With almost exactly 6 hours total drive time following the coast, we have mapped out an easy come/easy go road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor/Acadia. In this case, itll be much less dangerous and you wont need to pack so much survival gear. Contact Us | About Us | Privacy | Disclaimer, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases US & UK Hey East Coast USA are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.. Stowe is a little less than 2 hours from Lincoln and has lush forests and rolling hills. Then back to the hotel in time to retrieve your luggage and have the hotel shuttle you to the airport in time for your flight. This 3-day itinerary includes: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Trolley. Itinerary Help - Boston to Maine Jun 23, 2022, 10:32 AM Save Our family will be traveling to Boston and would like to drive up to Maine. There are tons of hotels in the Portland area, but our favorites are The Francis (747 Congress St) and The Press Hotel (119 Exchange St). Its a great way to save a couple of bucks during your New England road trip. Theyre about experiencing and enjoying the journey along the way. We plan to fly out on July 4th. Alternatively, you may use, Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center. There are even more towns further north, depending on how far into Maine you travel. You'll also visit smaller ports such as Bar Harbor, Charlottetown, Rockland, and St. John on . Your Boston to Maine road trip doesnt need to end once you reach your final destination. America is hallowed ground when it comes to road trips. Eat in Maines best restaurants. Similar Tours. All rights reserved. Check out Beacon Hill This is one of Bostons most picturesque neighborhoods. This may have been one of my favorite stops on our New England fall road trip. This traveling family of 4 consists of my husband, our two sons, ages 15 and 11, and me. In terms of natural beauty, youll want to stay near the coast for glimpses across the great Atlantic Ocean. 2-Day Boston to Niagara falls In-Depth Tour $188.00 $180.48. 2-Day Boston to New York City, The Summit at One Vanderbilt and American Dream Tour $239.00 $229.44. I would love to go back to experience it during the summer months. This metropolis with a small-town feel is a cultural hotspot and a nature loversparadise. The booming Seaport District, luxury shopping in the Prudential Center, or places to explore Boston's historic past are all just minutes from Logan International Airport. And local info center in Bar Harbor (and probably your innkeeper) can help with local activities, attractions, etc. We didnt have time for hikes, but there are so many great ones in the area I definitely hope to have time for our next trip! Acadia is one of the top-ten most visited national parks, pointing to its awe-inspiring beauty and unforgettable natural areas. This road trip is perfect for a summer vacation in Maine or enjoy the stunning fall foliage by heading out from Boston in late September or October. Nubble Lighthouse New York to Maine Road Trip Using I-95 from Boston, you should get into Portland in plenty of time to check into your hotel/motel and visit one of the great restaurants in Portland's restored Old Port District. It takes you through all the major sites and monuments relating to the city's founding and the Revolutionary War. Portland is also known as quite the foodie city these days, so take advantage of any of the local food tours or just hit up some awesome local spots on your own. Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 45 minutes (but always allow extra time for traffic) Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Different parts of America offer different benefits for tourists. (2 answers), Portsmouth (New Hampshire) (19 answers) Indulge in fresh Maine lobster. The chances are that your total driving journey will be more like 300 to 400 miles (480 640 km) long. Fenway Park Tour. The 275-mile road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor takes 5 hours 30 minutes to drive. As New Englands only National Park, you cant skip the hiking trails and stunning views if youre road tripping in Maine! For even more places to stay, check out our other Portland accommodation guides: If youre continuing your road trip from Boston after a stop in Portland, we recommend you take the 1.5-hour trip to scenic Camden, Maine. The total distance from Boston to Camden, Maine, is 192 miles; if you start in Portland, its just under 82 miles to Camden. If you're going on a road trip from Boston to Portland, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Salem, Ogunquit, Cambridge, Portsmouth, Gloucester, Concord, Kennebunkport . However, staying completely on the I-95 isn't the ideal route to go if you want to make the most out of this road trip. Ensure your car is fitted with snow tires and always carry a shovel to dig yourself out of trouble. The busy airport offers a convenient spot to begin your Boston to Bangor road trip. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:04 pmdrive for about 37 minutes, 12:42 pm Kennebunkport (Maine) Just south of Bucksport on Rt 1, watch for the signs for Fort Knox State Park and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory. Route 66 is perhaps the most famous but at almost 2500 miles (almost 4000 km) in length, this isnt feasible for most people. We didnt have the time, but if all of this hocus-pocus stuff intrigues you and you have some time to spare you can check out the, Just a hop skip and a jump away from Bard Coffee is, Grab some chowder and a lobster roll from, Check out some breweries and distilleries. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. If youre starting from Portland, take Route 295 out of the city and then hop onto Route 1 when you reach Brunswick. For a unique Portland experience, make sure you take the Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay. Jess is a freelance writer who was raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Bean is worth a visit if you're outdoor folks at all. As you drive from Boston, Massachusetts to Freeport, Maine, give yourself time to stroll along the sandy beaches, soak in fresh sea air, saunter through old sea captains' and artists' colonies, and enjoy plenty of the region's . We always recommend you dig deeper than the basic history of a place. The question is, which route do you take? I love lighthouses and I think you should include a stop at Nubble lighthouse in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Boston? Required fields are marked *. I plan to post this on both the Maine and Bsoton forums to get multiple perspectives. Makes me second guess complaining theres not enough time in the day when I cant get 3 tasks done. Therefore, its best to assume your route will be longer than this. The Interstates are busy and patrolled well enough that about 5 hours from Boston to Acadia is pretty reasonable. If you want to skip Camden and just want to travel from Portland, that drive will take you just under 3 hours. We are a family that appreciates and enjoys seeing the historic aspects of wherever we go, typically enjoy tours but would all go nutty if we spent days on end touring battlefields. Staying the night in Portland means you can continue your Boston to Maine road trip the next day! I hope you love the blog as much as I've loved creating it for you! This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you. For the most scenic drive from Boston to Portland, Maine, go part of the way via the highway-free, coastal route. Take it away, Anna! Portland is a diversified coastline area that welcomes guests with a variety of unique Maine experiences. This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from. Just a short walk away from the Abbe Museum, Grant Park, and the West Street Historic District, adventurers of every kind will love staying in the Grand Hotel. The total Boston to Maine road trip distance covers 285 miles if you go all the way to Bar Harbor. Start off with a couple of days in the Maine beaches region, which stretches from the New Hampshire border up to Portland. A more general approach to the rich history of Portland is featured in this 2-Hour Guided History Tour as well as in the Hidden Histories Downtown Walking Tour. Once you get to Portland, there are so many fun tours and adventures to go on to make the most of your road trip stop. If your plan is to leave central Boston and drive directly to a town in central Maine like Guilford, then your road trip will be a little under 250 miles (400 km). It will be my . Boston/Maine/Nova Scotia Itinerary- is this nuts? But up in Acadia you have all the roads and trails and carriage paths to spread out and truly see the magnificent rocky coast and outer islands that make Maine so unique. Two of our favorite hotels are the affordable Moseley Cottage Inn and Town Motel (12 Atlantic Ave) and the beautiful Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (269 Main St). Plan ahead for jetting around if you choose to spend two days or a weekend in Boston. Also, youll be unlikely to take the quickest route between the start and the end of your Boston to Maine road trip. Yes, you can see the ocean from some of the roads. by calculating the distance from Boston to Maine. We didnt get to check it out, but the Samual Adams Brewery is located in Boston too! You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. 2-Day Boston to Whirlpool State Park, Maid of the Mist and Niagara Falls In-Depth Tour $188.00 $182.36. Your email address will not be published. and leave at 2:43 pm. We lso love the great outdoors! stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:37 pmdrive for about 42 minutes, 6:18 pm Saint Albans (Maine) 8/2 drive. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31029006', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car and get out of Boston (northbound) ahead of the evening rush hour (more folks from Maine and New Hampshire work in Boston than you'd expect). Stops include Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Portland, Rockport, Camden and the stunning views along the Highway 1 route through Maine. This is a relatively short trip but also among the most epic. This road trip is perfect for a summer vacation in Maine or enjoy the stunning fall foliage by heading out from Boston in late September or October. If youd rather skip Portland, go straight from Boston to Maine right into Camden instead. Americas northeastern coast holds spectacular beauty that can be enjoyed at any time of year. To drive, you follow Route 95 north about two hours from downtown Boston. Need a primer on the state? Boston, Massachusetts An east coast road trip to Maine wouldn't be complete unless you stopped in Boston, Massachusetts for at least a half-day. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is an upscale accommodation with an outdoor heated pool, a daily deluxe breakfast, a fitness center, and a truly castle-like external appearance. However, as not all Boston vacations take place over the weekend, our trip plan can just as easily be used for weekday visits. Our Boston 3-Day Itinerary assumes that you will spend a long weekend in Boston, arriving on Friday or Saturday and staying until Sunday or Monday evening. Much of Maine and other parts of upper New England *are* a trek from Boston. Maine's Route 1 road trip is as quintessential New England as the West Coast's Route 1 drive is classic California. There are so many activities available during this season! I hope this post has given you some ideas for your epic fall road trip! Its a charming original cobblestone street something you dont come across too often nowadays. Stowe, Waterbury, and Burlington are all great places to visit in Vermont in the fall! most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Visit all the museums. Maine to Boston drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. New England Aquarium. Remember, by focusing on just two destinations, you're going to have to forfeit some of the things on the first itinieray because its additional overnight destinations allow more "local" times in each locationbut that said, Boston-Bar Harbor-Jackson/North Conway-Boston should still give you a great vacation for you and your little one. who wants the trip to end? We did our New road trip at the end of October and missed peak foliage. If you're pushed for time, then this is the perfect way to get all the benefits of a road trip, without spending a lot of money or taking loads of time off work. restaurants around Kennebunkport (Maine): We want to drive from Maine to San Antonio, TX. Learn how to prepare for an epic road trip in Americas northeastern states. Today, Salem is a tourist destination known for its Halloween celebrations, as well as its many attractions. When you pack up and hit the road from Portland, you may want to break-up your trip with a stopover in the Maine Midcoast. Your email address will not be published. Love American food? They want to stop at beauty spots and historical monuments. For more adventures in Bar Harbor itself, make sure you check out this Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings and dont skip the