Lobsters and lighthouses. Charming cities and rocky coasts. One of the best ways to find the sweetness and uniqueness of Vacationland is with a Boston to Bar Harbor street journey alongside the Maine Coast. I’ve pushed this manner many instances and every time I uncover one thing new. After so many journeys to Maine, I put collectively this one to two-week Maine coast street journey itinerary from Beantown all the way in which as much as Acadia.
If you’re touring from Boston to Bar Harbor, you’ll want to take not less than every week to discover the Maine coast. In fact, you may drive straight by way of in beneath 5 hours, however there’s a lot to see on the Maine coast. Begin off with a few days within the Maine seashores area, which stretches from the New Hampshire border as much as Portland.
Portland is such a enjoyable metropolis, so you’ll in all probability need to take a few days to take pleasure in Previous Port and Casco Bay. Subsequent, give your self just a few days to take pleasure in Maine’s midcoast area, as there’s a lot shoreline and so many cities to go to, together with Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, and Camden.
End up your Maine coast street journey in Bar Harbor or Acadia Nationwide Park. After spending just a few days, you may then take a quick method again residence or proceed Downeast off the overwhelmed path to the New Brunswick border.
The place to Cease on Coastal Maine Highway Journey
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The primary area you’ll encounter in your Maine coast street journey would be the Maine Seashores. In fact, you probably have much more time, you may all the time add in stops in Salem, Gloucester, Portsmouth, or Newburyport in your method as much as Maine.
With a one-week itinerary, plan on spending not less than two nights exploring this area. You may all the time break up two to a few nights between two locations to actually get a way of the variations between the assorted cities.
Maine Seashores
Kittery
Your first cease in Maine is simply throughout the border in Kittery. Kittery is understood for its intensive purchasing shops, a few of which you will not discover in each outlet mall. However I don’t come to Maine to buy, not less than not at brand-name shops.
My first cease is normally at Bob’s Clam Hut, simply north of the Kittery shops on Route 1. Whereas Bob’s is a well-liked vacationer cease, they really have a few of the finest lobster rolls and fried clams round. The traces are lengthy for a purpose. And sure, the traces are loonnngg. Don’t be shocked to search out the parking zone full and the look ahead to meals an hour lengthy in excessive season.
On my current journey, I made a decision to skip Bob’s and take a look at one thing new so I went the place the locals hang around and tried the quieter Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier. You may watch the lobster boats coming in whereas consuming recent seafood proper on Chauncey Creek. However I’ll be trustworthy with you, I nonetheless want Bob’s.
For a scenic cease, you may also take a look at Fort McClary, a historic fort in Kittery Level the place you may stroll alongside the battlements and get a view of two lighthouses within the distance. There are picnic grounds right here for a scenic lunch. Fort Foster is one other great place for spending a day open air, with glorious views of the doorway to Portsmouth Harbor and Whaleback Mild, Portsmouth Harbor Mild, and Fort Structure. However you do must a pay $20 per automotive parking payment.
York
Your subsequent cease within the Maine Seashores, about quarter-hour up the coast, ought to be York Harbor and the York Seashores. Foodies will need to make a pitstop on the Stonewall Kitchen manufacturing facility retailer on Route 1 in York. Right here you can find all of the scrumptious Stonewall Kitchen sauces, dressings, and different meals merchandise, in addition to cooking lessons and the culinary faculty, and a restaurant.
York Harbor is a quaint oceanfront space with just a few rocky seashores which might be linked by the York Cliff Stroll. If you’re seeking to keep in a single day on this space, the York Harbor Inn is completely situated proper throughout from the city park and the doorway to the Cliff Stroll. The Stage Neck Inn is one other nice alternative.
The York Seashores, each Lengthy Sands and Brief Sands Seashore are nice for browsing, however the lodging across the seashores are primarily seaside motels. That is additionally the place you can find a majority of the present outlets, eating places, and memento outlets. Close by you have got household points of interest like York’s Wild Kingdom, mini golf, and extra. If you’re on the lookout for a quaint downtown and good sand seashores, head just a little additional north to Ogunquit.
Cape Neddick
Earlier than you get to Ogunquit, remember to cease in Cape Neddick, simply 5 minutes additional, on the Nubble Lighthouse. Positioned on an island simply off the coast, this is without doubt one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. If you’re hungry, you may get some recent lobster at Fox’s Lobster Home proper subsequent door (carry money!) or Dunne’s Ice Cream down the road.
