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Since 1936 “Vacationland” has been a prominent slogan on license plates in Maine. From my first glimpse of the slogan on our rental car, I knew I was in the right place! Maine is a natural paradise along the rocky Atlantic coastline with an abundance of fresh caught seafood, charming seaside towns, outdoor adventures galore, and plenty of art and history too. If that doesn’t sound like vacationland, I don’t know what does!

Follow this Maine road trip to taste, hike, learn, sightsee, and adventure your way around “Vacationland”! The following 10 days in Maine will show you the best of Portland, take you inland to the capital city of Augusta, to Maine’s only national park, and back to Portland with stops along Maine’s MidCoast. If you only have one week in Maine you can eliminate one area or take a day off of each area.

As is the case with almost all of my itineraries, I research and plan for a lot more than there is time for. I included extra recommendations that I didn’t get a chance to experience myself, but that I researched and are approved by the locals!

For answers to all of your Maine road trip questions, scroll to the end of the post to the FAQ section.

The Only Maine Road Trip You Need

Days 1 – 3: Portland

Start or end your Maine itinerary with a few days in Portland. I spent time in Portland during the last days of my trip, but it works either way. When deciding, you may want to consider accommodation pricing, what you want to do, and the opening hours of both the places in Portland and the rest of your itinerary.

How to Get to Portland

The main ways to arrive in Portland are by plane, train, bus, boat, and automobile!

Portland has the biggest airport in Maine with flights from eight different airlines. All the big US airlines fly to Portland.

Amtrak’s Downeaster line runs from Brunswick, ME through New Hampshire to Boston, MA. There are multiple stops in Maine including Portland.

Greyhound stops in Portland. Buses come from Boston, but with Greyhound you can connect anywhere in the country. It might take you days to reach Maine, but it’s doable! Concord Bus Lines also has routes in New England.

As for the boat, Portland’s a waterfront city so you CAN reach it by boat. Finding a boat to take you there will be up to you though!

Driving to Portland is also an option. It’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Boston to Portland.

How to Get Around Portland

Unlike the rest of this Maine road trip, you don’t need a car in Portland. If you’re staying in the Old Port, pick up your rental car before leaving Portland. Not only will you save money on the number of rental days, but you’ll also avoid paying for parking at your hotel. Most of what you’ll be doing is along the waterfront and within the Old Port, both walkable areas.

To visit the Portland Head Light, take a guided tour, reserve an Uber, or use the public transit system. Use google maps to look up the routes and schedules. Make sure to plan ahead of time as a lot of the routes run infrequently. Pay with the app or use exact cash onboard. As of writing, the regular fare is $2 one way. There are no transfers.

What to Do in Portland

Portland, as Maine’s largest city, has a variety of things to do. It’s not even close to being one of the biggest cities in the US, but with museums, shopping, and tours it has all the big city attractions. Yet the city’s location along Casco Bay with all the water activities, lighthouses, and fresh seafood sets the city apart from other US cities. The historic waterfront district provides a unique charm to the city as well.

Check out my guide on the best indoor and outdoor things to do in Portland. Note that all the places to visit are marked on the map within that post and not the map above.

What & Where to Eat in Portland

Seafood

When someone mentions Maine, one of the first things many people think of is lobster. While lobster and Maine go hand in hand, there are plenty of other local seafoods to order. Haddock, scallops, halibut, shrimp, oysters, and clams are staples on menus throughout the state.

Seafood lovers rejoice! With 10 days in Maine there is plenty of time to try them all. Make sure to have at least one whole lobster, a lobster roll, another lobster dish, and a mix of all the other seafood.

Luke’s Lobster

Luke’s Lobster is a popular seafood spot on the pier. Except long waits on busy nights. The two level restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. The big windows give nice views of the sea from the inside.

I had the fisherman’s platter with shrimp, clams, and haddock. It was a tasty way to try a variety of seafood. Usually I’m not a fan of coleslaw. As it seems to be a staple side with fish platters it was nice to have some variety with their Asian slaw. Luke’s is often voted as the best lobster roll in Portland. In Newport, RI I went to the Luke’s walk up window at Bowen’s Wharf for a shrimp roll. The people in front of me in line were back for their second lobster rolls of the day. Suffice to say, you won’t be wasting your money!

Eventide Oyster Co

Known for their o-mazing oysters, Eventide is also in the running for the best lobster roll. Their brown butter lobster roll is on my list for my next Portland visit!

