Looking for a scenic drive through New England? This Boston to Maine road trip itinerary will help you plan your coastal adventure!
There is no better way to explore New England’s sandy beaches, coastal towns, and lush forests than a road trip!
This Boston to Maine road trip takes you up through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine as you travel to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
The itinerary includes historic towns, coastal gems, and all the iconic New England sights such as lighthouses, museums, beaches, islands, and more.
Get ready to breathe in that fresh sea air and feel the cool breeze as you embark on a scenic drive from Boston to Maine!
Check out our 3 Days in Boston Itinerary to help you plan your stay in the city.
Table of Contents
How long is a Boston to Maine road trip?
The exact duration of a Boston to Maine road trip depends on your destination! Maine is the largest state in the New England area, and there is lots of ground to cover.
So if you’re driving from Boston to Kittery, a town at the very southern tip of Maine, the drive is only 1 hour and covers about 60 miles.
You can make some stops in northern Massachusetts and New Hampshire along the way, but Boston to southern Maine would still only be a few hours at most.
But if you were driving from Boston to Van Buren, a small town at the northern tip of Maine, the drive is almost 7 hours and covers about 430 miles.
So it’s about 6 hours to just drive the length of Maine!
How long is a Boston to Acadia National Park road trip?
For this Boston to Maine road trip itinerary, the final destination will be Acadia National Park. This is the most popular road trip route from Boston to Maine. Not many tourists head further north than Bar Harbor unless they are road-tripping up to places in Canada such as Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.
Acadia National Park is about halfway up the coast of Maine. To drive directly from Boston to Acadia National Park, it’s 4.5 hours and 275 miles.
For this coastal New England road trip, the duration is about 7 hours and 320 miles including all the recommended stops. The road trip can take even longer if you choose to add more destinations or spend a decent amount of time in each place.
No matter how long you choose to make your road trip, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport, rent a car, and hit the road! Boston has lots of car rental places all over the city as well if you’re not flying in.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
When is the best time of year for a Boston to Maine road trip?
Summer and autumn are the best times to complete any New England road trip. As you head north from Boston, temperatures get cooler so summer has the best weather for outdoor activities.
New England has lots of beautiful lakes, beaches, hiking trails, islands, and bays. Summer will have the nicest temperatures for swimming, hiking, camping, exploring, and taking boat tours. Summer is also the busiest time of year for a New England road trip, but it’s worth braving a few crowds to have warmth and sunshine.
Autumn is also a stunning time of year to road trip from Boston to Maine. Temperatures will start to cool off, which is great for hiking. Plus, you’ll get to witness some magnificent fall foliage as you drive through the forests!
Winter in New England is freezing and full of snow and ice. Driving conditions are not ideal in winter, unless you’re experienced at driving in the snow and you have a sturdy, 4WD vehicle well-equipped for winter.
New England is still beautiful in winter, and those looking for ski and snowboard destinations may prefer to do their road trip in the snow season. But for a coastal Maine road trip, summer and autumn are definitely the best times to travel.
Boston to Maine Road Trip Itinerary
So let’s dive into the Boston to Maine road trip itinerary! We’ll include all the best places to stop on the way from Boston to Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, so either of these can be your final destination. Of course, you can continue to road trip further north and explore more of Maine and Canada! But northern Maine gets very remote, so for this road trip we’ll just be focusing on Boston to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
Find more epic road trips from Boston to further explore the area!
Boston
As the capital city of Massachusetts, Boston is the largest city in New England. It’s also one of the most famous cities in the USA. Thanks to its American history, popular sports teams, unique neighborhoods, and charming waterfront, Boston has much to offer travelers.
Before you embark on your New England road trip, spend a few days enjoying the wonders of Boston!
Stroll through the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace and grab a fresh lobster roll or search for souvenirs. Follow the Freedom Trail and check out the historic sites that played a vital role in the USA’s fight for independence. Have a picnic in Boston Common, cruise around the city on an educational Boston duck tour, or catch a show in the theater district.
Sports lovers can try to catch a game at one of the iconic sports venues in Boston. Check out a Boston Celtics game or Boston Bruins game at TD Garden or visit the famous Fenway Park for a Red Sox game.
