Searching for a scenic drive by New England? This Boston to Maine street journey itinerary will aid you plan your coastal journey!
There is no such thing as a higher strategy to discover New England’s sandy seashores, coastal cities, and luxurious forests than a street journey!
This Boston to Maine street journey takes you up by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine as you journey to Bar Harbor and Acadia Nationwide Park.
The itinerary consists of historic cities, coastal gems, and all the long-lasting New England sights akin to lighthouses, museums, seashores, islands, and extra.
Get able to breathe in that contemporary sea air and really feel the cool breeze as you embark on a scenic drive from Boston to Maine!
Take a look at our 3 Days in Boston Itinerary that can assist you plan your keep within the metropolis.
How lengthy is a Boston to Maine street journey?
The precise period of a Boston to Maine street journey will depend on your vacation spot! Maine is the most important state within the New England space, and there’s a number of floor to cowl.
So should you’re driving from Boston to Kittery, a city on the very southern tip of Maine, the drive is only one hour and covers about 60 miles.
You can also make some stops in northern Massachusetts and New Hampshire alongside the way in which, however Boston to southern Maine would nonetheless solely be a couple of hours at most.
However should you had been driving from Boston to Van Buren, a small city on the northern tip of Maine, the drive is sort of 7 hours and covers about 430 miles.
So it’s about 6 hours to simply drive the size of Maine!
How lengthy is a Boston to Acadia Nationwide Park street journey?
For this Boston to Maine street journey itinerary, the ultimate vacation spot might be Acadia Nationwide Park. That is the most well-liked street journey route from Boston to Maine. Not many vacationers head additional north than Bar Harbor except they’re road-tripping as much as locations in Canada akin to Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.
Acadia Nationwide Park is about midway up the coast of Maine. To drive immediately from Boston to Acadia Nationwide Park, it’s 4.5 hours and 275 miles.
For this coastal New England street journey, the period is about 7 hours and 320 miles together with all of the really useful stops. The street journey can take even longer should you select so as to add extra locations or spend an honest period of time in every place.
Regardless of how lengthy you select to make your street journey, you’ll be able to fly into Boston Logan Worldwide Airport, lease a automobile, and hit the street! Boston has a number of automobile rental locations all around the metropolis as properly should you’re not flying in.
The easiest way to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the most effective worth available on the market.
When is the most effective time of yr for a Boston to Maine street journey?
Summer season and autumn are the most effective instances to finish any New England street journey. As you head north from Boston, temperatures get cooler so summer time has the most effective climate for outside actions.
New England has a number of stunning lakes, seashores, climbing trails, islands, and bays. Summer season can have the nicest temperatures for swimming, climbing, tenting, exploring, and taking boat excursions. Summer season can also be the busiest time of yr for a New England street journey, however it’s price braving a couple of crowds to have heat and sunshine.
Autumn can also be a shocking time of yr to street journey from Boston to Maine. Temperatures will begin to cool off, which is nice for climbing. Plus, you’ll get to witness some magnificent fall foliage as you drive by the forests!
Winter in New England is freezing and filled with snow and ice. Driving circumstances should not splendid in winter, except you’re skilled at driving within the snow and you’ve got a sturdy, 4WD car well-equipped for winter.
New England remains to be stunning in winter, and people in search of ski and snowboard locations could favor to do their street journey within the snow season. However for a coastal Maine street journey, summer time and autumn are undoubtedly the most effective instances to journey.
Boston to Maine Street Journey Itinerary
So let’s dive into the Boston to Maine street journey itinerary! We’ll embrace all the most effective locations to cease on the way in which from Boston to Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia Nationwide Park, so both of those could be your remaining vacation spot. After all, you’ll be able to proceed to street journey additional north and discover extra of Maine and Canada! However northern Maine will get very distant, so for this street journey we’ll simply be specializing in Boston to Bar Harbor and Acadia Nationwide Park.