Bite into Maine

Bite into Maine has multiple locations including the food cart in Fort Williams Park. It’s a local favorite for lobster rolls. A lot of places only have cold lobster rolls with mayo and warm buttered lobster rolls. Both are excellent choices, but Bite into Maine has six different types. If you plan to have lobster rolls a few times throughout your Maine road trip, this is a good place to try a different variety.

The Highroller Lobster Co

It’s no surprise that this restaurant is known for lobster dishes. What sets them apart is all their creative lobster dishes such as the lobster roll flight, lobby pop ™ (a lobster corn dog), and lobster grilled cheese.

Other Types of Food

It’s not all seafood in Portland. Whether you’re vegetarian, have seafood allergies, looking for some variety, or your wallet is complaining, there are plenty of other places to eat in Portland. As I shared above, I visited Portland at the end of my Maine road trip so as much as I was loving seafood, it did get very pricey. Portland has the most diverse dining scene so it’s the best place to deviate from seafood restaurants.

Flatbread Co

Flatbread Co is located along the pier with nice views of boats sailing in and out. If you don’t eat seafood you can still get the sea views without the seafood! Whatever your reason, Flatbread Co is a good spot for pizza.

Honey Paw

Another non seafood restaurant to eat at in Portland is Honey Paw. I love the restaurant’s description that they are a “non denominational Asian” restaurant!

DuckFat

I passed DuckFat, a Belgian restaurant, several times, but didn’t get a chance to try it. Although they serve lobster rolls, they are known for poutine and burgers.

LB Kitchen

This cafe is a good spot if you want a lighter or healthier lunch. I ordered a bowl to go and then enjoyed it at the Portland Head Light.

Beer

Portland is a hotspot for local breweries.

Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash is a local brewery with Belgian inspired beers. The Allagash White is one of their most popular beers. Visit the tasting room at the brewery to sample a few. A Bite into Maine food truck is at the brewery.

The brewery is a good 15 minute drive from the Old Port. Not to fear, there are plenty of ways to try one of their beers outside the brewery. Most of the local restaurants with beers will have them on tap.

Desserts

If you have a sweet tooth, you are in luck! There are only eight states with an official state dessert. Maine is one of them with not one, but two state desserts! The first is blueberry pie, made with Maine blueberries of course. The whoopie pie is Maine’s other official state dessert. It consists of two cake-like pieces with cream in the middle.

Two Fat Cats

I hit the jackpot at Two Fat Cats Bakery when they had both blueberry pie and whoopie pies. Blueberry pie had always been fairly far down on my list of preferred desserts, but not anymore. I have really been missing out all these years. The fresh Maine blueberries made a huge difference too. It took all my willpower not to order a second slice.

My willpower was used up, because I did order a whoopie pie to go. I went with the classic Maine version consisting of two chocolate cakes with white cream filling between them. Good thing I saved it for my train ride to Boston later that night or I would have been tempted to buy another one of those too!

Both of these treats are available year-round. I highly recommend trying the state desserts, but there is a glass case full of other delicacies that will tempt you!

Beal’s Ice cream

Maybe your sweet tooth is craving ice cream. Beal’s scoops up old fashioned ice cream in a range of flavors. Another way to try both of the state desserts is by ice cream. Beal’s has blueberry, blueberry cobbler, and whoopie ice cream! I met a guy who went to Beal’s and asked for a recommendation. They suggested the blueberry cobbler. It wouldn’t have been my go to and he said it wasn’t his first choice either, but he loved it. After having blueberry pie, I believe it. Maine’s blueberries are in a league of their own.

Holy Donut

Holy moly, the dessert options don’t stop there! It would be a shame not to try a Holy Donut. Made out of potatoes, the donuts are densier and not as sweet as most raised donuts. Donuts are made fresh daily. Each day there is a selection of about 20 different donut flavors. Many of the donuts are gluten free and/or vegan.

Dark chocolate sea salt is one of their biggest sellers. My favorite (between the two I tried) was the pomegranate. When I visited there was a QR code to a survey on all the tables. With a screenshot of my completed survey I was able to get another donut for free! We are going to pretend that that is the only reason I had two!

Where to Stay in Portland

AC Hotel Waterfront

It’s not the cheapest location, but staying in the Old Port is perfect for walking to almost all of the best things to do in Portland. If you’re able to splurge, I highly recommend the AC Hotel in the Old Port. We stayed there using points and were upgraded to a huge suite. As I wrote about in my post where I saved over $5,000 on hotels in one month, it was an awesome experience.

I loved the breakfast that included the buffet and as many menu items as you want for one price. You read that right, you can order as much as you want off of the made to order breakfast menu!

Service was outstanding and the free shuttle will take you within a 1.5 radius, to the airport, and the train station.