From right here, comply with Shore Highway quarter-hour north into Ogunquit. If you’re seeking to keep on this space and are prepared for a splurge, in a single day on the luxurious Cliff Home Maine.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit could be very fashionable with vacationers and most of the lodges and motels usually are not situated proper on the seaside. So if the seaside is your precedence and also you need to keep in a single day, remember to examine and see in case your lodging are actually beachfront. The city itself is quaint and upscale, but in addition touristy. You can find a mixture of positive eating choices alongside together with your typical vacationer clam shacks and seafood eating places. Ogunquit makes a pleasant place for a day journey.
We prefer to cease into Perkins Cove, the small purchasing and eating space on the harbor. I’ve eaten at Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove and it was positive, however there are in all probability higher choices within the space. In Perkins Cove, you may take within the view of the incoming fishing boats from the Footbridge, or take a 1.25-mile stroll alongside Marginal Means, previous stately inns and rocky seashores.
Kennebunkport
If you happen to haven’t stopped but, you’ll want to mattress down to your first night time within the fashionable city of Kennebunkport, simply one other 25 minutes additional north. There are a lot of choices close to downtown Dock Sq., however I might advocate a keep at The Inn at English Meadows. This pretty mid-18000’s Greek Revival-style inn is situated in Kennebunk’s Decrease Village, only a half-mile stroll to downtown Dock Sq.. Excellent for romantic getaways, this mattress and breakfast has been tastefully renovated to supply historic attraction with trendy luxuries similar to Frette positive linens, toiletries by Malin+Goetz, and comfy Vera Wang beds.
Every morning begins with a three-course breakfast and downtime will be spent stress-free within the two stylishly-decorated widespread rooms with gasoline fireplaces, a stunning out of doors patio, and an expansive garden with an English-style backyard. There are even particular touches similar to electrical car chargers, WiFi entry, and Nespresso machines. There are some lodging that may match a household, however households might want a resort similar to Nonantum Resort, simply south of city and on the water, even when not on the seaside.
On the town, you may take pleasure in purchasing and eating on the many eating places similar to Federal Jack’s, Allison’s, Mabel’s, or the well-known Clam Shack. Pedro’s a great place for Mexican and Arundel Wharf presents a fantastic view. We additionally like to go out of city to Cape Porpoise Chowder Home, which is fashionable with locals and vacationers alike. Simply be warned that parking is difficult to search out so it’s possible you’ll must stroll a bit. I’d extremely advocate a scenic drive round Cape Arundel, though it’ll trigger some severe home envy!
If you’re on the lookout for seaside time, Gooch’s Seashore is vast and lengthy and nice for households, however avenue parking is restricted so get there early. You too can attempt close by Goose Rocks Seashore or Colony Seashore.
Previous Orchard Seashore
Thirty minutes north of Kennebunkport is one other fashionable seaside city. Households love Previous Orchard Seashore not solely as a result of it has a beautiful, flat, vast seaside, however youngsters additionally love the rides at Palace Playland and the arcade video games on the pier. This part of the Maine seashores feels nearly misplaced given the remainder of the Maine coast, nearly as if somebody plucked it off the Jersey shore and plopped it in Maine.
My daughter additionally loves going to Funtown Splashtown, an amusement park/water park, close by. But when the boardwalk vibe isn’t your jam, you may need to skip over Previous Orchard Seashore and take a look at Scarborough Seashore State Park as a substitute.
Portland
I might advocate spending one to 2 nights within the Portland and Casco Bay area, 25 minutes north of Previous Orchard Seashore. In your method into city, remember to cease at Portlandhead Mild in Cape Elizabeth. It’s a excellent spot to scramble on the rocks, stroll alongside the coast, and luxuriate in these lighthouse views.
We love staying within the Previous Port space on the Press Lodge, Courtyard Marriott, Hilton Backyard Inn, or ACE Lodge. Downtown Portland is a foodie metropolis, with many nice eating places to attempt. You too can take a tour on the Beer Bus or cease at one of many many breweries close by. My favourite one to tour and go to is Allagash Brewing Firm. For some nice lobster with a view, go to Luke’s Lobster on the wharf.
You may hop on a ferry boat and discover a few of the islands in Casco Bay, or join a lobster boat tour, the place you may study all about lobstering and assist pull up the traps. Better of all, you may eat what you catch! If you happen to don’t need to keep on the town, you may also take pleasure in a car-free couple of nights on the Inn at Diamond Cove on Nice Diamond Island.
Freeport (day journey from Portland)
From Portland, you may also take a day journey to Freeport, about 20 minutes north of Portland. Well-known for being the headquarters of L.L. Bean, it has turn out to be a purchasing mecca. Along with the massive firm retailer and L.L. Bean outlet, many different designer shops and out of doors outfitters have arrange store on the town.
You too can cease in for a tasting at Maine Beer Firm and pattern a few of their IPAs. If you’re on the lookout for a fantastic lobster roll close by, head all the way down to the water at Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Firm.