Boston
Because the capital metropolis of Massachusetts, Boston is the most important metropolis in New England. It’s additionally probably the most well-known cities within the USA. Due to its American historical past, widespread sports activities groups, distinctive neighborhoods, and charming waterfront, Boston has a lot to supply vacationers.
Earlier than you embark in your New England street journey, spend a couple of days having fun with the wonders of Boston!
Stroll by the historic Faneuil Corridor Market and seize a contemporary lobster roll or seek for souvenirs. Comply with the Freedom Path and take a look at the historic websites that performed a significant position within the USA’s struggle for independence. Have a picnic in Boston Frequent, cruise across the metropolis on an academic Boston duck tour, or catch a present within the theater district.
Sports activities lovers can attempt to catch a recreation at one of many iconic sports activities venues in Boston. Take a look at a Boston Celtics recreation or Boston Bruins recreation at TD Backyard or go to the well-known Fenway Park for a Crimson Sox recreation.
Discover extra issues to do in Boston with our full information!
The place To Keep In Boston
Earlier than your street journey from Boston to Bar Harbor and Acadia Nationwide Park, spend at the very least a couple of days soaking within the historical past and tradition of Boston. Listed below are some top-rated locations to remain.
Funds – Vacation Inn Categorical
One of many extra reasonably priced resorts close to downtown Boston is the Vacation Inn Categorical. Positioned in Cambridge, this finances resort is conveniently positioned close to the New England Aquarium, the Bunker Hill Monument and Boston Frequent.
Mid-Vary – Hilton Boston Park Plaza
A 4-star resort within the theater district of Boston, the Hilton Boston Park Plaza presents accessible luxurious for vacationers. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and has beautiful rooms geared up with all of the facilities you want for a snug keep.
Luxurious – The Newbury Boston
For those who’re in search of some actual luxurious earlier than you drive from Boston to Bar Harbor, try the Newbury. An beautiful, 5-star property with elegant design and unimaginable facilities, the Newbury is correct in Again Bay and is a superb place to spend a couple of days within the metropolis.
Salem
- Distance from Boston: half-hour
- Driving time: 22 miles
From Boston, it’s time to start out heading north in the direction of Maine! Earlier than leaving Massachusetts, cease within the northern metropolis of Salem for an fascinating historic journey by time.
This coastal metropolis is finest recognized for its legendary Salem Witch Trials of 1692, a interval of hysteria that led to the execution of twenty people accused of witchcraft.
Right now, Salem embraces its eerie previous with quite a few museums, historic websites, haunted ghost excursions, and annual occasions that appeal to guests from world wide. Be taught concerning the craze of witchcraft on the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, or the Witch Historical past Museum.
Artwork lovers have to take a look at the Peabody Essex Museum, one of many oldest constantly working museums in america. With roots courting again to 1799, the Peabody Essex Museum has an enormous assortment of artwork and cultural artifacts from completely different centuries and places across the globe.
Different historic landmarks to take a look at in Salem embrace the Home of the Seven Gables and the Salem Maritime Nationwide Historic Website. These showcase Salem’s maritime historical past reasonably than its witchcraft historical past. However as you’ll be able to see, Salem is an incredible place to go to for these keen on artwork, historical past, and spooky tales!
Hampton Seashore
- Distance from Salem: 45 minutes
- Driving time: 37 miles
As you proceed north into New Hampshire from Salem, it’s price stopping in Hampton Seashore throughout the summer time months!
This widespread seaside vacation spot in New Hampshire is understood for its large, sandy shores and vibrant boardwalk. For New Englanders in search of a seaside getaway in summer time, Hampton Seashore is without doubt one of the finest choices.
This bustling seaside space attracts guests with its vigorous ambiance, that includes a mixture of leisure, eating, and purchasing choices. There are arcades, bars, seafood eating places, memento outlets, and points of interest for individuals of all ages.
