road trip from nyc to bar harbor maine

Ultimate New York To Maine Road Trip Itinerary

The Best Driving Itinerary From New York City to Bar Harbor  

Have you been longing for cooling sea breezes, pristine beaches, and seaside villages to explore? If so, a road trip from NYC to Maine is just what the doctor ordered. 

There are few places in the United States more beautiful than coastal Maine, and this picturesque state has been one of the most popular vacation spots on the east coast for over a hundred years. 

And there are plenty of opportunities to devour mouthwatering lobster rolls, stroll miles of sandy shorelines, and even spot a whale or two along the way!

If you’re ready to pack your bags and go on a road trip to Maine from NYC, let us do the planning for you! Follow our itinerary to help you find the best family-friendly attractions at every stop along the way. 

What Is The Distance From New York City To Bar Harbor

Driving distance guide nyc to bar habor, maine, best time of year to drive from new york city to maine, new haven, connecticut , providence, rhode island, boston, massachusetts, kittery, maine, ogunquit, maine, kennebunkport, maine, portland, maine, freeport, maine, bar harbor, maine, more tips for road tripping in maine.

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The distance from New York City to Bar Harbor is about 487 miles, and it takes roughly eight and a half hours to drive there directly. You’ll follow I-95 for most of your route. 

While there are many beautiful towns to visit in Maine, we’ve built in a few other stops in New England along the way. After all, you can’t pass through cities like New Haven, Providence, and Boston without stopping to see the sights! 

If you want to drive straight through to Maine so you can spend more time in this beautiful state, consider taking several of Maine’s beautiful scenic byways along the coast. 

How Long Do I Need Driving New York City To Bar Harbor 

Your drive to Maine from NYC can take one day or several, and it all comes down to how much time you have to complete your road trip.  We suggest spending at least two days in Bar Harbor, which leaves several other days to stop and savor each small town’s unique opportunities. 

Overall, we recommend taking between three to five days to drive up the coast and another two to three days in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park so that you’re not feeling rushed. 

If you choose to take a scenic byway or two, you’re adding extra miles and time to your New England road trip. However, we think you’ll find it worth the extra hours! 

To help you plot out your journey to and from Maine from NYC, you may find this driving distance calculator helpful with estimated travel times:

Coastal Maine is best served warm, so we recommend that you plan your road trip anywhere from late spring to early summer. 

Many of Maine’s national and state parks are open year-round, but many tourist attractions are only available during the summer season. Plus, some areas don’t get plowed regularly during the winter, which can interfere with your travel plans. 

If you’re not much for crowds, we suggest going on your Maine road trip between May and mid-June or after Labor Day. Maine’s fall foliage is a sight to behold, so early fall is always a great option as well. 

Best Stops on a New York City to Maine Road Trip

First up on your journey to Maine from NYC is New Haven, a coastal New England city situated on Long Island Sound, Connecticut . There’s much to see and do here, so we suggest taking a full day before continuing on.

New Haven’s most significant claim to fame is Yale University, founded in 1701. As such, there are several unique visitor opportunities you won’t want to miss. 

Although not everyone can afford an Ivy League education, Yale’s museums are open and welcoming to the public. Yale University Art Gallery, built in 1832,  is the oldest university art museum in the United States. It has many fascinating exhibits from around the world.

If you have children, the perfect place to spend an hour or two is at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History , where they can explore the Great Hall of Dinosaurs and other permanent attractions. 

If the weather is nice, take a stroll through The Green, New Haven’s 16-acre urban park in the city’s center. You can enjoy Music on the Green during the summer, a series of outdoor summer concerts. And you won’t want to skip out on authentic “tomato pies” and dessert at Frank Pepe Pizzaria Napoletana and Lucibello’s Italian Pastry Shop. Yum!

• Make it an overnight stay in New Haven ; families try a quad room at The Blake Hotel or with an RV/camper, try Totoket RV Park

Travel a couple more hours up I-95 to reach Providence, Rhode Island. We love this New England coastal town because it has plenty of family-friendly attractions without being too “touristy.” This self-proclaimed “Creative Capital” has a little something for everyone, so take a morning or afternoon to enjoy. 

If you have small children, you simply have to visit Roger Williams Park Zoo , one of the oldest zoos in the country. You can also spend an hour or two at the Providence Children’s Museum, where there are plenty of hands-on exhibits like a climbing maze, water tables, and more. 

Providence offers many outdoor activities as well, such as pedaling the 14-mile East Bay bike path. There are several different play areas and opportunities for ice cream, and it’s always nice to get out and enjoy the sun. Or you can visit India Point Park and let the kids loose in a large enclosed playground. So many choices!

• Extend your time in Rhode Island with one of these stunning scenic driving routes
• Make it an overnight stay in Providence – try Aloft Providence Downtown

An east coast road trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete unless you stopped in Boston, Massachusetts for at least a half-day. Boston is sandwiched almost equally distanced from Providence, RI, and Kittery, Maine. It takes less than an hour to drive there from Providence, which is an excellent way to break up your travel time. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Boston with kids, make sure to check out the Boston Museum of Science . It’s filled with engaging exhibits and activities for children of all ages. 

The Boston Children’s Museum is also a great place for your kids to run, play, and burn off some pent-up road trip energy. There’s even a play place for babies and toddlers, meaning you might be able to sit down for a few and catch a breather! 

