5 Stunning Maine Road Trip Ideas: 5 Day Sample Itineraries to Try

Maine is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts, offering a mix of scenic drives, coastal charm, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re coming from nearby states or already in Maine, these road trip ideas will help you explore the best of the Pine Tree State. Here are five road trips that can each span up to five days, featuring stops that highlight Maine’s unique character and natural beauty:

Boston to Bar Harbor
Maine Coast
Western Maine Mountains
Fall Foliage Tour
Acadia and Beyond

1. Boston to Bar Harbor: A Coastal Adventure (10 stops)

This road trip starts in Boston, Massachusetts, and takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of Maine before ending in Bar Harbor.

Day 1: Boston to Portland
Begin your journey in Boston and head north to Portland, Maine. Explore the Old Port district, enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, and visit the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.
Day 2: Portland to Boothbay Harbor
Drive to Boothbay Harbor, known for its quaint seaside charm. Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens or take a harbor cruise to see lighthouses and marine life. This will give you some additional sights of some of the best lighthouses in Maine.
Day 3: Boothbay Harbor to Camden
Continue along the coast to Camden, often referred to as the “Jewel of the Coast.” Hike Mount Battie for panoramic views of Penobscot Bay.
Day 4-5: Camden to Bar Harbor
Arrive in Bar Harbor, your final destination. Spend two days exploring Acadia National Park, hiking Cadillac Mountain, and enjoying Bar Harbor’s lively downtown.

2. Maine Coast: A Classic Scenic Drive

This road trip follows Maine’s iconic coastline, showcasing charming towns, rocky shores, and sandy beaches.

Day 1: Kittery to Ogunquit
Start your journey in Kittery, known for its outlet shopping and delicious lobster rolls. Continue to Ogunquit to enjoy its sandy beaches and the scenic Marginal Way walking trail.
Day 2: Kennebunkport
Explore Kennebunkport, famous for its historic homes and art galleries. Don’t miss a chance to see Walker’s Point, the summer retreat of the Bush family.
Day 3: Portland
Spend a day in Portland, visiting the bustling Old Port, the Portland Museum of Art, and nearby lighthouses.
Day 4: Boothbay Harbor
Take in the maritime charm of Boothbay Harbor. Try a lobster bake, and consider a whale-watching tour.
Day 5: Rockland and Camden
Finish your trip with stops in Rockland and Camden. Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland and enjoy Camden’s picturesque harbor.

3. Western Maine Mountains

This road trip is perfect for nature lovers who want to explore Maine’s mountainous regions and serene lakes.

Day 1: Bethel
Start in Bethel, a charming town surrounded by the White Mountains. Go hiking in Grafton Notch State Park or take a scenic chairlift ride at Sunday River Resort.
Day 2: Rangeley Lakes
Drive to the Rangeley Lakes region, known for its breathtaking scenery. Visit Height of Land for panoramic views and explore the area’s hiking trails.
Day 3: Moosehead Lake
Head to Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake. Go kayaking, fishing, or take a scenic seaplane tour.
Day 4: Greenville
Spend a day in Greenville, the gateway to Moosehead Lake. Enjoy the quaint downtown and consider a wildlife tour to spot moose.
Day 5: Dover-Foxcroft
End your trip in Dover-Foxcroft, a small town with local charm. Visit Peaks-Kenny State Park for a relaxing lakeside picnic.

4. Fall Foliage Tour: A Spectacular Autumn Drive

Maine’s fall foliage is a sight to behold, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape. This road trip takes you through some of the state’s most beautiful autumn scenery.

Day 1: Bethel
Begin in Bethel, where the White Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for fall foliage. Visit Grafton Notch State Park and take the Moose Cave Trail.
Day 2: Rangeley Lakes
Drive to the Rangeley Lakes region for breathtaking views. Stop at Height of Land, one of Maine’s top spots for fall colors, and explore the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
Day 3: Moosehead Lake
Continue to Moosehead Lake, where the foliage reflects off the water, creating a postcard-worthy scene. Take a boat ride or hike in Lily Bay State Park.
Day 4: Camden Hills State Park
Head to Camden and hike Mount Battie for incredible views of the coast framed by fall colors. Explore the town’s shops and restaurants afterward.
Day 5: Acadia National Park
Finish your trip in Acadia National Park, where the park’s diverse landscapes shine in autumn. Drive the Park Loop Road, hike the Jordan Pond Path, and catch the sunset from Cadillac Mountain, one of the coolest hikes in Acadia National Park!

5. Acadia National Park and Beyond

This road trip centers on Acadia National Park and the surrounding region.

Day 1-2: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
Spend the first two days exploring Acadia. Hike the Beehive Trail, bike the Carriage Roads, and watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Day 3: Schoodic Peninsula
Take a day trip to the less crowded Schoodic Peninsula, part of Acadia National Park. Enjoy its rugged coastline and quiet hiking trails.
Day 4: Blue Hill Peninsula
Visit the Blue Hill Peninsula, known for its art galleries, local farms, and peaceful vibe.
Day 5: Deer Isle and Stonington
End your trip with a visit to Deer Isle and the charming fishing village of Stonington. Take a ferry to Isle au Haut for more outdoor adventures.

Tips for Planning Your Maine Road Trip

Best Time to Visit: Late spring, summer, and early fall are ideal, but fall is unbeatable for foliage.
Lodging: Book accommodations well in advance (a month out at least), especially during peak foliage season.
Food: Don’t miss Maine’s signature lobster rolls, blueberry pie, and fresh seafood.

Each of these road trips offers unique experiences and showcases Maine’s diverse landscapes, from coastal charm to mountainous beauty. Choose the one that fits your interests and start planning your adventure in the Pine Tree State!