You may also go swimming, browsing, jet-skiing, or strive all types of water sports activities. Simply keep in mind, the Atlantic Ocean is fairly chilly in New England! Even in summer time, the ocean could be very chilly, however it feels nice on a sizzling summer time day.
Hampton Seashore is unquestionably a seasonal city and plenty of issues are closed outdoors of summer time. So you could need to skip this cease should you’re doing the New England street journey earlier than or after the summer time months.
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York
- Distance from Hampton Seashore: 26 minutes
- Driving time: 23 miles
Now that you simply’ve crossed the border from New Hampshire into Maine, you can begin exploring the most effective Maine seashores, coastal cities, lighthouses, and points of interest.
York is without doubt one of the oldest cities in america. It was established in 1638 and is wealthy with colonial historical past. Take a look at the well-preserved buildings in downtown York such because the Jefferds Tavern and the long-lasting Previous York Gaol.
Different notable landmarks in York embrace the outstanding Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, which is certainly one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses.
York Seashore can also be probably the most well-known Maine seashores, so this can be a great spot for a seaside day in summer time! York Seashore is definitely made up of each Lengthy Sands Seashore and Brief Sands Seashore, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Brief Sands Seashore additionally has a captivating boardwalk with outlets and eateries.
You may also discover some cool arcades, museums, eateries, outlets, and historic buildings round York. It’s a stunning place to cease as you street journey by Maine.
Portland
- Distance from York: 45 minutes
- Driving time: 44 miles
The following vacation spot is Portland, Maine probably the greatest locations to go to on any Maine coast street journey. The enduring metropolis is understood for its craft breweries, nice meals, inventive ambiance, and beautiful Casco Bay surroundings.
Those that like to eat and drink can have a blast exploring this foodie metropolis! You’ll be able to pattern a few of the finest Maine craft beer and even be a part of a culinary strolling tour. All of Maine has superb lobster rolls, however Portland is a superb place to pattern some contemporary Maine lobster.
Aside from meals, downtown Portland is filled with cool points of interest. The Portland Museum of Artwork is the most important and oldest artwork museum in Maine. The Portland Observatory presents panoramic views of the town and coast, and the Previous Port District has lovely outlets, eateries, and charming cobblestone streets.
A sightseeing trolley tour is a enjoyable and interactive strategy to sightsee and study concerning the historical past and tradition of Portland!
These hoping to discover nature can enterprise out to Cape Elizabeth to walk or bike by the greenery of Fort Williams Park. Right here you can too discover the Portland Head Gentle. As Maine’s oldest lighthouse, the Portland Head Gentle is an iconic landmark in New England.
You may also get nice views of the lighthouse and the close by islands from the water on a sundown kayak tour or a sundown cruise in Casco Bay. Portland can also be an awesome place for a whale watching cruise between the months of Might and October.
Take a look at the finest issues to do in Portland, Maine for extra concepts!
The place To Keep In Portland Maine
There’s a lot to see and do in Portland, Maine that you could be need to spend a couple of days right here. It’s additionally conveniently positioned close to the center of a Boston to Bar Harbor street journey, so that is the proper place to take a break from driving and discover certainly one of Maine’s most well-known cities. Listed below are some locations to remain in Portland, Maine!
Funds – La Quinta By Wyndham Portland
La Quinta by Wyndham presents reasonably priced lodging proper close to the hustle and bustle of Portland, Maine. It has free parking, free wifi, a swimming pool, a health heart, and extra!
Mid-Vary – Portland Regency Resort & Spa
Positioned within the iconic Previous Port District of Portland, Maine, the Portland Regency Resort and Spa is simply steps away from the waterfront. Along with superb rooms, the 3-star resort has a health centre, steam rooms, sizzling tubs and a full-service day spa so you’ll be able to keep relaxed throughout your journey.