Then there’s the New England Aquarium located right on Boston’s waterfront. You’ll marvel at the towering four-story central tank filled with all kinds of colorful marine life. And there are many fun and educational exhibits for your kids to enjoy, including a playful penguin pool!

You’ll definitely want to grab a bite to eat after all that exploring. We recommend kid-friendly restaurants like The Independent in Union Square (kids eat free from 4:30 – 6:30 pm Sunday – Thursday) or try State Street Provisions , a delicious option close to Boston’s aquarium. 

• If you want to extend your time in Massachusetts, skip the I-95 for a while and include the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway in your journey, check out these MA scenic drives routes and byways
• Stay a night or two in Boston , The Verb Hotel is a popular family choice, or check out many VRBO options which can make a great choice for families needing more space:

Cross over the bridge from Portsmouth, New Hampshire , to reach Kittery, your first official stop in Maine. Kittery is a charming seaside town founded in 1623, and there are many beautiful and historic locations to visit and explore.

Kittery has much to offer, so take at least a day to enjoy the sights before continuing your trip up the Maine coast. 

Kittery is well-known for its picturesque ferry boat tours of Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River. From there, you can observe the rugged beauty of Pepperrell Cove, Whaleback Light, and Kittery Point. Or you can bike, hike, or drive on the Memorial Bridge to explore Badger’s Island before moving on to Fort McClary and Seapoint Beach. 

Parents travelling with children will love spending a few hours at the Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park , which is guaranteed to help burn that built-up energy from riding in the car. Kids can choose from over 65 activities, and there’s even a zipline tour!

If shopping is more your style of adventure, take on the famous stores at Kittery Premium Outlets. They feature some of the best outlet stores in New England, and you’re sure to find a thing (or three) that you can’t live without.

Kittery has many fine restaurants, so savor a meal at Robert’s Maine Grill, Captain and Patty’s, or Chauncey Creek Lobster Pound (a local favorite). Once you’ve taken in all there is to see, rest your eyes at the historic York Harbor Inn in nearby York, a 10-minute drive from Kittery. 

• Stay the night in Kittery, York Harbor Inn in nearby York is perfect for history buffs, or right in town try the Ale House Inn

Your Maine coastal road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping in Ogunquit, only a 20-minute drive from Kittery. Spend a day wandering Ogunquit’s beaches and beaches, enjoying theatre performances and more. 

You don’t drive from NYC to Maine every day, so treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering at the Cliff House Resort , where they offer everything from massages to facials. Next, take advantage of the many photo opportunities along Marginal Way, a 2.5-mile paved path that provides several breathtaking views of the sea. 

Marginal Way also leads you to Perkins Cove, one of the many picturesque fishing villages along the Maine coast. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring the many shops, restaurants, and artisans.

A trip to Oqungquit wouldn’t be complete without a whale-watching tour with Finest Kind , or you can choose to soak up the sun at Ogunquit Beach, one of the top 25 beaches to visit in the U.S. Build sandcastles in the pristine sand, splash in the cool waves, or take a stroll along the shoreline. 

If theatre is your passion, you won’t want to miss The Ogunquit Playhouse , a seasonal summer theatre program. Finally, spend an hour or two exploring the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, a breathtaking structure overlooking the sea and filled with richly varied representations of Maine’s history. 

• Make it an overnight stay in Ogunquit , try Sea Chambers for an incredible coastal experience overlooking the water or Norseman Resort on the Beach .

After leaving Ogunquit, you should the next stop on your Maine coastal road trip should be to take in the wonders of Kennebunkport. It’s a true Maine treasure, and this storybook town is also the summer retreat of the Bush family. 

If you’re planning on spending the night, book a stay at one of the Captain’s Collection in the historic Dock Square area. These luxurious, resort-style hotels were once the homes of captains who lived in the area. 

Spend a few hours exploring Dock Square, the hub of Kennebunkport. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind boutiques and artisan shops and well-known eateries like the Clam Shack, Old Vines Wine Bar, and Striper’s (a Bush family favorite). You’re sure to find a few treasures and souvenirs along the way. 

History buffs won’t want to miss out on the First Family exhibit at White Columns at 8 Maine Street before admiring the impressive sea captains’ mansions along Summer Street. The Brick Store Museum and Nott House are also popular with visitors. Finally, stop in at the Seashore Trolley Museum if you’re traveling with children. They’ll love it! 

Boat tours are available all along the coast near Kennebunkport, so marvel at the ocean’s wonders with a whale watching tour! Or you can choose your own adventure by renting a kayak, canoe, or bike from any one of several locations in town. Photo opps include Goat Island Lighthouse, Goose Rocks Beach, and Cape Porpoise, and you can also fish for stripers on Colony Beach.  

• Check out all accommodation options in Kennebunkport

Drive another 35 minutes up I-95 to reach Portland, Maine’s largest city and arguably one of the best Maine coastal towns to explore. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days on the way from New York City to Maine.

This unique coastal city has it all, from oceanside strolls to famous restaurants. There’s a little something for everyone, and no one will leave disappointed. 

Spend the morning or afternoon in the Old Port district browsing crafts from local artisans and one-of-a-kind boutiques. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you walk down the cobblestone streets and past the stately architecture straight out of the early 20th century.

Despite the historic sites, downtown Portland has a very modern feel. Commercial Street is also one of the last remaining working waterfronts in the United States, so savor freshly caught seafood at several of Portland’s seaside restaurants. 

