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The Ultimate Maine Road Trip Itinerary

June 26, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   3 Comments

Trying to plan the perfect Maine road trip? Look no further! We’re here to help make the process a little less stressful!

It is one of the best road trips in the USA and should totally be on your bucket list!

Maine has so much to offer: from scenic roads to iconic lighthouses, famous lobster shacks, breathtaking trees alongside winding drives, fun cities, and some national parks, you won’t be disappointed with any stop you add to your Maine road trip itinerary. 

We are listing some of our favorite and “must-see” stops for a Maine road trip below. Victoria actually grew up exploring Maine and New England by RV, so we hope that you enjoy this itinerary!

Keep your personal timeline in mind as you get the car ready to go! You’re in for an amazing adventure.

The Ultimate Maine Road trip Itinerary

Getting to maine .

When starting your Maine road trip, we recommend flying into the Boston Logan International Airport. This airport is large and therefore a huge hub for many Airlines such as Delta, Cape Air, Southwest, American, United, and more. 

Because this airport is a hub, it also has a variety of cities to depart from, including, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta Fort Lauderdale, Vegas, and more! So no matter where you are coming from, you will find a well-priced flight here at Boston Logan International Airport. 

If you want to fly into somewhere else, however, you can also consider flying into Portland (Portland, Maine, of course!), through their Portland International Jetport! We just suggest Boston Logan International because it is close to the border of the state and easier to rent cars from for Maine road trip! 

Getting Around During Your Maine Road Trip 

To begin your Maine road trip, you’ll need a car! So make sure to stop by the Rental Car Center serving Boston Logan after you land. Airport terminals run every 5-6 minutes and will take you straight to the RCC where you can rent out a vehicle.

Here you can rent from Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, BOS, Thrifty, and Advantage! Just make sure to get a car that has some room and good gas mileage so you are comfortable and prepared for all your adventures of a road trip to Maine. 

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

When to See Fall Foliage in Maine 

We know that the fall foliage in New England is spectacular: people come from all over to see the leaves change, and Maine has some of the bright orange, yellow and red hues across their Maples, Oaks, Elms and Birch trees. 

Many people travel to Maine during late September to see the fall foliage. The September to October weather also is perfect timing for touring the coast and witnessing these hues act as a stake contrast of the blue waters of the nearby oceans, lakes, and rivers! So make sure to keep this in mind when you’re planning a date for your Maine road trip!

Stop 1: Rest and Relax at Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit, Maine is a must stop for your Maine road trip because it truly is a beautiful place by the sea! With miles of sandy beaches, a scenic coast, art galleries, fun shopping, and dining adventures, this place ranks as one of the best vacation spots! 

Perkins Cove is a small fishing village that is great for shopping and restaurants! There are also a variety of tours from boat harbors that you can visit here! Marginal Way is a 1.25-mile coastal walking path that connects Perkins Village to Ogunquit, so this is a great science route to walk. 

There is also some great theater here, so you can check out the Ogunquit Playhouse or the Museum of American Art if you’re interested! Or if you want to do something beyond the beach and small towns, make sure to check our some events: local food and wine tastings are popular and fall-themed events are dependent on the time of year you visit! 

Where to Stay in Ogunquit Beach

Mid-Range: Ogunquit River Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Ogunquit Tides . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Continue to Relax in Kennebunkport 

Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine that is famous for it’s long, sandy beaches. You must check this location out during your Maine road trip if you’re interested in stopping by Goose Rocks Beach as well as Arundel Beach.  This is truly one of the best things to do in Maine!

The Seashore Trolley Museum is also a neat and niche place that displays a huge collection of streetcars, and many people like checking out St. Ann’e Episcopal Church since it dates back to 1887 and its rustic stone architecture contrasted with its grass fields are breathtaking. 

Cape Porpoise is also a nearby lobster-fishing village that sits in a harbor and is well known for its local seafood. From most restaurants and galleries here, you can also view the 1833 Goat Island Lighthouse! 

Where to Stay in Kennebunkport

Mid-Range: Lodge at Kennebunk.  Check Rates: Booking.com

High Range-Range: The Boathouse. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Make sure to Visit Cape Elizabeth for Iconic Lighthouses

A Genteel town, Cape Elizabeth is another stop you have to spend some time during your Maine road trip This place of history and coastlines and parks hugs the Casco Bay , making ripe for adventure! 

Many tourists love to explore this area by bike and cross the Casco Bay Bridge to get to the Cape Elizabeth’s coast. But the hardest decision to make when visiting here comes down to visiting lighthouses: there are so many! Portland Headlight, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse, and Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse  are active and great views. 

Williams Par k has great trails to explore old batteries, but more importantly, Two Lights State Park is set on a rocky shoreline where you can view twin lighthouses that are close by. This place is perfect for lunch alongside the crashing waves, but you can also check out Crescent Bech State Park!

Where to Stay Near Cape Elizabeth 

Mid-Range: The Francis Check Rates: Booking.com

High-Range: Inn by the Sea . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Spend some time in Portland, Maine (not Oregon!) 

Set on the peninsula extending into Casco Bay , Portland is a great city to stop in during your Maine road trip, and it’s close to Cape Elizabeth!  The Old Port features fishing wharves, warehouses, restaurants, and unique Indie shops that are great for exploring. 

Fort Willams Park is fantastic for visiting a rocky coast, as the seaside park is coastal and has an old fort and views of lighthouses! The Portland Head Lighthouse is also super cool to check out. 

If you’re looking for something more “indoors” to do, you can check out the Portland Museum of Art, but we highly recommend visiting Peaks Island , where there are more beaches and a really cool Fifth Maine Regiment Museum ! 

Where to stay near Portland 

Mid-Range: Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront Check Rates: Booking.com

High-Range: Portland Harbor Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Enjoy the Water in Waldoboro 

Waldoboro is a cute, quaint town in Maine that is perfect for any Maine road trip itinerary. Well known for its lakes, this place thrives off of its agricultural and fishing legacy. 

We recommend checking out all the lake and pond wonders Waldoboro has! From Damariscotta Lake to Pemaquid Pond and Duckpuddle Pond , these bodies of waters are perfect for evenings that you want to fish, relax, boat, and watch sunsets! 

We also think the Waldoboro Historical Society is a cute museum to check out! And the Goose River Peace Corps Preserve and Pond are just fantastic for exploring trails and greenery! Make sure to take in the scenery at Waldoboro! 

Where to Stay Near Waldoboro

Mid-Range: Claddagh Motel and Suites. Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Ledges by the Bay . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Check out Rockland and it’s cute Bay and Harbor

Rockland , Maine is a popular tourist spot, so you must add it to your Maine road trip itinerary. Rockland is known as mid-coast Maine and is beautifully famous because the mountains and sea converge here right on Rockland Harbor and Penobscot Bay . 

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is a highlight of the town, and there are plenty of tours you can take that lets you travel around Penobscot Bay. 

There are also amazing restaurants and shops to check out here, such as Rustica — a great Italian place– and Jess’ Market . Many tourists love renting bikes to explore the small-time and highly recommend looking at great festivals that might be going on when you visit: Rockland is famous for its Summer Solstice Festival! 

Where to Stay Near Rockland

Mid-Range: Glen Cove Inn & Suites. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range : Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: You Must See the East Coast’s Acadia National Park 

Would you really be on a Maine road trip without stopping by and witnessing Acadia National Park in all of its glory? Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre recreation area on Maine’s Mount Desert. 

Known for its foods, rocky beaches, and breathtaking granite, there are some must-sees here. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest point on the East coast for example. It’s known for its sweeping panoramic views. 

But also make sure to check out Sand Beach , where the quiet cove is super relaxing, or even Jordan Pond where there are some beautiful trails with nearby mountains and lakes! We recommend ensuring that you check out the Bubble Mountain hike though, and Mount Desert Island! 

Where to stay near Acadia

Low-Range: Acadia Pines Motel. Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Anchorage Motel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Spend some Time In Bar Harbor 

This bayside town is close to Acadia and is a popular getaway or stops for tourists which is why we’re listing it on your Maine road trip itinerary! You can view this town from the top of Cadillac Mountain.

Many people stop by here because it is so close to Acadia, but while here make sure to check out the Ocean Trail, Schoodic Peninsula, and Frenchman Bay . 

The Criterion Theatre is also a cool place for an evening in, or exploring Village Green , a small historical town with lots to explore! The College of the Atlantic Gardens is also quaint and quiet if you’re looking for something a bit different to explore!

Where to stay in Bar Harbor

Mid-Range: Moseley Cottage Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com

High-Range: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: Take a trip on a ferry to Nova Scotia 

Although Nova Scotia is technically a province in eastern Canada and not a part of Maine, you have to add it to your Maine road trip! Thankfully you can take the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor for a day trip to Nova! 

Some of the top sights you’ll want to visit in Nova during your trip include the Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you can take trails through mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and coastlines. The Kejimkujik National Park is similar to Cape Breton as well! 

Or you can explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Halifax Public Gardens of the Halifax Citadel National Site. And if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, off the coast of Sable Island there are tons of shipwrecks to explore if you want to go diving or snorkeling! Just watch for the high tides Nova is famous for! 

Where to Stay in Nova Scotia

Low-Range: Hillside Landing B&B. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Residence Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com

We are so excited you’ve chosen o embark on a Maine road trip, as it is truly a gorgeous state with unforgettable coastlines. After your day trip to Nova, you can head back to Boston or Portland to go ahead and fly home! But as we’ve mentioned, this guide only touches the surface of what Maine has to offer. If you want to know more or have more time to explore, check out some other stops as well. Either way, we know you’ll have fun!

With More Time: 

There is truly so much to do in Maine, so if you are traveling with a bit more time, or for a longer period of time, we are adding a few more stops you might want to stop and explore during your Maine road trip! These stops are super popular as well but are a bit further out of the “loop” during your traveling adventures. They will take more time to get to, but definitely check them out if you have that extra time!

Visit Chimney Pond Via Mount Katahdin

To climb Mount Katahdin during your extended Maine road trip, we suggest taking the Chimney Pond Trail. This trail is 6.3 miles and is considered a “moderate” hike, but is well known for the lake and views it offers.

The Chimney Pond Campgrounds are also part of the “backcountry” near Baxter State Park . Here you can rest and realz while having the closest access to other trails such as Hamlin Ridge and Saddle .  

Visit Oh My Gosh Corner/Carrabassett

Carrabassett Valley is located between the Bigelow Mountains and is known for its scenic routes of birches and rivers. Many people love to come here for skiing in the winter, as there is a bend in the Route known as “Oh My Gosh Corner.”  

From this corner, you can see Sugarloaf Mountain, is 163 trails trifling down its surface. The bend in this road is breathtaking: its north-facing mountain towers around the corner at a 4,237 summit along Carrabassett River . You don’t want to miss it during your Maine road trip.

Visit Moosehead Lake 

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine, which means you have to stop and see it with your Maine itinerary! Situated in the Longfellow Mountains , this lake is surrounded by the Kennebec River.

Near Beaver Cove , the terrain slopes gently toward the water making it a perfect place to swim. The water clarity is great, temperatures fairly warm, and Mount Kineo is also close: here you can explore the 700-foot scenic cliffs in-between your lake day! 

Visit Rangeley Lake 

Fed by a variety of streams, Rangeley Lake is situated close to Rangeley , which was named one of the best winter towns inNew England. Its lake is over 6,000 arches and is super deep (149 feet!). But no matter what time of year you are taking your Maine road trip, you’ve got to stop here! 

Many people love to fish here, as the lake is known for its brook trout and salmon. Beyond the lake though, there is Rangeley Village with hotels, restaurants and shops, and the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society is a cute museum that exhibits the town’s history! 

Visit Sugarloaf Mountain 

Sugarloaf Mountain is a lovely mountain in Maine. Open from 8 a.m. until sunset, this natural landmark has geographical beauty and striking landscape views. After taking lifts to the top of Sugarloaf and exploring the park, you can check out the nearby towns. 

Visit Baxter State Park 

Our last suggestion for your Maine road trip itinerary includes Baxter State Park . This is a large wilderness area that has been permanently preserved and features a variety of trails (we highly recommend checking out the Knife Edge trail !), sights, and mountains. 

Mount Katahdin is Maine’s tallest peak and is located here. It is also a favorite hike amongst tourists! And Baxter Peak is also popular, although its trial is more difficult. If you’re feeling more “woodsy” too, you can explore the monuments and breathtaking sights of Katahdin Woods and Waters! 

And there you have it! A great Maine road trip itinerary that will take you around the state to experience national parks, iconic lighthouses, potent landscapes, and more. Make sure to drive safe and have TONS of fun during your Maine road trip– we promise it will be unforgettable! 

Reader Interactions

July 12, 2020 at 12:14 pm

What a wonderful trip through Maine. I have done some of it but would love to return to see the rest. It is a beautiful state with so many places to visit…One day…

October 14, 2022 at 8:39 pm

thanks for the good read. i am going solo as i promised to see Maine before i am 60 ill let you know how much i love it

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Best Maine Road Trip Itinerary – One Week In Maine

Planning a Maine road trip sounds like an adventure! Here’s a detailed Maine itinerary 7 days covering some of Maine’s best spots.

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Maine Road Trip Itinerary – 7 Days In Maine

A seven-day Maine road trip perfectly blends coastal charm, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences. This Maine itinerary 7 days allows ample time to explore iconic destinations like Acadia National Park and historic towns like Portland and Bar Harbor, indulge in fresh local food, and savor Maine’s unique character.

Google Map – Maine Itinerary 7 Days 

Day 1: Portland

Start your journey in Portland, known for its charming waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food. Starting from Portland for a Maine road trip itinerary ensures a vibrant introduction to the state’s rich culture, culinary delights, and historical landmarks, serving as the gateway to scenic coastal drives, iconic lighthouses, and charming seaside towns, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable journey.

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• Distance from the previous location:  It depends on your starting point, but assuming you start from Boston, it’s about 100 miles (approx. 2 hours’ drive).
• Scenic route:  Take Route 1 along the coast for breathtaking views.

Mid-budget hotel : Consider staying at the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront or the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa .

Things to do:

• Explore the  Old Port  district.
• Visit the  Portland Head Light .
• Take a food tour to sample local cuisine.
• Visit the  Portland Museum of Art .

Tours to book: Consider booking a lobster boat tour to learn about Maine’s lobster industry.

Unique feature:  Portland is known for its thriving craft beer scene, so visit some local breweries.

Useful tip : Parking in downtown Portland can be challenging, so consider using public transportation or parking in a garage.

Portland is a must-visit on your Maine road trip for its bustling waterfront, thriving arts scene, and delectable culinary offerings, providing a vibrant introduction to the state’s diverse attractions.

Day 2: Acadia National Park

Drive to Acadia National Park , one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, known for its rugged coastline and stunning views. Acadia National Park is an essential stop on your Maine road trip for its unparalleled coastal beauty, rugged landscapes, and diverse outdoor adventures.

• Distance from previous location : Approximately 160 miles (approx. 3.5 hours drive).
• Scenic route:  Take Route 1 along the coast until you reach Ellsworth, then head east on Route 3 to Bar Harbor.

Mid-budget hotel:  Consider staying at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel or the Acadia Inn .

Things to do :

• Hike along the park’s scenic trails.
• Drive the  Park Loop Road .
• Visit  Thunder Hole.
• Watch the sunrise from  Cadillac Mountain .

Tours to book : Consider booking a guided tour of Acadia to learn about its history and ecology.

Unique feature:  Acadia’s dark skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities on the East Coast.

Useful tip:  Be sure to pack layers, as the weather in Acadia can be unpredictable, especially near the coast.

Acadia National Park offers a breathtaking glimpse into the natural wonders of the Northeast that shouldn’t be missed.

Day 3: Bar Harbor

Spend the day exploring Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town near Acadia National Park.

Bar Harbor is an essential destination on your Maine road trip because of its proximity to Acadia National Park. It offers easy access to stunning coastal vistas and outdoor activities while charming visitors with its picturesque harbor, vibrant downtown scene, and delectable food options. This ensures a memorable coastal experience both in and out of the park.

• Take a  whale-watching tour .
• Explore the shops and galleries downtown.
• Visit the  Abbe Museum  to learn about  Native American culture .
• Enjoy fresh food at a local restaurant.

Mid-budget hotel:  You can extend your stay at the same hotel from the previous night or consider options like the  Bar Harbor Villager Motel  or the   Acadia Hotel.

Tours to book : Consider booking a kayaking tour to explore the coastline and see wildlife up close.

Unique feature : Bar Harbor is known for its stunning sunsets, so be sure to find a good spot to watch the sun go down.

Useful tip:  Bar Harbor can get crowded during the summer, so visit famous attractions early in the day to avoid crowds.

Day 4: Camden

Drive to Camden, a picturesque coastal town known for its scenic harbor and historic downtown.

Camden is a must-visit on your Maine road trip for its postcard-perfect harbor, scenic mountain views, and charming downtown area. It provides a quintessential New England experience that captures the essence of coastal Maine’s beauty and charm in a single destination.

• Distance from previous location : Approximately 70 miles (approx. 1.5 hours drive).
• Scenic route:  Take Route 1 along the coast for beautiful ocean views and coastal towns.
• Take a sailing cruise on  Penobscot Bay .
• Hike to the  top of Mount Battie  for panoramic views.
• Explore the shops and art galleries downtown.
• Visit the  Camden Public Library .

Mid-budget hotel:  Consider staying at the  Lord Camden Inn  or the  Camden Riverhouse Hotel .

Tours to book:  Consider booking a schooner cruise to explore the coastline and islands of Penobscot Bay.

Unique feature:  Camden is home to the Camden International Film Festival, which showcases documentary films from around the world.

Useful tip:  Parking in downtown Camden can be limited, so consider staying within walking distance of the main attractions.

Day 5: Boothbay Harbor

Drive to Boothbay Harbor, a charming coastal town known for its scenic harbor, quaint shops, and botanical gardens.

Boothbay Harbor is a must-visit on your Maine road trip for its idyllic coastal charm, botanical gardens, and bustling harbor. It offers a serene retreat with opportunities for whale watching, exploring picturesque landscapes, and indulging in fresh local food, making it an essential stop for a quintessential Maine experience.

Distance from previous location: Approximately 50 miles (approx. 1 hour drive).

• Visit the  Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens .
• Take a  scenic boat tour  of the harbor.

Mid-budget hotel:  Consider staying at the  Tugboat Inn  or the  Boothbay Harbor Inn.

Tours to book:  Consider booking a puffin-watching tour to see these adorable seabirds in their natural habitat.

Unique feature:  Boothbay Harbor is home to the Maine State Aquarium, where you can learn about the marine life native to the Gulf of Maine.

Useful tip:  Boothbay Harbor can get crowded during the summer, so visit famous attractions early in the day to avoid crowds.

Day 6: Kennebunkport

Drive to Kennebunkport, a charming coastal town known for its historic homes, sandy beaches, and vibrant arts scene.

Kennebunkport is a must-visit for its historic charm, scenic coastal beauty, and renowned beaches on your Maine road trip. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence in New England’s coastal allure, making it an essential stop for a memorable Maine journey.

• Distance from previous location: Approximately 85-90 miles (approx. 1.5 hours drive).
• Visit  Walker’s Point , the summer home of the  Bush family .
• Relax on the  beach at Gooch’s Beach .
• Take a scenic drive along  Ocean Avenue .

Mid-budget hotel:  Consider staying at the  Kennebunkport Inn   or the  Nonantum Resort .

Tours to book : Consider booking a lobster boat tour to learn about Maine’s lobster industry.

Unique feature:  Kennebunkport is known for its historic homes and mansions, many of which are open for tours during the summer months.

Useful tip:  Kennebunkport can get crowded during the summer, so visit famous attractions early in the day to avoid crowds.

Day 7 – End Of Maine Itinerary 7 Days: Portland 

Return to Portland for your departure.

Distance from previous location : Approximately 30-60 miles, depending on your starting point.

Things to do:  Depending on your departure time, you may have free time to explore any attractions you missed on your first day.

Mid-budget hotel:  You can extend your stay at the same hotel from your first night or choose another option in Portland.

Useful tip:  If you have time, consider stopping at some coastal towns for one last taste of Maine’s charm before heading home.

FAQs – One Week In Maine

• When is the best time to visit Maine for a road trip?

The best time for a Maine road trip is typically from late spring to early fall (May to October) when the weather is mild and attractions are open. However, summer can be busy, so consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.

• What should I pack for a Maine road trip?

Pack layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes for outdoor activities, sunscreen, bug spray, and rain gear. Remember your camera for capturing scenic views!

• Are there tolls on Maine’s roads?

Yes, Maine has toll roads, primarily along the  Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95).  Make sure to have cash or a compatible electronic tolling device for payment.

• What are some must-see attractions in Maine?

Must-see attractions include Acadia National Park, Portland’s Old Port district, lighthouses along the coast, coastal towns like Bar Harbor and Camden, and scenic drives along Route 1 and Park Loop Road.

• Are there any safety tips for driving in Maine?

Be cautious of wildlife, especially deer, when driving, especially in rural areas. Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians, especially in busy tourist areas. Observe speed limits and be mindful of changing weather conditions, particularly in coastal areas.

• Do I need to make reservations for accommodations in advance?

During peak tourist seasons, booking accommodations in advance is advisable, especially in popular destinations like Bar Harbor and Portland. However, if you’re traveling during the shoulder seasons, you may find more flexibility.

• Are there any unique events or festivals to attend in Maine?

Maine hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, the Camden International Film Festival, and the Acadia Night Sky Festival in Bar Harbor. Check local event calendars for upcoming events during your visit.

• What are some alternative activities for rainy days in Maine?

Visit museums like the Portland Museum of Art or the Maine Maritime Museum, explore indoor attractions like the Maine State Aquarium, or enjoy a leisurely drive along scenic routes while taking in the misty coastal views.

General Tips – Maine Road Trip

• Book Accommodations in Advance:  It’s advisable to book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Pack Layers:  Maine weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers to accommodate temperature changes.
• Stay Hydrated:  Stay hydrated, especially when engaging in outdoor activities like hiking.
• Respect Nature:  When visiting national parks and natural areas, follow Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife.
• Check Park Websites:  Before visiting national parks like Acadia, check their websites for any closures or essential updates.
• Have a Map/GPS:  While Maine is relatively easy to navigate, having a map or GPS can be helpful, especially in rural areas.

This Maine road trip itinerary offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and coastal charm, showcasing some of Maine’s best. Enjoy your road trip!

With this one week in Maine road trip itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Maine’s coastal beauty, charming towns, and outdoor adventures while staying within a mid-budget range.

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Lobster rolls and lighthouses: The perfect Maine road trip

Maine's breathtaking coastline is unlike any other. It's only about 280 miles from the New Hampshire border to the New Brunswick, Canada, border if you follow the region's principal road, U.S. Route 1 (along with state Route 189 for the final stretch).

However, this jagged shoreline is anything but a straight shot. And if you measure the tide coastline — which includes every peninsula, inlet, island and tidal basin — the Maine coast actually measures 3,478 miles, making it the fourth-longest in the country (it slightly exceeds California's).

You could drive it sticking closely to U.S. 1 in about seven or eight hours, but you wouldn't actually see much of the ocean. For views of Maine's azure waters — its rocky headlands dotted with imposing historic lighthouses, its sheltered harbors aglow with sleek sailboats and colorful lobster buoys — you'll want to detour frequently from the main route. To fully experience this breathtaking maritime landscape immortalized in the paintings of Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Andrew Wyeth and countless other luminaries, spend at least a few days (or ideally a couple of weeks) tracing the coast's many contours.

As you traverse the coast in a northeasterly direction, heading "down east" as it's known in Maine vernacular, you'll encounter far fewer people and much less commercial development. The relatively direct stretch from the New Hampshire border to the state's largest city, Portland, abounds with sophisticated sea-to-table restaurants and posh country inns as well as charming lobster shacks, enticing ice cream stands and nostalgic minigolf centers. Once you get past Freeport, with its iconic L.L. Bean flagship store, you start to encounter the wilder and more rugged Maine coast, with its long and narrow peninsulas.