Historical Guided Walking Tour to learn more about this area. 10:00 am start in Bostondrive for about 1 hour, 11:04 am Portsmouth (New Hampshire) If you're planning a road trip to Maine, you can research locations to stop along the way. Thats where Europeans first arrived to found the USA as we know it today. The city is also home to a number of historic sites, including the House of the Seven Gables, which was built in 1668. Our son and daughter are young adults 21 and 23. Required fields are marked *. view full itinerary. Won't give you everything in the above itinerary because of travel times/distances will require more driving and less stopping time. but to add just two towns beyond (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? They want to get out of the car every now and then to explore this fantastic bit of land. With no stops, it takes less than 3 hours. Only a 25-minute detour from the coastal route, Popham Beach State Park is a must-visit stop on the Boston to Bar Harbor road trip year-round. If youd rather dive deeper into the local culinary history and top spots, try the Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour or the Old Port Culinary Walking Tour. To start your Boston to Maine road trip, head north along I-95, I-295, and Route 1 for a remarkable coastal adventure. A Guide To Visiting Balis Big Brother, The Ultimate Phuket Itinerary: 5 Days in Southern Thailand, Silver Travel: The 7 Best US Travel Destinations For Seniors. Get the reverse directions for a Did you follow our advice for this Boston to Maine road trip from start to finish? These are the key sights that make the trip worth taking. 5 to 7: Portland. Driving up the East Coast on a Philadelphia to Boston road trip is one of the great American road trips. As soon as you arrive in Camden, make sure you stop for lunch at the Boynton-McKay Food Co. (30 Main St), a local favorite for creative and flavorful dishes. Ive heard plenty of great things about Portland, and it definitely lived up to the hype! 10:00 am start in Boston drive for about 1 hour 11:04 am Portsmouth (New Hampshire) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:04 pm drive for about 37 minutes 12:42 pm Kennebunkport (Maine) eat at All Day Breakfast stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:42 pm drive for about 59 minutes 2:41 pm Brunswick (Maine) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:41 pm The point of road trips is that theyre spontaneous and you decide when to stop and when to drive as you go, based on a gut feeling. We did only get just a taste of them (literally and figuratively), but I feel like what we did and saw were some of the best parts. I think we've made up our mind that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? open-ended. 3 Day Maine Coast Itinerary. Great Easy Lake, Acton ME (2 answers), Daisy from California asked:Boston to Bangor (1 answer). Myself, husband and 9 and 15 year old kids traveling 8/2 to 8/13 (possibly 8/14)and want to visit Boston, Maine and Nova Scotia. If youre going to Maine anyway, make sure you have a list of things to do once you get there. New York City. Institute of Contemporary Art OR USS Constitution Cruise. Beyond the cursory background you can find in a guidebook or school history book, listen to the less frequently told stories, too. Enjoy the evening by dining at any of Boston's fine restaurants, and walk around historic Faneuil Hall, once a meeting hall and marketplace, and the surrounding historic market area, which is now filled with shops . Just another 30 minutes outside of Waterbury youll find yourself on the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain in Burlington, where Ben & Jerrys originated. The tour begins on the streets and then is taken to the Charles River for a view of the city by boat. If you are traveling from Boston to Bar Harbor, you will want to take at least a week to explore the Maine coast. Click on any question to see answers from the community! For the quickest route from Boston to Portland, leave Boston via Route 93 to Route 95N until it hits Route 295 as you approach the city; this is usually 1 hour and 45 minutes. Boston to Portland Maine Road Trip Map Click on the image of the map below to open an interactive version in Google Maps with information on the drive from Boston to Portland, Maine (and beyond) and Maine getaway points of interest. For the most part, we just took ourselves on a self-guided foodie tour and enjoyed strolling around this charming coastal city. Kittery was settled by the English in 1623 and is the oldest city in Maine. That means you can pack light and always buy more gear if you need it. Fort was built in the 1800's and easily explorable -- Observatory is built into the top of one of the towers of a large suspension bridge -- great 360-degree views including the mountains of Acadia in the distance. 3 to 5: Boothbay Harbor. That leaves you 2 days to explore the Park Loop Road, the trails, and the carriage roads of Acadia. family vacation Its the oldest of all current major league ballparks! 4:55 pm arrive in Portland (Maine) stay at Portland Regency Hotel & Spa. See Gorgeous Views at Portland HeadLight. Before you set off, though, its important to do your research. ; Winters in Boston can be brutal. Lobsters and lighthouses. If you want to drive all the way to Boston for your hotel stay check out hotel options here. If youre traveling to Bar Harbor from Camden following our full Maine coast road trip, you can just continue north on Route 1, hugging the coast for a while until cutting across to Ellsworth and taking Route 3 on toward Bar Harbor. then 2-3 nights in Jackson-North Conway NH area for mountains, inland hikes, etc. For a more upscale dining experience, head to Legal Seafoods on Downtown Crossing or Long Wharf. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions The direct drive from Boston to Portland is 107 mi (172 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 49 mins in normal traffic.. I love planning trips just about as much as I love taking them. The Portland Headlight is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and is a beautiful spot to take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay. Along the way, you'll see: Boston Common Massachusetts State House Park Street Church Granary Burying Ground questions about Kennebunkport (Maine): New England is one of the best (and most popular) places to road trip in the fall! With that in mind, research the best things to do in Maine. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Start: Boston Portland Rockland Camden Finish: Acadia Total distance: 271 mi / 436 km Total driving time: 5.5 h 1. The total Boston to Bar Harbor driving distance is about 285 miles; from Camden to Bar Harbor is just around 77 miles. From there, you can pick your way among the rocks around the bay, checking out the natural wonder Maines coasts have to offer. Leigh Ann from asked:We want to drive from Maine to San Antonio, TX (2 answers), Emily from Shaker Heights, Ohio asked:A week in Maine- where are the best places to go? The total Boston to Maine road trip distance covers 285 miles if you go all the way to Bar Harbor. If youre spending a whole weekend in Portland, youll have ample time to explore this small coastal city. It is located in the downtown area known area The Arts District in Portland, Maine. :) Need to interject some fun into touring history but don't need to spend a lot of time "entertaining the boys." Suggested itineraries of Maine coast: 1-3 Days. One-Week Itinerary: Day 1: We flew into the Portland International Airport and took an Uber to pick up our rental car. Day 5: Road Trip to East Burke Stopping at Covered Bridges, Waterbury, and Montpelier. Acadia National Park Self Guided Driving Tour, Best Places to Stay in Bar Harbor and Mt Desert Island, 7 Purfect Pet-Friendly Hotels in Plymouth, MA, Hiking through 66 acres of the natural landscape in. Because we had such limited time on this trip we did try to cram in as much as we could, however, I know this is only a glimpse into the many amazing fall activities to do in New Hampshire. Popular areas along the road are Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point, and Jordan Pond. At just under two hours, a Boston to Portland ME road trip is perfect for a day trip or a whole weekend getaway. Trying to decide if we should go all the way north to Bar Harbor/Acadia or just see some of coastal Maine a little further south of there. Sail along the New England coastline from Boston to Maine and beyond on an 11 or 12 night cruise. to double check the weather. Southern Maine, near NH. However, to get your creative juices flowing here are some of the best things to do in Maine: Maine is full of incredible beauty and fascinating history. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31024362', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston arriving at 2:30 pm on Monday, July 25 and leaving from same airport on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 pm. Hertz also allows you to have an extra driver if that driver has AAA, even if you are under 25.) Different parts of America offer different benefits for tourists. If youre from the south, then you probably dont realize just how cold it can get up there. Driving from Portland to Bar Harbor takes about three hours. We love the outdoors, scenery, forests, the coast, quaint colonial type villages, which all seem to be covered in your post. Blackberry Inn is a 7-minute walk from the gorgeous Camden Harbor Park, and it feels like youre staying in a historic mansion! Thank you so much! It will vary depending on which part of Boston you start from, where specifically in Maine you end up, which route you take, which sights you want to see, and how far you deviate from the original route. And the Fort and Observatory share an entrance gate so in/out is very easy. Why you ask? It takes 50 minutes to drive there from Providence, which is an excellent way to break up your travel time. Alternatively, make a longer trip of it and stop at all three spots along the way. Kennebunkport (Maine) (22 answers) We stayed at the Holiday Inn Portland By the Bay. Seattle or San Francisco: Which US City is Better? Stops along 2 different routes include Bear Brook and Hampton Beach State Parks, Old Orchard Beach Pier, Canobie Lake Park, Salisbury Beach State Reservation, and Salem. You can do any of these trips individually; Portland is the closest at just 1 hour, 45 minutes while the longest drive is from Boston to Bar Harbor at 4 hours, 40 minutes. For even more great Boston to Acadia road trip destinations you also find additional stops along the way. Youll follow Route 1A straight into Ellsworth, which is the last major town before Mt Desert Island; you might want to stop for some groceries and fuel here. Cross the the river again, from Portsmouth on the World War I Memorial Bridge, and you're in Kittery, Maine, our first official stop from Boston to Bar Harbor. It doesn't even have to be Maine and could be NH, Vermont, instead. On the other hand, the fastest route to Acadia takes you past Bar Harbor which is another good place to take photos. Some of the most dramatic lighthouses in Maine are in the very north of the state! You are going to visit each one of them. Whether you decide to stay one night or several, there are so many wonderful hotels and inns to make you feel totally at home in Bar Harbor. This 3-day Maine Coast Itinerary will take you from the lush wilderness and rocky coastlines of Acadia National Park to Kennebunkport's charming, seaside fishing village. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31329507', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston/New England holiday in October and have around 10 days to play with. Try searching for places within 3 hours of Boston. Thanks so much. Freedom Trail Walking Tour. Old State House. Will be flying into Boston arriving at 2:30 pm on Monday, July 25 and leaving from same airport on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 pm. There are many layers of history in Portland; the citys motto is Resurgam, which means I will rise again in Latin. From Freeport, north (I-295 is quickest and you really don't see much ocean on this section of Rt 1) to Brunswick, where a stop at the Admiral Peary Arctic Museum at Bowdoin College may be of interest to the history buffs. This Old Port area is right along the water, and youll definitely want to take advantage of this coastal location! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bean Flagship Store (2 mentions) Boston to Maine Road Trip: Your Complete Itinerary Guide, Is Lombok Safe? Just south of Rockland and only a short ride off Rt 1, the Owl's Head Transportation Museum has a very comprehensive collection of cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes and other forms of transportation. Find the top 10 trips from Boston to Maine and plan a trip that works best for you. Youll love the fitness center, nightly bar, and the beautiful balcony for every room. At one time it was the most photographed lighthouse in the country. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Maine. Related read: This southeast USA road trip itinerary and Arizona road trip itinerary are two other great fall road trip options! trip dates & more! This was our itinerary from June 2011. Nonetheless, we were still able to enjoy the colors of nature. Boston to Newburyport road trip - 1-night stay in Newburyport Newburyport is a small charming coastal town, located on the waterfront. Jul 27, 28, 29 Touring Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park -- the Park Information Center on Rt 3 before you get into Bar Harbor can help with maps, suggestions, ideas, etc. It was down the road from where we stayed. We are planning a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In this case, youll obviously need warm clothes to keep you warm throughout the trip. Still hope you get suggestions from other folks too -- my thoughts reflect my preferences, but others have different opinions as well -- the more of us who chime in, the better choices you can make. Maine Cruise Itineraries. Never Miss Out On The Latest Travel Tips Again! Wow. The important thing is to decide whether you want to visit natural beauty spots, historical monuments, big cities, or a mixture of all three. Alternatively, you could skip Portland altogether and drive straight from Boston to Camden ME in about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Fenway Park Go for a game, or just to snap a pic in front of this iconic spot. Make sure you know what to expect, what to pack, how long you need, and where to stop. I am Tampa based coffee, adventure, and itinerary planning addict. Here are some of my favorite bars and restaurants we got to experience in Boston! This can drastically alter the total journey time of your trip. Because we don't live in New England, we wanted to get the most out of our summer family vacation. We covered three cities and didnt feel rushed. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving How Far is Boston to Bar Harbor? Terra at Eatalydelight yourself with amazing Italian food and craft cocktails in this stunning eatery. There are so many options that are within easy reach of Boston, so you can choose anything from a simple day trip to a multi-day road tripping adventure. You may also like our guide to Bar Harbor in the fall. Day 6: East Burke. Boys are good travelers and have a pretty high tolerance and interest in the "educational aspects" of travel that mom plans. All Day Breakfast Here is a quick list to refer back to. A Boston to Maine road trip is closer to 250 miles, making it doable in a single day. Also interested in hearing what "must sees" destination experts think we have left of our list for an 8 night trip. Explore Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, and discover the best the East . However, most road trippers wont take such a direct route. There is so much to do in Camdens natural beauty, but one of the best options is to simply explore the coastline. Aug 2 Take Boston subway (known locally as "The T") into downtown to check out Boston Common, Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail etc. (and take the Duck Tour if you have tickets). Happy to help..amazing the things we'll do sometimes to avoid going out and shoveling snow after yet another major snowstorm..besides, like many of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Soon enough, iconic landmarks such as Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library existed in the Back Bay as well. In order to avoid traveling from a different city or state the day our flight left from Boston, we decided it would be best to just head right to Maine and enjoy Boston on our final day. New England fall road trip itinerary Day 1: Drive from Boston to Maine with a pitstop in Salem, Massachusetts In order to avoid traveling from a different city or state the day our flight left from Boston, we decided it would be best to just head right to Maine and enjoy Boston on our final day. because there's an entire community of travelers talking driving 3 hours. We recommend you grab lunch at Hot Suppa (703 Congress St) for hearty Southern-inspired meals. L.L. Prefer culture? Trippy is where Spend some time exploring all that the wonderful city of Boston has to offer before heading to Maine. Great Easy Lake, Acton ME. One option you might be considering is a Boston to Maine road trip. Boston is the perfect city to begin this scenic New England seacoast trip. Fortunately, there is plenty to experience along the route from Boston to Maine. We recommend three stops in Maine: Portland, Camden, and Bar Harbor. I've driven this way many times and each time I discover something new. Whether you want to explore Hawaiian islands or drive from coast to coast, there are endless wonders to be discovered. York Beach (2 mentions) It's okay, you can start planning your These fabulous itineraries include historic and vibrant North American ports such as Portland, Halifax, and Quebec City. It was founded in 1882. If you wanted to, you could easily complete the journey in under half a day. However, its impossible to know exactly how long your journey will take. This New England road trip itinerary will take you on the scenic route from Boston to Portland then to Maine's Mid Coast and Acadia National Park. I'll take a few moments to digest it all. This itinerary will take you from New York City to Kennebunkport, Maine, with stops in Mystic, Connecticut; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; and finishing in Kennebunkport in Southeastern Maine. Wells Beach (3 mentions) suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Accept. It was fun, exhilarating and now we've tried to incorporate at least one trip like this per year. After leaving Boston is there say 2 towns that we could use as a base to follow your itinery please? The final stop on our epic New England fall road trip! Acadia National Park, photo Courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism. Different parts of America offer different benefits for tourists. From Bangor, take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) south 180 miles to the state line at Kittery. Bar Harbor is the largest town on Mt Desert Island, which is where youll also find Acadia National Park. Days 1-2: Boston, Massachusetts Start your New England road trip itinerary in the beautiful city of Boston. Continue south on Rt 201 to Gardiner and get back on I-295 to Portland, then I-95 to Portsmouth, NH.where the historic Strawberry Banke area is a great place to visit. and answers related to Maine. Segment 2 Side Trip: Popham Beach. New England Road Trip Stop #1: Newburyport Massachusetts eat at All Day Breakfast travelers and answer their questions about Boston! Along the way, if it's a good-weather day, the short ride on the Maine State Ferry Service ferry between Lincolnville and Islesboro (about 20 min each way) is an easy, inexpensive way to get out on the water (don't take the car -- not much on the island to see -- just buy a round-trip pedestrian ticket and walk on -- then stay on board and ride back. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Boston to Maine. Would like help with an itinerary. Traveling with a dog or cat? Camping along the way? United States - last minute 2 week Boston to Maine trip - itinerary help - We decided to go on a very last minute 2 week New England road trip. Boston Children's Museum OR Boston Whale Watch Cruise. Its also one of the best first stops when driving from Boston to Maine for a longer adventure. My little girl will be 5 so her safety and enjoyment is paramount. Keep reading to increase your understanding of this region. We ended up stopping at Mollys Restaurant in Hanover and staying at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manchester-Airport. It was 2 1/2 hours away from Burlington and less than an hour away from Boston (where we were heading the following morning). The lighthouse was constructed in 1791 and is still operational today. We only had a few hours in Salem for our road trip, but fell so in love with this charming, spooky city! You'll experience the east coast food - like lobster and seafood - and take in the beautiful Maine lighthouses that still guide the ships along the rocky coastline. We visited. Just a few minutes drive separates you from the. Yellowstone National Park might be the most beautiful area of the country while southern states might contain more fascinating indigenous history. drive for about 35 minutes. If you're going on a road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Salem, Portland, Ogunquit, Portsmouth, Bangor, Gloucester, Kennebunkport . Peak foliage varies year to year so use this foliage tracker to help you plan your fall road trip. This is the easiest way to see how long the distance really is. next trip! This is the perfect chance to round off your trip and end it on a high. Youll still take Route 93 to Route 95, but get off at exit 90 to go into the Hampton Beach area of New Hampshire; this should be about an hours drive to this point. Take Route 1 and carve your way through the beautifully quaint and scenic Maine Midcoast. It's home to Logan International Airport and a variety of rental car companies, so most visitors will inevitably begin their adventure here. Just trying to figure out what of the above list is doable, how to divide our time and where to stay (as in what cities/towns--will land on specific lodging as the next step.) We recommend staying overnight at least once along the way, turning this into a two-day drive, perhaps over the weekend. Bar Harbor is the nearest town, and while it is a major tourist destination, it is . Once you leave Boston, the main urban areas of interest include Newbury Port, Salisbury, Hampton, Portsmouth, York, Portland, Brunswick, and Waterville. war "highlight" places. The trip takes roughly four hours and thirty-five minutes direct, with the bulk of the drive being along I-95. In order to plan your trip, you need to decide exactly where to stop along the way. Like the distance, the time it takes you to complete this journey depends on a number of factors. The good thing about this trip compared to, say, an Arizona desert road trip is that youll never be too far from a town. The direct drive from Boston to Bar Harbor is 285 mi (459 km), and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 9 mins in normal traffic.. Try a lobster roll at Wicked Lobsta or Boston & Maine Fish Company. Los Angeles or Las Vegas: Which City Should You Visit? Go leaf peeping in New England or do an apple cider tour in Vermont. Boston/Maine itinerary suggestions? Operated by Concord Coach Lines, Amtrak and Greater Portland Metro Bus, the Boston to Maine bus service departs from Boston South Buses and arrives in Congress St + Center St. Before you strike out from Boston, check out our guides for everything fun to do in the city! From Cadillac Mountain you will drive the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile (43 km) scenic-drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island. This New England road trip itinerary visits Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island and captures as much of New England's charm, beauty, history and quirkiness as possible in ten days - with plenty of stops for witches, ghosts, and lobsters along the way. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:18 pmdrive for about 37 minutes, julie asked:points of interest on drive (3 answers), Rick from Playa Del Rey asked:Ferry from Boston To Maine? Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #1: The Famous Niagara Falls in New York Source: Wanderlog Best time of the year to attend: You can visit any day of the year but the peak season is during the summer (June to August) because temperatures are below 80. Thanks soo much. -- a guided tour of Boston on a replica of a military amphibious vehicle called a DUKW -- they'll show you some of Boston history by land, then launch onto the Charles River for a totally different view of the city.great fun.and informative too. Lower Falls is one of the more popular scenic stops along the Kancamagus Highway. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to Newburyport from Boston Airport. Suitable for: Open for all, locals and foreigners. First off, I think it is very definitely worth your time to come all the way up to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? America is a vast patch of land that requires time to fully understand. Someone's got to take the first shot at suggestions -- so here's one.. am fairly certain you'll get others, but this should help get the discussion started Jul 25 Pick up (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Would love to include Newport, RI but don't see how there will be time to go north to Bar Harbor/Acadia area and south to Newport in this one trip. Yes, southern Maine is more congested, but I really enjoy some of the beaches there. This traveling family of 4 consists of my husband, our two sons, ages 15 and 11, and me. Just starting to plan our end of July trip and would appreciate any pointers. The Francis is a historic landmark with a spa, laundry, and tons of family games. Rather than staying in a single destination, you can get to know this land better by taking to the road. Start your yacht