Seafaring activities abound in Portland and nearby Cape Elizabeth, where you can visit nearby islands via Casco Bay Ferry Lines or tour the area lighthouses. Children will love exploring Fort Williams Park to see the Portland Headlight, one of the most iconic lighthouses in Maine. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to get an ice-cold gelato from Gorgeous Gelato before moving on with your Maine road trip. 

• Check out all accommodation options in Portland, Maine

Next on your New England road trip is Freeport, a popular Maine tourist destination. We recommend spending at least a half-day in Freeport. There are multiple opportunities to enjoy delicious seafood, shop, and sightsee in this historic coastal town. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Freeport, be sure to take a Red Cloak Tour , where you can choose from a variety of topics that best fit your interests.

Families will also enjoy the Maine Maritime Museum on the Kennebunkport River. A range of exciting exhibits, lighthouse cruises, and a kids’ pirate play ship make this a treat for all ages. 

A trip to Freeport wouldn’t be complete without ice cream or L.L. Bean. Stop in for a frosty treat at Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and then head over to L.L. Bean’s massive flagship store to admire the many displays and outdoor gear. If hiking shoes aren’t your thing,

Freeport also has many boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries. Finally, sit down to a fantastic meal at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Co ., a family-owned favorite with the freshest lobster rolls in Maine!

•   Check out all accommodation options in Freeport, Maine
• You can continue to take the coastal Highway 1 from Freeport to Maine if you want a scenic drive, or our itinerary skips you straight to Bar Harbor the quickest way on the I-95 (otherwise its a long drive day with kids!) With a couple of days extra to spare in your itinerary, you can stop in at Boothbay Harbor and Rockport in West Penobscot Bay more beautiful scenery.

We’ve finally arrived at our NYC to Maine road trip destination, and it couldn’t possibly be more beautiful. Bar Harbor is commonly called the gateway to Acadia National Park , and it has been one of America’s most popular summer vacation spots for over a century.

We recommend taking at least three to four days to take full advantage of everything Bar Harbor and Acadia have to offer. 

Summer remains the best time of year to visit Bar Harbor, where you can hike the trails, relax on the seashore with a good book, or go whale watching along the coast. Stay at one of the town’s many historic bed and breakfasts, or you can rent a cottage in Acadia National Park.

Like Freeport, Bar Harbor also offers five unique Red Cloak walking tours for everyone in the family. If your interests lean towards the paranormal, go on a Bar Harbor Ghost Tour before winding down at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. There’s always something to see, do, and eat in Bar Harbor, and it’s the perfect way to conclude your East Coast road trip to Maine. 

Accommodation in Bar Habor

There are endless accommodations to suit any family size or preference, and they’re all equally exciting experiences. All will book out early in peak tourism season over the summer. BOOK EARLY!

To help you plan, we’ve included here a guide to both hotels and VRBO rental properties in the area where you can easily check availability for your travel dates.

Visiting Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is simply put one of the most stunning destinations on the US East Coast, and no surprise, one of the most visited national parks in the country.

As well as stunning scenery, the park offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. There is an extensive network of hiking trails to explore, and educational programs and ranger-led activities teach kids about the park’s ecology, geology, and history.

Our complete guide to Acadia National Park with kids is coming soon!

Quick Facts to Be Aware Of Planning A Visit to Acadia National Park

• There is a $35 per vehicle entry fee to the National park, valid for 7 days
• In the peak summer months there are timed entry permits required to enter Cadillac Summit Road (May 24 through October 22, 2023)
• Camping within the park is only possible in summer and should be reserved in advance (2 months out) with recreation.gov
• Download the National Parks Service app before you hit the park. As reception is limited in the park, be sure to “save for offline use” ( App Store | Google Play )
• Learn more about East Coast National Parks – including which are free and what seasons are best to visit!
• Depending on when you plan your road trip from NYC to Maine, you could arrive right in the middle of blackfly season (Mother’s Day to Father’s Day). These biting flies are no fun, so bring plenty of bug spray. Locals recommend Avon Skin So Soft , as it’s more effective than other brands. 
• If you want to see some spectacular fall foliage, we suggest making your New England road trip between late September and early October. 
• Maine is filled with walking, biking, and ATV trails, so bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes!
• If you want to leave the interstate behind and take a more scenic route up Maine’s coast , take Route 1 from Freeport. 
• If you want to get the most out of your NYC to Maine road trip, take at least ten days to travel to Bar Harbor. This way, you’re not rushed, and you get to savor every experience just a little more! 
• Setting out from Boston? We also have this detailed guide for all the family-friendly stops you can make on a Boston to Bar Harbor Maine coast road trip , covering a little more of New England.
• Tune into newengland511.org for road conditions before setting out. We also like the travel planning app Waze for picking up on live traffic conditions.
• Last but not least, relieve the stress of forgetting essential items at home with our Ultimate Family Road Trip checklist ! 

© Family Road Trip 2024

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New York to Maine Road Trip: 14 Dreamy Stops

A New York to Maine road trip is not just a journey through miles, but an excursion through the very heart of New England’s charm.

⭐ From impressive cities to jaw-dropping national parks, here are 14 dreamy stops from New York City to Bar Harbor, Maine.

The northeast of the United-States offers an incredible range of landscapes. From the skyscrapers of New York City, the Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt , to national park valleys, there is so much to choose from between NYC to Maine.