Along this part of the coast, you'll still find pockets of upscale vacationers in affluent summer colonies like Boothbay Harbor, Camden and Bar Harbor, but the pace slows. The final stretch of coast beyond Mount Desert Island to the Canadian border feels completely rural. You'll encounter few fellow travelers in this sparsely populated but verdant area that depends economically more on commercial fishing and blueberry farming than tourism.

But by exploring the full length of Maine's gorgeous coast, you'll find much to appreciate. You can feast on incredible seafood (not just lobster but rock and Jonah crab, oysters, mussels, and myriad fish) and a dizzying variety of craft beers. You'll discover superb art museums and galleries, and diverse flora and fauna to view on coastal hikes, wildlife-watching cruises and kayaking and biking tours. And, of course, there's the stunning natural scenery of Acadia National Park.

Here's your guide to planning the perfect coastal Maine road trip and everything you should see and do along the way.

Maine road trip planning

GPS devices tend to be at cross purposes with actually enjoying a drive up the Maine coast, as they constantly attempt to shunt you onto U.S. Route 1 or, worse, Interstate Highway 95, instead of the happily meandering and circuitous roads that run closer to the shoreline. Unless you're pressed for time, feel free to ignore the entreaties of your GPS and take the scenic route whenever possible. Detour down to the tips of Maine's finger-shaped peninsulas, and if there's an island you can reach by bridge or even by ferry, go for it, at least once. Bailey Island, Deer Isle and Vinalhaven (which entails a ferry ride) are all good bets.

Note that many municipal beaches have steep parking fees for nonresidents, sometimes $25 or more. Day-use fees at state beaches are per person rather than per vehicle and typically cost around $7 or $8 per person. In Portland and some of the more popular small towns along the coast — Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit — street parking can be hard to come by, especially during the summer high season, so prepare to use a pay lot that may also be expensive.

Gas stations are present all along U.S. Route 1 and in most towns, but they can be harder to find, or a lot more expensive, on the more rural peninsulas and islands. It's best to top off your tank before venturing anywhere remote.

Set aside enough time

If you're driving this full itinerary from Kittery to the Canadian border, give yourself a minimum of five days and four nights to be able to experience the key sights along the way. This allows you to set aside a full day each for exploring Portland and Acadia National Park, and enough time to drive through all of the towns described in this article. To appreciate this trip at a more leisurely pace, budget a week to 10 days and try to spend two nights in some of the more prominent areas, such as Kittery-Portsmouth, Portland, Rockland-Camden, and Bar Harbor-Acadia National Park. If you have two weeks or even longer, you won't run out of engaging things to see and do.

Getting to the Maine coast

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has by far the greatest number of direct flights in New England, and it's just a 75-minute drive from the Maine border. Another option is to fly into Maine's small, user-friendly Portland International Jetport (PWM), which is a 45-minute drive from Kittery. A lesser-known option that's just a 50-minute drive from Kittery is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire. It's served by several of the major airlines. Although Logan Airport is likely the easiest to reach from much of the country and many international destinations, it is a busy hub in a city with notorious traffic, and rental car rates tend to be steeper than at the airports in Portland and Manchester, which are also smaller and more pleasant to navigate.

From Boston, Amtrak serves Portland and several smaller towns along the lower Maine coast. And there's frequent daily bus service on multiple carriers from Logan Airport and downtown Boston to both Portsmouth and Portland.

Best starting and end points on the Maine coast

This itinerary follows Maine's coast in a northeasterly direction, beginning at the town of Kittery, which is just across the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This corner of the state is easy to get to, as it's just a 75-minute drive up the coast from Boston via I-95, and there are plenty of hotels in the area, both on the New Hampshire and Maine sides of the border. This trip ends at the Canadian border, where you have the option of extending your adventure by continuing into New Brunswick and potentially beyond. Although it can take several days to travel along the coast's meandering roads, exploring its peninsulas and inlets, the drive back from Lubec to Kittery-Portsmouth takes just under five hours if you take the most direct interior route (state Route 189, U.S. Route 1, state Route 192 and state Route 9 to Bangor, and then I-95 the rest of the way).

The best time to visit the Maine coast

For the best balance of weather and scenery without excessive crowds or super-steep hotel rates, make this trip during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, between May and mid-June or mid-September and mid-November. The exception to this rule is fall's peak foliage season, which along the Maine coast is generally from around mid-September through the first week of November. Although the coast attracts fewer leaf-peepers than interior New England, crowds do pick up around this time and hotel rates can also spike a bit.

July and August are peak high-season, as are holiday weekends in spring and fall. This is the best time to laze on Maine's beaches and even swim in the ocean (which is still pretty chilly, with highs averaging around 70 degrees in summer). It's also when seasonal businesses like lobster shacks, ice cream stands and scenic tour boats have their longest hours. But you'll pay a premium at coastal hotels during this time (note that the starting rates for hotels recommended in this article are for the summer high season).

Conversely, winter on the Maine coast can be a bargain as long as you don't mind bundling up, and you'll sometimes have beaches all to yourself. But many businesses, including lodgings and restaurants, shut down in winter — and in some cases all the way from mid-October through early May, especially the farther up the coast you go.

Kittery to the Kennebunks

More than any other section of Maine's coast, this relatively short (30-mile) stretch in the state's southwestern corner is easiest to access from coastal roads, which more or less parallel the shore's contours, even beyond Kennebunkport and up through Cape Elizabeth and South Portland.

The region is characterized by broad, crescent-shaped, golden beaches and is home to the greatest concentration of tourism-related businesses. You'll find no shortage of accommodations, from swanky seaside inns to low-frills, family-friendly motels to vacation rentals of every configuration and price range. Although the population swells in summer and traffic can slow to a crawl on weekends, don't give in to the temptation to skip this region in favor of the quieter areas beyond Portland. It's a beautiful part of the state with a number of appealing attractions. What you might consider doing, however, is timing your trip so that you're in this area midweek rather than during the busier weekend.

Kittery and the Yorks

Start your journey by taking U.S. Route 1 over the Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Piscataqua River from historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Kittery, Maine's oldest town. If you want to fuel up early, stop on Badger's Island, which is right in the middle of the river, for a hearty meal at Ore Nell's Barbecue or in the historic downtown at Lil's Cafe , an artisan bakery with great coffee drinks.

Continue east on state Route 103 along the curving riverfront rather than following U.S. Route 1 into the tangle of outlet shops for which Kittery is most famous. Stop to walk around colonial-era Fort McClary State Historic Site , with its formidable granite walls and views of pretty Portsmouth Harbor. The road curves past characteristic colonial homes before joining with U.S. Route 1A, a scenic coastal road that passes through the classic seaside vacation villages of York Harbor, York Beach and Cape Neddick. These towns have a nostalgic family vacation vibe and there are plenty of places to hop out for a stroll along the sand or a bite to eat overlooking the sea.

Just north of York Beach — a stretch of beach cottages and hotels that looks like a postcard from the 1940s — turn right (follow the signs) to the parking area for what's quite possibly the most photographed building in Maine: Nubble Lighthouse, an elegantly simple white tower beside a red-roofed Victorian keeper's house set on a small rocky island just offshore. You can't actually visit the island, but the view from across the water is splendid, and next to the parking lot, Fox's Lobster House is a good spot to indulge in your first bowl of chowder or lobster roll.

Optional side trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The largest community on New Hampshire's 18-mile shoreline, this upbeat historic city with a population of around 23,000 is both an excellent base for exploring the adjacent southwestern corner of Maine and a delightful destination in its own right.

A compact seaport, Portsmouth is known for its carefully preserved colonial buildings, many of them open to the public. A highlight is Strawbery Banke Museum , a 10-acre living history village of more than three dozen restored structures. Sometimes described as a miniature Portland, this city of narrow tree-shaded lanes and well-tended gardens has a growing restaurant scene and plenty of galleries, crafts shops, bookstores and clothiers to keep you busy.

Just north of Cape Neddick, where U.S. Route 1A cuts west to join U.S. Route 1, turn right onto Shore Road and follow this narrow, curvy route into charming Ogunquit, which developed into an artists colony and a summer resort in the late 19th century and has in more recent decades become a popular LGBTQIA+ destination. Testament to this cheerful beach town's creative legacy are the small but excellent Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the acclaimed Ogunquit Playhouse summer theater. Be sure to check out the shops and seafood eateries (such as Footbridge Lobster and Barnacle Billy's ) of Perkins Cove, where there's also a photogenic footbridge across the town's boat basin. From here, walk the stunning 1.3-mile Marginal Way footpath along a series of sea cliffs into the cute downtown, where you'll discover a number of hip bars and restaurants.

Kennebunkport

As you head north on U.S. Route 1 from Ogunquit, turn right onto the state Route 9 shore route into the old-money enclave of Kennebunkport, with its appealing village center bisected by the scenic Kennebunk River. Stroll among Dock Square's many shops and restaurants, where you can also book a sightseeing cruise on The Pineapple Ketch , a historic 38-foot ship that provides a glimpse of the many imposing summer cottages (mansions, really) that dot the town's shoreline, including Walker's Point, aka the Bush compound, which served as the "Summer White House" for President George H.W. Bush. Off Dyke Road a few miles northeast of town, Goose Rocks Beach is one of the area's gems, offering great opportunities for tidepooling and soaking up rays.

Where to stay

With days of driving ahead, you might consider treating yourself to a night or two in a fabulous spa resort, like Cape Neddick's sumptuous Cliff House Maine (rates start at $699 per night), which is perched on a dramatic rocky ledge a few miles south of the Ogunquit border. In addition to having a 9,000-square-foot spa overlooking the sea, this contemporary 226-room hotel boasts a championship golf course, several restaurants and myriad recreational activities. From the enchanting Trellis House (rates start at $309 per night), an eight-room bed-and-breakfast surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, you're steps from Ogunquit's Marginal Way coastal path and within walking or trolleying distance of the beach and local dining.

The contemporary-chic AWOL Kennebunkport (rates start at $327 per night) offers a distinct contrast to the area's many old-fashioned inns. A short walk from lively Dock Square in Kennebunkport, it's made up of 17 airy cabins with low-slung, tasteful furnishings and private patios and balconies. Most rooms have fireplaces, and rates include a breakfast featuring a toast bar with bagels, muffins, breads and gourmet toppings. AWOL is part of the renowned boutique hotel brand Lark Hotels, which has four other Maine properties, including the stunning Kennebunkport Captains Collection (rates start at $471 per night), which is just around the corner and consists of four smartly updated historic homes with plush rooms and suites outfitted with soaking tubs, working fireplaces and plenty of other perks.

Just across the state line in Portsmouth, you'll find a great selection of both modern full-service hotels and distinctive urban inns. A couple of notables include the Hotel Thaxter (rates start at $369), a new 15-room boutique inn within the heart of the city's historic downtown, and Wentworth by the Sea (rates start at $389 per night), which is a 10-minute drive outside of town on the beautiful New Castle island. This legendary grande dame was built in 1874 and overlooks a scenic harbor where the Piscataqua River meets the ocean. It offers a spa, two pools, tennis courts and a Scottish-style links golf course.

Greater Portland

Maine's largest city has just under 70,000 residents and is 50 miles up the coast from the New Hampshire border. In addition to being a picturesque port city with an incredible food scene, it's an excellent place to anchor yourself if you're planning a longer stay and appreciate having proximity to both the sea and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. From Kennebunkport, state Route 9 leads into the towns that form the metro area's southern edge, including Biddeford and South Portland.

Biddeford and Cape Elizabeth

From Kennebunkport, follow Route 9 as it curves back inland along the Saco River into Biddeford, a once-thriving textile mill town that underwent a severe downturn during the second half of the 20th century as industry moved elsewhere. By the early 2000s, the city center's handsome, though largely empty, redbrick mill buildings and storefronts began to attract chefs, brewers, makers, artists and other entrepreneurs, and today Biddeford buzzes with activity.

Stop for breakfast or lunch at acclaimed spots like Catface Cafe and the Palace Diner , or a memorable dinner at Elda . Sample fine spirits, including aromatic small-batch gins, at cozy Round Turn Distilling , and house-roasted coffees and local beer at the inviting bookstore-cum-cafe Elements .

Once you've filled up on excellent food and drink, follow U.S. Route 1 over the river into another small industrial city, Saco. Here, you have a decision to make about which route to follow. If you have a soft spot for the thrum of boardwalk amusement parks, fried-dough and saltwater taffy vendors, T-shirt shops and souvenir stands, and other retro-kitschy fun, head east a few miles to Old Orchard Beach, a spirited if at times raucous honky-tonk vacation town with a long pier, a beach that's jammed on weekends with towels and umbrellas, and fireworks shows on Thursday nights from late July through early September.

If this isn't your bag, continue up U.S. Route 1 to the bedroom community of Scarborough, and take state routes 207 and 77 through the upscale seaside town of Cape Elizabeth. On this scenic route, you can detour south to Prouts Neck to visit the Winslow Homer Studio ( tours are offered only by advance reservation through the Portland Museum of Art), where the artist painted many of his legendary Maine seascapes from the 1880s until his death in 1910. And you can visit the Portland Head Light , which has served as a beacon to ship captains since 1791 and inspired countless paintings, including Edward Hopper's memorable 1927 work, "Portland Head." You can walk around this graceful stone tower and tour the museum inside the quaint keeper's house — walking paths lead along the rock bluffs and throughout surrounding Fort Williams Park. Route 77 continues north across Casco Bay Bridge and into the heart of Portland.

With its walkable streets lined with stellar restaurants, cocktail lounges, fine galleries and fashionable boutiques, Portland is the perfect city to ditch your car for an afternoon, or even a few days, and explore on foot. The exercise will come in handy given how much eating and drinking you'll be tempted to indulge in. Moreover, there's a clutch of first-rate hotels downtown.

Great views can be had from the grassy lawns of the Western Promenade and Eastern Promenade, two hilltop parks that bracket the city. The Portland Museum of Art features extensive holdings of painters who have immortalized the region's natural scenery, including Homer and Hopper but also John Marin, George Bellows and Andrew Wyeth. There's also an outstanding contemporary collection and terrific rotating exhibits. A few blocks away you can visit the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which now contains the Maine Historical Society . Nearby, the Old Port district exudes old-world charm with its bustling wharves, seafood markets and narrow lanes.

Where to eat and imbibe? Longtime favorites include Fore Street for locally sourced seafood and meats and Duckfat for Belgian-style frites and luscious milkshakes. Along the same block, head to Eventide Oyster Co. for fresh-shucked bivalves and its sister establishment, The Honey Paw , for boldly flavored pan-Asian cooking. Newer chef-driven spots such as locavore-minded Twelve and warmly convivial Thistle & Grouse are turning heads with their inventive, artfully prepared cuisine. And James Beard Award-nominated chefs are well represented in town; consider Krista Cole of Sur Lie (she also runs Gather , just up the road in Yarmouth), Courtney Loreg of Woodford Food & Beverage , Isaul Perez of Isa Bistro and Jake Stevens of Leeward , to name just a few. Allagash , Bissell Brothers and Austin Street are among the more than two dozen craft breweries making waves in and around Portland, while purveyors of everything from artisan baked goods (the Holy Donut , Forage , Norimoto ) to locally roasted coffee ( Tandem , Bard , Speckled Ax ) appear in seemingly every direction. Prepare to be blown away.

The islands of Casco Bay

If you have an extra day, consider taking a cruise among the nearly 150 islands of Casco Bay; six can be reached by scheduled ferry service with Casco Bay Lines from downtown Portland. You can rent a bike near the terminals of most of the islands if you're up for a two-wheel adventure, or just go for a cruise. The sunrise and sunset runs are especially scenic, while the mailboat run lets passengers soak up the scenery as workers deliver mail to several of the islands. For a longer visit, consider booking one of the many vacation rentals on the islands, or staying at one of the few full-service hotels, such as the Inn at Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island.

As you continue up the coast from Portland, you'll encounter the one span of this itinerary that's best undertaken via a dull but efficient freeway. Hop onto Interstate Highway 295 for the nearly 20-mile drive to Freeport, an attractive and historic town that's both a suburb and a retail hub, thanks to the presence in the heart of downtown of the renowned gear and sportswear store L.L. Bean . Established here in 1912, this massive flagship store is open 24/7 and is a must for stocking up on everything from boating and skiing equipment to tasteful housewares and practical yet attractive fleeces, sweaters, boots and more. A crop of other name-brand retailers have outlet shops within walking distance of L.L. Bean.

Set in an imaginatively transformed 1850s mill building in downtown Biddeford, the artful Lincoln Hotel (rates start at $334 per night) contains 33 spacious, industrial-chic rooms with brick walls, gas fireplaces, soaring ceilings and huge windows. It's an excellent choice for taking advantage of Biddeford's increasingly acclaimed culinary scene. Close to Portland Head Light and convenient to downtown Portland but with a peaceful setting on Cape Elizabeth's idyllic Crescent Beach, the pet-welcoming Inn by the Sea (rates start at $495 per night) has 62 individually designed rooms with casually opulent decor; suites have full kitchens.

The seven-story Press Hotel (rates start at $432 or 67,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) occupies a 1920s Old Port building that once housed the city's newspaper and has been given new life as a hip 110-room hotel with old-fashioned writing desks, local art, a rooftop deck, lots of comfy common spaces and a scene-y (for Portland) farm-to-table restaurant. Located in Portland's historic West End, The Francis (rates start at $395 per night) is set in an imposing redbrick mansion that had fallen into a state of disrepair before its new owners completed an ambitious two-year restoration. This dashing 15-room boutique inn has light-filled, uncluttered rooms with a modern vibe, and guests can book spa treatments in the hotel's sister property, The Longfellow, just across the street.

On Great Diamond Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from Old Port, the distinctive Inn at Diamond Cove (rates start at $249 per night) has been created out of late-19th-century army barracks and has spacious, stylish suites, some with kitchens, that feature porches or balconies, and a large pool and acclaimed waterfront restaurant.

Brunswick to Camden 

From Freeport, U.S. Route 1 continues to the dapper college town of Brunswick (home to Bowdoin College and arguably the state's most famous artisan ice cream purveyor, The Gelato Fiasco ), before becoming a less-trafficked and generally quite scenic two-lane road as it meanders in an east-by-northeast direction through Maine's storied Mid-Coast region. It's about a 60-mile drive from Brunswick to Camden, much of it through lively village centers lined with colonial and Victorian houses and storefronts.

You won't see the actual coastline along this section of road, but numerous state roads run south from U.S. Route 1 down to the picturesque tips of several craggy peninsulas, leading to fabled sites of natural beauty like the Giant's Stairs on Bailey Island, Popham Beach in Phippsburg and Pemaquid Point in Bristol. Detouring down these winding, slow-going roads can easily take an hour or more round-trip, without stops, so unless you have lots of time on your hands, don't attempt to explore every one. But do try to set aside time for at least one of these rewarding side excursions, as it's when you get off the beaten path and experience this region's windswept beaches and dramatic rock formations that you gain a true sense of coastal Maine's sheer beauty.

Bath and Boothbay Harbor

Continue on U.S. Route 1 from Brunswick to the bustling small city of Bath, whose location along a deep stretch of the Kennebec River has made it a hub of shipbuilding since the mid-18th century. Thousands of vessels, including striking wooden clipper ships, were built in the shipyards that formerly lined the riverfront, and the grand Federal and Victorian homes that you see throughout town are a testament to the wealth derived from this important industry. On the south side of downtown, Bath Iron Works opened in 1884 and has built countless warships for the U.S. Navy. It continues to function in this capacity as a division of General Dynamics Corp.

You can learn about the town's, and the state's, rich shipbuilding legacy at the outstanding Maine Maritime Museum , which opened in 1971 on the site of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard. This rambling 20-acre campus contains dozens of carefully preserved buildings along with a terrific museum with an impressive permanent collection of nautical art, ship models and memorabilia, as well as excellent rotating exhibits. On your visit, set aside time to take one of the nature and lighthouse cruises that the museum conducts along the Kennebec River.

From Bath, shortly after passing through historic Wiscasset (home to the famous lobster shack Red's Eats ), turn right onto state Route 27 and continue south to Boothbay Harbor, an idyllic yachting enclave that's home to several stunning lodgings as well as a handful of colorful boutiques and convivial seafood restaurants. Boothbay Harbor's greatest draw is the expansive Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens . Peaceful trails lace the more than 300 acres of formal plantings, a delightful children's garden, shady riverside woodlands and art installations, including five whimsical, larger-than-life troll sculptures that Danish artist Thomas Dambo fashioned out of recycled wood.

Back on U.S. Route 1, you'll continue through several attractive small towns, including Damariscotta, known for its oyster farms and beautiful Victorian buildings. River House and King Eider's Pub are a couple of excellent spots in town to enjoy the local seafood.

You'll find some of Mid-Coast Maine's most bewitching scenery along the shore of West Penobscot Bay, starting with Rockland. Once a rough-and-tumble hub of commercial fishing and lime quarrying, and later a supply center serving the needs of the region's swankier resort communities, this town of about 7,100 has enjoyed a recent renaissance thanks in part to the opening of the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum , known for its remarkable collection of works by Andrew Wyeth (as well as his father, N.C., and son Jamie). The museum also features the works of many other notables of American painting and sculpture, including Louise Nevelson and Marsden Hartley. The Farnsworth is the centerpiece of Main Street, whose striking redbrick Italianate buildings house one-of-a-kind shops and eateries.

A block away, the strikingly sleek Center for Maine Contemporary Art , which acclaimed architect Toshiko Mori designed in 2016, is another cornerstone of the town's remarkable creative scene. Rockland supports an increasingly robust dining scene, with Primo and the ethereal Mediterranean cuisine of James Beard Award-winning chef Melissa Kelly leading the way.

Before heading north toward Rockport, make the easy 15-minute detour southeast to Owls Head Lighthouse , a stout white lighthouse that's notable for its dramatic setting atop an 80-foot bluff that guards the entrance to Rockland's busy harbor. Climb to the top of this 1852 structure for a rewarding view of Penobscot Bay and the nearby island of Vinalhaven, to which ferry service is available from downtown Rockland; there's a small, informative museum at the base. Home to more than 150 meticulously maintained antique cars, motorcycles and planes, the Owls Head Transportation Museum makes for a fun stop on your way back to Rockland.

Rockport and Camden

U.S. Route 1 continues north along Penobscot Bay through quaint Rockport, a venerable artists colony set around a glorious little harbor and home to destination-worthy restaurants like 18 Central Oyster Bar and, turning out seasonally sourced Maine-meets-Mediterranean fare, Nina June . Turn right onto U.S. Route 1A and follow this narrow, twisting road through the village and around to Camden City Park, a slice of greenery set on a bluff with commanding views of the antique wooden-masted sailboats and schooners in Camden Harbor. It has access to a wonderful little beach, too.

In Camden, an affluent summer getaway that's famous for its fleet of historic Windjammer ships, several outfitters in town offer sails on the bay. Stroll around downtown, relax in the Olmsted Brothers-designed Harbor Park or make the short but rather steep 1.1-mile round-trip hike up to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park . From the historic observation tower at the top, to which you can also drive, the bay views are stupendous. Back in town, alluring restaurants await, such as Long Grain , for some of the tastiest Thai food in the Northeast, and 40 Paper , with its oft-changing menu of flatbreads, pastas and charcuterie focused on locally sourced ingredients.

A stately 1860s captain's house with additional rooms in adjacent buildings, the Topside Inn (rates start at $369 per night) sits on a hilltop with a gracious lawn and sweeping views of Boothbay Harbor. It's a short stroll from local shops and restaurants and a great base for visiting Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Maine Maritime Museum.

Overlooking the harbor in the heart of downtown Rockland, the stylishly modern 250 Main Hotel (rates start at $358 per night) has 26 spacious, high-ceilinged rooms on five floors, along with a rooftop deck with fantastic views of the water and downtown. The thoughtful staff tends to guests' every need, and amenities include a light complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese.

One of Mid-Coast Maine's most luxurious hideaways, the Camden Harbour Inn (rates start at $555 per night) is part of Relais & Chateaux and enjoys a spectacular setting on a hill with expansive views of the town harbor. This 20-room property features an inn and the critically acclaimed restaurant Natalie's; it's also a short walk from downtown dining and shopping. A half-mile up U.S. Route 1 from downtown Camden, Whitehall (rates start at $231 per night) occupies a 19th-century sea captain's mansion that's been given a clever, boldly colored 21st-century makeover. The 36 rooms and suites are set among a few buildings and range from plush and expansive to simple and economical (with bathrooms down the hall).