Courtyard Portland Airport

Hotels in the Old Port are usually quite pricey. You may want to consider staying by the airport. Some airport hotels like Courtyard even have free shuttles to the airport and downtown.

As of May 2024 the hotel was undergoing renovations. There were a few inconveniences like the gym and water fountains being out of service, but the renovated rooms have only been stayed in a few times so they are very nice and new. Hotel service was very friendly and helpful too.

More Places to Stay in Portland

Black Elephant Hostel: This is a good choice if you want to be right in the action, but not blow your entire budget on accommodations.
Longfellow Hotel: On the opposite side of the range, Longfellow is a luxury 5 star boutique hotel in the Old Port.
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Waterfront: For something in between, this Hilton Garden Inn is a mid-range hotel directly on Commercial Street.
Holiday Inn Express South Portland: Another option near the airport with a free airport shuttle.

Days 4 – 5: Inland

There is so much to do along the MidCoast. You could easily stick to a coastal Maine road trip and drive to and from Acadia National Park the same way and visit different places each way.

While less visited, it’s also worth a visit to travel farther inland and make a loop. You can drive along the MidCoast first, but as it’s a highlight for many visitors I recommend saving the coast for the way back.

Freeport, Hallowell, Augusta, Waterville, and Old Town are along the inland route to Acadia National Park. The following things to do, places to eat, and places to stay are all within those towns and cities.

Initially we were going to spend a day in Bangor, but we found so many things to do in Augusta. We made a stop in Waterville and then ran out of time for Bangor. Including the drive times, it’s best to allow one day in Augusta and one in Bangor.

How to Get to Augusta and Bangor

Most people from the US would say you need a car to road trip in Maine. I’m not most people! I have often road tripped without a car in places where the locals say you can’t. It’s doable in Maine, but it will be much easier to rent a car before leaving Portland if you didn’t drive to Maine with your own vehicle.

If you want to attempt this Maine itinerary without a car, go for it! Just be aware that you’ll have to do a lot more planning and won’t have as much freedom. Out of the inland cities mentioned above, Concord Coach Lines makes stops in Portland, Augusta, Waterville, and Bangor.

Augusta and Bangor both have airports. Bangor has several flights a day with Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. Augusta’s airport is much smaller with only a few weekly flights on Cape Air.

What To Do in Freeport

LL Bean’s flagship store is located in Freeport. The big boot outside the store makes for a fun photo op and pit stop on the way to Augusta.

What to Do in Augusta

Maine State House

Located in Augusta, Maine’s capital building has self guided and guided tours. You need to email to reserve the free guided tours ahead of time. While the website says three days’ notice is needed, I emailed the day before and was added to a tour at my preferred time.

I found the capitol to be fairly small, but the last capitol I toured was Texas, the biggest in the country so that may have skewed my perspective. The tour covers a brief history of the building as well as visits to the House of Representatives and Senate. There’s a balcony with a nice view of the park across the street. It’s a nice shady spot with chairs that is open to the public.

Maine State House Museum

The museum is closed for major renovations until the end of 2025 or early 2026. When it reopens, I’m sure it will be a great history museum to visit towards the beginning of your Maine road trip.

Capitol Park

States in New England refer to their main government building as a state house instead of a capital. Ironically across the street from the state house is a lovely park named “Capitol Park”! It’s a nice area with a few trails and spots to see the state house (or is it capital?) from a distance.

Blaine House

Free tours of the 1833 governor’s mansion are offered on select days.

First Amendment Museum

The museum presents a diverse array of topics related to the rights granted under the first amendment. Your visit at the museum will begin with a free guided tour and end with time to explore the exhibits on your own.

Old Fort Western

Tour the reconstructed fort at this national historic landmark.

Viles Arboretum

Explore the six miles of trails at this free botanical garden.

What to Do in Waterville

It only adds a few minutes to stop in Waterville between Augusta and Bangor. Colby College is lovely and perfect for a short stroll.

The Colby College Museum of Art on campus is a little gem. As a free museum I was expecting it to be rather small. It’s not a huge museum, but there is quite a bit to see. Definitely more to see than I could get to in the hour I had before they closed.

What to Do in Bangor

Zilman Art Museum
Bangor Historical Society
Cole Land Transportation Museum
The Maine Air Museum
Orono Bog Boardwalk
Maine Forest & Logging Museum (in Bradley)

Where to Eat

Juiced – Hallowell

Hallowell is a small town just south of Augusta with a cute downtown. Juiced is a good option for a smoothie or a healthy lunch. You can dine in or take your food to go. There’s a great spot to eat along the Kennebec River with colorful Adirondack chairs.

