way) flat path that connects Sand Beach with the Otter Cliffs. You’ll get some of the most iconic views in the park along this path, which makes it perfect if you don’t want to hike. You’ll also pass Thunder Cove along this trail.
→ Have lunch at Jordan Pond House, which is the only restaurant in the park. It was made famous for their delicious popovers and afternoon tea, but they also serve a full menu, with seating overlooking the beautiful Jordan Pond and mountains. It gets very busy, and reservations are highly recommended. They do take walk-ins if you have time to wait for a table, or you can grab something quick from their to-go place, Carriage Road Carry Out (they don’t usually have popovers at the take-out place, though, unless you get their popover ice cream sundae).
Pro Tip: If you miss out on the popovers at Jordan Pond, I actually slightly prefer the popovers at The Stadium in downtown Bar Harbor. Both are great, and Jordan Pond House is worth it, but you won’t be disappointed by The Stadium’s popovers 😉
Travel Day Back Home
And that officially concludes your road trip! Today is your travel day back home. Bar Harbor is about 3 hours from the Portland airport, so you’ll want to plan your journey back to Portland accordingly to catch your flight.
If you’ve driven to Maine, you can also break up this road trip to make some of the stops on your way up to Bar Harbor, and some of them on the way back down the coast.
How To Make This Itinerary Longer
If you have extra time, you may want to consider flying into Boston, and making the drive from there. This would allow you to stop in Kennebunkport or Ogunquit for a night or two before making your way to Portland. There’s plenty to enjoy in this part of southern Maine, including Nubble Lighthouse and York, in addition to Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. I actually have a Boston To Bar Harbor Itinerary that you can follow with suggestions for starting and ending in Boston.
However, if you’d like to fly directly into Portland, which is the most convenient option, you could also immediately leave Portland after landing, and head to Kennebunkport or Ogunquit to spend a night or two. Then, make your way back up to Portland, and continue with the road trip from there.
If you add more time along the southern Maine coast, I’d suggest seeing:
→ Nubble Lighthouse
→ Stonewall Kitchen Flagship Store in York (also a great place for lunch!)
→ Downtown York
→ York Cliff Walk
→ Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, which has lovely nature walks through the woods on a boardwalk, and also one that leads to a secluded beach area.
If you wanted to add more time to go further north from Bar Harbor, I recommend heading to Lubec, which is home to a beautiful lighthouse, and gorgeous hiking trails. Even coming from Acadia, I think most people would find this part of Maine just as beautiful.
Lubec is a small town, and there’s not a ton to do in the actual downtown area. But it’s a very authentic fishing town that’s also a 5-minute drive to Campobello Island in Canada, which is famous for being the summer home to President FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt. There’s a lot to do in the general area up there, and I also love staying at the Inn On The Wharf – I recommend getting one of their water view rooms. They’re basic, but clean and have absolutely stunning views of the water and sunsets.
I have a post all about things to do in Lubec, Maine, which you may find helpful 😉
Lastly, you also have the option to add an extra night in one of the towns already recommended on the itinerary. I would suggest adding a day to either Boothbay Harbor, Camden, or Bar Harbor. Because there are fantastic boat tour options from Boothbay Harbor and Camden that eat up part of your day, adding a night in either of these two places would allow you a more relaxed schedule. However, there’s plenty to see and do up in Acadia and Bar Harbor, so adding a night there is always beneficial. It just depends on your priorities for the trip, but all are great options.
How To Make This Itinerary Shorter
If you have less time for the trip, I would suggest just staying in Portland for one night, and then seeing the lighthouses in Portland on your way out of town before heading north to continue up the coast. You’ll have to drive a little further south, and then head back north, but it’s an easy way to cut a night from your itinerary.
Then, as much as I adore Boothbay Harbor, it’s the most out of your way destination, so I’d say skip that day entirely, and head straight to Camden from Portland. You can add any of the optional stops I’ve recommended in that part of your trip if you have the time.
Coastal Maine Road Trip – Answering Your Questions
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Road Trip Along Maine’s Coast?
Anytime from May through October is gorgeous along the Maine coast! However, having done this road trip in all four seasons myself, here’s what I can share about various times of the year:
Peak season is July & August, and this is when you’ll have the best weather, but the highest prices at hotels, and the biggest crowds. That said, it’s a fantastic time to explore the coast because all seasonal businesses will be open, and the days are long. Plus, if you want to swim at the beaches, this is the time to do it.
Personally, I LOVE doing this road trip in the spring and fall. If you plan your visit for late spring (June) or fall (late September through October), you shouldn’t run into many seasonal business closure yet, and it will definitely be quieter in terms of crowds. You may run into a few closures (namely, seafood and ice cream shacks) depending on your exact dates, but these times of the year are fantastic for avoiding the summer crowds. I especially love fall along the coast, which typically peaks mid to late October.
I’ve also done this road trip in the winter, which is honestly really beautiful. This is the true off-season along Maine’s coast, so you’ll definitely want to expect business closures, but if you don’t mind that (and the weather!), it’s the quietest time to visit.
Generally, though, to make the most of your trip, I’d recommend May-October.
Psst! I have some seasonal guides on Maine that you may find helpful:
Any Additional Tips For Planning The Road Trip?
Yep! Here are some things I recommend:
→ Offline Google Maps to your phone, or have back-up navigation. You will lose cell service at some point on the road trip!
→ Have a little cash on you. Most places will take cards, but some seafood shacks and such will be cash only. If that’s the case, they almost always have an ATM on-site, so having an ATM card that reimburses fees is especially handy. You may not need it, but it’s good to bring it along.
→ If visiting in the peak summer season, getting up early at popular places in Acadia is very wise. I sometimes plan to get up at sunrise and get inside the park before most people. It offers an incredibly peaceful experience, and you won’t have to worry about parking.
Is Maine Expensive To Visit?
Yes – in fact, all of New England is, for the most part. Especially if you visit along the coast during peak season. You can definitely find budget accommodations, but you may have to adjust your expectations on what “budget” means in the northeast 😊 Generally, I’d plan to spend more than average on a trip like this.
More of my road trip posts you may enjoy:
- My Ultimate Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Guide: Best for those who want to focus more on seeing lots of lighthouses.
- My 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary: Best for those who want to explore the highlights of New England in a week.
- My Dreamy Maine To Canada Coastal Road Trip: Perfect for those who have more time and also want to see the Canadian Maritimes.
That’s A Wrap On My Coastal Maine Road Trip
And there you have it – all my tips and suggestions for planning a bucket list-worthy road trip along the coast of Maine! It’s truly such an unforgettable experience that will probably have you planning another trip to New England very soon – you’ve been warned 😉 Happy planning!