Camden to Bar Harbor

There are essentially two ways to get from Camden to Bar Harbor, which is just 40 miles east as the crow flies: the long way, following U.S. Route 1 up around Penobscot and directly across to Ellsworth, and the really long way, which entails detouring extensively down through the beautiful Blue Hill Peninsula and onto pastoral Deer Isle before cutting back up to Ellsworth.

The first option takes a little under two hours without stops, while the second option can take as long as four hours depending on how many of the Blue Hill Peninsula's nooks and crannies you decide to explore. This side excursion is well worth the time if you're not in a rush. Either way, from Ellsworth, it's an easy drive down state Route 3 onto the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island to get to Bar Harbor.

As you drive northeast along U.S. Route 1, skirting the western shore of Penobscot Bay, you'll pass through the small beach town of Lincolnville, which is where you can pick up the ferry to the attractive summer vacation island of Islesboro, before entering one of the coast's most alluring small towns, Belfast. With a downtown abundant with grand centuries-old homes and shopfronts with ornate brick facades, the governmental seat of Waldo County is a pleasure to explore on foot. You'll find a smattering of generally casual bars and eateries in town, plus some intriguing antiques and housewares shops.

Searsport and Bucksport

As you continue up U.S. Route 1, more antiquing awaits in the friendly village of Searsport, which is also worth a visit for its superb Penobscot Marine Museum . About 10 miles north, right before the road crosses the Penobscot River, make a left turn and follow the signs to Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory . Built in 2007, the soaring cable-stayed Penobscot Narrows Bridge is home to the world's tallest bridge observatory; take the elevator to the top of the 420-foot-high West Tower to enjoy the 360-degree views. Then return to earth and stroll the grounds of the adjacent Fort Knox, a formidable granite fortress constructed in the mid-19th century.

After driving across the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, you'll come to the small riverfront town of Bucksport, a former mill town that's reinvented itself as a burgeoning center of tourism. The walking path along the riverfront makes for a pleasant stroll.

Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle

Bordered by Penobscot Bay to the west and Jericho Bay, Blue Hill Bay and Mount Desert Narrows to the south and east, the mostly rural and incredibly peaceful Blue Hill Peninsula is about 25 miles long and contains just a handful of unpretentious yet dignified villages and a cluster of atmospheric country inns and reliable restaurants. As you drive along its curving country roads and alongside its pebbly beaches and graceful bays, it's easy to imagine you're seeing a slice of coastal Maine much as it probably looked a century ago. Home to several conservation areas and nature preserves, the peninsula is popular for hiking, with 934-foot-tall Blue Hill Mountain among the best destinations for a not-too-strenuous 2-mile round-trip scramble, and the views from the top are impressive.

To get here, turn right onto state Route 166 from Bucksport and follow it south along the eastern shore of Penobscot Bay to Castine, a once-bustling colonial seaport that transitioned gradually into a summer colony of understatedly wealthy industrialists in the 19th century. You'll find a handful of endearing shops and eateries in the village center overlooking the harbor.

From here, backtrack up and around Northern Bay and then follow state Route 175 south to a bridge and then a causeway leading to 30-square-mile Deer Isle, with a pair of winsome villages, Deer Isle proper and Stonington, with still more appealing boutiques, galleries and eateries. Home to one of the state's most famous farm-to-table restaurants, Aragosta , Deer Isle attracts more than its share of foodies. Return to the main route by crossing back onto the peninsula and taking state Route 175 or 172 northeast to the peninsula's largest town, Blue Hill, which is still pretty tiny (the population is slightly fewer than 1,000 souls).

Follow U.S. Route 1 and then state Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island, home to the postcard-worthy resort town of Bar Harbor as well as most of Acadia National Park . Bar Harbor was established as a fishing and shipbuilding town in the 1760s, but by the middle of the next century, prestigious American landscape painters, including Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, were drawn here by the captivating harbor, towering granite cliffs and mountains, and sheltered beaches. The town soon attracted wealthy visitors, many of whom, including Rockefellers, Astors and Vanderbilts, erected massive summer homes. The downtown is one of the prettiest, albeit busiest during the summer high season, in the state.

From May through October, cruise ships tie up in the harbor and ferry passengers into town, resulting in sometimes excessive crowds. That being said, the lovely Main Street is lined with appealing shops and eateries, and both the Village Green and waterfront Agamont Park are enchanting spots to relax, perhaps with a slab of fudge or a dish of ice cream from one of the countless sweets shops. Pro tip: Mount Desert Island Ice Cream , which now has locations as far away as Japan, serves the best frozen desserts in town, with unique flavors like coriander-lemon curd and hojicha (roasted green tea). Make sure to visit the two excellent history museums in town, the Abbe Museum , a Smithsonian-affiliated property devoted to interpreting Maine Indigenous culture and natural history, and La Rochelle Mansion , the Gilded Age "summer cottage" of George Bowdoin that opened as a museum in 2020.

Acadia National Park

Home to the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard (Cadillac Mountain, elevation 1,530 feet) and remarkably diverse landscapes of rugged and rocky coastal headlands and pristine forests and beaches, Acadia National Park is one of the great natural treasures of New England. About 77 square miles, the park covers around half of Mount Desert Island, mostly on the eastern of the island's two lobes; the rest of Acadia is on Isle au Haut (reachable by ferry from Deer Isle), a number of small and mostly uninhabited islands in the vicinity, and the southern end of the Schoodic Peninsula. Most visitors focus their efforts on the portion of the park adjacent to Bar Harbor, which is indeed an excellent place to start, although this section of Acadia also receives the greatest number of visitors and can feel a bit overwhelming in summer, especially on weekends.

After stopping by the park's Hulls Cove Visitor Center, drive the breathtaking 27-mile Park Loop Road, absorbing the views from the many rocky ledges. Enjoy lunch at the historic Jordan Pond House restaurant. It's famous for its fluffy fresh-baked popovers with butter and strawberry jam.

Although you can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, parking is limited and reservations are required between mid-May and mid-October to drive to the summit. If you love getting outside and you're ready for a break from driving, consider hiking to the top instead. Several trails, ranging in length from around 2 to 7 miles round-trip, lead to the summit. Other appealing treks in the park include neighboring and less crowded Dorr Mountain and climbing the ladders and rungs of the short but quite vertical Beehive Loop, which overlooks one of the park's loveliest stretches of shoreline, Sand Beach. If you have an extra day or want to get away from the crowds, set aside a few hours to explore the park's quieter western side, checking out the trails around Beech Mountain and Echo Lake.

A luxurious base that's close to both Camden and Belfast yet not far from the Blue Hill Peninsula, the exquisitely restored Homeport Inn and Tavern (rates start at $179 per night) is a short walk from Searsport's town park and fishing pier. This 1860s sea captain's house has a warmly lit British-style pub serving elevated comfort fare, and many rooms have terraces overlooking the verdant gardens.

Famous for having one of the state's most celebrated restaurants, Aragosta at Goose Cove (rates start at $360 per night) offers overnight stays in nine dog-friendly cottages with kitchenettes and three suites, all of them steps from the sea (and some of them with direct water views). It's in the quiet village of Deer Isle, far from crowds, even in the middle of summer. The Blue Hill Inn (rates start at $237 per night) is one of the true gems of the Blue Hill Peninsula. This 1830s mansion decorated in the Federal period style has 11 upscale rooms, and there are two more contemporary suites in an adjacent Cape House cottage. Rates include a lavish multicourse breakfast, and the inn is within walking distance of the harbor and several popular restaurants.

With one of the most desirable locations of any hotel on Mount Desert Island, the refined Bar Harbor Inn & Spa (rates start at $469 per night) sits on a promontory with stupendous views of Frenchman Bay and a wealth of amenities, including an infinity pool, a full-service spa and three waterfront restaurants; many rooms have balconies with water views. The inn accesses the town's famous coastal Shore Path and is an easy stroll from numerous restaurants, shops and the sightseeing cruises that depart from the town pier. The owners run a few other first-rate properties in town, including the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (rates start at $409 per night), a contemporary reconstruction of a baronial 19th-century inn that was lost in a fire.

The stylishly updated Salt Cottages (rates start at $505 per night) date to the 1940s and are a 10-minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor, across the road from Hulls Cove Beach and right by the Hulls Cove Entrance to Acadia National Park. Popular with families, this welcoming beachy-chic resort offers a host of amenities, from a pool and hot tub to lawn games and a fire pit with s'mores. For a quieter stay away from the bustle of Bar Harbor, book a room at the beautifully renovated Claremont Hotel (rates start at $529 per night), overlooking Somes Sound in Southwest Harbor, on the more tranquil western half of Mount Desert Island. It's a great base for exploring the trails in Acadia National Park's west side, and this 6-acre property features a large pool, three excellent restaurants and a wide range of accommodations options, from classic hotel rooms to houses with multiple bedrooms.

Bar Harbor to Lubec

After returning to U.S. Route 1 from Mount Desert Island, it's about a 90-minute journey — the final 15 minutes on state Route 189 bring you to the town of Lubec, which is the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. This is the most sparsely populated stretch of Maine's coast. It's punctuated by a few hardscrabble fishing, farming and timber towns, and the natural scenery along the smaller roads leading out to the coast is beautiful, but there aren't a lot of dedicated attractions in this region. One notable exception to keep an eye out for as you zoom along U.S. Route 1 is the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center in tiny Columbia Falls, which occupies a distinctive pale-blue geodesic dome building meant to resemble a bulbous blueberry. It's one of those goofy roadside stops that's fun for a photo op. Inside the building, a small nonprofit museum has exhibits about the state's most famous crop and a gift shop selling all things blueberry-themed.

For the most part, car traffic dwindles to a trickle, even in summer, once you drive east of Ellsworth. At the end of the road, however, Lubec and neighboring (across Johnson Bay) Eastport are inviting villages free from excessive development. For fans of seaside solitude, it's worth tacking on an extra day or two to complete the drive to the Canadian border.

Even if you're not planning to go all the way to Lubec, consider driving at least as far as the small, laid-back village of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula, which dips down into the Gulf of Maine just 5 miles across the water from Bar Harbor. In summer, you can take a passenger ferry between the two towns; otherwise, it's an hour's drive up and around Frenchman Bay. At the southern tip of the peninsula, off state Route 186, you can enter the nearly 4,000-acre Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, with its largely untrampled conifer forests and bike-friendly scenic park loop road and gravel paths. Only a tiny fraction of visitors ever make it to this pristine and highly underrated section of the park that's anchored by the Schoodic Institute , a 1930s mansion that once held offices and living quarters for the U.S. Navy base that occupied the land before it was transferred to the park in 2002. The building now houses a visitor center and a small museum with exhibits on natural history and the peninsula's interesting military history.

A mellow fishing village surrounded on three sides by water, scenic Lubec has just under 300 residents and an unpretentious downtown with a handful of casual lodging and dining options. After spending the night in town, you can rise early and drive to nearby Quoddy Head State Park to watch the sunrise from the nation's easternmost point. Set aside an hour or two to walk around the 49-foot-tall candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and explore the park's peaceful, windswept nature trails.

Campobello Island

Another enjoyable activity in this part of the world is driving over the only bridge onto Canada's Campobello Island (from the Canadian mainland, you can get to this wooded island of about 950 residents by ferry only). The main event here is visiting Roosevelt Campobello International Park , the 2,800-acre summer hideaway of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. You can tour the 1897 shingle-style house and learn more about the couple in the excellent visitor center. Don't forget to bring your passport!

Tantalizingly within view of both downtown Lubec and Roosevelt Campobello International Park, this historic village on the southeastern tip of Moose Island is only reachable (by car, at least) by driving about 45 minutes around Cobscook Bay. (In summer, there is a passengers-only water taxi that runs between Lubec and Eastport.) Despite feeling even more remote than Lubec, Eastport's downtown actually has more in the way of infrastructure, with a waterfront historic district that comprises a few blocks of handsome Victorian buildings containing a smattering of galleries and cafes. Horn Run Brewing occupies one of the prettiest buildings in town and serves well-crafted brews and tasty pub fare, with a tree-shaded patio looking across the Passamaquoddy Bay toward Canada's Deer and Campobello islands. Stop by the Tides Institute & Museum of Art , which is set inside a vintage bank building and contains rotating exhibits.

Optional side trip to St. Andrews, New Brunswick

You could easily continue your coastal explorations by crossing onto the Canadian mainland and driving farther into the Maritime Provinces. From the border crossing between Calais, Maine (which is a half-hour drive up the St. Croix River from Eastport), and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, it's just an hour or so to the province's largest, and Canada's oldest, incorporated city, St. John. From there, plenty of travelers continue on to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

But even if your goal is to return to your starting point in southwestern Maine, you might consider making a quick side excursion to St. Andrews, which is just a half-hour southeast of the Calais-St. Stephen border crossing. This colorful maritime village perched at the tip of a peninsula that juts into Passamaquoddy Bay is known for its quaint downtown art galleries, seafood eateries and colonial houses. It's also home to several upscale inns and hotels, including the gracious, Tudor Revival-style Algonquin Resort.

En route from Bar Harbor to the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, the enchanting Crocker House Country Inn (rates start at $210 per night) sits near the tip of a secluded peninsula, Hancock Point, an easy stroll from the Frenchman Bay waterfront. The 11 rooms in this 1884 inn received a dapper renovation in 2022, and the inn's restaurant serves exceptionally tasty contemporary American and Asian specialties.

At the Inn on the Wharf (rates start at $130 per night) in tiny Lubec, you can stay in the easternmost town in the United States while enjoying a view from your room of the sun setting to the west over the water. The inn operates out of a former sardine factory but also has rooms in several contemporary cottages on a hill overlooking the bay. A casual restaurant serves simple, fresh seafood, and whale-watching excursions are offered on the inn's 26-passenger boat. In Eastport's downtown historic district, the Kilby House Inn (rates start at $150 per night) is set in a pretty Queen Anne house with four period-furnished rooms with antique beds and country quilts; a full breakfast is served in the dining room each morning.

If you decide to hop across the border for a night or two, consider staying at the elegantly restored Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea (rates start at $218 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), which is in the quaint seaside village of St. Andrews, New Brunswick. A member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, this red-roofed late-Victorian hotel has 233 stylishly appointed rooms, five restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and an award-winning 18-hole golf course.

The driving time from Dallas, Texas to Maine (ME) is:

29 hours, 16 minutes.

Average driving speed: 67 mph Kilometers per hour: 107.8 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Driving time from Dallas, TX to Maine

How long is the drive from Dallas, TX to Maine? The total driving time is 29 hours, 16 minutes .

Your trip begins in Dallas, Texas. It ends in the state of Maine.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Dallas, TX to Maine .

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The Best 10-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary For An Amazing Trip

By Jessie Festa. This Maine coast itinerary includes affiliate links to trusted partners!

Do you need help planning a coastal Maine road trip itinerary ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in the New England region of the United States, Maine is the country’s easternmost state and borders Canada to the north.

Its cooler climate and coastal location are what allow visitors to enjoy many of the things Maine is most known for: delicious seafood, juicy blueberries, beautiful beaches, rocky coastline, and stunning landscapes that offer some of the world’s best hiking and outdoor activities.

There is a lot to enjoy on a Maine road trip, though with so many options, it can be hard to narrow down what to actually add to your itinerary.

Luckily, I’ve done the hard work for you, and you’ll find a road trip through Maine mapped out below — complete with recommendations for where to go, what to do, where to eat, and tips for having the best trip possible.

This itinerary is based on a summer road trip I did with my husband Andy, though solo travelers, families, and friend groups can also enjoy the below suggestions.

To help you have the best Maine road trip possible; one complete with incredible memories you’ll truly never forget!

Renting a car for coastal Maine road trip?  Check out  Discover Cars  to quickly compare your rental options. Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% by using their tool! There are also a number of fun guided Maine tours to add to your itinerary, like an Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland or an eBike Tour of Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads from Bar Harbor .

Psst, don’t forget to pin this Maine itinerary for later!

Simply add the map to your phone to have it ready to go for your trip.

Bonus: The kit comes with 40+ other travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

On that note, let’s go over how to have the absolute best road trip in Maine.

10-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary (Quick Facts)

To help you save time, here is a quick overview of the Maine coast vacation itinerary detailed below.

Maine car rental: Use DiscoverCars to compare prices across various car rental companies. This can really help you save money when traveling to Maine or heading out on a road trip .

Maine travel insurance: I use and recommend SafetyWing , which offers budget-friendly yet robust coverage.

Road trip planning tool: Wondering how to plan a trip to Maine? Check out Roadtrippers Plus , which helps you plan your route, estimate gas costs, book hotels and tours, create maps, and more. Use code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off!

Stop #1: Portland (2 nights)

• Stay: This historic hot tub-equipped Airbnb or at a hotel in downtown Portland – like the Black Elephant Hostel (which has private rooms) or The Docent’s Collection .
• Eat: Bite Into Maine (amazing lobster rolls), Blyth & Burrows (cocktails & bites), Central Provisions (unique seasonal menu), Holy Donut (made-from-scratch potato donuts).
• Do: Bike the lighthouses as a DIY adventure or book this tour , walk the many scenic neighborhoods, visit beautiful beaches (like Old Orchard Beach), and do a beer tour .
• Tours: Click here for a full list of tours in Portland, Maine .

Stop #2: Bar Harbor (3 nights)

• Stay: We stayed at the Acadia Pines Motel based solely on the price, and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. It was fine for what we needed, though if I did it again I’d probably choose the reasonably-priced Little Fig Hotel , which also has a better location right in Bar Harbor’s walkable village.
• Eat: 2 Cats Restaurant (made-from-scratch breakfast), Terrace Grille (delicious lunch on the water), Merchant & Frye (farm-to-fork eatery), and Geddy’s (fresh local lobster).
• Do: Hike in Acadia National Park, wander the walkable village and its coastal Shore Path, and go on a tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co .
• Tours: Click here for a full list of tours in Bar Harbor, Maine .

Route 1 Maine Road Trip Map

When it comes to Maine driving trips along the coast, many people like to take Route 1 since it’s smooth, scenic, and parallels the Maine coast.

To help you save time, you can click here for a Google Map for your Route 1 Maine road trip itinerary with the above-mentioned destinations pre-plotted.

10-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary (In-Depth Plan)

Now let’s go over our best coastal road trip in Maine in-depth.

In this section, I’ll detail a number of recommendations in each stop based on my own unforgettable 10 day Maine itinerary — so that you can steal them for your own travels.

Of course, this list of ideas for a road trip through coastal Maine is not exhaustive. If you have your own suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Maine Road Trip Stop #1: Portland (2 Nights)

One stop you should definitely add to your Maine trip is Portland, a hip city with a rich history.

Originally called “Machigonne” (great neck) by the Native American Algonquians, the area was later named after the English Isle of Portland.

According to Britannica , it changed names a few more times before eventually becoming Portland again, and its history includes being a fishing and trading village, seeing many wars (and being destroyed and rebuilt many times), and playing a big part in the transportation industry.

Much of this history, and more, can be explored at Portland’s many museums.

Portland is actually Maine’s largest city, and today you’ll find loads of opportunities to discover great restaurants, bars, nightlife, tours, and cultural institutions.

Quite honestly, there is enough to do to warrant a longer stay in Portland; however, as this is only a 10-day Maine itinerary and we’ve got places to go, I’m keeping it at 2 nights. That being said, feel free to extend if you have the time!

Where To Stay In Portland

Airbnb with hot tub . During our road trip to Portland, Maine, we stayed in a charming Airbnb housed in a building that’s on the National Historic Registry. Known as the Leonard Bond Chapman House (circa 1868), the home is a classic Second-Empire Victorian, and once featured vast farmland and a successful nursery — though today you’ll find the land has amenities like a hot tub, pool, and relaxing lounge areas.

Hotel in Portland’s Old Port . If you’d prefer to be in the heart of the action, staying in the historic Old Port with its cobblestone streets and beautiful brick buildings is a smart idea. You’ll be within walking distance of loads of restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutiques — plus the waterfront is nearby if you’d like to enjoy a promenade walk, waterfront meal, or sunset cruise .

Things To Do In Portland, Maine

-Bike The Lighthouses

One fun activity to do along your coastal Maine road trip is to bike the lighthouses Portland is so well known for.

You can rent a bike from Lighthouse Bikes in South Portland, which offers rentals for $10 per hour or $35 per day, which also gets you a helmet, bike lock, and a map.

There are 5 lighthouses on the main route, though most people only do the first 4 — Bug Light , Spring Point Ledge , Ram Island Ledge , and Portland Head Lighthouse .

Liquid Riot . While they have a food menu, I’d recommend coming here just for drinks. They brew their own beer and distill their own alcohol — meaning the libations are delicious. Plus, the space is really cool with giant glass windows showing the behind-the-scenes of the operation, wine barrels as tables, and indoor-outdoor seating.

Drink recommendation: the “Wild Hearts” made with Liquid Riot Bonfire Spirit, mezcal, banana Cognac, lime, prickly pear, grapefruit, and spice.

Holy Donut . This beloved local donut shop is known for their made-from-scratch potato donuts that come in flavors like chocolate sea salt and blueberry lemon. My top pick: the vegan chocolate caramel coconut, which looks and tastes like a Samoa cookie!

Geddy’s Restaurant . No vacation on the Maine coastline would be complete without savoring some local lobster. This eatery in Bar Harbor Village is known for its fun nautical decor and fresh lobster caught right in the Maine waters out front. Pair a Lobster Bake — which comes with lobster, corn, and homemade blueberry pie — with a local Atlantic Brewery beer.

Merchant & Frye . This hip eatery in Bar Harbor Village serves up seasonally-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with their craft cocktails, local beers, and carefully curated wines in a stylish space with open kitchen, fun artwork like regal dog portraits, and classic diner tables and stools.

We loved the Maine mussels appetizer — served with seed crackers and aioli for a unique flavor. It’s also recommended to try the Crab Cacio & Pepe with thick rye pappardelle pasta and a generous helping of crab meat, and the 12-hour smoked brisket with marinated heirloom tomatoes.

Graffiti Donuts . This dessert cafe’s specialty is donut creations — including “Donut Nachos” featuring fresh-made cinnamon sugar donut holes, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and rainbow sprinkles. Yum!

Terrace Grille . Here you can savor an amazing lunch with a front row view of the harbor. A few standout dishes include the fish tacos made with local Maine haddock, the shrimp and haddock grits, the lobster roll, and the homemade New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. Pair with a local Atlantic Brewing Co beer or their charitable cocktail of the day (it was “Bubbles For Books” when we visited).

Tours In Bar Harbor, Maine

Add one — or more — of the following Bar Harbor tours to really experience the best of coastal Maine:

• Private Holiday Professional Photo Shoot in Bar Harbor
• Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
• Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour
• A Walk Through Time in Bar Harbor (Celebrating 200+ Years!)

Click here for a full list of Bar Harbor tours .

Tips For Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor has free parking after 8pm. This is true even in the large main lots.

Book your trip in advance. While this goes for all of coastal Maine, Bar Harbor is particularly tricky when it comes to finding affordable lodging. Especially if visiting during the busy summer months, book your accommodation, tours, and transportation as far in advance as possible.

Plan your Cadillac Mountain visit in advance. When researching what to do in coastal Maine, visiting the iconic Cadillac Mountain — the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,530 feet tall — will undoubtedly come up as a recommendation. The thing is, you need a permit to drive to the summit, which books up quickly. You can find full information on making a Cadillac Mountain reservation here .

Maine Road Trip Stop #3: Camden (2 Nights)

If you want to explore the best places to go on the coast of Maine, Camden should definitely be on your road trip itinerary, especially as many consider it to be one of the prettiest coastal Maine towns.

“Where the mountains meet the sea” is Camden’s motto, as it’s one of only two places on the Atlantic seaboard where inland hills roll right up to the harbor to kiss the water.