Pepper’s Landing – Old Town

Pepper’s Landing is a casual seafood restaurant along the Penobscot River in Old Town, about a 20 minute drive north of Bangor. Until the very end of the trip in Portland, I had seafood for dinner every night. All the classic Maine seafood dishes are on the menu here. I was holding out for lobster as you’ll see lobster recommended several times farther down in this Maine itinerary.

I had the Maine stuffed haddock. I’m sure the lobster is great here (well there was a delicious lobster cream sauce on my fish), but this haddock was amazing. My words will not do it justice, you need to order it yourself!

Other Places to Eat

The following all have high yelp reviews.

State Lunch – a pub in Augusta with burgers, ramen, and sandwiches.
Cushnoc Brewing – in Augusta, the food menu is mostly pizza
The Red Barn – seafood in Augusta
Eagle’s Nest Restaurant – I really wanted to go to this seafood place in Brewer, but it closes early at 7pm.
Pho Hoa Grill – Thai/Vietnamese in Bangor

Where to Stay

Country Inn at the Mall – Bangor

Country Inn at the Mall is a nice local hotel to stay at in Bangor. The staff is very helpful and was accommodating when I made a major booking error. Breakfast is included every morning. Rooms come with a microwave and mini-fridge.

The hotel is conveniently located off 1-95 near Bangor mall and other shops. Nearby stores include a Walmart Supercenter and Target if you need to stock up before the rest of your Maine road trip. Many chain restaurants are nearby as well. Most of the local restaurants are in downtown Bangor or a little farther afield in the surrounding towns.

More Places to Stay in Bangor

These are three other places I almost booked as they all have good ratings and include breakfast. I ended up booking the Country Inn as it was the lowest price.

Places to Stay in Augusta

Fairfield Inn Augusta – a mid-range hotel north of Augusta with breakfast included and an indoor swimming pool.
Homewood Suites – one of the closest hotels to downtown Augusta with breakfast included and an indoor swimming pool.
Maple Hill Farm Inn – a charming bed and breakfast outside of the city.

Days 6 – 8: Mount Desert Island & Acadia National Park

From Bangor, head to Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine. The majority of Acadia National Park is located on the island.

How to Get to Mount Desert Island

As I said above, following this entire Maine road trip with a car will be much easier, but it is possible to visit Acadia National Park without a car during the summer and early fall. From Bangor it’s about an hour and 20 minute drive to Bar Harbor, the main base city on Mount Desert Island. Downeast Transportation runs a daily bus between Bangor and Bar Harbor Monday through Fridays.

Cape Air has flights to the Bar Harbor Airport.

How to Get Around Mount Desert Island

The Island Explorer is a free shuttle service with about 13 different routes. It typically runs from mid June to mid October. Many of the routes begin in Bar Harbor at the Village Green.

Whether you arrive on the island with or without a car the shuttle service is helpful if you’re visiting during peak periods. Parking at the most popular trailheads fills up fast.

You can drive your own vehicle anytime the roads are open. Roads are typically open from April 15 – December 1st.

There are no shuttles to the top of Cadillac Mountain. You need to make a vehicle reservation between the end of May and the end of October. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain without a reservation.

What to Do on Mount Desert Island

Acadia National Park Visitor Centers

A good place to start at any national park is the visitor center. Hulls Cove Visitor Center outside of Bar Harbor is the main visitor center with rangers and a gift shop. It’s open from early May through the end of October.

The Island Explorer stops at the parking lot near the outdoor informational signs. You’ll need to walk a short path and climb stairs to reach the indoor visitor center. There is a separate road for accessible, closer parking.

Out of all the national parks I have visited, this is the first one to not give out free park newspapers. I was really bummed about that as the newspapers always have trail descriptions, maps, and other helpful tips. There are maps to purchase within the gift shop.

Hiking

One of the best things to do at Acadia National Park is to go hiking. With easy hikes along the ocean and strenuous climbs up mountain peaks, there is something for everyone. I love the mix of mountain, forest, and ocean scenery.

In addition to the scenery, what sets Acadia NP hikes apart from other national parks is all of the hikes with rock scrambling, iron rungs, and ladders. If you’re afraid of heights the exposed ledges might push you out of your comfort zone, but that’s a good thing! The trails are so much fun.

My guide to the best hikes in Acadia National Park provides recommendations and stats for a variety of different trails. All the hikes are marked on a map within that post.

Beaches

To enjoy the beauty of the park without working so hard, visit one of Acadia’s beaches. Swimming is allowed at three beaches, Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, and Lake Wood.