Find more things to do in Boston with our complete guide!
Where To Stay In Boston
Before your road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, spend at least a few days soaking in the history and culture of Boston. Here are some top-rated places to stay.
Budget – Holiday Inn Express
One of the more affordable hotels near downtown Boston is the Holiday Inn Express. Located in Cambridge, this budget hotel is conveniently located near the New England Aquarium, the Bunker Hill Monument and Boston Common.
Mid-Range – Hilton Boston Park Plaza
A 4-star hotel in the theater district of Boston, the Hilton Boston Park Plaza offers accessible luxury for travelers. It’s right in the heart of the city and has lovely rooms equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Luxury – The Newbury Boston
If you’re looking for some real luxury before you drive from Boston to Bar Harbor, check out the Newbury. An exquisite, 5-star property with elegant design and incredible amenities, the Newbury is right in Back Bay and is a fabulous place to spend a few days in the city.
Salem
- Distance from Boston: 30 minutes
- Driving time: 22 miles
From Boston, it’s time to start heading north towards Maine! Before leaving Massachusetts, stop in the northern city of Salem for an interesting historical journey through time.
This coastal city is best known for its legendary Salem Witch Trials of 1692, a period of hysteria that led to the execution of twenty individuals accused of witchcraft.
Today, Salem embraces its eerie past with numerous museums, historic sites, haunted ghost tours, and annual events that attract visitors from around the world. Learn about the craze of witchcraft at the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, or the Witch History Museum.
Art lovers have to check out the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States. With roots dating back to 1799, the Peabody Essex Museum has a massive collection of art and cultural artifacts from different centuries and locations around the globe.
Other historic landmarks to check out in Salem include the House of the Seven Gables and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. These showcase Salem’s maritime history rather than its witchcraft history. But as you can see, Salem is an amazing place to visit for those interested in art, history, and spooky stories!
Hampton Beach
- Distance from Salem: 45 minutes
- Driving time: 37 miles
As you continue north into New Hampshire from Salem, it’s worth stopping in Hampton Beach during the summer months!
This popular seaside destination in New Hampshire is known for its wide, sandy shores and vibrant boardwalk. For New Englanders looking for a beach getaway in summer, Hampton Beach is one of the best options.
This bustling beach area attracts visitors with its lively atmosphere, featuring a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. There are arcades, bars, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions for people of all ages.
You can also go swimming, surfing, jet-skiing, or try all sorts of water sports. Just remember, the Atlantic Ocean is pretty cold in New England! Even in summer, the ocean is very chilly, but it feels great on a hot summer day.
Hampton Beach is definitely a seasonal town and lots of things are closed outside of summer. So you may want to skip this stop if you’re doing the New England road trip before or after the summer months.
Read next: The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary
York
- Distance from Hampton Beach: 26 minutes
- Driving time: 23 miles
Now that you’ve crossed the border from New Hampshire into Maine, you can start exploring the best Maine beaches, coastal towns, lighthouses, and attractions.
York is one of the oldest towns in the United States. It was established in 1638 and is rich with colonial history. Check out the well-preserved buildings in downtown York such as the Jefferds Tavern and the iconic Old York Gaol.
Other notable landmarks in York include the prominent Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, which is one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses.
York Beach is also one of the most famous Maine beaches, so this is a great place for a beach day in summer! York Beach is actually made up of both Long Sands Beach and Short Sands Beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Short Sands Beach also has a charming boardwalk with shops and eateries.
You can also find some cool arcades, museums, eateries, shops, and historic buildings around York. It’s a lovely place to stop as you road trip through Maine.
Portland
- Distance from York: 45 minutes
- Driving time: 44 miles
The next destination is Portland, Maine one of the best places to visit on any Maine coast road trip. The iconic city is known for its craft breweries, great food, artistic atmosphere, and stunning Casco Bay scenery.
Those who love to eat and drink will have a blast exploring this foodie city! You can sample some of the best Maine craft beer or even join a culinary walking tour. All of Maine has amazing lobster rolls, but Portland is a great place to sample some fresh Maine lobster.
Other than food, downtown Portland is full of cool attractions. The Portland Museum of Art is the largest and oldest art museum in Maine. The Portland Observatory offers panoramic views of the city and coast, and the Old Port District has adorable shops, eateries, and charming cobblestone streets.