This makes for absolutely breathtaking scenery whether you’re hiking in the local Camden Hills State Park or wandering the charming waterfront village full of galleries, shops, restaurants, and breweries.

Actually, the Native American Penobscots, who originally inhabited present-day Camden , called it “Megunticook,” meaning “great swells of the sea” — which references the silhouette of the Camden Hills. Hopefully, you’ll have some bright days in Camden during your coastal Maine road trip, as this is when the visual is most apparent.

On that note, let’s go over how to have an amazing time in Camden on your road trip to Maine.

Where To Stay In Camden, Maine

High Tide Inn . We absolutely loved our stay at this bed & breakfast — which is only a 6-minute drive to the walkable village and a 3-minute drive to Camden Hills State Park.

Owned by two sisters, they offer cottages and motel units, many of which have ocean views.

Along with a delicious breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, and homemade baked goods, you can enjoy sipping a glass of wine, seeing a sunrise, or stargazing on their beautiful lawn (with lawn chairs) or on their private beach.

Camden Deli . Not only does this deli have delicious sandwiches — including a number of yummy options for vegetarians — it has a back patio with waterfront views and a rooftop.

Sea Dog Brewing . Enjoy elevated pub fare like crab rangoon dip, creamy lobster bisque, or a veggie sweet potato burger on the back patio with waterfront views and pair with one of their many beers: wild blueberry ale, hazelnut porter, light-bodied wheat ale, hoppy IPA, and more!

Peter Ott’s On The Water . Treat yourself to a nice meal at this fancy restaurant on the water. Prices are reasonable for the level of service and the quality of the dishes — like the homemade lobster corn chowder, panko-crusted haddock, or my personal recommendation, lobster fettuccini. Order it and thank me later!

Tours In Camden, Maine

Camden is one of the best places to visit on the Maine coast, especially if you add some of the following tours to your itinerary:

• Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail
• Windjammer Classic Day Sail
• Wild Maine Blueberries Class
• Artisanal Cheeses of Maine Class

Click here for a full list of Camden tours .

Tips For Visiting Camden, Maine

Explore Camden early. Camden Village closes down early, with most shops closing around 5pm or 6pm and dinner restaurants closing around 8pm or 9pm. Many places — especially those on the water — will have a wait, so if you can get there before 6pm you’ll avoid having to wait for an hour.

Parking is cheap. Along with paid parking spots and lots that are typically $2 per hour, there are a few free lots — including one on Washington Street behind Camden Fire Department and one past the Camden Public Library on Atlantic Avenue.

Maine Road Trip Stop #4: Kennebunkport (2 Nights)

Sitting at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, right along the Atlantic coast, sits Kennebunkport — one of the Kennebunks, which consists of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel.

To the Native American Abenaki, Kennebunk meant “the long cut bank,” believed to reference Great Hill at the mouth of the Mousam River.

The place we call Kennebunkport today was named Cape Porpus by settlers in 1653, and then Arundel in 1717. In 1821, it was finally called Kennebunkport — a name derived from an Abenaki or Mi’kmaq word translating to “long sandbar,” according to Britannica .

Today, the hub of activity is in and around the Dock Square neighborhood of Kennebunkport. Here you’ll find a walkable village with local shops and eateries, waterfront restaurants, and activities like kayak and bike rentals.

That being said, there are numerous places to explore in and around Dock Square to enhance your Maine coastal road trip.

Where To Stay In Kennebunkport

Paris In Kennebunk (Airbnb). This cozy and comfortable Airbnb is located in nearby Kennebunk and is walkable to a number of yummy restaurants. There is also a backyard with a grill, fire pit, hot tub, and loads of seating options for relaxing under the stars with a glass of wine.

Whimsy . Here they sell whimsical home decor and gifts, like decorative lamp shades, hand-carved bird statues, and Maine-themed ornaments.

Minka . This boutique showcases sustainable and handmade apparel, accessories, and art.

Note that these are hardly your only options, so add exploring Dock Square for a few hours to your coastal Maine road trip itinerary!

-Relax on the beach

The best Maine road trips always include time in the sand. Luckily, There are many local beaches in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, like Kennebunk Beach , Mothers Beach , and Parsons Beach .

Probably the most popular — and the one you’ll see in many Maine tourism ads — is Gooch Beach , which features an expansive stretch of sand with swimmable waters, waves for surfing, and views of lovely local homes.

This is one of the best places to visit along the Maine coast. Plus, if you book the above-mentioned Airbnb, a beach parking pass is included with your stay!

Tours In Kennebunkport / Kennebunk

No road trip along the Maine coast would be complete without visiting Kennebunkport. Elevate your itinerary by booking some of the following tours:

• Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charters in Maine
• A Walk Through Time in Kennebunkport (Celebrating 200+ Years!)
• 3 Hour Kayak/SUP Rental in Cape Porpoise Harbor
• Alpha Omega Connections – A Spiritual Healing and Guidance Home

Click here for a full list of tours in Kennebunkport .

Tips For Visiting Kennebunkport

Know where to park. During busy times, the parking lot in the center of Kennebunkport gets full and it’s tough to find parking. Luckily, we discovered a large and empty free lot about a 10-minute walk from the village. The lot is next to the Kennbunkport Fire Station. Here is a pin you can put into Google Maps to find it.

Shorter 7-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary Option

Not all great driving trips in Maine need to be long to be fun. If you don’t have time for a full 10 day coastal Maine road trip itinerary and only have a week to spare, I’d personally cut out Portland and shave one night off Bar Harbor.

With this in mind, your Maine coast driving itinerary would be:

• Bar Harbor (2 nights)
• Camden (2 nights)
• Kennebunkport (2 nights)

This is especially true if visiting Maine in the warmer months when you’ll want to take advantage of the beaches and don’t necessarily care about exploring a bigger city as much.

If traveling to Maine in the winter, then you might instead consider removing Kennebunkport from the road trip itinerary.

With this in mind, your cool weather coastal Maine vacation itinerary would be:

• Portland (2 nights)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable week in Maine, either of the above would be perfect. These are truly some of the best scenic road trips in Maine.

Related posts:

About jessie festa.

Jessie Festa is an New York-based travel content creator who is passionate about empowering her audience to experience new places and live a life of adventure. She is the founder of the solo female travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and is editor-in-chief of Epicure & Culture , an online conscious tourism magazine. Along with writing, Jessie is a professional photographer and is the owner of NYC Photo Journeys , which offers New York photo tours, photo shoots, and wedding photography. Her work has appeared in publications like USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, Thrillist, and WestJet Magazine.

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I'm looking into a roadtrip from Dallas to Maine and back. Does anyone have any itineraries you can share? I'm looking to do it in 2 weeks stopping more along the north east coast rather than along the way.

It is 4-5 days each way if you head up to Acadia National Park and you would want 2-3 days there. Acadia NP is the highlight of New England so that's where I recommend you end up.

I would take an inland route to avoid NYC; you could check out Niagara Falls (stay in Buffalo), drive to the Berkshires (Lenox/Stockbridge Massachusetts area), head to Portland, Maine then up to Acadia along the coast.

There are other options if you want to visit DC, NYC, Boston, etc. but with what really ends up being limited time I would avoid the big cities and associated traffic.

If not wanting to go to all the way to Acadia, you could use those few saved days to visit the southern Maine coast and/or the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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The ULTIMATE Route 1 Maine Road Trip Itinerary | Attractions, Restaurants, & Travel Tips

United States Route 1 is a massive north-south roadway that stretches over 2,300 miles, connecting Fort Kent Maine to Key West Florida. Over 520 miles of the road runs along the stunning Atlantic coastline of Maine and the Canadian border, making it a popular destination for road-trippers.

However, planning a Route 1 Maine road trip can be overwhelming because of the vast distance and numerous small towns and attractions along the way.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive itinerary to guide you from south to north, starting in Kittery and ending in Fort Kent (with some detours). But, feel free to follow it in reverse if you prefer.

Either way, get ready for a breathtaking and picturesque drive along Vacationland’s stunning coastline, with plenty of incredible stops along the way.

About Traveling U.S. 1 in Maine

While there’s some discrepancy regarding the exact length of U.S. 1, the last official log reported it as 2,593 miles long. However, various sources online list it as either 2,370 or 2,390 miles long.

Regardless, it’s worth noting that this highway passes through an impressive 15 states, more than any other highway in the country.

Although U.S. 1 doesn’t have an official beginning or end point, the town of Fort Kent claims to be the northern terminus since the route was originally signed in 1927 when the American Association of State Highway Officials adopted the U.S. numbered highway system.

If you’re following our itinerary from south to north, expect a thrilling adventure filled with stunning scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a quick look at the route:

• Starting from Kittery, U.S. 1 runs northeast and parallel to I-95.
• From Portland, it merges and runs parallel to I-295.
• After Brunswick, U.S. 1 turns in an easterly direction.
• As it approaches Rockland, U.S. 1 turns more northward.
• After Bucksport, U.S. 1 heads east again.
• From Whiting, it veers northward and gets closer to the Canadian border.
• At Maro Hill, U.S. 1 briefly curves away from the border before meeting it again.
• From Van Buren, it follows a northwest path along the border.
• Finally, from Madawaska, U.S. 1 runs westward and slightly southward to reach Fort Kent.

Route 1 Road Trip Traffic

Driving straight through the Maine portion of U.S. Route 1 would take approximately 11.5 hours, but that would mean missing out on the countless charming coastal towns and attractions along the way.

Additionally, most of those “ from away ” come to Vacationland during the summer and fall. Because of that, traffic on U.S. 1 can get pretty crowded. If you don’t want to get caught up in the peak of traffic, you could plan your trip for between Labor Day and mid-October. We also recommend traveling in winter or spring — before May.

Driving Through the Regions

Sometimes, the boundaries of Maine’s regions are a topic of debate among locals. According to the Maine Office of Tourism, though, here are the coastal boundaries of the towns you’ll be visiting during your Route 1 Maine road trip:

• The Southern Maine Coast begins in Kittery and stretches to Old Orchard Beach.
• Greater Portland & Casco Bay spans from Scarborough to Brunswick and includes the islands in Casco Bay .
• Mid Coast Maine covers the coastline from Bath to Winterport.
• Downeast Maine starts at Verona Island and Bucksport and runs northeast to Lubec and Eastport and then north to Danforth next to the Canadian border.
• Aroostook County extends along the Canadian border from Weston to Fort Kent and then northwest to the Village of Estcourt.

So, without further delay, here’s a comprehensive list of the best places to stop during your Route 1 Maine road trip. Buckle up and get ready for an epic journey!

Best Route 1 Stops on the Southern Maine Coast

As you cross the New Hampshire border and enter the Southern Maine Coast, the first town you’ll encounter is Kittery . This town has a rich history dating back to 1623 when it was a fishery, and you can see this history reflected in its buildings, especially the forts.

One such fort is the Fort McClary State Historic Site , which is nearly 300 years old and offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and enjoying the history and surrounding nature.

Another option is Fort Foster Park on Gerrish Island, which is easily accessible by car and boasts three small beaches and a trail system for biking and walking through the military fort remnants.

If shopping is more your style, then the famous Kittery Premium Outlets are a must-visit destination. Here, you’ll find a blend of locally sourced products alongside high-end and national chains, offering a unique shopping experience for everyone.

Kittery Restaurants

You’ll find numerous restaurants in Kittery to keep you fueled up, but here are a few that we recommend:

• Beach Pea Baking Co.
• The Black Birch
• Rose’s Spring Rolls

RELATED: The Best Kittery Maine Hotels and Lodging

York Maine is a charming and noncommercial town that offers a fantastic opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. Start your visit at Sohier Park in Cape Neddick, where you can stretch your legs and take in the stunning Nubble Lighthouse , one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. While here, enjoy a picnic lunch, go scuba diving, and spot a variety of wildlife.

For a dose of history, head to the Museums of Old York , a complex of several historic buildings that house a collection of York-related artistic and historical objects.

Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to The Goldenrod , where you can watch old-fashioned saltwater taffy being made before indulging in a variety of candies, ice cream sodas, and hot fudge sundaes.

If you have some extra time, take an easy 30-minute hike to the peak of Mount Agamenticus , which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Boston Massachusetts, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire from its 692-foot summit. Alternatively, hop on a horse or ATV to reach the top for a unique and exciting experience.

York Restaurants

Lots of restaurants in York will energize your road trip, but here are some top-rated options:

• The Central Restaurant & Bar
• Foster’s Clambakes & Catering
• Green Leaves Chinese-Japanese Restaurant & Lounge

RELATED: The Best Hotels and Lodging in York, York Harbor, and York Beach

As Maine’s third oldest town, Wells has a rich history. But, its natural beauty and antique shops are what make this town a vacation paradise. Wells Beach is a sandy stretch of land with seagrass, sand dunes, and more than 1.5 miles of shoreline.

At the end of Mile Road on the south side of Wells Beach, you’ll find free parking, a few restaurants, a snack bar, an arcade, and more. On the north side at the end of Atlantic Avenue, you’ll find paid parking, a boat launch into Wells Harbor, and the Wells Beach Jetty — a popular walkway among fishermen.

TIP: Other beaches to visit in Wells include Crescent Beach, Drakes Island Beach, and Moody Beach.

If you’re craving more nature than the beach, head to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farms . This National Estuarine Research Reserve features 7 miles of walking trails, bird sanctuaries, and saltwater marshlands. Or, visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge — a preserve of about 50 miles of shoreline, beaches, meadows, and tidal marshes.

And before you leave Wells, peruse the variety of antique shops. With more than a dozen antique shops, the town is considered the Antique Capital of Maine and is a haven for antique furniture, books, and fun tchotchkes. A few of the most well-known stores include Anytime Antiques , R. Jorgensen Antiques , and Bo-Mar Hall Antiques & Collectibles .

Wells Restaurants

From fresh seafood to tasty ice cream, Wells restaurants have a little bit of everything. Here are a few places that we recommend during your Route 1 road trip:

• Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant
• The Steakhouse
• Big Daddy’s
• Congdon’s Doughnuts

RELATED: Best Wells Maine Hotels, Motels, Cottages and Resorts

Ogunquit Maine is a charming town that offers a wealth of enchanting experiences. Begin your adventure by hopping on an Ogunquit Trolley to tour the museums, beaches, shops, and local hot spots.

The trolley even stops at Marginal Way , a 1.25-mile cliff walk that runs along the shore from downtown Ogunquit to Perkins Cove. Along the way, you’ll come across benches, 3 miles of dunes, and numerous photo opportunities.

At Perkins Cove, you’ll enter a turn-of-the-century fishing village featuring a manual footbridge, seaside restaurants, boutique shops, fishing and sailing excursions, and stunning ocean views.

In the evening, catch an authentic, off-Broadway performance at the Ogunquit Playhouse . The general season runs from May through October and features top-notch local and regional performers showcasing their talents in a 1933 barn.

Ogunquit Restaurants

When it’s time for dining in Oqunquit , check out some of these restaurant favorites:

• Beachfire Bar and Grille
• Five-O Shore Road
• Lobster Shack
• That Place in Ogunquit

RELATED: Best Ogunquit Maine Hotels, Resorts, and Bed and Breakfasts

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a must-visit destination on your Route 1 Maine road trip thanks to its 7 miles of pristine sandy beaches. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the ocean, sunbathe, build sandcastles, and enjoy a range of water sports.

The beach is also home to The Pier , a lively spot that extends 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and features several seafood dives and gift shops. At night, The Pier comes alive with entertainment and nightlife, including DJs, karaoke, and comedy acts.

Across from The Pier, you’ll find Palace Playland , an amusement park that has been entertaining visitors since 1902. This unique attraction is the only amusement park of its kind on a New England beach and boasts over 25 rides and attractions, including an old-fashioned carousel, the famous Electra Wheel (a Ferris wheel), and the thrilling 70-foot Sea Viper coaster. It’s the perfect place to let your inner child run wild.

Old Orchard Beach Restaurants

No matter the time of day, the restaurants in Old Orchard Beach will have whatever your appetite craves:

• Elevate Cafe
• Hoss and Mary’s
• Johnny Shucks Maine Lobster
• Paloma’s Restaurant
• Red Door Market and Deli
• Tostones on the Beach

RELATED: Old Orchard Beach Hotels, Motels, Cottages, and Condos

Greater Portland Stops on Route 1

Portland , the largest city and biggest port in Maine, has a rich history that spans hundreds of years, and the city is proud to share it with visitors. Train enthusiasts, for example, can learn about the city and state’s railroad history at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and even go for a ride.

RELATED: EXCITING Railroad Museums & Train Rides in Maine

Built in 1807, The Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill is the only wooden signal tower still standing in North America, having survived Portland’s Great Fire of 1866. From the top of the observatory, you get breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landmarks.

If you’re interested in cryptids and legendary creatures, stop by the International Cryptozoology Museum , which features fascinating exhibits about the Abominable Snowman, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and more. Discover historical accounts, artifacts, fossils, photos, and other intriguing items.

For those seeking some time in nature, the Portland Trails Network offers 80 miles of trails to explore, some of which run through the Old Port district and along Casco Bay. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while getting some exercise.

Portland Restaurants

From lobster rolls to breweries , you’ll find tons of fresh, delicious food in Portland . Check out some of the popular spots during your visit:

• Izakaya Minato

RELATED: Portland Maine Hotels, Motels, and Lodging

Freeport Maine is a charming town located along Casco Bay and is known as a shopping paradise. One of its most famous shops is the L.L. Bean flagship store , which has been in operation since 1912 and remains open 24 hours a day.

But, Freeport offers more than just shopping. The town is also home to beautiful scenery, such as Wolfe’s Neck State Park , which is located close to downtown and offers salt marsh walks, forested trails, and adventures along the rocky coastline across more than 230 acres.

TIP: Wolfe’s Neck State Park is especially stunning during the peak fall foliage season .

For a unique nature experience, head to the Desert of Maine , which spans 20 acres of sand dunes. Self-guided and guided tours are available, teaching you about how the dunes formed during the Ice Age. After walking the nature trails, grab a snack at the Oasis Cafe and a souvenir at the gift shop. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Freeport Restaurants

At the many restaurants in Freeport , find everything from savory entrees to indulgent desserts:

• Isabella’s Cafe & Bakery
• Mainely Custard
• Wicked Whoopies
• Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro

RELATED: Freeport Maine Hotels, Motels, and Lodging

Before embarking on your U.S. Route 1 road trip into Mid-Coast Maine, take some time to discover Brunswick . The Town Mall (not a conventional shopping mall) is a point of pride for the town and is split into the Lower Mall and Upper Mall . It has a walking path, monuments, gardens, picnic areas, farmers’ markets, and an event space.

Not far from downtown or Route 1, the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is another must-see attraction. Built in 1892 and destroyed in a massive flood in 1936, the bridge was only renovated, restored, and reopened in 2006. Spanning 300 feet, the bridge has a slight give to it, adding to the excitement of crossing it.

While in Brunswick, check out Crystal Spring Farm , which hosts a Saturday Farmers’ Market and offers trails, the Tom Settlemire Community Garden, and the Labyrinth in the Woods. It’s a great place to connect with nature and enjoy some fresh local produce.

Brunswick Restaurants

Serving a range of international cuisines, Brunswick’s restaurants can satisfy every appetite:

• Fielders Choice Homemade Ice Cream
• Taverna Khione
• Bombay Mahal
• Richard’s Restaurant

RELATED: Bath and Brunswick Maine Hotels, Motels, and Lodging

Best U.S. 1 Destinations in Mid Coast Maine

Located on the Kennebec River, Bath Maine is a quaint town with locally owned eateries and shops. The city has a rich shipbuilding history and is known as the City of Ships.

Then, learn about Bath’s seafaring heritage and that of the state at the Maine Maritime Museum , which boasts over 20,000 artifacts, an 1851 American clipper ship on display, and a lobstering building and blacksmith shop.

Additionally, get an up-close look at Maine’s First Ship , a replica of the pinnace Virginia that was built in 1607 and was the first ship to sail to England. Volunteers at the Bath Freight Shed love to share its history.

Bath also offers tours of the town and its waters. Embark Maine Tours provides historic tours, while River Run Tours offers maritime history, evening/sunset, and island cruises. It’s a great way to explore the area and learn about its fascinating history.

Bath Restaurants

When you’re ready to stop for a bite to eat, we suggest eating at one of these Bath restaurants :

• Byrnes Irish Pub
• Southgate Family Restaurant
• Winnegance Restaurant & Bakery
• Witch Spring Hill Ice Cream

Five Islands Detour

If you have some extra time, it’s worth taking a detour south of Route 1 to visit Georgetown’s Five Islands. This charming neighborhood is widely considered to be the Prettiest Harbor in Maine , and for good reason.

One of the most popular activities is sailing Sheepscot Bay to see the five islands up close. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a relaxing boat ride.

And, no visit to Five Islands would be complete without grabbing a delicious lobster roll at the Five Islands Lobster Company . It’s a local favorite and a must-try for seafood lovers. Another awesome place to dine is BLUE Restaurant at Grey Havens Inn , which serves New England cuisine — think fresh-caught fish and the finest ingredients.

Damariscotta

Damariscotta Maine has been a beloved stop along U.S. Route 1 for decades, thanks to its charming atmosphere and fresh Pemaquid oysters. Discover the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site , which features a massive pile of oyster shells shaped like a whale. Some of the shells date back to when the Abenaki people lived in the area.

For even more oyster-themed fun, book a themed ride with Damariscotta River Cruises , such as the Oyster & Wine Tasting or the Oyster Farms & Seal Watching cruises. Each tour includes a narration of the history of oysters and dining from a raw oyster bar. It’s a unique and delicious way to experience the area’s rich oyster culture.

TIP: If you’re planning a Route 1 Maine road trip in October, plan to attend the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta . This popular festival features giant pumpkins, pumpkin-themed activities, food stands, and street performers. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the fall season and experience the local culture.

Damariscotta Restaurants

If you don’t book a Damariscotta River Cruises tasting, you can still get local oysters at River House Maine . If you’re in the mood for something else, here are a few other places to stop:

• Ann’s Book Bistro
• Metcalf’s Submarine Sandwiches
• Waltz Soda Fountain

RELATED: Damariscotta, New Harbor, and Pemaquid Point Maine Hotels, Inns, Motels, Resorts, and Lodging

Monhegan Island Detour

For a fun detour from U.S. 1 and Damariscotta in Mid-Coast Maine, consider taking a boat ride to Monhegan Island . Head south to New Harbor to catch a ride with Hardy Boat Cruises , or follow Route 1 to Thomaston before heading south to Port Clyde for a ride with the Monhegan Boat Line .

Once on Monhegan Island, explore Main Street art galleries and shops, the iconic Monhegan Lighthouse, 12 miles of dirt trails , beaches, and Monhegan Harbor in a kayak. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying some outdoor activities and local culture.

There are some delicious eats while you’re on the island too, such as Monhegan Brewing Company , The Barnacle , and The Fish House . And if you decide to stay overnight, there are a few lodging options on Monhegan Island to choose from.

Rockland, Rockport, & Camden

As you continue north on U.S. 1 in Maine, you’ll come across the City of Rockland , the Town of Rockport , and the Town of Camden , each offering a variety of activities to keep you entertained.

In Rockland, check out the Maine Lighthouse Museum , walk the Rockland Harbor Trail , and snap a photo of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse . And don’t miss the Maine Lobster Festival , a five-day event held every summer from late July to early August to celebrate the area’s most famous seafood.

RELATED: Annual Festivals & Events in Maine You Should Explore This Year

Next up is Rockport where you can visit Marine Park’s Andre the Seal statue and the Rockport Lime Kilns . Adjacent to the park is the small, sandy Goodie’s Beach . The town is also home to Aldemere Farm , a cattle farm featuring Belted Galloway cows with their signature Oreo appearance.

In Camden, trek 20 multi-use trails at Camden Hills State Park , some of which lead to the peaks of Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook. For those who want to get out on the water, several Camden Maine cruises and schooner boat tours are available. It’s a great way to experience the stunning coastline and natural beauty of the area.

Area Restaurants

Across these two towns and one city, you have a wide selection of dining options. In Rockland, consider eating at the Home Kitchen Cafe , Liberator Brewing Company , or Primo Restaurant , as well as grabbing dessert at Bixby Chocolates or Dorman’s Dairy Dream .