The diversity of its geography, added to the number of cool cities and towns, make every road trip pretty different from the previous one. There are many hidden gems in Upstate New York , Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine.

Since we don’t know if you would rather explore big cities, charming small towns or go on nature hikes, we decided to include it all for you to choose your favorite stops along the way.

Whether it’s woodland walkways or big-city avenues, a New York to Maine road trip is a testament to the allure of the American Northeast.

New York to Maine road trip itinerary: the most scenic route

Stop 1: new york city.

• Distance: starting point of the road trip
• Type of spot: city
• Where to stay: Arlo Nomad , a skyline hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the best area to stay in New York for first-timers

New York City is the starting point for your road trip to Maine. Iit goes without saying that you cannot leave this epic city without visiting its highlights first.

Since you will likely only spend a day or two in New York, there is a huge chance of you visiting the touristy highlights instead of the secret spots. Here is a great New York one-day itinerary to see the landmarks of Manhattan.

You will immediately notice that New York is very Instagrammable . Make sure to see the most popular places like Times Square, Grand Central Station, Central Park and the Empire State Building.

Another great place to visit in New York is the Highline Park, which takes you above the streets and allows you to get away from the loud traffic for a little while.

🏖️ If you’re not feeling up to spending too much time in the city, you can also drive over to Long Island and enjoy an afternoon at the beach instead. While this might not be on the way to Maine, and you’ll have to retrace your steps later, the area is stunningly beautiful and a great place to escape the crowds.

Stop 2: New Haven

• Distance from New York City: 85 miles
• Type of stop: city
• Where to stay: Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale

New Haven isn’t only an iconic university town, you’ll also find plenty of cultural and educational experiences, thanks to its vibrant history.

Begin your adventure by exploring the historic Yale campus, where a guided tour will help you appreciate the architectural beauty and get to know the area as much as possible in such a short amount of time.

Don’t miss the Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and science.

For foodies, a walk through the city’s Little Italy neighborhood is a must-do to enjoy a wide variety of dining options, including the famous New Haven-style pizza.

If you want to spend some time outside, head to East Rock Park, offering trails, picnic areas, and a summit with stunning views of the city.

If you have time, add Lighthouse Point Park to your itinerary, which is located a quick drive outside of the city and is usually much quieter. The coastline views are beautiful, and it’s a great spot to have a picnic or lunch.

Stop 3: Mystic

• Distance from New Haven: 55 miles
• Type of stop: town
• Where to stay: Taber Inn

Mystic is considered by many one of the seaside villages on the east coast of the United-States. It is a must-stop when doing the NYC to Maine drive .

Located between New Haven and Providence, it offers a breath of fresh air to all who stop here. This picturesque village is split in two by the Mystic River.

Here you’ll find many waterfront homes, restaurants and bars with contemporary architecture. Mystic is a typical American town with traditional wooden cottages painted in pastel colors.

We recommend a stroll through the town center and Olde Mistick Village, after visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum. Delicious seafood is another seatowns highlight! The Mariner serves excellent seafood in a nautical setting.

Stop 4: Providence

• Distance from Mystic: 50 miles
• Where to stay: Christopher Dodge House

Next, you’re headed to Providence and crossing into Rhode Island. Providence is the perfect size of city to explore in a day or two, it would be a shame to skip it on your drive to Maine .

Begin your day with a stroll through the picturesque Brown University campus, where you can admire the intricate architecture and get a feel for Providence’s history.

Art enthusiasts will love a visit to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, boasting an impressive collection spanning various genres and eras.

For a taste of local flavors, venture to Federal Hill, known for its Italian cuisine, cute little restaurants and vibrant street life.

WaterFire, an impressive fire sculpture installation on the three rivers of downtown Providence, is a great spot to see in the evening. It’s not always on, make sure to look up the schedule before you go.

Before leaving Providence, head to Roger Williams Park, home to beautiful gardens, a zoo and several lakes.

Stop 5: Cape Cod

• Distance from Providence: 75 miles
• Type of stop: town, beaches
• Where to stay: Cape Cod Veranda

Cape Cod is a little out of the way on the route from New York City to Maine , but it’s actually one of the most beautiful spots along the way, so it’s worth the extra miles.

Whatever the season, this area always has something going on. One of the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter is to drive along the Cape Code National Seashore. At sunset, the beaches and lighthouses turn into incredibly photogenic spots.

Make sure to visit Provincetown for its art scene and vibrant community and check out the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich for its flower gardens and car collection on the way there.

Whale watching tours from Barnstable or Provincetown are popular for spotting whales if the season is right. The best time for whale watching in the area is between April and October.

Finally, you need to explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking, visit the Pilgrim Monument for history and views, and take a ferry trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a day.

Kayaking and paddleboarding in the numerous bays and inlets is also a fun activity, but you might not have time if you’re only staying in the area for a day or two.

Cape Cod has plenty to do, whether you’re into nature, history, or just enjoying good food, and with so much available, try to spend at least two nights here.

Stop 6: Martha’s Vineyard

• Distance from Cape Cod: 54 miles
• Type of stop: island
• Where to stay: Ashley Inn , in Martha’s Vineyard

You did not see this one coming, right? On your way from New York to Maine , you can live the island life for a day or two! Martha’s Vineyard is a stunning island off the coast of Massachusetts.