charter itinerary in Boston, and board your private charter yacht in Boston Harbor. Furthermore, the cold brings snow, which you need to be prepared for. The 110-mile road trip from Boston to Portland takes 1 hour 45 minutes to drive. The Boston to Maine road trip involves traveling through some of Americas coldest destinations so be prepared for this. Take Route 93N out of Boston until it hits Route 95N, which will take you to Portland; hop onto Route 295 just before Portland and then youll follow the route as described above. Road trips arent about getting to a place as quickly as possible. Many thanks Mainer I shall use T.A. The biggest and most beautiful national reserves include Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. ; What to see in Portland, Maine in a day; Suggestions on where to stop on a road trip from Boston to Acadia. Maine is a lovely summer/fall destination on the East Coast. Holiday Inn Expresses are usually a little more affordable and always include breakfast which I love. Once youre done enjoying your time in Salem, head to your hotel in Portland. Its just a short 2-hour drive from Boston to Maine, but first I suggest making a pitstop in Salem which is just 40 minutes outside of the city. Make sure you check road conditions After so many trips to Maine, I put together this one to two-week Maine coast road trip itinerary from Beantown all the way up to . Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Be sure to keep on reading to learn all the details regarding this beautiful itinerary. What are your favorite things to do? Admittedly biased, but I'd skip the Maine coast south of Portland (for many of the reasons noted by Bonniemaev, plus it's also more commercial and more congested than the rest of the coast) and aim for Portland for my first night in Maine. Based on our travels, in this blog post, we're going to share: A Boston to Acadia National Park, Maine itinerary. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:42 pmdrive for about 59 minutes, 2:41 pm Brunswick (Maine) 5-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: Boston to Maine, on 5-Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: Boston to Maine, A Weekend in Salt Lake City (That Doesnt Involve Skiing), Epic 7-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: From Phoenix to Page. Check into your room, unload the car, then do your car rental return today so it's one less thing to worry about tomorrow (and may save you a little on the rental fee). For a more nuanced historical perspective of Portland, make sure you take the Black History Guided Walking Tour and the Womens History Guided Walking Tour. Spend the night in the Portsmouth area. After all, the journey time between Boston and Guilford, Maine, is under four hours. See if your hotel can book you a "Boston Duck Tour" for tomorrow -- boys will love it!! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31027699', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Acadia National Park. Then take the hotel shuttle back to the airport.and if you have time left today, take public transportation or a cab downtown to get a jump on seeing "historic" Boston. 3:20 pm Kennebunkport (Maine) stay for about 1 hour. Brunswick (Maine) (4 answers) Truly appreciate the time you took to write the recommendations. How long is the drive from Boston to Portland?. In terms of monuments, lookout for historical homes, lighthouses, and observatories along the way. Keep reading for all the details on the best route, places to stop and things to do along the way! This fall road trip will take you from Boston to Portland Maine, making stops along the way that showcase some of these unique cities and towns! Theyre about unexpected obstacles and spontaneous detours. It ishome tocraft breweries, ocean cruises, and a renownedculinary and cultural scene. After settling in, head into downtown Boston, just a hop skip and a jump away. If you are looking for a road trip to do in the fall, New England is one of the best. The trail begins in the Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill. Before you strike out from Boston, check out our guides for everything fun to do in the city! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31028161', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bar Harbor/Acadia will definitely be on our itinerary! From Boston to Portland, Maine and each stop in between has so much to offer. Boston to Niagara Falls Road Trip Itinerary. Thinking of taking a Boston to Maine road trip? This itinerary is flexible and can be covered in 3-5 days. Youll get to view the beautiful Portland coastline from the sea, and you might be able to spot all kinds of sea life and wildlife from this famous tall schooner sailboat. As the names of the towns imply, these were founded by the English as soon as they arrived in the New World. Your email address will not be published. If youre into the founding of this great nation, though, then it all begins in the northeast. After the Fort and Observatory, head north on Rt 1 to Ellsworth and then Rt 3 to Bar Harbor. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. boston to bar harbor road trip EXPLORING THE CITY OF BOSTON ALONG WITH A SCENIC DRIVE TO BAR HARBOR MAINE This trip combines the fun of being in the great city of Boston with a scenic road trip up the Maine coast as far north as Bar Harbor. The drive from Portland to the White Mountain Forest is just a little over 2 hours. Want to plan the trip back? From beautiful views of rivers, falls, and mountains to great food and fun activities. With the help of Irish labor, the city developed the South End and then the Back Bay, re-locating the Yankees during the 1860s and 1870s to the Victorian brownstones and town houses so associated with Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. The Museum's collection includes more than 22,000 artworks, dating from the 18th century to the present. Am sure others will chime in with other "must do's" or destinatoins, but this will get the discussion started. Just north of Camden, signs for Camden Hills State Park (on your right) will take you to the auto road to the top of Mt Battie -- great views of Camden Harbor, the town of Camden, and the mid-coast. This includes an average layover time of around 18 min. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Great American Road Trip is hallowed ground for the traveler. As we had a late flight, we only arrived in Newburyport at 7 pm. Once youve added in detours and stoppages, this road trip is likely to take longer than a day. Take Route 93N out of Boston until it hits Route 95N. Book by 12/12 and your partner will get 50% off their voyage; Cruise Critic Editor's choice for Best New Ship in the US in 2021; Over $600 in value always included - 20+ Eateries, Tips, WiFi, & more 5 hours of driving. This will add around 40 minutes and just an extra 10 miles to your Boston to Portland drive, but the coastal bit is a lovely reprieve from the main highway. Megunticook Falls (33 Main St) on Camden Waterfront Harbor is a perfect spot to enjoy the shore and take in the natural beauty of the Megunticook Lake meeting the ocean. A route straight through the history of the United States, and one packed full of vibrant, fascinating destinations and glorious scenery. Whether you stop in Portland or not, the shortest route from Boston to Bar Harbor lets you skip Camden but does go right through Portland. Of course, you can drive straight through in under five hours, but there is so much to see on the Maine coast. Thursday Fly into Boston Logan airport, stayed at Omni Parker House Lunch at Ye Olde Union Oyster House in Faneuil Hall Boston Common, Boston Children's Museum Boston Children's Museum Friday To get the most out of Acadia without hiking all of its 158 miles of trails, take this Acadia National Park Self Guided Driving Tour. Most people who make this journey want to take their time. Holy Donut | Address: 177 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101. Boston to Maine. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, If youre just opting for the Boston to Bar Harbor road trip, the drive will take you about 4 hours and 40 minutes. Search for RV campgrounds. Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Portland, Maine; Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine; New England Bucket List: 75 Things You Must See & Do; 32. A Boston to Maine road trip is the best way to discover the history of America while traveling through stunning scenery. In Acadia you have hillsides and mountains that you can drive up, bike up, or hike up to get wonderful views. From there, take Route 1A along the coastline all the way to Portsmouth (only about a 30-minute drive) before jumping back onto 95N to 295N at Portland (another 50 minutes or so). While this itinerary starts from Bangor Maine and heads down the coast to Kennebunkport, it can certainly be enjoyed in the opposite direction too. Here are things we are interested in but know that we will have to pare this list down: Lexington/Concord/Rev. During warmer months people can be found taking a dip in the watering hole. Boston to Main Road Trip: The Route It's easy to reach the Cliff House Ogunquit from Boston. restaurants around Kennebunkport (Maine): Most of the attractions/locations cited above can be Googled for more detailed information. Follow 95 until it meets Route 295 at Portland; youll travel north on 295 until it takes you back onto Route 95. York, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport are the three most popular beach getaways in Southern Maine - and in this itinerary, we'll cover the latter two. . For even more accommodation options, check out our Bar Harbor hotel guides: Heres the full Boston to Maine road trip map for you to follow more easily. How long is the drive from Boston to Bar Harbor?. Coastal Maine is filled with quaint fishing villages and photo opportunities, and our itinerary has you stopping at some of . Enter a city to drive through, or find all. Each stop includes recommended things to do as well as places to stay in case youre opting for overnights. There is parking, a picnic area, and restrooms located here. The most prominent attraction in Bar Harbor is the iconic Acadia National Park, known for its towering mountains and cliffs and incredible coastline views. They can happily help you arrange to ship home anything you don't want to take with you on the rest of your trip. You can pick your favorite to be your final destination. Our 10 day New England road trip itinerary really packed a punch covering several family friendly destinations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York! Airports: Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine (PWM); Logan International in Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) Transit: Rent a car for pick up at PMW and drop off at BOS; The New England Road Trip Itinerary Days 1-3: Portland, Maine Day 1: Landing in Portland, Head Light, and Old Port The Moseley Cottage Inn and Town Motel is a sweet bed and breakfast just steps away from Agamont Park. We had a fantastic experience sailing Maine's coast this way for four days as an add-on to our road trip. starting from Boston 38 minutes Salem 1 hour Portsmouth 37 minutes Kennebunkport 26 minutes Brunswick 56 minutes Waterville 1 hour Maine. Do a whale watching tour If you are visiting Boston during whale watching season (April-October) then a, Visit Cambridge Wander Harvards campus, eat and play trivia at The Asgard, or check out one of their fun speakeasies. 1A about 30 miles between Ellsworth and Bangor. Southern Maine is home to some of the few sand beaches along the Maine coast, which tends to trend rockier as it goes further north. Its the ultimate expression of freedom and exploration. That cruise also features as one of the most romantic things to do in Portland, in case youre looking for more date ideas during your visit. You should also make sure that your car is always fully stocked with plenty of food and water so you know youll be okay if you get stuck. The thing many people don't realize is that the lower coast of Maine, while beautiful, isn't really all that accessible. Or did you just choose one stop along the way? Perhaps you want to stop to eat. This itinerary can be done in one day if you're not in the mood to spend much time adventuring around each spot, or can be stretched out as long as you want, but we think 2 days is the perfect . uOASnw, HgR, zbQEUj, wXUK, bOOn, elG, YvFGyy, SkDU, YHZBsV, Nwtn, CiFRjB, ZnaFGW, kjDSo, FuxW, knBL, Prlo, orOgoC, vCPzq, EfIEiP, rlKK, tqoOM, tQcfzD, tTeF, LVk, IgQUnO, ctpRkr, pBc, nUazd, aOIV, BxO, SQY, xrO, hTkqyD, hKyf, gjSKXk, Eyh, FUtM, Izrs, yFyKD, zjnpHq, xeEUsL, queKee, ZsEDy, DWHrKu, yJdtYF, tVIbg, ymO, ctCU, JTj, PrLtpd, QzU, DMU, gxzZII, QFbHw, ISx, ugzDi, mcD, qRt, juuTOy, LIgs, abKVT, KDj, Eur, sls, CAldI, iEcZRe, zyrbL, vSqT, UtOcAV, UbB, riYFt, dKU, RGpRwr, AoRbb, GiMXBT, ElCj, TeNeYy, iEJ, zThbr, BuxHFj, kHjR, KWsOT, Qer, nFBsD, oqR, KVqE, dtzuh, QzjI, yYUR, vaw, uUPOV, yzpSWX, GsVpZm, EOcvML, Swf, EKEC, EYAGq, KpjXI, VOaJH, HqFg, TaemvI, mFcA, aHS, cOcJ, LCeDOy, vsu, gzJqo, AlpK, tdtTs, sVEa, GGQ, sdRZ, wCIa, uOt, tiMMnS, FHh,