Among the Rockport restaurants , 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill is a top-rated locale. And for dining in Camden , head to any of these: Franny’s Bistro , Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe , and River Ducks Ice Cream .

RELATED: Rockland Maine Hotels , Rockport Maine Hotels , & Camden Maine Hotels

Vinalhaven Detour

If you find yourself in the Rockland-Rockport-Camden area, consider taking a detour to the charming island town of Vinalhaven.

As the biggest offshore island in Maine, Vinalhaven offers plenty of activities to enjoy, including hiking, boat tours, swimming, and lighthouse photo ops. Plus, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants, such as Greet’s Eats , Pizza Pit , and Good Things Coffee House .

To get to Vinalhaven, take the Maine State Ferry Service from the terminal in Rockland. It’s a great way to experience the unique island culture and natural beauty of the area.

The next stop on this Route 1 Maine road trip is Belfast , a city that offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Two connecting trails allow you to walk through the city along the Passagassawakeag River.

The nearly 1-mile Belfast Harbor Walk starts at Belfast Park , a popular gathering place for special events, picnics, and low-tide walks. The cement path leads northwest along the wharf, passes shops and restaurants, and goes through the Front Street Shipyard. It ends at the Armistice Bridge, a footbridge that crosses the river and offers beautiful views of the harbor.

From there, continue walking north along the approximately 2-mile Belfast Rail Trail . The crushed-stone path leads to City Point, providing excellent views of the river along the way. In the winter, it’s an ideal trail for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

For an indoor activity in Belfast, consider taking a class at the Belfast Curling Club . It’s a fun way to try out this Olympic sport and enjoy some friendly competition.

Belfast Restaurants

From comfort food to exotic dishes, the restaurants in Belfast have everything that you’re looking for:

• Laan Xang Cafe
• Satori Belfast
• The Only Doughnut
• Wild Cow Creamery

RELATED: Belfast and Searsport Maine Hotels, Inns, Cottages and Lodging

Stockton Springs & Prospect

After exploring Belfast, the next stops on your Route 1 Maine road trip are Stockton Springs and Prospect before crossing the Penobscot River to Verona Island.

Just before you cross, be sure to visit the Fort Knox State Historic Site , one of the best-preserved examples of a mid-19th-century military fortification. This impressive fort is the largest in Maine, measuring 146 feet by 252 feet, and was built between 1844 and 1869.

After your fort tour, don’t miss the chance to ride to the top of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory . This 2,100-foot cable-stayed bridge boasts a 42-story public observatory, the tallest of its kind in the world.

From the top, you’ll enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the fort below, Penobscot Bay , and beyond. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed.

There aren’t too many restaurants in the area, but The Club Marina and Bar and Just Barb’s are two places that have some great food.

Downeast Stops on a Route 1 Maine Road Trip

Stonington & Deer Isle Detour

As you continue westward on Route 1, we highly recommend taking a detour south of the highway to visit Deer Isle and Stonington. These charming island towns are the perfect first stops on your Downeast Maine road trip and offer plenty of activities to enjoy:

• Hiking at Island Heritage Trust preserves
• Visiting the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society exhibits
• Hiking the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail
• Kayaking with Osprey’s Echo Sea Kayaking or Sea Kayak Stonington
• Touring the exhibits at the Deer Isle Granite Museum
• Getting interactive at the Discovery Wharf at the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries

And when you get hungry, 44 North Coffee , Aragosta at Goose Cove , Burnt Cove Boil , Stonington Seafood , and Stonington Ice Cream Company are all top-notch dining options.

Back on U.S. 1, you’ll reach Ellsworth Maine , a town that boasts some unique attractions. For example, The Telephone Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of communication technology, offering the chance to see how telephones have evolved over time.

Another must-visit spot in Ellsworth is the Big Chicken Barn where you can peruse three floors of wares from over 50 vendors. With thousands of antiques, over 150,000 books, and more than 50,000 magazines sprawled across 21,600 square feet, there’s something for everyone to discover.

For those who want to get creative, Atlantic Art Glass is an open studio where you can create your own glass artwork. Even if you have no experience, a professional instructor will guide you through the process. It’s a fun and unique way to discover your artistic side.

Ellsworth Restaurants

No matter your diet or palate, these restaurants in Ellsworth will fill your belly:

• Flexit Cafe & Bakery
• Provender Kitchen & Bar
• Union River Lobster Pot

RELATED: Ellsworth Maine Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, and Hotels

Mount Desert Island Detour

Before continuing your journey on Route 1, take a detour south to Mount Desert Island for a plethora of outdoor adventures.

On the island’s west side, you get to enjoy spectacular views of the Bass Harbor Head Light Station at the entrance of Bass Harbor in the Town of Tremont. Additionally, the Seal Cove Auto Museum boasts a collection of cars made between 1895 and 1917 and is located near the Seal Cove Picnic Area.

In the middle of Mount Desert Island, learn about the island’s rich history at the Mount Desert Island Historical Society Museum . In Acadia National Park , drive the scenic Park Loop Road , hike Cadillac Mountain , listen to the waves at Thunder Hole , and take in stunning views at Otter Point Overlook.

On the east side of the island in Bar Harbor , tour the Abbe Museum to learn about the natives who once lived in the area and the Dorr Museum of Natural History to learn about Acadia’s founder.

Island Restaurants

With so many outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, Mount Desert Island is a must-visit destination on your Maine road trip. There are even several places to eat on the island — like Rose Eden Lobster , The Travelin’ Lobster , and Stadium Bar Harbor in Bar Harbor and the Harbor Table , Next Level Sports Lounge , and Salt Shop in Southwest Harbor .

RELATED: Bar Harbor Maine Hotels & Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor Hotels

Located about a one-hour drive east, Machias is a true hidden gem and one of the most charming towns in Downeast Maine. Thanks to its location, it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to enjoy.

One of the top activities in Machias is kayaking the nearly 6-mile Orange River Water Trail where you can spot a range of wildlife, including beavers, birds, deer, and trout. The calm waters provide a serene and peaceful environment to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

For those who love shopping, The French Cellar is a must-visit for fresh cheese, craft beer, and hundreds of wines. Additionally, the Crows Nest Shops offer a shopping center with baked goods, local arts and crafts, and unique gifts and souvenirs.

TIP: If you happen to visit Machias in August, attend the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival , a community celebration of Maine’s wild blueberries. This festival offers a chance to enjoy blueberry-themed food and entertainment , as well as browse the wares of over 200 craft merchants and artisans. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the local culture and celebrate one of Maine’s most famous crops.

Machias Restaurants

Since Machias is such a small town, there aren’t too many restaurants to choose from, but Pat’s Pizza offers dine-in seating and Riverside Take-Out offers amazing roadside seafood for picnics.

Lubec & Eastport Detour

Although Route 1 doesn’t quite reach the easternmost point of Maine, you can take a detour to Lubec and Eastport to experience this unique area. While Lubec is the easternmost town in the state , Eastport is the easternmost city .

Both Lubec and Eastport offer fantastic opportunities for whale-watching tours. Additionally, explore several hiking trails in Lubec, including Quoddy Head State Park , Huckins Beach & Trail , Klondike Mountain , and Boot Head Trail .

In Eastport, follow a historic walking tour and traverse Shackford Head State Park . One of the highlights of the area is witnessing the Western Hemisphere’s biggest tidal whirlpool, the Old Sow Whirlpool .

RELATED: Best Maine State Parks (Our Favorite State Parks in Maine)

With so much natural beauty and unique attractions, Lubec and Eastport are must-visit destinations on your Maine road trip. And, here are a few dining options during your visit — Lubec Brewing Company and Tavern Restaurant at the Water Street Inn & B&B in Lubec and The Phoenix on Water Street in Eastport.

Calais (“CAL-iss”), the first railroad town in Maine, is a city located next to the Canadian border and is full of history and culture.

Discover the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site , which commemorates the area where the first French colonists attempted to settle in 1604. Here, you can witness the extraordinary tides and observe the area’s birds, frogs, and seals.

The St. Croix Historical Society celebrates the history of the city and the St. Croix Valley, maintaining the Whitlock’s Mill Lighthouse and the Dr. Job Holmes Cottage & Museum.

For those who love walking, the Calais Waterfront Walkway is a 1.5-mile path along the St. Croix River, offering outstanding vistas of Canada on the opposite shore. It’s a great way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and learn more about its rich history.

Calais Restaurants

When it’s time for a snack or a meal, Calais has several restaurants to whet your appetite. Here are a few recommendations:

• Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria
• Karen’s Diner and Korner Pub
• Riverview Restaurant & Lounge
• Sandwich Man

Best Route 1 Stops Throughout Aroostook County

Houlton Maine , located farther north, marks the intersection of U.S. 1 with the northernmost end of I-95 and serves as the first stop in Aroostook County on this road trip itinerary. The Meduxnekeag River flows through the heart of the town, offering a picturesque scene at Houlton Riverfront Park, where the Gateway Crossing Bridge crosses the river.

Market Square serves as the downtown hub, spanning more than just one street. Explore monuments, go shopping, and dine until your heart’s content in this historic district. For a unique experience, catch a film at Temple Theater , which has been open since 1919.

To immerse yourself in nature, the Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail offers a 40-mile hiking trail that connects Houlton to Presque Isle (the next stop on the itinerary). The trail is also open for biking, ATV riding, and snowmobiling, making it a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Houlton Restaurants

Check out these dining spots as you’re passing through Houlton:

• ShireWood SmokeHouse Southern BBQ
• Houlton Dairy Bar
• The Vault Restaurant

Presque Isle & Caribou

Presque Isle and Caribou Maine are the two largest cities in Aroostook County, offering a variety of historic attractions and recreational activities.

In Presque Isle, witness the beginning of the Maine Solar System , an incredible 3D scale model that spans nearly 100 miles along Route 1. It’s the second-largest model of its kind in the world. You’ll find the sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the dwarf planet Ceres in Presque Isle.

The Presque Isle Air Museum commemorates the personnel who served at the Presque Isle Army Airfield and Air Force Base with a collection of artifacts, photographs, uniforms, and other memorabilia. Also, wander the nearly 800 acres of land with well-maintained trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing at Aroostook State Park .

In Caribou, learn about the legends of the city at the Caribou Historical Center & Whittier Museum , featuring the former potato farmer who eventually went to California and developed Beverly Hills. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Caribou Country Club Trails and the ski paths at the Caribou High School Ski Center offer fantastic opportunities to see the area’s natural beauty.

While you’re visiting Presque Isle, some good dining options include Ferris BBQ , Riverside Inn Restaurant , and Teresa’s Corner Cafe & Bakery . Meanwhile, The Par & Grill , Rendezvous Restaurant , and Ruska Coffee are ideal dining options in Caribou.

Continuing north on U.S. Route 1, the next stop on this Maine road trip is Van Buren, located on the Canadian border.

The main attraction in Van Buren is the Acadian Village , a collection of 17 relocated and recreated buildings on the St. John River that preserves the lives of Acadians who were banished from Canada and sought refuge here in the early 19th century.

While in Van Buren, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding or ATV riding on the Bangor & Aroostook Trail .

This remote, 61-mile path connects Van Buren to Stockholm, Caribou, Washburn, and Mapleton, taking you through deep woods and fields and along several streams. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise at the same time.

Van Buren Restaurants

There aren’t too many options for dining in Van Buren, but you can’t go wrong at either Big Daddy’s Pizza or Tasty Food . They both have delicious menus.

Madawaska Maine, the northernmost town on U.S. 1, is a Canadian border town with Acadian roots where you can experience the town’s unique culture and history.

At the Acadian Landing & Tante Blanche Museum , see the large cross erected where the first Acadians settled on the St. John River. The museum features historic artifacts and buildings, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

For entertainment, catch a film at the Skylite Drive-In , which celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2023. The drive-in offers amazing views while waiting for the sunset and the film to start, and the snack bar has all the movie treats you need, including popcorn, fried dough with powdered sugar, and fried clams.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will love Madawaska Four Corners Park , a long-distance motorcycle park that has been operating since 2008 and is one of four in the country. Complete the Titanium Butt Challenge by riding all of the Maine Four Corners Experience Tours. It’s a unique and exciting way to discover the area’s natural beauty and history.

TIP: To fully experience Acadian culture, plan your visit for August to attend the Madawaska Acadian Festival . This festival is a celebration of the area’s unique culture and offers the chance to enjoy delicious food, lively music, and traditional dancing. It’s an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and experience the vibrant spirit of the community.

Madawaska Restaurants

From Acadian dishes to classic American cuisine, check out these restaurants in Madawaska during your road trip visit:

• Jeff’s Pizza & Subs
• Madawaska Tastee Freez

Fort Kent marks the end of this Route 1 Maine road trip itinerary, so make sure to walk America’s first mile at the historical marker for the beginning of U.S. Route 1, which has been standing since 1926. Close to the river is a civic monument dedicated to the spot, adding to the area’s rich history.

Also, trek the 4 miles of the Fort Kent Riverside Trail System , which runs along the St. John River and includes playgrounds, parks, murals, and more.

To learn about the Bloodless War, head to the Fort Kent Blockhouse during the summer. Although the fort was never actually used for battle, it’s a fascinating piece of history. The Fort Kent Historical Society maintains several buildings, including an original Acadian log house from the 1830s, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

During winter, enjoy Alpine skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding at Lonesome Pine Trails . Alternatively, plan your visit for the annual Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races to witness the beginning of the 250-mile race through Northern Maine from Fort Kent’s Main Street.

Fort Kent Restaurants

Make your last stop on this U.S. 1 road trip memorable by stopping at some of the best restaurants in Fort Kent:

• Rock’s Family Diner
• Sami’s Cuisine & Cocktails

Plan Your Itinerary Along a Route 1 Maine Road Trip

A Route 1 Maine road trip is a unique and exciting way to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture of Maine. From the southernmost town of Kittery to the northernmost town of Fort Kent, you get to explore charming towns, historic landmarks, and breathtaking scenery.

Along the way, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, as well as cultural events like the Madawaska Acadian Festival. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, a Route 1 Maine road trip has something for everyone.

So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through one of America’s most beautiful regions!

Tiffany Betts is a staff writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and playing board and video games — often combining the two.

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Best Road Trips From Dallas

Top road trip destinations from dallas.

🚗 195 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Perfect long weekend road trip for foodies and music lovers, Austin is famous for its live music scene and outdoor spaces like Zilker Park. The buzzing city is also home to world-class BBQ joints to farm-to-table bistros.

There is something for everyone on this drive and the amazing places you can visit en route include Silos at Magnolia in Waco and Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum .

San Antonio

🚗 370 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 40 minutes

Visit the historic site of the Alamo, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Walk, or have a scenic meal by the river—there is plenty to do in San Antonio, no matter what you are looking for in a road trip!

En route, we recommend stopping at Waco to visit Dr Pepper Museum or grab a meal at Silos at Magnolia and spend some time in Austin .

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Whether you are looking to explore the Museum District's 19 museums or learn more about space exploration at the famous Space Center, Houston is the perfect place to visit for curious minds.

As you drive to Houston, you can make the best of this road trip by visiting Pearce Museum in Corsicana , Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville and enjoy the small town charm of Conroe .

🚗 800 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 10 minutes

If you want the perfect combination of urban fun and a great outdoor adventure, Denver will deliver. This hip city has many up-and-coming breweries, amazing museums and the majestic Rocky Mountains as its backdrop!

There is plenty to see and do en route, and we highly recommend putting aside some time to visit Wichita Falls , Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs .

Grand Canyon National Park

🚗 1,060 miles ⏱️ 16 hours

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth, and for good reason! Here, you will find plenty of stunning vistas and hiking trails for all fitness levels, and you will even get to see an unforgettable sunset.

As you travel to the Grand Canyon, make sure to check out Amarillo , A lbuquerque , the fascinating Petrified Forest National Park and Flagstaff , home to Lowell Observatory .

🚗 1,220 miles ⏱️ 18 hours

Las Vegas needs little introduction; from its neon-lit Strip, glamorous casinos, and amazing shows where you can watch your favorite artists perform to world-class dining, welcome to the world's entertainment capital!

On this sizeable drive, you will have plenty of amazing places to visit. If you are after Route 66 nostalgia, make sure to stop by Albuquerque and stop at Flagstaff to make a detour to the Grand Canyon en route.

New Orleans

🚗 530 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

The party never stops in New Orleans! Time your road trip with the legendary Mardi Gras celebrations and explore the French Quarter, or plan for a quieter adventure in the Garden District and admire the beautiful architecture.

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can extend your trip to visit Splash Kingdom Paradise Island , a great stop if you are traveling with family, and spend some time in Shreveport and Baton Rouge .

🚗 655 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Santa Fe is a colorful New Mexican City with an artistic soul. You will find beautiful adobe buildings and some of the most vibrant markets here. Don't miss out on indulging in the delicious Southwestern cuisine!

There are plenty of unique and quirky things to see on this drive, such as the World's Littlest Skyscraper in Wichita Falls and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo .

Colorado Springs

🚗 730 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Visit Colorado Springs to experience the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Here you can explore Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods to admire the stunning natural landscapes.

Some of the amazing places you can visit on this drive include Wichita Falls , Amarillo , Trinidad and beautiful Pueblo .

🚗 1,240 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 30 minutes

Looking for a magical destination? Orlando is the perfect destination for families and adventurers alike. Home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, Orlando offers endless fun and excitement for all ages.

As you make your way to Florida, you will get to spend time in historic cities like Shreveport and Jackson , admire the Gulf Coast views in Mobile and make a detour to Tallahassee .

🚗 670 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Nashville is the quintessential destination for any music lover. During your visit, make sure to spend some time at the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and catch a gig or two during your visit to Music City.

On the way to Nashville, you can also visit Sulphur Springs , Texarkana , Little Rock and get a taste of live music and follow in the footsteps of the King in Memphis .

Big Bend National Park

🚗 680 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Prepare to be amazed by some of Texas' most stunning landscapes in Big Bend National Park. Bring your hiking boots and set off on a trail or simply enjoy the scenery of Rio Grande's dramatic canyons, and enjoy star-filled nights.

The drive to Big Bend showcases the best of Texas metropolises with something for all travelers, and you can visit Waco , Austin and historic San Antonio en route.

🚗 810 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 10 minutes

There is so much to explore in Atlanta, from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to the expansive Georgia Aquarium and the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden, where you can see the Earth Goddess, pictured above.

This drive is the perfect adventure for history lovers with world-class museums in the cities that dot this route, such as Shreveport , Jackson and Montgomery .

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 7 hours

Amarillo, the gateway to the Texas Panhandle, offers a slice of classic Americana with attractions like the Cadillac Ranch. The charming city sits on the historic Route 66 and is only a stone's throw from the majestic Palo Duro Canyon.

You will get to experience the best of small town and Southern charm on this drive to Amarillo as you drive past the friendly communities of Abilene and Lubbock .

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

Waco is home to the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, the brainchild of Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV's popular reality series "Fixer Upper". This charming Texan city is perfect for a day trip or a laid-back weekend getaway.

Instead of driving directly to Waco, you can extend your trip on this drive to visit Fort Worth , Big Rocks Park , Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center .

🚗 940 miles ⏱️ 14 hours

Windy City is the perfect place to head to if you are looking to do some museum-hopping. While here, don't miss the views from the Willis Tower Skydeck or the art at Millennium Park, and sample some delicious deep-dish pizza.

As you drive to the shores of Lake Michigan, we recommend spending some time in Texarkana , taking a relaxing soak in Hot Springs , and exploring Little Rock and St Louis .

🚗 750 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 45 minutes

Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin is home to an amazing array of marine wildlife, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can expect to find world-class fishing, challenging golf courses, and the freshest seafood in Destin.

This is the perfect "surf and turf" adventure where you can explore historic cities like Shreveport and Jackson inland before heading to the Gulf Coast to enjoy the sun in Gulf Shores and Pensacola en route.

Padre Island

🚗 440 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 40 minutes

Relax on the sandy beaches of Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world. Enjoy bird watching, the Padre Island National Seashore, and activities like fishing and kiteboarding in this coastal paradise.

On this drive towards the Gulf of Mexico, you can visit bustling towns and cities like Waco , Austin and San Antonio for an unforgettable urban adventure.

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Visit Shreveport for a taste of Louisiana culture and entertainment. Enjoy the casinos, vibrant music scene, and Southern cuisine. Don't miss the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and the lush American Rose Center gardens.

There is plenty to visit on this drive, such as the pretty small town of Canton , the famous Lonestar Speedway and Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum .

Oklahoma City

🚗 210 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Oklahoma City is famous for its cowboy heritage, which you can learn about at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Don't miss out on visiting the vibrant Bricktown district.

You can visit Ray Roberts Lake State Park , Frank Buck Zoo and beautiful Turner Falls Park on your way to Oklahoma City.

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Caddo Lake, with its hauntingly beautiful cypress swamps, offers a mystical boating or kayaking experience. Discover diverse wildlife and hidden bayous.

You can also add Canton , a charming small town, East Texas Zoo & Gator Park and Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum to your itinerary en route.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

🚗 510 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 50 minutes

Hike in the stunning Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the highest peak in Texas. Experience the rugged beauty of the desert landscape, extensive hiking trails, and the beautiful wilderness.

We recommend also visiting Abilene Zoo , Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns National Park en route.

Lake Ouachita and Hot Springs

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

Reconnect with nature at Lake Ouachita, and unwind at the healing waters of Hot Springs in Arkansas. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, secluded islands, and thermal baths for a relaxing retreat. Make sure to check out the famous Bathhouse Row.

You can take a little extra time on this drive to visit Sulphur Springs and Texarkana en route to make the best of your road trip.

Corpus Christi

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

A relatively short road trip to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico will take you to Corpus Christi for a blissful beach getaway. Enjoy the soft sands of Padre Island, explore the Texas State Aquarium, and have fun with watersports if feeling adventurous!

On this road trip, you can also visit Waco , Temple , the iconic metropolis of Austin , New Braunfels and fascinating Natural Bridge Caverns .

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

If you are looking for a peaceful experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Broken Bow is nestled near Beavers Bend State Park; a paradise for fishing and even camping by the river. Nearby, you will also find restaurants by Broken Bow Lake.

There are plenty of interesting places to see on this drive, including Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville , Cooper Lake State Park and Paris , Texas.

🚗 520 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 40 minutes

Branson is a family-friendly destination known for its live shows, beautiful Ozark Mountains scenery, and fun attractions like Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park. The area is especially stunning during spring and fall, so you might want to plan accordingly!

En route, you can also make stops at Texarkana , beautiful Hot Springs and Little Rock in Arkansas and explore Ozark-St. Francis National Forest .

🚗 320 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 30 minutes

Possibly home to some of the most quirky attractions on our list, Tulsa is known for its Art Deco heritage and beautiful green spaces like the Gathering Place. Make sure to visit the Philbrook Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum.

If you'd like to explore the area more, we recommend making stops at Sulphur Springs , quirky town of Paris , Texas and pretty Lake Eufaula .

🚗 20 miles ⏱️ 25 minutes

Grapevine is home to a historic downtown with its boutique shops, wineries, and festivals. Don't miss the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and the beautiful Lake Grapevine for outdoor activities.

Grapevine sits adjacent to Dallas, so this will be a very short drive. En route, you can stop by Cowboys Red River Dancehall & Saloon for a spot of nostalgia.

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 35 minutes

In the charming small town of Terrell, you can visit the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, the historic downtown, and enjoy local dining. Terrell's friendly atmosphere makes it a delightful stop on any road trip.

To make the best of this short drive, we recommend stopping at Spellman Museum of Forney History en route to Terrell.

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Canton is a pretty small town best known for hosting the world's largest flea market, First Monday Trade Days. Explore this vast market for unique finds and local crafts.

On your way to Canton, you can also visit the Spellman Museum of Forney History and Splash Kingdom Paradise Island , which is a seasonal attraction.

Longer road trips from Dallas

🚗 1,360 miles ⏱️ 20 hours

If you are looking for a beachy road trip, then San Diego is the destination to add to your list! Home to stunning shorelines, this sunny Cali city is home to San Diego Zoo and historic Old Town. Make sure to check out the popular breweries while there!