A sightseeing trolley tour is a fun and interactive way to sightsee and learn about the history and culture of Portland!
Those hoping to explore nature can venture out to Cape Elizabeth to stroll or bike through the greenery of Fort Williams Park. Here you can also find the Portland Head Light. As Maine’s oldest lighthouse, the Portland Head Light is an iconic landmark in New England.
You can also get great views of the lighthouse and the nearby islands from the water on a sunset kayak tour or a sunset cruise in Casco Bay. Portland is also a great place for a whale watching cruise between the months of May and October.
Check out the best things to do in Portland, Maine for more ideas!
Where To Stay In Portland Maine
There is so much to see and do in Portland, Maine that you may want to spend a few days here. It’s also conveniently located near the middle of a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip, so this is the perfect place to take a break from driving and explore one of Maine’s most famous cities. Here are some places to stay in Portland, Maine!
Budget – La Quinta By Wyndham Portland
La Quinta by Wyndham offers affordable accommodation right near the hustle and bustle of Portland, Maine. It has free parking, free wifi, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and more!
Mid-Range – Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Located in the iconic Old Port District of Portland, Maine, the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa is just steps away from the waterfront. In addition to amazing rooms, the 3-star hotel has a fitness centre, steam rooms, hot tubs and a full-service day spa so you can stay relaxed during your trip.
Luxury – The Press Hotel
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection is a 4-star hotel in downtown Portland, Maine. With a refreshingly modern design and a convenient location in the historic district, here you can treat yourself to an upscale hotel room during your Maine adventures.
Bath
- Distance from Portland: 37 minutes
- Driving time: 35 miles
From Portland, Maine, continue your road trip north! Bath is a lovely place to stop in Maine for anyone who is looking for charming towns on the rocky coastline.
Bath, Maine, is a picturesque town with lots of rich maritime heritage. Situated along the Kennebec River, Bath is often referred to as the “City of Ships” due to its long history of shipbuilding, which continues to thrive today at the Bath Iron Works.
Visitors can explore the town’s nautical legacy at the Maine Maritime Museum, which offers fascinating exhibits and boat tours. The Maine Maritime Museum showcases shipbuilding artifacts, maritime art, and historic vessels.
The town’s historic downtown area features beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, quaint local shops, inviting restaurants, and scenic views.
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Boothbay
- Distance from Bath: 35 minutes
- Driving time: 23 miles
Continue along the coast of Maine into Boothbay, another lovely coastal town known for its bustling Boothbay Harbor.
With colorful lobster buoys, historic buildings, and sweeping views of the ocean, Boothbay Harbor is a small but cozy destination on the wild Maine coast. The area is perfect for outdoor adventures including kayaking, sailing, and whale watching.
Get the best views of the islands and wilderness surrounding Boothbay Harbor on a lighthouses and islands harbor cruise. Or admire the soft pastels of sunset on a relaxing sunset sail. Either way, getting out on the water is a must in Boothbay Harbor!
Fresh seafood makes its way into Boothbay Harbor every day, so indulging in a lobster roll at Boothbay Lobster Wharf is another must-do.
For those who are more interested in history, check out cool local landmarks like the Burnt Island Lighthouse or the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. Put a fun twist on your sightseeing by joining a haunted ghost walking tour, where you can hear about pirate stories and visit historic sites like the Admiral’s Quarters Inn, Harbor House Inn, and the Opera House.
Bristol
- Distance from Boothbay: 40 minutes
- Driving time: 24 miles
From Boothbay Harbor, continue up the east coast of Maine towards Bristol. This serene town on the Pemaquid Peninsula is known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
The town is home to the iconic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses, perched dramatically on rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the grounds of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, climb the tower for panoramic views, and learn about its maritime history at the nearby Fisherman’s Museum.
Pemaquid Beach Park nearby offers sandy shores perfect for swimming and picnicking, while nearby Pemaquid Beach is known for its beautiful sunsets and tidal pools full of marine life.
You can discover more of Bristol’s history at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, where the remains of a 17th-century English settlement and fort provide a glimpse into Maine’s early colonial history.