It offers a mix of quaint small-town atmosphere, sea views and cool people. Martha’s Vineyard is a melting pot because of its history.

Over the years, the island has been home to diverse communities, including European settlers, enslaved Africans and indigenous Wampanoag. This diversity has contributed to the island’s unique cultural heritage, which is reflected in its architecture, traditions and local cuisine.

After delicious food experiences with locally-grown products, you can enjoy its beautiful beaches all around the island.

Stop 7: Plymouth

• Distance from Martha’s Vineyard: 55 miles
• Where to stay: Best Western Plus Cold Spring

Plymouth holds a unique position in American history, being the landing site of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620. It’s a sad yet important story that has shaped the past of this town.

This coastal town is not only steeped in the early stories of the United States. It offers much more than historical sites. Much of the town is located along the seashore.

Visitors can take in beautiful ocean views from the famous Plymouth Rock. They can also stroll along the picturesque waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.

Stop 8: Boston

• Distance from Plymouth: 40 miles
• Where to stay: The Revolution Hotel

Boston is a large city and of course an unmissable stop on a road trip from New York City to Maine . There is a lot to see and do, so try to focus on seeing the highlights or extend your trip if you can.

Start with the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that takes you past historic sites like the Boston Common and the USS Constitution. The Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium are great for families, offering interactive exhibits and marine life displays.

For sports fans, a tour of Fenway Park is a must, while art lovers should visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a vast collection of incredible artwork.

Foodies will enjoy exploring the North End for its Italian cuisine and Quincy Market for a variety of food stalls. Last but not least, you should check out the panoramic view of the city from the Skywalk Observatory.

Stop 9: Salem

• Distance from Boston: 22 miles
• Where to stay: Hawthorne Hotel

Salem is located just 30 minutes from Boston and is a great place to stop for the day on your way from NY to Maine .

The town is famous for its 1692 witch trials and offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. It’s ideal for a short day visit.

Must-see attractions include the Salem Witch Museum, which provides an overview of the witch trials, and the Peabody Essex Museum, known for its art and cultural exhibits.

You can also visit the House of the Seven Gables, which is the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. For a deeper dive into the witch trials, the Witch House, the former home of trial judge Jonathan Corwin, is a must-see.

Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site to learn about the city’s seafaring history, or take a stroll along the waterfront.

🎃TOP TIP: in October, Salem becomes a hub of Halloween festivities with events, haunted houses, and tours.

Stop 10: Portsmouth

• Distance from Salem: 47 miles
• Type of stop: coastal town
• Where to stay: The Hotel Portsmouth – Downtown

After an hour’s drive from Salem, you’ll arrive in the splendid city of Portsmouth. And when we say splendid, we’re not exaggerating! You can see it for yourself below.

Portsmouth is a port city that could almost be considered an island. Most of its land is actually an island, surrounded by water on all sides. But Portsmouth also stretches out a little on the mainland.

Aside from the obvious beauty of its architecture, and waterfront colorful houses, Portsmouth is home to several maritime museums and famous vessels.

Among them, you can visit the interactive National Museum of the Royal Navy, with the wooden warship HMS Victory, and the Mary Rose Museum.

Portsmouth is really a unique town to visit, on your way to Maine from NYC .

Stop 11: Kennebunkport

• Distance from Portsmouth: 29 miles
• Where to stay: The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek

Kennebunkport is another incredibly charming oceanside town of Maine. Just a 40-minute drive from Portsmouth, this is a great place to stop for an afternoon and night.

This little town is quite small, with less than 2,000 people living here year-round, but it becomes more crowded and lively in spring and summer.

Many consider it an ideal vacation spot, and we can see why… It could easily become a favorite of your New York to Maine road trip.

The Kennebunk river, and surrounding forest, make it a very scenic seaside town. It is home to incredible mansions, with big windows facing the river.

You can also go on a lobster boat tour from Kennebunkport, or eat delicious lobster rolls at local restaurants. We especially recommend Allyson’s Restaurant.

Stop 12: Portland

• Distance from Kennebunkport: 28 miles
• Where to stay: Hilton Portland Downtown

You’ve finally made it to Maine! One obvious spot is the most populous city of Maine, Portland. It’s a compact city that’s big on experience, perfect for a quick getaway.

Start by exploring the Old Port district, where cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, and eateries, offering a glimpse into the city’s maritime history.

A must-visit is the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in America, located in nearby Cape Elizabeth.

For art enthusiasts, the Portland Museum of Art boasts a collection of over 18,000 artworks, while the Maine Historical Society provides insights into the state’s past.

Definitely don’t miss out on the chance to try some of Maine’s famous lobster if you’re a seafood enthusiast. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with options for kayaking, biking, and hiking along the scenic coastline or nearby islands accessible by ferry.

The Eastern Promenade offers beautiful ocean views and green spaces for relaxation. Portland’s thriving craft brewery scene is worth exploring, with many breweries offering tours and tastings, the perfect way to cheer a successful road trip.

Stop 13: Camden

• Distance from Portland: 81 miles
• Type of stop: Town
• Where to stay: Blackberry Inn

Now that you completed a unique NYC to Portland Maine drive , maybe you’re starting to get that bitter end-of-stay feeling… But we are not done yet!

Because Maine has such a unique collection of picturesque coastal towns, we couldn’t fail to mention Camden. It’s a stunning fishing town, surrounded by forested hills.