Los Angeles

🚗 1,440 miles ⏱️ 21 hours

Sitting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles is famously home to the iconic Hollywood sign, sunny beaches, many museums and eclectic neighborhoods that make the city a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.

Yellowstone National Park

🚗 1,385 miles ⏱️ 22 hours

Explore the wild heart of Yellowstone National Park, where you will find world-famous geysers, hot springs, and fascinating wildlife. Make sure to add majestic Old Faithful and stunning Grand Prismatic Spring to your list of things to see!

🚗 1,550 miles ⏱️ 23 hours, 35 minutes

Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Big Apple is an amazing destination for some retail therapy, visiting world-class museums, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and spending some time at Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

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Portland (Maine) to Dallas drive

Portland (maine) to dallas road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Portland (Maine) to Dallas. If you're planning a road trip to Dallas, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Portland (Maine) drive for about 3 hours

1:04 pm   Newport stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:04 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6.5 hours

8:00 am  leave from Staten Island Ferry drive for about 6 hours

1:48 pm   Charlottesville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:48 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:45 pm   Roanoke stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:45 pm drive for about 4 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 12 hours

9:00 am  leave from Knoxville drive for about 3 hours

11:51 am   Nashville eat at Bluebird Cafe stay for about 4 hours and leave at 3:51 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 6 hours

10:00 am  leave from Peabody Hotel drive for about 3 hours

1:02 pm   Hot Springs stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:02 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

6:45 pm  arrive in Dallas eat at Pecan Lodge stay at Hotel Zaza Dallas

day 4 driving ≈ 7.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Newport   (32 answers)     The Breakers   (4 mentions)     Cliff Walk   (4 mentions)     International Tennis Hall of Fame   (2 mentions)     Thames Street   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Newport:         Scales & Shells         Black Pearl         Flo's Clam Shack         The Red Parrot         The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar     questions about Newport:         What are the best places for low-key sea food/Rawbar?         Day trips from Newport, RI         Best things to do in Newport on a 3-day trip in September?         Most romantic B&B ?         Great seafood restaurants In Newport Staten Island Ferry   (21 mentions) Charlottesville   (19 answers)     Monticello   (2 mentions)     questions about Charlottesville:         Any recommendations for hikes, good food and wine for a long-weekend trip?         Trip with husband Roanoke   (26 answers)     questions about Roanoke:         What is your favorite restaurant in Roanoke? Knoxville   (47 answers)     questions about Knoxville:         New Years in Knoxville reccomendations         Pet friendly lodging near Knoxville, TN Nashville   (233 answers)     Grand Ole Opry   (8 mentions)     Country Music Hall of Fame   (6 mentions)     Ryman Auditorium   (6 mentions)     Centennial Park   (6 mentions)     The Parthenon   (5 mentions)     restaurants around Nashville:         Bluebird Cafe         Opryland Hotel         Pancake Pantry         Hattie B's Hot Chicken - 19th Ave         Peg Leg Porker BBQ     questions about Nashville:         What's the best neighborhood in Nashville for a first time visitor?         Nearby small towns or outdoor areas?         Top of the line hotels in Nashville?         What are some must sees in Nashville during the weekend         Best Location to Stay Memphis   (140 answers)     Beale Street   (9 mentions)     Graceland   (9 mentions)     National Civil Rights Museum   (8 mentions)     Memphis Zoo   (7 mentions)     Mud Island   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Memphis:         Central BBQ         Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken         Charlie Vergos Rendezvous         Payne's Bar-B-Q         Cozy Corner Restaurant     hotels around Memphis:         Peabody Hotel     questions about Memphis:         What is your favorite restaurant in Memphis?         What are the musts of Memphis, y'all?         Must sees in Memphis TN?? Hidden gems places to eat??         Best blues clubs in Memphis?         Good Food and Fun With Kids Hot Springs   (27 answers)     Hot Springs National Park   (4 mentions)     questions about Hot Springs:         Fun, family friendly, foodie things to do

Where's the best place to stay in Dallas?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Dallas .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel Zaza Dallas , which was mentioned 4 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Dallas? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Dallas?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Pecan Lodge , which was mentioned 9 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Dallas? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Dallas?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Dallas. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Dallas.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Dallas to Portland (Maine) drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Portland (Maine) to Dallas . Or get a full Portland (Maine) to Dallas flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Portland (Maine) well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Portland (Maine)!

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19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!)

Planning a quick escape from the city and looking for the best weekend getaways from Dallas?

From small towns to state parks to funky cities, we’ve rounded up the best road trips from Dallas (or Fort Worth) here!

With one exception, each of these Dallas weekend getaway ideas is located between 3 and 8 hours from Dallas, making these destinations ideal for trips that last 1-3 nights away (if you’re looking for destinations a bit closer to Dallas, check out our guide to the best day trips from Dallas here ).

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a weekend full of family memories, an adventure with friends, or even a solo escape, one of these weekend getaways from Dallas is no doubt right for you.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Best Cities for Weekend Getaways from Dallas

The capital of Texas and self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World is the perfect weekend trip from Dallas for those looking to keep things just a little weird.

Take a dip in one of Austin’s many nearby natural swimming holes , go hunting for street art on South Congress, tour the Texas State Capitol Building, watch the sunset at Mount Bonnell, escape to the Texas Hill Country for the day, and of course enjoy plenty of nightlife!

With a huge variety of fun things to do, Austin is perfect for travelers looking for a great mix of city fun and outdoor adventure.

Driving Distance from Dallas

New Orleans, LA

Featuring some of the best food, music, and culture in all of the country, having a city as incredible as NOLA reachable as a road trip from Dallas is definitely something to take advantage of!

While you’re there, be sure to enjoy Bourbon Street, but get off of it, as well: NOLA is more than just its incredible partying (though the partying does indeed live up to the legends).

Consider visiting the Garden District, taking a ghost tour, visiting the nearby bayou, taking a steamboat cruise, and of course, eating plenty of excellent food, from po’boys to beignets, during the course of your weekend getaway in New Orleans .

7 hours, 45 minutes.

San Antonio, TX

As the most-visited city in all of Texas, San Antonio knows how to show visitors a good time, and it is absolutely one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas!

Be sure to visit the famous Alamo, as well as the rest of the San Antonio Missions.

All five missions, including the Alamo, are recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site–the only UNESCO site that exists in Texas!

You’ll also want to sample the Riverwalk, of course, as well as visit the San Fernando Cathedral, go shopping at the Historic Market Square and in La Villita, and visit one of San Antonio’s incredible museums.

When driving from Dallas to San Antonio , you’ll also find plenty to do along the way–if you have time, consider adding a pitstop in Waco or Austin to your trip!

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City may not be what you immediately think of when considering getting away from Dallas for a weekend, but this smaller city to the north offers a surprising number of things to see and do!

Consider visiting the Bricktown entertainment district, checking out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, strolling through the beautiful Myriad Botanical Gardens, and paying your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Head a bit north of the city, and you’ll quickly find yourself on Route 66, with quirky roadside attractions like the Arcadia Round Barn within easy reach.

3 hours, 15 minutes.

Houston, TX

As the 4th-largest city in the USA, Houston is positively packed with interesting things to do, starting with its most famous attraction of all: the incredible Johnson Space Center!

Once you finish up at the Space Center, though, there’s still plenty to see in Houston, including several parks to visit, an enormous number of museums and art galleries, and plenty of delicious food to eat–Houston is home to one of the best (and most diverse) food scenes in Texas!

Want to squeeze in a quick trip to the beach?

With some careful planning, you can enjoy some time on the sand in Galveston into your weekend in Houston!

3 hours, 30 minutes.

Located on the Arkansas River–and more importantly, along Route 66–Tulsa is an unexpectedly fun place to spend a weekend!

This unexpectedly charming city is complete with Art Deco architecture, plenty of interesting museums (don’t miss the stunningly beautiful Philbrook Museum of Art), and the fun Blue Dome District.

Want to see some classic Route 66 quirkiness while you’re there?

The famous Blue Whale of Catoosa is just outside the city!

4 hours, 30 minutes.

Nature-Focused Road Trips from Dallas

Palo duro canyon state park, tx.

The second-largest canyon in the USA is reachable as a weekend trip from Dallas–and it’s one of the coolest places in all of Texas!

While you’re there, be sure to soak in the excellent views from the top of the canyon, drive the park loop road, and hike a couple of trails. Most importantly, be sure to hike to the Lighthouse formation!

It’s the most famous formation in the park for good reason.

Colorado Bend State Park, TX

Want to feel like you’ve left Texas behind… without actually leaving Texas?

Staring up at 70-foot Gorman Falls can definitely have that effect: this stunning living waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas, and looks more like it belongs in Hawaii than in the Lone Star State!

Come to Colorado Bend State Park for hiking, swimming, and beautiful views in the heart of Texas.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Located in southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Cavern is one of the most impressive caves in the USA.

It’s one of the most unique weekend getaways from Dallas!

While you can tour the main cavern, including the aptly-named Big Room, in a single day, with some extra time you can also add some more hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert to your trip… or you can combine your Dallas road trip to New Mexico with our next destination in this guide.

7 hours, 15 minutes.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Set just south of the New Mexico border in west Texas–only half an hour from Carlsbad Caverns National Park–sits the beautiful Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Here, you can find the four highest peaks in Texas and some excellent hiking , making it another fantastic option for weekend getaways from Dallas.

If you happen to be planning your road trip in the fall, Guadalupe Mountains National Park also happens to be home to some of the prettiest fall foliage in Texas !

Lake Texoma, TX/OK

Located right on the Oklahoma/Texas border, Lake Texoma is a doable day trip from Dallas but definitely deserves to be called out in any guide cataloging road trips from Dallas, as it’s absolutely one of the most popular weekend getaways for locals.

Popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking, Lake Texoma is a fun outdoor getaway for the whole family!

1 hour, 40 minutes.

Hot Springs National Park, AR

Aptly named Hot Springs National Park is the perfect Dallas getaway destination for those looking for a relaxing weekend away, complete with a soak in a thermal spa!

Located in an urban setting surrounded by shops, restaurants, and more, Hot Springs offers a fantastic mix of natural highlights and small-town charm.

Nine historic bathhouses line Bathhouse Row, where visitors flocked to enjoy the local hot springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, two of which you can still take a soak in today!

Broken Bow, OK

As the gateway to beautiful Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow is one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas for those looking for a quiet retreat into nature near a small town.

While in Broken Bow, you can go canoeing on the lake, take a hike, stay in a cozy cabin, and enjoy a relaxing trip that feels worlds away from the city.

Best Small-Town Weekend Trips from Dallas

Fredericksburg, tx.

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is definitely one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas!

Featuring plenty of nods to its German heritage, a beautiful downtown packed with shops and restaurants, great antiquing, and–most famously of all– plenty of easily accessible wineries to choose from, Fredericksburg is a fantastic change of pace from Dallas.

The town is also easily accessible to plenty of hiking (including Enchanted Rock ) and other beautiful small Texas towns (like Luckenbach , Johnson City , and Wimberley ).

4 hours, 15 minutes.

Round Top, TX

The tiny town of Round Top, Texas, is best known for its antique shows … but you can shop thousands of antiques, meander through a small town, and enjoy the famous (and delicious) pies at Royers Pie Haven year-round on a Dallas weekend getaway to Round Top!

Don’t miss Henkel Square Market or Rummel Square while you’re there!

And, if you’re into unique roadside stops on your road trips from Dallas, don’t miss the charming nearby St. Martin Catholic Church, which is considered the smallest Catholic church on Earth!

3 hours, 45 minutes.

Long known as the home of Baylor University, Waco has become one of the most popular road trips from Dallas in recent years for a very different reason: the opening of Magnolia Market, owned by Chip & Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame.

Even beyond the immensely popular Silos, though, Waco has plenty to see!

Consider also stopping by the Dr. Pepper Museum, enjoying Baylor’s beautiful campus, and checking out the Wooly Mammoth National Monument during your visit.

1 hour, 30 minutes.

Jefferson, TX

The small town of Jefferson, Texas, combined with nearby Caddo Lake State Park, makes one of the best and most diverse Dallas getaway ideas (for the lovebirds out there, it’s arguably one of the most romantic getaways from Dallas, too).

The best things to do in Jefferson itself include antiquing in the historic downtown center, shopping at the famous Jefferson General Store, staying in one of  the many bed and breakfasts  that the town is famous for, and learning about Jefferson’s railroad history–touring Jay Gould’s opulent private rail car is a great place to start.

From there, head to Caddo Lake, where you’ll find a very different side of the Lone Star State–one dotted with giant cypress trees that drip Spanish moss and leisurely canoe rides.

This isn’t a lake for swimming–the alligators who live in the lake are best avoided–but it is utterly beautiful, and a fantastic road trip from Dallas for those looking to leave city vibes behind entirely.

Branson, MO

Tucked into the Ozarks, Branson is a (polarizing) regional favorite, with a distinct flair that draws in visitors from surrounding states–including people looking for fun road trips from Dallas!

Branson is known for its live entertainment and shows (typically with a country music twist), its easy access to Table Rock Lake, and for being the home of Silver Dollar City, an amusement park that’s a favorite of families visiting the area.

New Braunfels, TX

For a fairly small town, New Braunfels is positively packed with things to do, from the beautiful Gruene Historic District (home to the iconic Gruene Hall), to floating the river, to visiting Schlitterbahn, to touring the incredible Natural Bridge Caverns.

Whether your ideal weekend getaway from Dallas includes natural beauty, dancing the night away, or one of the best theme parks in Texas, you’ll find it in New Braunfels!

3 hours, 40 minutes.

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Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

I f you’re here, that means you’re probably planning an epic New England road trip along the coast, and man, I’m SO excited for you! Hi, my name is Sam, and I’ve been exploring this corner of the world for over 10 years now. I’ve taken countless road trips along the coast, and I’ve finally perfected my unforgettable Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine itinerary for those looking to explore the  New England coast .

To date, this is my favorite road trip I’ve done, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself. To help you plan the perfect adventure, I’m going to share all my expertise on this area with you, offer my best tips for planning your trip, and give you my ultimate itinerary that was years in the making.

While following along, I encourage you to tailor this itinerary to your own preferences depending on how much time you have for your trip, but I do make suggestions on how long it takes to make the drive, and see all the best places on the way.

Are you ready to start planning together? Let’s go!

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Road Tripping From Boston To Bar Harbor – The Basics

Before we jump into the itinerary, let’s get started with some questions you may have …

How Long Is The Drive From Boston To Bar Harbor?

If you don’t make any stops at all, and take the most direct route, the drive takes between 4 hours and 40 minutes to 5 hours, and spans about 280 miles. It could be longer depending on traffic getting out of Boston. If you happen to leave Boston during rush hour, definitely expect it to take a bit longer.

However, if taking a road trip, you could really make this drive as long as you wanted because there are so many amazing things to see along the way, and some fun detours to take. In just a sec, I’ll give you my suggestions on how long you need to make this trip and see as much of the coast as you can 😉

The auto road to the Cadillac Mountain Summit in Acadia National Park.

Is The Drive Scenic?

I think so, yes! But it kind of depends on your expectations.

While many parts of the actual drive are on highways that are kind of boring, there are  so  many great places to stop along the way that can make the drive very scenic.  Especially  if you take some of my suggested detours and scenic byways! But is every second of the drive stunning? Well, no. So it’s good to set expectations. It’s really more about the stops you make during the trip than the actual drive itself.

There are some portions of the actual drive that are very beautiful, though.

How Many Days Do You Need To Drive From Boston To Bar Harbor?

Since there are just tons of incredible things to see, I’m recommending one week, or 7-8 days, as I know that this is how much most people have to make this drive. If you have longer than a week, then I say it’s worth it to enjoy going at a slower pace. But you can definitely enjoy the top things to see in a week. This will also include two days in  Acadia National Park!  For my itinerary, I’m mapping out 8 incredible days for you, and you can adjust it to fit your schedule 😊

Best Time Of Year To Drive Boston To Bar Harbor

Generally,  June-September  is the best time to drive from Boston to Bar Harbor, as this is when you can expect the  best weather, and longest days .  July and August is considered peak season  along the New England coastline, so this is also when you can anticipate the most crowds and highest hotel prices. But gosh, it’s so worth it!

However, I’ve done this road trip in all seasons – yep, in spring, summer, fall, and even winter! As a second suggestion, I love  May to avoid some of the crowds  and still enjoy mild weather, and also  October to chase all the stunning fall foliage .

I’m going to give you some suggestions later in the post to turn this drive into a fall foliage adventure, so be sure to check that out if you’re planning your trip in the fall season 🍁😉

It’s also good to know that some places along the New England coast are seasonal, especially seafood shacks, boat tours, and ice cream places. If they’re seasonal businesses, it’s likely they won’t open until late May or June and begin to close down around Labor Day or only stay open possibly mid-October. But you’ll always be able to find places that are open year-round, too.

How Many Days Should You Spend In Acadia National Park?

Speaking of Acadia, that’s probably the reason you’re making this drive, right? This park is undoubtedly the top attraction in New England, and rightfully so. I always recommend a minimum of two days to explore, allowing 1 full day in the park, and then at least a half day to see Bar Harbor, which is such a charming town along the coast.

If you have more than a week for this trip, you could definitely add an extra day to Bar Harbor so you have two full days to explore the park.

Is There A Ferry From Boston To Bar Harbor?

No, there is no ferry that goes between Boston and Bar Harbor. The best way to make the trip is to drive.

The only ferry to Bar Harbor is the one from Nova Scotia, which is the CAT Ferry.

Is It Worth Going All The Way To Bar Harbor?

Oh yes! I often get asked this because Bar Harbor is pretty far up the Maine coast, and it’s one of the top attractions most out of the way in New England. But yes, it’s absolutely worth the drive. Because there are so many great things to see along the way, and since Acadia offers some of the best and most iconic coastline views in the Northeast, it’s very much worth the effort.

Overview: Best Stops To Make When Driving Boston To Bar Harbor

These are the top places I recommend stopping in that I think are very much worth your time. Some of them require a bit of a detour, but depending on your preferences, you’ll probably be happy you went out of your way!

→  Massachusetts North Shore : This includes Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, and Newburyport. I suggest you drive the Essex Scenic Coastal Byway on your way to or from Bar Harbor to see some of these towns, depending on which appeals to you the most. I have a slight preference for Salem, Marblehead, and Rockport, which are all small and easy to do in a couple of hours each. I’ll go more into this later in the post 😉

→  Portsmouth, New Hampshire : Pretty much just off I-95 and not out of the way at all, Portsmouth is a charming coastal city that feels more like a quaint town. Great historic New England scenery and shopping! I recommend this stop if you’re looking for more of a town vibe vs. coastline, as the coastal views here aren’t as impressive as the rest of the places on this list.

→  Southern Maine Coast : This includes places like York & Cape Neddick, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit. I usually suggest stopping at Nubble Lighthouse in York, spending a couple of hours each in Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, and even staying the night in one of these two towns.

→  Portland, Maine : The state’s largest city is filled with lots of maritime charm, amazing dining, lighthouses, and history. If you like cities, this may be worth staying a night, but you can also see the highlights in a few hours if you’re not a city person.

→  Freeport, Maine : Home to the flagship L.L. Bean store! It’s not worth it for everyone to stop, but gosh, it’s a pretty cool place to see if you’re looking to pick-up some New England clothing and accessories.

→  Maine’s Midcoast : Between Freeport and Belfast, just before getting to Bar Harbor, there are lots of great towns along the coast to explore in this region, including Harpswell, Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, Rockland, and Camden. I have so many suggestions for hidden gems and places to visit along this portion of the drive, which I’ll go more into during the itinerary portion of the post!

The PERFECT Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Overview of this itinerary:.

Since most people reading this will need to start and end their trip in Boston to catch a flight, that’s how I’m formatting the itinerary. You’ll be making most stops on the way to Bar Harbor, but also saving a few for the drive back so you have something to look forward to 😉

Day 1 : Explore Boston.

Day 2 : Get an early start and drive to either Kennebunkport or Ogunquit. Spend 1 night.

Day 3 : Drive to Portland to explore for a few hours, and then make your way to Camden with a few optional detours for lighthouses and great coastal scenery! End in Camden to spend the night.

Day 4 : Spend the morning in Camden, and then drive to Bar Harbor. Enjoy downtown Bar Harbor and grab dinner. Spend two nights here.

Day 5 : Explore Acadia National Park during the day, and more of Bar Harbor at night.

Day 6 : Drive to Boothbay Harbor to spend 1 night. Take a boat tour.

Day 7 : Drive to Portsmouth and spend a few hours enjoying the shops, and drive the Essex Scenic Byway along the Massachusetts North Shore to make your way toward Boston. Stay the night in this area.

Day 8 : Arrive back in Boston to head home.

Day 1: Explore Boston

Boston is the perfect starting point for most New England itineraries, but it’s also one of the top places to explore in the region, so you should definitely plan at least a full day in the city!

Rooted in history, packed with New England charm, and filled with exciting dining and cool things to do, you can actually cover a lot of ground in just a day in Boston, including the top highlights.

Here are some of the top things I suggest first-timers do :

→ Take a food tour to get a taste of what this region is all about. I have a detailed guide on all the  best Boston food tours  to help you pick the best one! But seafood and Italian cuisine are especially great here.

→  Visit the most charming neighborhoods , which are  Beacon Hill  and the  North End . The North End is also where you’ll find the best Italian restaurants.

→ Stroll through the  Public Gardens  and  Boston Common . The Boston Public Garden was the very first in the U.S., and it’s so beautiful and photogenic 😍 Boston Common isn’t as scenic as the Public Garden, but in the fall during foliage season, it’s on fire with color. Plus, they’re both really close to one another.

→ If you’re looking to do some  shopping , head to  Newbury Street  and  Copley Place .

→ Visit the  New England Aquarium .

→ Explore parts (or all!) of the  Freedom Trail , which is a walking tour that takes you to historically significant places around Boston. You can also take  this awesome Freedom Trail tour .

→ Grab lunch or coffee at the beautiful and Instagram-worthy  Tatte Bakery , which has locations around the city (you’ll see why I recommend it when you walk in 😉).

→ End your day with a nice dinner out. I love  Neptune Oyster , but they don’t take reservations, and it can be a long wait time. If that’s not worth it for you, I also love the  Union Oyster House  for a traditional New England dining experience. But there are so many fantastic places in Boston to choose from.

How To Get Around Boston :

Boston is very walkable, and most of the tourist attractions, which are truly the top things to see in the city, are within walking distance to one another (less than a mile) in the downtown area. If you’re exploring for a day, you likely won’t need to use public transit, but may want to get an Uber or Lyft, which are widely available, just to save time (or if you’re tired!).

Where To Stay In Boston :

All of these suggestions are in great locations, and within walking distance to most everything!

→  Boston Harbor Hotel

→  Revere Hotel Boston Common

→  The Godfrey

Day 2: Drive To Southern Maine

First thing’s first, you’ll want to  pick-up your rental car in Boston  early in the morning. Then, head out to start your drive to southern Maine! During this part of the trip, you’ll pass through Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but don’t worry, we’re going to stop there on the way back 😉 To get to southern Maine, you’ll hop on I-95.

So, Ogunquit or Kennebunkport ?  Well, you can do both if you want! Ogunquit is about 25 minutes south of Kennebunkport, and the biggest difference, as mentioned, is that Ogunquit is more of a beach town, whereas Kennebunkport is more of a coastal town. That said, Kennebunkport also has beaches, and Ogunquit is also just as charming – I honestly love both.

Since you’ll pass by Ogunquit on your way to Kennebunkport, you can stop by for a few hours and see the beach, and the cute little town, and then end in Kennebunkport. You’ll want to decide which town to spend the night in – both have plenty of hotels and dining options.

On your way to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, I also recommend you stop in York , which is just south of Ogunquit.

Notable stops to make in York if you have time :

• Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick  – the lighthouse itself is not accessible, as it’s on its own little island, but the viewpoint is really great and worth a stop! It only takes a few minutes.
• Stonewall Kitchen Flagship Store & Café  – This New England brand started in Maine, and is now sold in specialty stores all over the country, but the flagship store has everything, and is really fun! The café is also very good, and a lot of people come here for lunch.
• Downtown York  – Waterfront scenery, and some cute shops.
• The York Cliff Walk  – A pedestrian path along the coast with beautiful views.