The quaint village center of Bristol features historic buildings, charming shops, and local eateries serving fresh seafood. Bristol Harbor is also a picturesque spot for watching lobster boats and enjoying waterfront dining.
Camden
- Distance from Bristol: 55 minutes
- Driving time: 35 miles
Drive about an hour north of Bristol, and make another stop in Camden, Maine. Sometimes called the “Jewel of the Maine Coast”, Camden is an adorable town nestled between the Camden Hills and the Penobscot Bay.
Camden Harbor is the center of the town. Filled with sailboats and yachts, Camden Harbor is a postcard-perfect location that captures the essence of coastal Maine.
The downtown area is also incredibly charming. Spend some time strolling around the scenic streets and checking out the shops, galleries, and eateries. You can even attend a show at the Camden Opera House or book a boat cruise through the harbor.
Check out the nearby Camden Hills State Park for some fresh air and greenery, which features over 30 miles of hiking trails. Hiking lovers can take on the popular trek to the summit of Mount Battie, which offers epic panoramic views of Camden Bay and surrounding islands.
Read next: 9 Spectacular Must-Do Day Trips From Boston
Bar Harbor
- Distance from Hampton Beach: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Driving time: 76 miles
After about an hour and 45 minutes, you’ve reached Bar Harbor, the Gateway to Acadia National Park. Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is surrounded by the sapphire waters and rugged islands of the Maine coast. It’s a truly stunning spot that will impress you before you even head into the national park!
Before exploring the wilderness of Acadia, get in touch with the history and culture of the town. Start at the West Street Historic District, a well-preserved collection of Gilded Age historic architecture that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
LaRochelle Mansion is an iconic landmark on West Street. You can learn about the mansion and the other significant places from a local guide on a historic guided walking tour!
Food lovers can join a culinary walking tour of Bar Harbor, and history lovers can visit the Abbe Museum to learn about the Wabanaki Nations and the Native American heritage of Maine.
Those more interested in exploring nature can walk along the scenic Shore Path that winds along the coast, or you can go kayaking and paddleboarding through Frenchman Bay. There is something for everyone in Bar Harbor!
Where To Stay In Bar Harbor
At the end of your Bar Harbor road trip from Boston, you have a few options for where to stay. As Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, many travelers will just stay in Bar Harbor for a few days and explore the park during the day.
You could also just pass through Bar Harbor and spend a few days camping at one of the registered campgrounds in Acadia National Park. But if you prefer more modern amenities and luxury at the end of your Maine coast road trip, here are some places to stay in Bar Harbor.
Budget – Bar Harbor Villager Motel
Stay right in the heart of Bar Harbor at the Bar Harbor Villager Motel. With free breakfast and a heated outdoor pool, you’ll be amazed at the amenities and cheap prices here!
Mid-Range – Bar Harbor Manor
This elegant and historic manor has landscaped gardens and a guest parlor with a fireplace, providing a cozy and heartwarming atmosphere. Bar Harbor Manor is located within walking distance of all the local attractions as well.
Luxury – Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Just 800 metres from the beach, Sand Bar Cottage Inn is a 4-star hotel that feels more like a home. The rustic inn has excellent staff and all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay on your trip to Bar Harbor.
Acadia National Park
- Distance from Bar Harbor: 5 minutes
- Driving time: 1 mile
Acadia National Park, located mostly on Mount Desert Island on the Maine coast, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Established in 1916, it was the first national park east of the Mississippi River.
Acadia National Park is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Maine and is full of gorgeous forests, granite peaks, and rugged coastal views.
One of the most famous features in Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. Here you can hike to the top and be among the first people in the United States to see the sunrise from October to March. It’s a good idea to complete the sunrise hike with a local guide, or you can also do the hike during the daytime as well.
Acadia’s extensive network of trails and carriage roads offers ample opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. If you’re not a big hiker you can also just drive through Acadia National Park and admire the scenery from the car. Book an audio guide so you can ensure you hit the best spots!
Acadia National Park is also home to a rich array of wildlife. Visitors might encounter white-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, and a variety of marine life along the park’s rocky shores.
The park’s tide pools and coastal waters provide a habitat for numerous species, making it a prime location for wildlife observation and photography.
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