Luxurious – The Press Resort
The Press Resort, Autograph Assortment is a 4-star resort in downtown Portland, Maine. With a refreshingly trendy design and a handy location within the historic district, right here you’ll be able to deal with your self to an upscale resort room throughout your Maine adventures.
Tub
- Distance from Portland: 37 minutes
- Driving time: 35 miles
From Portland, Maine, proceed your street journey north! Tub is a stunning place to cease in Maine for anybody who’s in search of charming cities on the rocky shoreline.
Tub, Maine, is a picturesque city with a number of wealthy maritime heritage. Located alongside the Kennebec River, Tub is sometimes called the “Metropolis of Ships” resulting from its lengthy historical past of shipbuilding, which continues to thrive immediately on the Tub Iron Works.
Guests can discover the city’s nautical legacy on the Maine Maritime Museum, which presents fascinating reveals and boat excursions. The Maine Maritime Museum showcases shipbuilding artifacts, maritime artwork, and historic vessels.
The city’s historic downtown space options fantastically preserved Nineteenth-century structure, quaint native outlets, inviting eating places, and scenic views.
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Boothbay
- Distance from Tub: 35 minutes
- Driving time: 23 miles
Proceed alongside the coast of Maine into Boothbay, one other beautiful coastal city recognized for its bustling Boothbay Harbor.
With colourful lobster buoys, historic buildings, and sweeping views of the ocean, Boothbay Harbor is a small however cozy vacation spot on the wild Maine coast. The realm is ideal for outside adventures together with kayaking, crusing, and whale watching.
Get the most effective views of the islands and wilderness surrounding Boothbay Harbor on a lighthouses and islands harbor cruise. Or admire the smooth pastels of sundown on a soothing sundown sail. Both means, getting out on the water is a should in Boothbay Harbor!
Contemporary seafood makes its means into Boothbay Harbor on daily basis, so indulging in a lobster roll at Boothbay Lobster Wharf is one other must-do.
For many who are extra keen on historical past, try cool native landmarks just like the Burnt Island Lighthouse or the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. Put a enjoyable twist in your sightseeing by becoming a member of a haunted ghost strolling tour, the place you’ll be able to hear about pirate tales and go to historic websites just like the Admiral’s Quarters Inn, Harbor Home Inn, and the Opera Home.
Bristol
- Distance from Boothbay: 40 minutes
- Driving time: 24 miles
From Boothbay Harbor, proceed up the east coast of Maine in the direction of Bristol. This serene city on the Pemaquid Peninsula is understood for its pure magnificence and laid-back ambiance.
The city is dwelling to the long-lasting Pemaquid Level Lighthouse, certainly one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses, perched dramatically on rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can discover the grounds of Pemaquid Level Lighthouse, climb the tower for panoramic views, and study its maritime historical past on the close by Fisherman’s Museum.
Pemaquid Seashore Park close by presents sandy shores excellent for swimming and picnicking, whereas close by Pemaquid Seashore is understood for its stunning sunsets and tidal swimming pools filled with marine life.
You’ll be able to uncover extra of Bristol’s historical past on the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Website, the place the stays of a Seventeenth-century English settlement and fort present a glimpse into Maine’s early colonial historical past.
The quaint village heart of Bristol options historic buildings, charming outlets, and native eateries serving contemporary seafood. Bristol Harbor can also be a picturesque spot for watching lobster boats and having fun with waterfront eating.
Camden
- Distance from Bristol: 55 minutes
- Driving time: 35 miles
Drive about an hour north of Bristol, and make one other cease in Camden, Maine. Generally referred to as the “Jewel of the Maine Coast”, Camden is an lovely city nestled between the Camden Hills and the Penobscot Bay.
Camden Harbor is the middle of the city. Crammed with sailboats and yachts, Camden Harbor is a postcard-perfect location that captures the essence of coastal Maine.
The downtown space can also be extremely charming. Spend a while strolling across the scenic streets and trying out the outlets, galleries, and eateries. You’ll be able to even attend a present on the Camden Opera Home or e book a ship cruise by the harbor.