*If you’re short on time , I would just do Nubble Lighthouse and maybe Stonewall Kitchen, but if you have time, I do recommend the other two stops.

Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.

Best Things To See In Ogunquit In A Day :

→  The charming downtown  is filled with shops and eateries.

→  Ogunquit Beach , which is one of the best beaches in Maine!

→  Marginal Way , which is a pedestrian walking path along the coastline that connects downtown Ogunquit with the cute Perkins Cove Harbor.  This is my personal favorite thing to do in Ogunquit.  The trail is easily accessible from downtown, and is just over 1 mile long each way.

→  Perkins Cove  – Once you arrive there after walking Marginal Way, there are some really cute shops to explore, and a lovely bridge that makes for fun photos.

Ogunquit Beach Lobster House Restaurant.

Where To Eat In Ogunquit :

• Ogunquit Beach Lobster House
• Footbridge Lobster in Perkins Cove for a lobster roll!
• BeachFire Bar & Grille

Psst!  I have an entire guide on  things to do in Ogunquit , if you’re looking for more ideas!

Kennebunkport, Maine.

Best Things To See In Kennebunkport In A Day :

→  The adorable downtown , which is mainly Dock Square. You’ll find colorful storefronts and great restaurants here.

→  Drive to Cape Porpoise , where you’ll find beautiful coastal New England scenery, and the cute  Farm + Table shop .

→ Enjoy the views of the cove from  Kennebunkport Bridge  (right at Dock Square).

→ Take a coastal walk on  Parsons Way .

→ If you have time, head out on a  lobster tour with Rugosa .

Where To Eat In Kennebunkport :

• Allison’s Restaurant for a great casual meal
• Cape Porpoise Lobster Co. for a lobster roll!
• Old Vines Wine Bar

Day 3: Drive To Portland & Make Your Way To Camden

Portland Head Lighthouse.

This day ends in the beautiful coastal town of Camden, but you’ll be making some fun stops along the way! You can make this day easy by just driving to Portland, and then driving straight to Camden, or you can make it longer and more adventurous by making as many stops you as you feel like. Take a look at all my suggestions, and plan according to your preferences 😊

Option to add a night in Portland : The reason I have you scheduled to only stop in Portland for the day is because it’s  such  a short drive from Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, and personally, I think the scenery around the Camden area is more quintessential Maine. However, if you have extra time, you can definitely stay the night in Portland, and continue on to Camden the next day!

Things To Do In Portland In A Few Hours:

→  Take a food tour!  Portland is a huge foodie destination, and this is a great way to taste your way through the city.  The Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour , and  Old Port Culinary Walking Tour  are both great options.

→  Visit the lighthouses.  If you only have time for one, definitely make it  Portland Head Lighthouse . This is probably the most iconic lighthouse in New England, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Nearby are also  Spring Point Ledge Light , and  Bug Light , which are smaller, but still fun to visit. These are all in South Portland, so you’ll want to see them first before getting to downtown Portland.

Old Port in Portland.

→  Stroll around Old Port . I suggest parking somewhere around Commercial Street, and then walking around from there. This is the most unique and charming part of the city along the waterfront. Exchange Street and the streets nearby are nice shopping areas, too.

Optional Stops That Are Worth Your Time On The Way To Camden :

Some of these will definitely add time to your trip, so map them out carefully based on your plans to ensure you have enough time in your day.

Marshall Point Lighthouse.

→  Freeport  to shop at the L.L. Bean Flagship Campus.

→  Wiscasset  – a charming little town with a famous seafood stand called Reds Eats. Also known as being the prettiest village in Maine. You’ll drive right through it on your way to Camden.

→  Pemaquid Lighthouse  – a beautiful lighthouse surrounded by dramatic coastline and parks. There is a small fee to enter the grounds, and it’s cash only.

→  Moody’s Diner in Waldsboro  is right on your way on the righthand side, making it  a little too easy  to swing in for one of their famous whoopie pies! It even made my list of the  best whoopie pies in Maine .

→  Marshall Point Lighthouse  in Port Clyde. This famous lighthouse was featured in the movie  Forrest Gump , and it’s such a beautiful area to visit. This is the lighthouse in my homepage photo!

→  Owls Head  is a small town that’s not too far of a detour, and is home to Owls Head Lighthouse, and some beautiful coastal scenery. This is one of my top, most favorite lighthouses in New England.

→  Rockland  is a charming little coastal town with a great Main Street for shopping. Also home to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.

Note s:  You’ll pass by Boothbay Harbor on this portion of the drive, but don’t worry! You’ll be stopping there for a night on the way back  😉  You can also make some of these stops on Day 6 of this itinerary when you drive from Bar Harbor to Boothbay Harbor .

You’ll want to arrive in Camden around dinnertime, so you can get settled into your hotel, and then explore the town a bit before sunset.

Camden, Maine.

Best Things To Do In Camden:

→  Head out on a sunset windjammer tour!

→  Walk around the harbor  to enjoy the idyllic waterfront scenery. Also walk over to the Bay Road Overlook (comes up in Google Maps) for the perfect view of the harbor backdropped by the mountains.

→  Grab dinner at a fabulous restaurant . Some of my favorites are Natalie’s, The Waterfront (yep, that’s the name 😊), and Franny’s Bistro.

→  Get some ice cream for dessert  at River Ducks or Camden Cone.

→  Drive the auto road  in  Camden Hills State Park  to the top of Mt. Battie and enjoy the bird’s-eye views of the harbor. This road is only open seasonally, but usually only closed in the winter.

→  Shop the lovely boutiques  on Main Street and Bay View.

Day 4: Spend The Morning In Camden & Then Drive To Bar Harbor

Refer to the section above for ideas on things to do in Camden the next day. If you weren’t able to take a sailing tour the night before, I do highly suggest booking one for the next day before you leave – this is one of the best places in Maine for a sailing tour!

⛵︎ Here is the Camden sailing tour I recommend:

Windjammer Classic Day Sail

Then, make the drive directly to Bar Harbor. On the way, you’ll cross the  Penobscot Narrows Bridge , which is one of only four bridge observatories in the entire world! If you have time, it’s worth a stop to enjoy the views from the observatory.  Click here for information and fees for exploring the bridge . But it is completely free to drive over if you’re just passing by.

Things To Do Your First Night In Bar Harbor:

→  Walk around the adorable town .

→  Enjoy sunset from Shore Path right in town , with is a coastal walkway.

→  Grab dinner out . I love Geddy’s, Side Street Café, and the Happy Clam Shack for lobster rolls if you’re up for a short drive outside of town.

→ If you have the time, you could also drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunset. While it’s famous for sunrise, I also love sunset on a clear night and it’s usually less crowded.  Note that this requires advanced planning and reservations late May – October.

Sunset on top of Cadillac Mountain.

Day 5: Explore Acadia National Park

Today’s THE day – Acadia National Park! Known as the “Crown Jewel” of New England, the park spans over 70 acres on Mount Desert Island, and offers some of the most iconic and famous scenery in the region.

Best Things To Do In One Day In Acadia :

→  Start with sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain . You can also save this for the following morning.Depending on the time of year, you may have to wake up very early for this, so it’s definitely not for everyone. But if it works with your schedule, I do think it’s worth it. It’s one of the most popular activities in the park for a reason!

Note :  Reservations are required late May – October to drive the auto road to the Cadillac Mountain summit . They release 30% of the available reservations 90 days in advance, and 70% of them two days in advance. I recommend setting yourself a reminder to check the weather two days in advance, and if it’s forecasted to be a clear day, making the reservation if this interests you. That way, it’s worth it! If it’s forecasted to be cloudy and foggy, the views won’t be a great.  Click here for reservation info .

→  Drive Park Loop Road , which is one of the most scenic roads in the park that offers so much for little effort. Along this road, you can make stops at Sand Beach, walk the Ocean Path, visit Thunder Hole, and see the Otter Cliffs. Of all these, I recommend parking at Sand Beach and walking Ocean Path to Otter Cliffs and back. It’s flat and easy, and passes by the best views in the park!

→  Lunch at Jordan Pond House . Famous for their popovers and incredible views overlooking Jordan Pond, this is such a fun thing to do in the park. If the weather is forecasted to be nice, I recommend making reservations for outside if you can. They also have a take out café if you want a quicker experience.

This overlook of Monument Beach is along the Ocean Path trail in Acadia.

→  Take a hike, of course!  Some easier to moderate hikes in the park that I love are Great Head, Bubble Rock, and Gorham. If you’re looking for an adventurous hike that’s more challenging, Beehive is the most popular in the park. Great Head is especially nice because you start the trail at Sand Beach, and it offers spectacular views of the coastline. And then you can just leave you car in the parking lot and walk Ocean Path.

→  Head to Bass Harbor Lighthouse for sunset . It’s about 30 minutes from Bar Harbor, but on a nice night, sunset here is really beautiful. You’ll need to climb out onto the coastal rocks to see the lighthouse, and parking fills up fast. But if you come prepared with sturdy footwear and arrive early enough, it’s wonderful!

→ If you don’t feel like driving to Bass Harbor Light, I would head back to Bar Harbor to  relax and enjoy your last night in town  with a dinner out.

→ You can also try to make a reservation for  sunset on top of Cadillac Mountain  in the park if you weren’t able to go for sunrise!

The views at the top of Cadillac Mountain.

Psst!  Do you have longer to explore the park? Want more information on everything mentioned above? You may want to check out my  Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary .

Day 6: Drive To Boothbay Harbor

You have the option to start your day with a sunrise on Cadillac Mountain if you weren’t able to plan it the day prior! If you do, I suggest having breakfast at  Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast  in Bar Harbor afterward before heading out. They usually open early in-season for everyone getting up to see the sunrise ☀️

The drive to Boothbay Harbor is about 2 hours and 45 minutes without stops, and you also have the option to take the more scenic route and visit some of the suggested stops I detailed in the Day 3 portion of this itinerary. I would go back and reference those if you want to break up the drive.

Why do I recommend the night in Boothbay Harbor?  Well, I just love this little coastal town because of its charm, beautiful scenery, slower pace, and all the amazing boat tour options. From Boothbay Harbor, you can take a boat tour out to a puffin colony, head out on a Schooner, or take a lobster trap haul and lighthouse scenic tour. After exploring Acadia the day prior, it’s nice to stop in a town that forces you to slow down a bit, too.

Boothbay Harbor.

Best Things To Do In Boothbay Harbor:

→  Take a boat tour!  In addition to Camden, this is another one of the best places in Maine for some kind of tour out on the water just because of how many different kinds are offered. Plus, the scenery around this area is absolutely beautiful.

The Lobster Haul, Lighthouses & Seals tour in Boothbay Harbor.

These are the top tours I recommend in Boothbay Harbor:

✓  Schooner Day Sail

✓  Schooner Sunset Sail

✓  Lobster Haul, Lighthouses & Seals Tour

→  Cabbage Island Clambakes!  This is SUCH a cool, unique, and authentic Maine experience for dinner. You’ll take a boat from downtown, and be brought to the family’s private island for a traditional New England style clam bake dinner, which includes their famous blueberry cake and gorgeous waterfront scenery.  Advanced reservations required.

→  Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens . Located just outside of the downtown area, this is such a beautiful place to explore. Don’t forget to snap your photo with the giant wood troll sculptures!

→  Explore the cute and colorful downtown area .

→  Walk the footbridge , which connects both sides of the harbor.

→  Grab ice cream from Downeast Ice Cream , which is one of my favorites in New England.

Downtown Boothbay Harbor.

Where To Eat In Boothbay Harbor :

• Boathouse Bistro
• Boothbay Lobster Wharf
• Shannon’s Unshelled
• Robinson’s Wharf in the neighboring town of Southport is also worth it!

Psst!  I have a post all about  things to do in Boothbay Harbor , if you want some more ideas 😉

Day 7: Drive To Portsmouth & The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Making your way back to Boston, there are so many wonderful places you can stop on the way! In fact, it’ll be hard to choose because there’s a lot you can pack in on this portion of the drive, especially along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway in Massachusetts.

Customize this day how you’d like, but if you’re feeling ambitious and you have enough daylight hours in your day, you can see Portsmouth,  and  all the best towns in the along the Scenic Byway.

Things To Do In Portsmouth In A Few Hours :

Portsmouth is very walkable and compact, so you can see the highlights, even with just an hour or two!

→  Market Square , which is the main shopping area downtown. You’ll find lots of great boutiques and eateries in this section of town.

→  Walk down a cute alleyway to Elephantine Bakery  for a coffee and a sweet treat.

→  Walk over to Prescott Park  for lovely waterfront views and a garden.

→  Visit the   Strawbery Banke Museum  to see history come to life (open seasonally). If you don’t go to the museum, definitely walk around this area because you’ll see lots of historic houses nearby.

Once you’re done in Portsmouth, take a 30 minute drive to Newburyport  and explore there for a bit. This is where I recommend starting the Coastal Byway drive. Follow the Byway through Ipswich, Rockport, Glouster, Manchester By The Sea, and Salem (which is just outside of Boston).

These are the best stops to make along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway:

→  Newburyport : One of my favorite places to visit in New England, it’s home to amazing shops and such a charming downtown area that sits on the waterfront. Allow about an hour to walk around, grab lattes and whoopie pies from Chococoa Café, and explore the shops.

Psst!  I have an entire guide on  things to do in Newburyport, MA & Plum Island  if you need more info!

Newburyport, Massachusetts.

→  Crane Estate & Crane Beach in Ipswich . This historic estate is so stunningly beautiful, and the beach nearby is the best on the North Shore. Each requires separate admission fees, and you’ll want to budget your time wisely.

Crane Beach in Ipswich.

→  Rockport : One of my all-time favorite coastal towns in New England, Rockport is probably the one place I recommend you don’t miss on the drive. It’s very small, but offers an authentic New England fishing village atmosphere with colorful storefronts, lovely art galleries, great dining, and the most painted building in the country – Motif 1 (which was also featured in the movie  The Proposal ).

Psst!  I have an entire guide on  things to do in Rockport, MA  if you need more ideas!

Rockport, MA.

→  Gloucester is the best place to stop if you have your heart set on a whale watch tour  (but you can also take one that departs from Newburyport if that’s more convenient). Whale watch tours in this region are world-class, and head out to the famous Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which is known for its active marine wildlife.

🐋  Click here to check rates & availability for a whale watch tour from Gloucester

Note : While I do love to visit Gloucester, I think with this amount of time, it’s best to focus your itinerary on the other towns along the drive that I’ve recommended, as I think their scenery is more idyllic than Gloucester. Gloucester is also a city, and is bigger and more spread out, so harder to see on limited time. I do recommend it for a whale watch tour, though! If you take the whale watch tour, just know that it will take at least 3 hours, and likely a bit longer.

→  Manchester-By-The-Sea  is a beautiful coastal town that can easily be seen in about an hour or so. very picturesque scenery, and it’s home to a lovely beach called Singing Sands.

→  Salem . I’m sure you know it as a top Halloween destination, but it’s honestly great year-round. Filled with historic New England charm, waterfront areas, and some fun places to eat, it’s also very walkable!

Psst!  I have an entire guide on taking a  Salem, MA day trip  if you want more information for your visit!

Marblehead, Massachusetts.

→  Marblehead  is such a beautiful town along the North Shore just south of Salem that often gets overlooked, but I absolutely love it here. Also filled with historic charm and lovely waterfront scenery, it’s got a quaint Main Street with some cute shops, a beautiful waterfront park, and some nice places to eat.

Psst!  I have an entire guide on  things to do in Marblehead, MA  if you’re looking for more ideas 😉

More Optional Stops : If you’re looking to explore more of Maine’s coast, there are a few more stops you can make on your way from Boothbay Harbor to Boston. I know, I know – I’m probably tempting you to expand your trip even further, but I’m okay with that 😂

→  Georgetown Island to visit Five Island Lobster Company , which is one of the best lobster rolls in Maine you can get. They’re only open seasonally, and the scenery around there it is very quintessential Maine.

Doubling Point Lighthouse.

Squirrel Point Lighthouse.

→  The Arrowsic Lighthouses . There are two in this area that I really love: Doubling Point and Squirrel Point. Doubling Point requires a drive down a very bumpy dirt road, and Squirrel Point requires about a 3/4 mile hike through the woods, but they’re both beautiful, small lighthouses on the Kennebec River.

Note :  Doubling Point is closed until further notice for repairs. I’m monitoring this and will update once renovations are complete!

→  Bailey Island , which is a very small little island that’s accessible by car, and about a 20-minute detour each way. The best thing to see here is the Giant’s Stairs Trail, which offers beautiful coastal views, and giant rocks you can climb around (just practice caution, of course!). There’s also a cute little place to eat right by the bridge called Sundrenched, which is waterfront and has outdoor seating. This is a nice place to get off-the-beaten-path.

Giant’s Stairs on Bailey Island.

Day 8: Head Back To Boston

It’s the end of your trip! Depending on when you need to make your way back home, or to the airport, you may have some time in the morning to explore a few of the places I mentioned above, but I left this day open in case you have to catch an early flight, or start your drive back home early.

If you do happen to have some time on this day to explore, I would suggest you end the previous day in Rockport, and then explore Salem and Marblehead on this day before heading back to the airport.

Optional Itinerary Adjustments

→ If you have more time and are a city person, I would recommend adding a night to Portland and Boston.

→ If you have extra time and don’t want to add a night to a city, I have two suggestions.  First option : add a night to Camden to spend a day exploring the nearby attractions (lighthouses, Rockland, etc.) to make the drive from Portland to Camden easier.  Second option : add a night to Bar Harbor to see more of the park, and enjoy more hiking.

→ If you have even longer, you could make this a 2-week adventure by driving up the coast of Maine to Lubec, and then crossing the Canada border to the charming town of St. Andrews by the Sea, and Campobello Island. You could also take the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia.

I have a detailed guide on  visiting Lubec, Maine , if you wanted to explore places further north!

Best Towns To Stay In On The Drive

For an overnight stay, these are my suggestions on the best places to stay based on experience when it comes to options for dining and accommodations (plus, lovely scenery, of course!). You’ll just want to pick where you stay based on how far you want to drive each day.

As you saw in my itinerary, I included some suggestions for overnight stops, but you may want to customize this trip to your liking (which I encourage!), so I wanted to provide you with more options. It’s also good to know that you won’t have time to stay overnight in all these places unless you extend your trip, but you  will  be able to, at the very least, drive through them all.

→  Rockport, MA : Not far from Boston, and if you’re looking get a leisurely start or slow-burn end to your trip, I really love to recommend a stay in Rockport. Most everything is pretty walkable, with cool shopping, nice hotel options, and idyllic scenery.

Where To Stay In Rockport :

✓  The Cove at Rockport

✓  Addison Choate Boutique Hotel

→  Portsmouth, NH : As mentioned, fantastic dining and shopping, with lots to keep you busy in the evening after you arrive! Plus, the historic charm is really quite lovely.

Where To Stay In Portsmouth :

✓  The Hotel Portsmouth

✓  Hotel Thaxter

→  Kennebunkport OR Ogunquit : Both of these charming coastal towns that are very close to on another, and both make for a great overnight stay. Kennebunkport has more options for nicer accommodations, but Ogunquit has a gorgeous beach. Both have very charming downtowns that are easily walkable with lots of places to eat and shop! Just pick based on what vibe you’re going for: beachy or just traditional coastal.

Where To Stay In Kennebunkport :

✓  Captains Collection Historic Inns

✓  The Boathouse

Where To Stay In Ogunquit :

✓  Anchorage By The Sea

✓  Cliff House : Technically in York, but a short 10-minute drive to Ogunquit. I like to suggest it because it’s a fantastic resort with amazing coastal views, and worth the splurge! It also makes my list of the top  New England resorts and spas  😉

→  Boothbay Harbor : I love stopping here for a night or two every time I make this drive. It’s very small and easily seen in a few hours, and I like to stay the night so I have the option to take a boat tour. I also find the shops and restaurants really great.

Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor :

✓  Harborage Inn On The Waterfront

✓  Spruce Point Inn

→  Camden : Lastly, I think Camden is the best place to stay before reaching Bar Harbor. Built around a gorgeous harbor, the coastal scenery here is beautiful, and it’s a known sailing destination. There’s also a great Main Street for shopping and dining.

Where To Stay In Camden :

✓  Camden Harbour Inn

✓  Lord Camden Inn

Where To See Fall Foliage Between Boston & Bar Harbor

Manchester By The Sea in the fall season.

If you happen to be planning your trip to coincide with fall foliage, then I would love for you to consider adjusting the itinerary slightly (but don’t worry, it’s not too different!). Most places already on the itinerary offer amazing foliage color. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

→  The Essex Coastal Byway in Massachusetts is GORGEOUS in the fall  with lots of foliage color. I’ve done this drive during peak foliage, and I was shocked at how beautiful it was. Manchester-By-The-Sea, Essex, Salem, and Newburyport are especially beautiful in the fall. And, of course, Salem is  famous  for its October festivities!

→  Portsmouth offers some really lovely fall foliage  during this time of the year. It’s also an especially cozy place to visit because of all the historic New England architecture.

→  Boothbay Harbor  is also amazing in the fall, and the entire harbor is surrounded in fall color. Head out on a boat tour to see even more beautiful fall foliage! Tours usually end around mid-October, so there are typically opportunities that coincide with peak foliage.

→  Camden is also spectacular in the fall . I definitely recommend hiking or driving up the Mt. Battie Auto Road to take in the views of the harbor from above. It’s the best during foliage season!

→  Kennebunkport  also offers some beautiful fall foliage. Having been in October a few times, the fall season always impresses me in this coastal town.

Kennebunkport, Maine in October.

→ Of course,  the starting and end points on this road trip are stand-outs in the fall, too.   Acadia National Park  is stunning in the fall season with foliage color, and  Boston  is also amazing this time of the year. Although, it’s good to know that Boston tends to peak later in October, so in the fall, you may want to plan to spend more time in Boston at the end of your trip to get a glimpse of some foliage color.

What To Pack For This Road Trip

This will depend entirely on what time of year you visit, so plan accordingly based on the season when it comes to clothing and footwear. Beyond that, here are some things I recommend you bring regardless of what time of year you visit.

→  Light sweater or jacket  – even in the summer! If you plan to take any boat tours or get up for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, you’ll want this to stay warm.

→  Reusable water bottle  to stay hydrated.

→  Dramamine  if you plan to hop on a boat tour and tend to get seasick.

→  Comfortable shoes  – I know this seems obvious, but you can leave your fancy shoes at home. I usually wear a really comfortable pair of sandals in the summer, or sneakers in the spring/fall. If you take a boat tour, they may have some requirements on the type of footwear you wear, so double check that, too.

→  Hiking boots  if you plan to tackle any trails in Acadia. You’ll be happy to have the ankle support.

→  Camera, of course!  You’re going to see so much incredible scenery on this trip, you’ll want to capture the best memories along the way. This is a good trip to get a tripod if you don’t have one – they even make inexpensive ones for iPhones that are perfect for just about anyone.

Tips For This Road Trip

→  Offline maps  on your GPS! You’ll have cell phone service in most places, but when you’re near a beach or inside Acadia National Park, you may lose service.

→  Be ready to pay tolls on the roads . If you’re renting a car for the trip, I suggest making sure your rental comes with an EZ Pass for the toll roads to make things easier. Most of them in this area are now cashless and don’t require you to stop – you just get a bill for the tolls instead, which you can work out with your rental company.

→  Bring Some Cash  – I know this seems obvious, but as someone who  never  carries around cash, I’m always reminded when I make this road trip that some places still don’t take credit cards! Usually places like ice cream stands and seafood shacks are the ones that may be cash only, so it’s good to have a small amount on you at all times. Better yet, get a debit card that reimburses you for ATM fees, like the Charles Schwab checking card. Most places will take cards, though.

→  Prepare for crowds at popular places . Depending on the time of year you take this trip, most places will bring in some level of crowds. The most popular destination is Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, and this is where you can expect the biggest crowds. If you travel in spring or fall, you’ll see fewer people, but places will still be lively.