Maine’s Mid Coast
After your time in Portland, it’s time to transfer on to Maine’s midcoast. This space has miles of shoreline, lots of of islands, and numerous charming coves to discover. Image an open hand pointed down with outstretched fingers and you may think about the various peninsulas that jut out into Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s good to base your self on this area for not less than two to a few nights, damaged up between two or extra locations. Though many vacationers may determine to spend every week on Orrs Island and be fairly content material.
Brunswick
Your mid-coast exploration can begin off within the city of Brunswick, a 30-minute drive from Portland, with a stroll throughout the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge. This pedestrian bridge connects Topsham and Brunswick, providing stunning views of the Androscoggin River. After, take a stroll by way of downtown Brunswick, residence to Bowdoin School.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, the creator of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and member of the Underground Railroad, lived and labored on the town and her home is now a chosen Nationwide Historic Landmark. If you happen to want an excellent lobster roll on this space, head to Cameron’s Lobster Home.
Harpswell
From Brunswick, head south on Route 123 to the tip of the peninsula for lunch at Erica’s Seafood. This little hidden gem presents seafood recent off the boat you could take pleasure in at picnic tables overlooking the harbor. From there, flip in the direction of Route 24, which leads down by way of Sebascodegan Island to the city of Harpswell, Orr’s Island, and Bailey’s Island.
You’ll get to the tip of the road when the street reaches the ocean at Land’s Finish present store. Backtrack just a little to the Large’s Stairs Path. You may park on the All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Chapel and stroll alongside the trail that runs parallel to the rocks that make up the Large’s Stairs. After I went, I hoped for one thing extra like Large’s Causeway in Northern Eire. The rock formations aren’t that distinctive however it’s nonetheless a cool view and enjoyable place to discover.
In case you have extra time within the space, you may spend a day at Reid State Park or Popham Seashore, or go to the Maine Maritime Museum in Tub. You may additionally need to line up for a lobster roll at Pink’s Eats in Wiscassett, simply don’t make my mistake, remember to get there earlier than they shut! Give your self about an hour to get from Large’s Stairs to Boothbay Harbor.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor was one of many first locations I visited in Maine, over twenty years in the past! I used to be completely satisfied to see that it has solely gotten higher since my final go to, though the great previous Tugboat Inn continues to be there! This time I stayed on the pretty Harborage Inn, which was situated proper on the water and only a quick stroll into the middle of city.
On the town, there are such a lot of cute outlets, from Maine Sea Luggage to Sherman’s Books, together with different present outlets, galleries, and boutiques. Additionally, you will have your alternative of eating places together with Mine Oyster, Kaler’s Lobster, Boathouse Bistro, Ports of Italy, and Shannon’s Unshelled.
For lunch, I might advocate consuming recent seafood outdoors at Boothbay Lobster Wharf. It’s throughout the bay from city however you may simply stroll throughout the pedestrian bridge connecting the 2 sides of city.
A extremely popular factor to do in Boothbay Harbor is to take a whale-watching tour. Nonetheless, since I’ve been whale watching many instances, on this journey I opted for a puffin cruise with Cap’n Fish out to a wildlife protect on Japanese Egg Rock as a substitute. This 2.5-hour cruise passes by lighthouses on the way in which, with alternatives to see dolphins and even whales.
The boat is massive so it may well solely get so near the island, nonetheless, the puffins usually raft up within the water alongside the shore so you’re sure to see loads of puffins. Simply carry alongside some good binoculars or a brilliant zoom lens as a result of puffins are small and also you gained’t get to see their cute, colourful beaks with out a little help.
Damariscotta
From Boothbay Harbor, it’s only quarter-hour over to Glidden Level Oyster Farm on the Damariscotta River. I hoped to take a oysters and wine-tasting cruise with Damariscotta River Cruises, however sadly, they weren’t operating on the day I used to be on the town. So an oyster farm tour appeared like the subsequent neatest thing!
Eighty % of Maine’s oysters are farmed within the Damariscotta River! My tour at Glidden Level Oyster Farm defined why the river was the proper spot for oysters and its historical past that goes again 1000’s of years to pre-Colonial instances. After studying in regards to the farming course of, I stepped as much as the window to order some oysters to style on their out of doors patio. I even realized to shuck an oyster! And I used to be thrilled to study that Glidden Level ships nationwide.
In case you have extra time to remain within the space or want a quieter city versus Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta has a really cute however small downtown. Cease into the Maine Coast E-book Store and Sheepscot River Pottery. You too can go to the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Web site.
You may keep on the Newcastle Inn and have dinner at King Eider’s Pub or Newcastle Publick Home. Locals love Shuck Station Uncooked Bar and if you wish to head just a little out of city for some beer tasting, cease into Oxbow Brewing Firm at their rural farmhouse brewery.