You can start your tour with Camden’s incredible harbor. If you want to see the coast from the sea at some point of your trip, we recommend going on a sailing day trip from Camden. 👇

Sailing trips offer an unparalleled view of Maine’s rugged coastlines and lighthouses. Camden is especially incredible in autumn, when the hills surrounding the towns become a painting of autumn colors!

On land, Camden Hills State Park provides miles of trails for hiking and biking, with the summit of Mount Battie offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding waters.

Because Camden is so picturesque, it inspired artists and art galleries bloomed in the city center!

The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Camden International Film Festival, Camden Arts and Book Fair, Jazz in June…

Stop 14: Acadia National Park

• Distance from Camden: 72 miles
• Type of stop: national park
• Where to stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Driving from NYC to Acadia National Park is a great achievement, it’s where most people end their New York to Maine road trip. And what an epic last stop!

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

This picturesque park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include rocky beaches, lush forests, and sparkling lakes.

It boasts over 158 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. For instance, the Jordan Pond Path is an easy 3-mile looping around a lake. It is ideal for Sunday hikers, or families looking for leisurely walks with stunning views.

Additionally, the park’s loop road offers spectacular driving routes. They provide access to places like the iconic Cadillac Mountain. It is the highest point on the East Coast of the USA.

📍 How to access : most people are driving from NYC to Bar Harbor Maine , and then explore the Acadia National Park. 💲 Park entrance fee : $20 USD on foot, $30 USD for a motorcycle, $35 USD for a vehicle

New York to Maine map and itineraries

Here is a map of all the best stops on a New York to Maine road trip. You can click on the map to open the Google Maps version. If you wish to visit them all, it would take around 2 weeks.

But we know that not everyone can afford a two-week trip. That’s why we’ve created different itineraries for different lengths of trip below.

New York to Maine in 4 days

Trying to find a New York to Portland 4-day itinerary ? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!

After spending your first day discovering the main landmarks of New York City, drive to your first spot: Mystic for a night and morning stroll.

Then, head to Salem, a cool city right after Boston, where you will be spending your next 24 hours.

After that, it’s time to head north again to the enchanting Portsmouth, before driving to your final destination, Portland.

New York to Maine 1 week itinerary

Our New York to Maine 1 week road trip includes a first day in New York and a second day in the fabulous and beautiful town of Mystic.

Then it’s on to Salem and Portsmouth, which are very different but truly represent the East Coast of the USA, each in its own way.

After a day in Portland, back to nature. Head to Camden for a day and Acadia National Park for another!

New York to Maine in 10 days

For a New York to Maine 10-day itinerary , we recommend spending the first two days in New York City to explore all of its highlights.

Then, head to Mystic and Cape Cod for quaint town atmosphere, where you can spend 1 day each.

Drive to Boston, and plan a one-day tour in the city. After that, you will spend the next 4 days in the charming towns and cities of Salem, Portsmouth, Portland and Camden.

Round off your trip with a hike in the marvelous Acadia National Park!

New York to Maine drive: FAQ

How far is maine from new york.

You’ll cover a total of 482 miles on a road trip from NYC to Acadia National Park , if you don’t take any detours. It means 8 hours and a half of driving.

However, we all know that if you are trying to put together the best road trip through Maine , it means you WILL take detours! You can see different itinerary options above.

How many days for a road trip to Maine from NYC?

A road trip from NYC to Maine can take from 1 to 15 days, depending on the kind of road trip you are hoping for and time available. If you just want to go to Maine, you can reach it in one day.

For visits to major cities, such as New Haven, Providence, Boston and Portland, one week should be enough. If you wish to add picturesque towns or natural sites to your itinerary, allow an extra day per site.

What are the best stops from New York to Maine?

The prettiest seaside quaint towns are Camden, Portsmouth and Kennebunkport. Salem, Boston and Providence are very entertaining cities, with lots to do. For beaches, Cape Cod is the place to be. Finally, Acadia National Park is the natural jewel of the northeastern USA.

What is the best time for a New York to Maine road trip?

Autumn is the best time for a NY to Maine road trip, for its incredible autumn foliage along roadsides and around towns, cooler temperatures, fall festivals and fewer tourist crowds.

The diversity of tree species in this region, including maples, birches and oaks, makes for a rich and varied color palette that is truly impressive. Drive along the East Coast, from New York to Maine, and you’ll discover a dazzling display of red, orange and yellow leaves.

If you can’t make an autumn road trip work, September is also ideal, with pleasant temperatures and no crowds. You will be able to enjoy serene nature spots and quaint towns even more!

☀️ TOP TIP: Here are the coolest things to do in Brooklyn in September !

How to get from New York to Maine?

New york to maine by car 🚗.

Renting a car is the best way to go from New York City to Maine. It will give you the freedom to stop everywhere you would like to on the road. Not all nature spots and small towns are accessible by public transport.

Furthermore, even if there are buses from New York City to Boston for instance, it takes much longer than a road trip by car. To find the best car deals, we can’t recommend enough Discover Cars .

It basically compares all international and local car companies to find the best cars and prices. This way, you don’t have to look at 10 different websites. They also offer great insurance deals with all cars. You can see it for yourself!

New York to Portland by Train 🚂

You can go to Portland from New York City by train in one day. Most of the trains take around 9 hours, because there is usually a change in Boston.

You can find tickets for around $100 USD, even cheaper if you book in advance. This is a great option if you don’t drive and just want to get to Portland without stopping on the road.