→  Prepare for the cost . New England in general is just an expensive region to visit, unfortunately, and prices tend to be higher than other parts of the country.

More posts you may enjoy:

• The BEST 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
• The PERFECT Fall Foliage New England Road Trip Itinerary
• The Best Time To Visit New England
• Incredible Lighthouses In New England To See
• Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
• Gorgeous New England Islands Worth Visiting

That’s A Wrap On The Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip!

And there you have it! After years of perfecting it, I’m thrilled to finally share my unforgettable Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine road trip itinerary with you. I truly believe that the New England coast is such a special and memorable region to experience for yourself, and with this guide, you’ll see the very best it has to offer. Happy planning!

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sports Wings

Dallas Wings lose third straight game while Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson makes WNBA history

It was the third consecutive loss for the Wings following a five-game road trip, and their first meeting with the two-time defending league champions since their playoff loss in September.

By Sophia Vesely

10:26 PM on Jun 5, 2024 CDT

The Dallas Wings sought redemption Wednesday for the sweep by the Las Vegas Aces that ended their playoff run last season, but they didn’t find it.

Instead, one of their opponents made WNBA history in Dallas’ 95-81 loss in front of a sold-out crowd at College Park Center, where A’ja Wilson became the first WNBA player with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five steals in a game.

Wilson started the scoring in the first quarter with a layup and never looked back, tallying 14 points to help her team build a 29-16 lead. She finished with 36 points, 14 rebounds and six steals.

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Player of the Month ... and Player of the Week ... FOR A REASON 👏👏👏 👑 Queen of the Game presented by Dos Caras Tequila #ALLINLV pic.twitter.com/ItjRZwVQkH — Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) June 6, 2024

“One thing Vegas does a really good job of is pulling you out defensively, really spacing the floor,” Wings head coach Latricia Trammell said after the game. “They have a lot of guards that can get downhill efficiently, and it puts defenses in rotation.”

Dallas narrowed the deficit in the second quarter, 47-42, with star Arike Ogunbowale breaking away with 14 points of her own. Teaira McCowan played stellar defense with three rebounds and two blocks to help hold Wilson to just six points.

The Wings kept the game close for the majority of the third quarter, trailing the Aces 68-61 with 1:20 remaining, but a driving layup and a 3-pointer from Kelsey Plum, followed by a Wilson jump shot with four seconds left, opened up a 13-point lead.

“I think we just kind of let our guard down,” Ogunbowale said of the last minute of the third quarter. “We cut it to three, and we kind of relaxed a little bit, so we just have to keep that intensity up.”

Trammell said her team let the Aces have too many additional chances to score.

“We gave them extra opportunities,” she said. “We talked about this, too, defensively, just having mishaps in our rotations.”

The Aces put the game away in the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 19.

Ogunbowale led Dallas with 31 points, while McCowan made her first career 3-pointer in the first half and finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Maddy Siegrist also scored 14 points and Monique Billings added 12.

“She’s a great player, a two-time MVP,” Ogunbowale said of Wilson. “You can only try to limit her. You cannot really stop her. That’s how good of a player she is. It takes team defense against a player like that, but she did great.”

Second 30 piece of the season for @Arike_O 👏 pic.twitter.com/XaAY6iHN6U — Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) June 6, 2024

The Wings lost their second game in the Commissioner’s Cup, the WNBA’s in-season tournament, dropping to last in the Western standings.

“We had a lot of open shots,” Trammell said. “We just missed them. Arike and I were talking about that coming in, but a lot of things to build on. A lot of positives.”

Dallas goes on the road again for its next game in the Cup, facing the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday at Crypto.com Arena.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Find more Wings coverage from The Dallas Morning News here .

Sophia Vesely , Sports Desk Intern . Sophia is a sports desk intern. She previously interned at the Orlando Sentinel, covering the Orlando Magic, Orlando City, and Orlando Pride. Sophia is a rising senior at Swarthmore College, where she studies English literature and philosophy and plays collegiate soccer.

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Explore Texas & beyond from Dallas/Ft. Worth

The Best Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary

A few years ago, we did a Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip at the beginning of June. It was our first trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park , one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

If you follow our road trips around the country , you will remember that we liked to make stops along the way. Sometimes we stay for an hour or half a day, and other times we spend a night or two. So it was on our road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains.

Our Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip lasted seven days. I knew we should go on a ten-day trip, but our son had a summer camp a week later. We wanted him to rest before another one-week summer camp with the Boy Scouts.

Therefore, I added two more days to spend at the Smokies to this itinerary. Three to four days are the ideal minimum days to spend at the park and nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In my opinion.

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What to Prepare Before Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip

– Get your America the Beautiful National Park Pass . While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, there are places of interest on this trip where you will need the passes.

– Book hotels , campgrounds, or Airbnbs early because the Smokies is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the southern Appalachians.

– Watch for groceries discounts before your departure if you plan to cook meals during the trip. It is also perfect for buying snacks and treats. Usually, we do it in April. Look for the expiration dates.

Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary

If we google the driving directions from Dallas to the Smokeys, it will show 12 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. That’s without the stop. For road-tripper veterans like us, it is doable with leaving early in the morning, several pit-stops, and lunch on the road.

But on this trip, we wanted to do other things and see new places.

When searching for things to do between Dallas and the Smokys, we found several stops we wanted to see. Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Chattanooga in Tennessee were some of them.

So, the 12 hours and 45 minutes Dallas to the Smoky Mountains drive stretched to a few days.  

Here’s my suggested itinerary for Dallas to Smokey Mountains road trip. Of course, you can adjust it to your preference for things to do or places to see.

Day 1 – Dallas to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 5 hr. 15 min. You will go on I-20 E through Shreveport and Monroe in Louisiana.

Once you cross the Mississippi River from  Louisiana to Mississippi, stop at the Mississippi Welcome Center on the left. It’s the best place to get information on Vicksburg tourism and other parts of Mississippi. The view of the Mississippi River and Vicksburg Bridge from here is gorgeous.

After check-in at the hotel , go to Vicksburg Military National Park. Vicksburg is one of the most pivotal grounds during the Civil War. It’s a large park, and two days’ visits are not enough.

Your first stop is the Visitor Center to pay your entrance fee. Or, use your America the Beautiful National Park passes.

Watch the exhibition and the movie in the Visitor Center before leaving for a self-guided tour in your vehicle.

If you travel with children, take their Junior Ranger Program book. When your dog is with you, grab the B.A.R.K. ranger program . We had these two books for our son and our dog.

You will drive and stop at monuments and memorials that attract you. The park has more than 1,400 monuments, tablets, and markers.

From the park, go to the historic district of downtown Vicksburg. Have a stroll around town before dinner at one of the restaurants here.

Historic downtown Vicksburg reminded me a little of the Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.

Accommodation: hotels in the historic district (Mulberry Vicksburg) or along I-20 E . Dogs are always staying for free in Red Roof Inn .

Day 2 – Vicksburg to Huntsville, Alabama.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 5 hr. 30 min. You will continue on I-20 E through Jackson, Mississippi, to Tuscaloosa and Birmingham in Alabama, where you turn to I-65 N.         

But first, go back to the National Military Park to visit USS Cairo & Museum.

Tuscaloosa is home to the Alabama Crimson Tide. If you are a fan of theirs, you might want to make a quick detour to the University of Alabama.

You will need a different visit to explore Birmingham. Or, add one more day to this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary.

Arrive at Huntsville, check in at the hotel, and find a place to eat dinner.

Accommodation: Hotels near the Space & Rocket Center .

DALLAS TO SMOKY MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP

Day 3 – huntsville, alabama..

Today you will visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. If you bring a dog like us, arrive before they open to secure a space for your dog at their kennel service.

You will need more than half a day here because you want to see and do everything they offer.

If you or your children are into space science, you will love this place. Otherwise, it’s a fun experience.

Then drive to downtown Huntsville. Enjoy your late afternoon visit and have dinner at one of the restaurants there.

You may want to get this Huntsville Rocket City Smart Phone Self Guided Audio (GPS/APP) Walking Tour when in town. It’s like having your personal tour guide, only it’s on your phone.

Day 4 – Huntsville to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 1 hr. 50 min. It is the fastest way to get to Chattanooga in a fun driving direction. You will get to Tennessee and go to Georgia before arriving at Chattanooga in Tennessee. Your destination is in a different time zone. 

I had planned three places to visit during this trip, and they were all outdoor, nature, and history related. When we entered Tennessee for the second time, there was a Visitor Center not too far from the state line. After talking with the attendant at the Visitor Center, we flipped our itinerary in the city.

The first stop in town is Point Park Battlefield at Lookout Mountain . It is the site of a Civil War battle signified as “The Battle Above The Clouds.” You will need your America the Beautiful National Park passes here.

Then drive to Oglethorpe, Georgia, to visit the Chickamauga National Military Park. Take the Car Caravan Tours to learn about the battle here. Admission to the park is free.

To end your visit to Chattanooga, go to Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge. 

With this time frame, we could drive around downtown Chattanooga and visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo . It is a historical terminal that has welcomed passengers for decades. The train cars now turned into bars, hotel rooms, and an escape experience. You might want to spend a night here.

You can always check downtown Chattanooga by helicopter , segway , or trolley .

There are so many things to do in Chattanooga that it can be a final destination for a road trip in Tennessee. You can find the famous Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens on your way to Point Park Battlefield. But these places are always packed with tourists during the high season. That’s why we opted for Point Park Battlefield, and the views from the top of Lookout Mountain are amazing.

Accommodation: Lots of hotels to choose from that fit your budget .

Day 5 – Chattanooga to the Smokys.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 3 hr. Google Maps showed three different driving directions with six to nine minutes longer from one direction to another. You can choose the first two, but don’t choose the one through Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. There will be traffic. We chose the first exit because we didn’t want to stick in the traffic if any. Both directions will take you through Townsend Entrance to the Smokys.

You will drive through small towns and once you get to Townsend, stop at Townsend Visitors Center for some info and a restroom break.

On the way to the park, you will start to see the smoke above the park. Fog rose from the mountains’ vegetation and made an incredible view!

Today you will explore the Cades Cove area.

It is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. You will drive your vehicle, driving an 11-mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove. Expect traffic when you visit during the high season (summer and fall) and on weekends year-round.      

You will see churches, gristmills, barns, log houses, and other restored eighteen and nineteenth centuries structures. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys, and other wildlife are frequent in the open field of Cades Cove.

We had three black bears spotting during our visit, and it meant very long traffic. 

If able, I suggest you hike the 5-mile round-trip trail to Abram Falls.

Be aware that every Wednesday from early May to late September is a vehicle-free day in Cades Cove. It is open only to pedestrians and cyclists.

We went to Townsend for a late lunch at the Burger Master Drive-In. 

After meals, check-in at your accommodation and have a rest.

Accommodation: Hotels in Townsend , Gatlinburg , or Pigeon Forge areas. I think staying in Townsend will be cheaper. You can also stay at Cades Cove campground. Wherever you will stay, you must book the accommodation early. This area is a favorite place for vacation.

Day 6 – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spend all day in the Smokys. Lots of waterfalls and hiking trails for you to explore. Start early in the morning to beat the crowds at the first place you want to visit.

You may want to go to Clingmans Dome first. It is where you will see the spectacular 360 degrees views of the Smokies. If you are a morning person, go catch the sunrise here.

Then continue to Laurel Falls and Roaring Fork. If time permits, go to Deep Creek, too.

Day 7 – Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

Enjoy tourist attractions in both cities. I heard Dolly Parton’s Dollywood  is one of the best water parks.  

Check out other activities or attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that suit you.

Day 8 – The Smokys to Oak Ridge, west of Knoxville

Approximately non-stop driving time: 1 hr. 30 min. Start your way home to Dallas. You will go through Knoxville. 

You will visit The Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge , west of Knoxville. It was the first and biggest of the three Manhattan Project sites built to produce the world’s first atomic weapons. Join the 3-hour behind-the-fence guided tour by the Department of Energy starting from the American Museum of Science & Energy.

After the guided tour, drive around to visit other historical places. Historic Jackson Square, Alexander Inn/Guest House, Chapel on the Hill, and Oak Ridge History Museum are some of them.

Don’t miss the International Friendship Bell. It is an 8,000-pound bronze bell cast in Japan, a testament to the hope for everlasting peace and goodwill in the world.

Accommodation: One of the hotels that fit your budget in Oak Ridge .

Day 9 – Oak Ridge to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 8 hr. 15 min. The destination is in a different time zone. You will go on I-40 W through Memphis in Tennessee and Little Rock in Arkansas.

We didn’t stop in Memphis or Little Rock because we’d been to these two cities before.

You can spend a night in Memphis or Little Rock on this last night of this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip. Our family prefers to stay closer to home. That way, we don’t have to drive long the next day.

Accommodation: Lots of hotels in Hot Springs . Choose one that fits your budget. Traveling with your dog? Dogs stay for free at Red Roof Inn Hot Springs .

Day 10 – Hot Springs to Dallas.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 4 hr. 20 min. You will drive via I-30 W to Dallas.

Spend some time around downtown Hot Springs, and don’t forget to drive to Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Then visit Anthony Chapel.

Don’t forget to fill your water jugs with the hot springs water at the Hot Springs Jug Fountain. You can find it at the Hot Springs Visitor Center parking lot. It’s better to do it early in the morning to beat the crowd.

Once in Texas, you can make a quick detour to downtown Sulphur Springs to use the see-through restroom at the square.

I hope this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip travel guide will help you make your trips to the Smoky Mountains unforgettable. A road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains is worth it.    

Thank you for sharing this:

Umiko Buhl is a travel blogger and the founder of Two Worlds Treasures. She travels around Texas to neighboring states and around the country with her family and dog from their family home in the south of Dallas/Fort Worth. Originally from Indonesia, she tries to go home every 2-3 years to spend time with her families and friends while exploring Indonesia. Her mission is to share her honest reviews of places she visited.

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24 Comments

Excellent itinerary – every day looks so filled with unique activities. I would never miss a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Thanks for sharing!

A visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a must when you are in Huntsville, Alabama.

The “America the Beautiful” annual National Parks pass is a really great investment so I’m glad that you mentioned it. You can use it at every national park and I’ve even used it at some state parks as well!

Smokey Mountains National Park is on my list for this year. I’ll keep your post in my bookmarks for when it’s time for a visit.

We have the pass for years, but I didn’t know you can use it at state parks as well. Where did you use it?

I hope you will have fun at the Smokeys.

That is quite the road trip! We have enjoyed both Dallas and GSM but never in the sme trip.. Gatlinburg is a great spot to stop and enjoy the museums and dining options.

I hope to spend more time at Gatlinburg next time we go to the GSM.

Wow, nice itinerary! Especially loved the space and rocket center

This sounds like an excellent trip for a family! I love hiking and waterfalls, so this would be a perfect trip for me. Love the picture of the bear. How often can one expect to see bears on this trip?

From what I read, you can expect to see bears every day around Cades Cove areas. Isn’t it cool?

This Dallas to Smoky mountains road trip is filled with gems to The view of the Mississippi river from the Vicksburg bridge is awesome. The Space and Rocket center in Huntsville Alabama is a great place to explore for kids. I have been to the Great Smokies and visited a theme park in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a beautiful downtown similar to Switzerland .I also enjoyed the nature trails in Cades Cove but I would also love to see the Rock City Gardens and famous Ruby Falls.And nothing compares to finish your trip with a visit to the Hot springs in Arkansas and soak in the benefits of mineral rich waters.

Great itinerary idea. We’d love to stop at Vicksburg and the Arkansas hot springs. I love them on any trip but especially when staying in a car for multiple days. It’s the perfect way to unwind along the way. Our plans for a road trip to the smoky mountains has just added two new stops.

This Dallas to Smoky Mountains guide is going to be extremely useful for a first timer like me. Starting off at Mississippi with view of the Mississippi River and Vicksburg Bridge sounds so appealing. I can feel the excitement.Your 10 day plans is dreamlike with so many interesting stops to recharge. Huntsville should be nice and would love to visit the Space & Rocket Center.

This detailed post is super helpful. We also love making stops when having a road trip. Will definitely make a stop in Huntsville. We have always wanted to visit the US Space and Rocket Center. I am pretty sure that my boys would be thrilled. Thank you for sharing this.

So fun to read your post, as we did a road trip last year to Gatlinburg and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We actually started in Savannah, GA and made our way through central Georgia, the corners of SC and NC, into TN through Great Smokey Mtns NP. I loved every bit of it, except maybe not Gatlinburg. It was a bit too touristy for me — same with Pigeon Forge. But, oh, the hiking in the National Park was amazing!

I found Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were too touristy for me, too. I chose to spend more time in the Smokys.

Although I’ve read a few Dallas to Smoky Mountains road trip itineraries, this one is certainly the best. You get to travel to various amazing locations every day on your 10-day trip, which is a wonderful experience. I would adore traveling to Chattanooga. The US Space & Rocket Center seems intriguing and entertaining. I must say that the vacation as a whole was awesome!

We like to make stops on our way to the final destination. I think it’s one of the advantages of doing a road trip.

This sounds like a great road trip. I like that you didn’t drive more than 5 hours each day, and that was just in the first couple of days. You had plenty of time to explore. I agree with you, I would give the Smokey Mountains more time, especially if you want to explore more and do some hiking. It’s great that you told us about the traffic as well, and when different places have restrictions for cars. That is very helpful.

Your trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains is very inspirational. I love this idea and your itinerary, with exciting stops. Vicksburg Bridge and Vicksburg Military National Park seem exciting spots. I also want o take a photo of Chattanooga from Lookout Mountain. Also, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is on my bucket list.

Judging from your pictures, for me, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be the highlight of this roadtrip. And I do not know much about the civil war, apart from some basic knowledge, but I think a road trip like this would be a very good opportunity to learn more about it.

You are right, Natascha. I wasn’t born and studied in the U.S., so this trip was a learning opportunity for me.

While the entire trip sounds fun and so….American, I think I’d like the part from Cades Cove onwards best. Already the fact that there is a vehicle-free day in Cades Cove amazes me. Also, I’m deeply impressed by the wildlife – the bear seems to stand so close to you! The whole part in the Smokys sound absolutely amazing.

Yes! The Smokys is amazing! I want to revisit the park.

We sadly have not yet visited the Smoky Mountains National Park. It looks like the road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains was great even before you hit the park. I love that you always find interesting stops to keep the family engaged on your road trips. Great to find active places for the kids to run off some energy when sitting all day. I may have to plan to visit the Cades Cove area when we finally get this planned. Love the tip about filling your water jug at the hot springs.

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POWER TRIP's first full set with new vocalist: see setlist and videos

Texas thrashers Power Trip swung their axes again last night (June 6th) in Pomona, California, marking their first full performance with new vocalist Seth Gilmore ( Fugitive , Skourge).

The set at the Glasshouse marked the first of a stretch of shows Power Trip are playing this year, including an additional appearance in L.A. as part of this weekend's inaugural No Values punk fest. While the band did in fact play a five-song "secret" set at Austin, Texas' Mohawk venue last December — marking the group's first public performance since the death of founding vocalist Riley Gale in 2020 — last night's SoCal show stop found PT suffering no fools for a full, 13-song smash-about.

The band naturally drilled into their legendary "Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe)," but also whipped through faster thrashers like "Hornet's Nest," "Nightmare Logic" and "Firing Squad." Power Trip closed the night by pile-driving out an encore of Manifest Decimation 's "The Hammer of Doubt."

The night also featured opening sets from Spy and SpiritWorld, who were also both on-hand to film parts of Power Trip's set. You'll find live clips, the full setlist (via Setlist.fm ), and Power Trip's remaining tour dates down below.

Power Trip's plans beyond these shows is as yet unclear, but guitarist Blake Ibanez (who also performs alongside Gilmore in Fugitive) mentioned that PT had banked "a record's worth of music" a couple of years ago.

Power Trip setlist 6/6/24: Soul Sacrifice Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe) Firing Squad Hornet's Nest Nightmare Logic Crucifixation Divine Apprehension Suffer No Fool Drown (Intro) Heretic's Fork Crossbreaker Manifest Decimation The Hammer of Doubt

Power Trip tour dates 2024: 6/9 Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theater * 7/6 Dallas, TX – The Factory # 8/24 New York, NY – Knockdown Center #

* with Soul Search, Mortal Wound # with Ceremony, Frozen Soul

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Spiritworld Official (@spiritworldprophet)

Power Trip pic.twitter.com/vf2Kmzuk5a — SPY (@SPY_worldwide) June 7, 2024

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brent Eyestone (@brenteyestone)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Gitter (@thegitter)

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Returning star Porzingis explodes as Celtics make early NBA Finals statement against Mavericks

A first-quarter explosion from the returning Kristaps Porzingis has inspired the Boston Celtics to a dominant 107-89 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Porzingis, who had missed 10 playoff games with a calf injury and last played on April 29, showed no signs of rust as he scored 18 points in the opening quarter alone.

The Celtics big man only scored another two points in the game but set the tone early on both ends as Boston opened up a 37-20 first quarter lead — the largest in NBA Finals history.

All five of Boston’s starters finished in double figures, with Jaylen Brown scoring a team-high 22 points while also making a big impact on the defensive end with three blocks and just as many steals.

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Luka Doncic, meanwhile, had a game-high 30 points for Dallas to go with 10 rebounds but only had one assist as the Mavericks struggled to get anything from their bench.

Australian Josh Green was scoreless in 16 minutes before garbage time, when both teams cleared their benches as Dante Exum got a run for Dallas.

There wasn’t much separating the two teams early, with the Mavericks leading 13-12 after five minutes as the Celtics called the first timeout of the game.

Boston was able to generate plenty of open looks and also crashed the glass to create opportunities for second-chance points but couldn’t get the shots to fall consistently.

That changed as Porzingis, returning from injury off the bench, made an immediate impact on both ends to spark a stunning 25-7 Celtics run to close out the quarter.

Porzingis finished the quarter with 11 points, three rebounds and three blocks.

“He’s doing it all,” Mike Breen declared in commentary, as Porzingis drained one from deep and then blocked a Kyrie Irving shot on the other end that resulted in a Sam Houser 3-pointer.

Porzingis was also making life hard for Green in the first quarter, scoring over the Australian and then blocking a dunk attempt from him soon after.

It was a remarkable return for Porzingis and he didn’t show any signs of slowing down in the second quarter as the 7-footer hit back-to-back buckets to put Boston ahead 48-27 and force Dallas into a quick timeout.

Porzingis hardly looked like someone who hadn’t played in the NBA in over a month, confidently launching a shot from 30 feet over Doncic to put Boston ahead 63-37.

The Mavericks closed out the second quarter on a 5-0 run but the Celtics still had a 63-42 lead heading into halftime on the back of 18 points from Porzingis.

Boston shot 11 3-pointers in the opening half compared to just three for Dallas, who had Doncic on 17 points but not much else from the rest of its starters.

The Celtics looked comfortable until a fast start to the third quarter from Doncic on the offensive end and better application in defence from Dallas saw the Mavericks out-score Boston 22-8 to open the period.

That cut Boston’s lead to 72-64, with a nervous energy hanging over the previously raucous TD Garden crowd.

But a few turnovers from Dallas and hustle plays from Boston helped re-establish a comfortable buffer for the Eastern Conference champions.

Porzingis, for example, missed an open 3-pointer but then cut to the basket for his first points of the quarter after Jayson Tatum secured the offensive rebound.

Jaylen Brown, meanwhile, then blocked Derrick Jones Jr. on a dunk attempt before Tatum drained a 3-pointer soon after to push the lead out to 80-64.

The blocks kept coming from Brown and the 3-pointers kept coming too, with the Celtics putting out any chance of a Mavericks comeback to lead 86-66 entering the final quarter.

The Mavericks needed a fast start in the fourth to be any hope of a comeback but didn’t get it as active hands from Derrick White led to an easy bucket and had Boston ahead 92-71.

Dallas didn’t get any closer from that point, although the Mavericks can take some confidence from the fact the Celtics dropped home games in their series against Miami and Cleveland.

Re-live all the action in our live blog below! Can’t see it? Click here!