Take a look at the close by Camden Hills State Park for some contemporary air and greenery, which options over 30 miles of climbing trails. Climbing lovers can tackle the favored trek to the summit of Mount Battie, which presents epic panoramic views of Camden Bay and surrounding islands.
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Bar Harbor
- Distance from Hampton Seashore: 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 Nationwide Park. Positioned on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is surrounded by the sapphire waters and rugged islands of the Maine coast. It’s a very beautiful spot that can impress you earlier than you even head into the nationwide park!
Earlier than exploring the wilderness of Acadia, get in contact with the historical past and tradition of the city. Begin on the West Road Historic District, a well-preserved assortment of Gilded Age historic structure that’s on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
LaRochelle Mansion is an iconic landmark on West Road. You’ll be able to study concerning the mansion and the opposite important locations from an area information on a historic guided strolling tour!
Meals lovers can be a part of a culinary strolling tour of Bar Harbor, and historical past lovers can go to the Abbe Museum to study concerning the Wabanaki Nations and the Native American heritage of Maine.
These extra keen on exploring nature can stroll alongside the scenic Shore Path that winds alongside the coast, or you’ll be able to go kayaking and paddleboarding by Frenchman Bay. There’s something for everybody in Bar Harbor!
The place To Keep In Bar Harbor
On the finish of your Bar Harbor street journey from Boston, you might have a couple of choices for the place to remain. As Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia Nationwide Park, many vacationers will simply keep in Bar Harbor for a couple of days and discover the park throughout the day.
You might additionally simply cross by Bar Harbor and spend a couple of days tenting at one of many registered campgrounds in Acadia Nationwide Park. However should you favor extra trendy facilities and luxurious on the finish of your Maine coast street journey, listed here are some locations to remain in Bar Harbor.
Funds – Bar Harbor Villager Motel
Keep proper within the coronary heart of Bar Harbor on the Bar Harbor Villager Motel. With free breakfast and a heated outside pool, you’ll be amazed on the facilities and low-cost costs right here!
Mid-Vary – Bar Harbor Manor
This elegant and historic manor has landscaped gardens and a visitor parlor with a hearth, offering a comfortable and heartwarming ambiance. Bar Harbor Manor is positioned inside strolling distance of all of the native points of interest as properly.
Luxurious – Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Simply 800 metres from the seaside, Sand Bar Cottage Inn is a 4-star resort that feels extra like a house. The country inn has glorious workers and all of the facilities you want for a soothing keep in your journey to Bar Harbor.
Acadia Nationwide Park
- Distance from Bar Harbor: 5 minutes
- Driving time: 1 mile
Acadia Nationwide Park, positioned totally on Mount Desert Island on the Maine coast, is famend for its beautiful pure magnificence and numerous landscapes. Established in 1916, it was the primary nationwide park east of the Mississippi River.
Acadia Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Maine and is filled with beautiful forests, granite peaks, and rugged coastal views.
One of the well-known options in Acadia Nationwide Park is Cadillac Mountain, the best level alongside the North Atlantic seaboard. Right here you’ll be able to hike to the highest and be among the many first individuals in america to see the dawn from October to March. It’s a good suggestion to finish the dawn hike with an area information, or you can too do the hike throughout the daytime as properly.
Acadia’s intensive community of trails and carriage roads presents ample alternatives for strolling, climbing, biking, and horseback driving. For those who’re not an enormous hiker you can too simply drive by Acadia Nationwide Park and admire the surroundings from the automobile. E book an audio information so you’ll be able to make sure you hit the most effective spots!
Acadia Nationwide Park can also be dwelling to a wealthy array of wildlife. Guests would possibly encounter white-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, and quite a lot of marine life alongside the park’s rocky shores.
The park’s tide swimming pools and coastal waters present a habitat for quite a few species, making it a first-rate location for wildlife commentary and images.
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