New York to Portland by bus 🚌

If you are on a budget, and don’t want to do a road trip with different stops, the bus is your best bet.

You can find cheap buses at around $30 USD that go from New York City to Boston, and then to Portland. They are not even this long, as most of them take around 8 hours to complete the full journey.

However, if you wish to do an actual road trip, you would need to take buses from New York to New Haven, etc. This is absolutely doable for most spots on this itinerary. 

You just need to be patient as your road trill will depend on the hours of the buses.

New York to Portland by plane ✈️

Direct flights connect New York to Portland, several times a day. Flight time is an hour and a half. If you want to get to Portland as quickly as possible, without a car trip and without a strict budget, this is the best way.

How to prepare for a New York to Maine roadtrip?

1. Define the trip length ⌛ 2. Select the best stops according to your favorite things to do: city visit, hike in a national park, beach day…🥾 3. Rent a car on Discover Cars , the best comparator website for both international and local car rental companies 🚗 4. Book your hotels on Booking.com 🏨 5. Have fun and take loads of pictures! 📸

New York to Maine road trip: final thoughts

A road trip from New York City to Maine is a great way to get to know the East Coast, including everything from large cities to small towns, beaches and nature spots along the way.

Whether you only have a few days or a week or more, this road trip perfectly combines outdoor activities, culture and plenty of fun along the way.

You will fall in love with the beauty of Cape Cod, Salem or Portland and enjoy all the highlights of Boston and New York City. We mean, the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view is a good place to start an epic road trip with stars in your eyes!

After visiting the north east coast of the United-States, you can also visit the south coast and do a New York City to Florida road trip. On that road, we highly recommend stopping at Washington DC and exploring the coolest things to do in Georgetown DC at night .

Further Reading...

Nusa Penida Tour: A Complete Guide

Apo Whang-Od : Road to the Oldest Tattoo Artist in the World

11 Best Parks in Paris from a Parisian (2024)

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 ultimate road trip from New York to Maine

• Post last modified: September 1, 2024

Trace the magnificent New England coastline from New York to Maine. It’s a spellbinding journey with cute seaside towns, dutiful lighthouses and jaw-dropping vistas. As you work your way north, there’s certainly a lot to write home about.

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• Start: New York City
• Finish: Acadia NP
• Total distance:  592 mi / 953 km
• Total driving time:  12.5 h

1. New York City, NY

We get it: You’re ready to travel up along New England’s stunning coastline. But keep in mind that there’s a never-ending selection of iconic New York City attractions to enjoy before taking off.

Stroll through Central Park

You sweet little oasis in the heart of New York City. Manhattan’s Central Park has since its first opening in 1858 provided a peaceful domain in the otherwise busy city.

In summer, it’s a great spot to soak up the sun. In winter, the park offers a unique venue for ice skating. Around the year, Central Park is the perfect spot for a quiet stroll.

Take a photo from Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge famously spans East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The symbolic bridge, one of 21 that connect Manhattan with the rest of the city, invites visitors to a celebrated perspective.

From Brooklyn Bridge, you not only get a close-up view of a fascinating construction. The bridge also gives you an unmatched view of New York City’s skyline.

Additional stop: Mystic, Connecticut, is a pleasant early addition to the itinerary. In the town, which is located right on the way from NYC to Newport, you find a cozy waterfront area and the extensive Mystic Seaport Museum .

2. Newport, RI

• Driving distance:  180 mi / 290 km
• Driving time: 4 h

It’s just a few hours into the road trip, but New England’s charm is already evident. Newport is a seaside Rhode Island city home to alluring mansions.

Learn a mansion story

Newport’s signature mansions were built between the 1850s and early 1900s. The historic structures demonstrate a wide range of architectural styles.

Such progressive facades make you impressed. However, it’s when you go inside the Newport mansions that they really come to life.

On a guided mansion tour, you indulge in colorful stories of previous times and owners. It’s an activity for the history buff or anyone who likes a good story.

So which Newport mansion tour should you include on your itinerary? The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House are constantly ranked as top Newport mansions to visit.

Stretch your legs on Newport Cliff Walk

A stone’s throw from the enchanting mansions, you find Newport Cliff Walk. The salty pathway gorgeously extends for 3.5 miles (6 km) along Newport’s coastline.

With both Atlantic views and lovely homes to rest your eyes on, the Newport Cliff Walk is a celebrated attraction. Some of the best things in life are free, and Newport’s cliff walk is one of them.

More info: Best hotels in Newport, RI

3. Cape Cod, MA

• Driving distance:  76 mi / 122 km
• Driving time:  1.5 h

Sure, Cape Cod is a slight detour. But if you want to capture all the most beautiful spots along New England’s coastline (or, at least, as many as possible), the Cape is a must to include.

Take advantage of Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod is blessed with mile after mile of unspoiled shoreline. The area of the peninsula that best showcases its untouchedness is Cape Cod National Seashore .

Cape Cod National Seashore is 43,607 acres big. Within the huge seashore, you find everything from deer to turtles.

It’s a paradise for hikers, bikers and beachgoers alike. In summer, its beaches peaks, but year round Cape Cod National Seashore makes a superb destination.

Catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is its own little peaceful bubble. Located off Cape Cod, just 35 minutes by ferry away, it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.

The island is home to six Martha’s Vineyard towns to get to know: Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah.