Pemaquid Level Lighthouse
From Damariscotta, it’s a 20-minute drive all the way down to the Pemaquid Level Lighthouse, which generally is a great place for sundown. In fact, after I went it clouded up so I didn’t stick round that lengthy, however that’s okay as a result of I used to be capable of get to my subsequent cease in Rockland just a little early.
From Bristol, it’s an hour’s drive to Rockland. I took Route 32 by way of Bremen and it labored out completely after I got here throughout a park with fields of lovely purple and pink lupines stretching all the way down to the water. In case you have time, additionally cease on the Marshall Level Lighthouse (you might have seen this in Forest Gump.)
Rockland
Rockland is the Artwork Capital of Maine, a bustling city with artwork museums, galleries, outlets, and eating places on a working waterfront. Additionally it is a port for Maine Windjammer ships and even small-ship cruises, so it attracts its share of day trippers as properly. It’s definitely a bigger and extra touristy city than most of the others alongside the Maine coast, however I beloved it and returned just lately to spend a while earlier than my Maine Windjammer Cruise on the Schooner Heritage.
See extra issues to do in Rockland, Maine.
Make time to go to both the Farnsworth Artwork Museum, which celebrates Maine’s function in American artwork, or the Up to date Arts Museum downtown. Whether it is open, you may also cease into the Undertaking Puffin Customer Middle to study all issues puffin. It’s a enjoyable city to discover, take a look at the various murals and public artwork, and store on the many boutiques (my favourite was Barefoot in Denim!)
There are such a lot of nice spots to eat on the town. I had a tremendous dinner at Primo, a farm-to-table Italian restaurant only a quick drive from downtown. Locals additionally advocate Rock Metropolis Espresso and Rock Harbor Brewing.
In case you have time, simply south of city comply with indicators for the breakwater. It’s a couple of mile stroll out alongside the breakwater to the lighthouse on the finish, however it’s a enjoyable outing on a pleasant day. One other day journey choice is to take a ferry to Vinalhaven, which is understood for its stunning surroundings, rocky coast, and granite quarries.
One of the best place to remain in Rockland is 250 Fundamental Lodge. This contemporary, art-forward resort has a rooftop deck overlooking the waterfront and spacious rooms.
Camden
A 15-minute drive from Rockland, Camden is one other fashionable city on Maine’s midcoast. There are glorious views of the Camden harbor entrance from the Camden Public Library, and the garden is a superb spot to take pleasure in a picnic or chill out and take in the view.
Downtown there are various outlets and eating places, similar to The Waterfront Restaurant, Peter Otts, and Recent and Go. If you happen to would somewhat keep in Camden as a substitute of Rockland, the Lord Camden Inn is true within the middle of all the things, whereas the Camden Maine Keep Inn will likely be a bit quieter and laid again.
Outdoors of downtown, you may take pleasure in scenic views from the highest of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park. Additionally, attempt mountain climbing alongside Maiden’s Cliff or the Megunticook Ocean Lookout Path. Sadly, throughout my go to the fog rolled in and I may barely see to drive by way of that space, not to mention soak up a scenic view.
Earlier than you get to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, you might also need to cease on the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory or go to Fort Knox State Park. That was my plan too however with the fog, it wasn’t price it.
Bar Harbor
Camden to Bar Harbor is about an hour and forty-minute drive, though it’s possible you’ll need to cease in Ellsworth earlier than arriving on Mount Desert Island, for a beer tasting at Fogtown Brewing Firm. As a substitute of staying within the city of Bar Harbor, I selected to remain at Terramor Out of doors Resort about quarter-hour from Acadia Nationwide Park and Bar Harbor.
If glamping isn’t your factor, it’s possible you’ll need to go for the luxurious Claremont Lodge in Southwest Harbor or the charming Salt Cottages overlooking Hulls Cove. In fact in case you are going all the way in which to Bar Harbor, you’ll want to spend a while downtown and strolling alongside the Shore Path alongside Frenchman’s Bay. From city you may also take a whale watching cruise. Bar Harbor can be a enjoyable city for purchasing and eating places.
If you’re visiting Acadia Nationwide Park in the summertime, be ready for crowds and make reservations if you wish to drive to the highest of Cadillac Mountain for dawn. To keep away from crowds, additionally take a look at these issues to do close to Acadia.
A Maine coast street journey ought to be on everybody’s bucket record. It’s exhausting to get uninterested in seeing fishing boats bobbing in a harbor, lighthouses standing tall over rocky coasts, and consuming limitless quantities of lobster and seafood. Hopefully, this itinerary makes it simpler to plan your journey!
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