Oak Bluffs is famous for its colorful gingerbread cottages, while Edgartown radiates elegancy like no other place. Every town on the island offers that sought-after vacation ambience. 

More info: Best areas on Cape Cod

4. Boston, MA

• Driving distance:  71 mi / 114 km

On the way from New York to Maine, the streets of Boston inevitably draw your attention. Massachusetts ‘ biggest city is just filled with history to explore.

Walk back in time on the Freedom Trail

In the heart of Boston, the 2.5 miles (4 km) long Freedom Trail takes you back in time. The trail, which starts at Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument, shows you one historic monument after another.

Highlights as you walk the Freedom Trail include Massachusetts State House and Old State House. Another outstanding building to keep your eyes open for is the Old Corner Bookstore.

Hear Harvard tales

Boston’s Harvard University is one of the most reputable institutions of higher learning in the US. Its alumni includes former presidents and Nobel Prize winners.

So wouldn’t it be nice to enter the doors of Harvard, if so only for a few hours?

On a guided Harvard University tour that’s exactly what you get to do.

Not only are the grounds interesting to see, but there are also many amusing tales to be told. You don’t have to be into history to appreciate a Harvard tour.

More info: Where to stay in Boston

Additional stop: Another beach stop makes a lot of sense, especially in summer. New Hampshire’s appreciated Hampton Beach State Park showcases a pristine beach that just adds minutes to the itinerary.

5. Portland, ME

• Driving distance:  112 mi / 180 km
• Driving time:  2 h

Portland welcomes you to Maine in fine style. Maine is well known for its many lighthouses, and Portland certainly sets the lighthouse standard high.

View Portland’s lighthouses

No road trip from New York to Maine is complete without a stop at Portland Head Lighthouse . It’s the lighthouse that’s known as Maine’s most photographed such.

Positioned on majestic cliffs Portland Head Light is the definition of a photo opportunity.

But as you visit Portland Head Lighthouse, don’t miss out on the surrounding lighthouses. From the Portland Head Lighthouse area, you can spot as many as 4 more lighthouses.

Breathe in the Old Port

Overlooking the Fore River, the Old Port in Portland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area characterized by its cobblestone streets, brick buildings and fishing piers has a rich past as a leading Maine port.

Today, the Old Port is a place where history meets shopping and dining. Portland’s Old Port neighborhood is dotted with popular stores, tasty restaurants and refreshing watering holes.

Still, you don’t need to spend any money in the Old Port to have a good time. Just walking around in the district, where history and contemporary features intersect, is rewarding.

Additional stop: Why not throw a legendary never-closing store into the mix of fun stops? The L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport is widely known for its large selection of products. But even if you’re not up for a shopping, its gigantic storefront boots make up a quirky photo stop.

6. Camden, ME

• Driving distance:  81 mi / 130 km

Welcome to Camden , a heartwarming town sandwiched in between the mountains and Penobscot Bay.

Climb Camden Hills

Camden Hills functions as Camden’s green backdrop. As part of Camden Hills State Park , they flourish like they always have.

The tallest component of Camden Hills is Mount Battie. Its peak shoots up 780 feet (238 m) above the ocean.

From Mount Battie’s heights, the view of Penobscot Bay and Camden is awe-inspiring — an undeniable highlight on the itinerary.

But how do you get to Mount Battie’s remarkable overlooks? A popular 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long trail takes you from the streets of Camden to its top. However, a paved road also lets you travel up the slopes of Mount Battie by car.

7. Acadia National Park, ME

• Driving distance:  72 mi / 116 km

Acadia National Park is the northernmost and final stop on the itinerary. In New England’s only national park, the mountains spectacularly meet the Atlantic Ocean.

Drive Acadia’s loop road

Acadia’s loop road is often referred to as one of the most scenic drives in America. When you visit, it’s easy to see why.

The bucket list drive takes you around the eastern half of Mount Desert Island. Highlights include spots such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point and Jordan Point.

At its end Cadillac Mountain makes up a jaw-dropping vista. From its 1,530 feet (466 m) high top, which makes it the tallest point along the entire Atlantic coastline, you have an undisturbed view of the wild surroundings.

Tour western Mount Desert Island

Mount Desert Island’s western portion invites you to an experience off the beaten path. This Acadia part is quieter, and gets fewer visitors, than the island’s eastern half.

But quietness is far from western Mount Desert Island’s only ace in the sleeve. The area is home to scenic spots including Echo Lake and Long Pond.

In addition, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is positioned at its southernmost point. Built in 1858, it’s a manmade attraction that beautifully complements the awe-inspiring nature in Acadia National Park.

Where to stay

Bar Harbor is to most visitors the best place to stay at Acadia National Park . The gateway town offers easy park access and the amenities you crave for.

• Bar Villager Motel – In Bar Harbor’s heart.
• BW Acadia Park Inn – Away from the crowds.

You might wonder…

This one-way road trip from New York to Maine and Acadia National Park is 592 mi (953 km) long. Driving it takes roughly 12.5 hours, not including any stops along the way.

The main stops on our itinerary are New York City, Newport, Cape Cod, Boston, Portland, Camden and Acadia National Park. Additional destinations along the route include Mystic, Hampton Beach and Freeport.

For the ultimate experience, we recommend allowing 10 days or more for your road trip. However, make sure to add time if you want to fit in one or several longer stays.

Related guides

• Where to stay in Acadia NP

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