Sand Beach is the only beach along the coastline. From the parking lot a short set of stairs leads down to the sandy beach. It’s a popular spot for picnicking on the sand and wading out into the chilly waves on a hot day. Be careful as there are no lifeguards on duty. Several trails begin from the beach and the adjacent parking lot. Basic, indoor restrooms are available at the parking lot.

Echo Lake Beach is a calmer, freshwater lake. The beach was fairly deserted in the early morning, but by lunchtime sunbathers filled the beach. A few people were splashing around in the cool water in the afternoon. The Beech Cliff Trail and the Canada Cliffs Trail begins here. There are indoor restrooms before reaching the sandy beach.

The last place to swim, Lake Wood Beach, wasn’t open when I visited at the end of May. It’s north of Bar Harbor and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and has a small beach.

Lighthouses

There is no shortage of lighthouses along Maine’s MidCoast. For some types of places if you have seen one you’ve seen them all. This is not the case for Maine’s lighthouses. Each one has something unique about it.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station is owned by the NPS and can only be visited from the outside. There are two short trails. One is a paved boardwalk to the back of the lighthouse. There are a couple of informational signs.

The other is a slightly longer trail with steps down to the rocky shoreline. This is where people watch the sunset. For the best views, carefully climb out on the large rocks. The sun sets behind the lighthouse. You want to be as close to the lighthouse and as far out on rocks in the sea as possible. You’ll have the best view and avoid as many people in front of you as possible. It’s a short climb back to the stairs, but leave enough light to make it back up safely.

Vault toilets are at the trailhead.

Museums

Many of the museums weren’t open in May when we visited. I would have liked to visit some, but we stayed very busy hiking.

Bar Harbor has an early history as a luxury resort town during the Gilded Age. I would love to learn about that time period in Bar Harbor and all the town’s history at The Bar Harbor Historical Society.

The Abbe Museum shows a much earlier history, that of the Wabanaki Nation. As we are busy feasting on lobster and taking in the beautiful scenery, it’s important to learn about and remember who originally lived on this land. There are two locations for the museum, the Abbe Museum in downtown Bar Harbor and the Sieur Nature Center south of downtown within the NPS.

Where to Eat on Mount Desert Island

If there are two things I love, it’s food and hiking. I’m working my way towards visiting all of the US national parks. The hiking at the national parks can’t be beat, but a lot of the food around many of the parks leaves a lot to be desired. It’s often pretty basic American fare at high prices.

The places to eat around Acadia have the high price tags, but the food is more than worth it! It’s definitely one of the best parks for hiking and food.

Galyn’s – Bar Harbor

It’s so hard to choose the best lobster restaurant in Maine. I took the decision very seriously and went back and forth with the options. There couldn’t have been a better place than Galyn’s to have my first whole lobster. When my lobster arrived I was given the full newbie experience complete with bib and instructions on how to use the tools. I’m pleased to say I didn’t send any legs flying across the dining room!

As much as I loved the lobster experience, the Maine blueberry-apple crisp for dessert was divine! After my big lobster dinner I wanted to share dessert, but after the first bite I said “it’s okay we don’t have to share”!”

Located in town, Galyn’s is a charming seafood restaurant within a Victorian house. I made a reservation and asked for a table by the window. We had the perfect view overlooking Agamont Park and the sea beyond. It was a great dining experience overall.

Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound – Southwest Harbor

Choosing where to have a lobster roll on Mount Desert Island was just as hard. Charlotte’s was the winner and we went on their opening day of the season. I was confident with my choice when a lot of locals showed up to get their first lobster roll of the year.

I planned it perfectly to pick up some lobster rolls before enjoying the sunset at Bass Harbor. Unfortunately as the best laid plans usually go, the road between the two was closed. We still made it to the lighthouse in plenty of time and really enjoyed our lobster rolls.

There is a port-a-potty at the lobster stand.

The Nor’Easter Pound and Market – Northeast Harbor

My third dinner on Mount Desert Island was lobster tacos at The Nor’Easter. They were priced similar to lobster rolls, but are a fun twist. Who doesn’t love tacos and adding lobster makes everything better!

All the other Maine seafood classics are also on the menu. This casual restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating.

Jordan Pond House Restaurant

Known for their famous popovers I had to stop here for an afternoon snack after a full day of hiking around Jordan Pond. Expect a wait for a table, especially an outdoor table on a nice day.

It’s more of an American restaurant and has a touristy feel so I would skip it for dinner, unless that is what you’re going for! If you do want a full meal, make sure to make reservations ahead of time.

The popover was served nice and warm. It wasn’t the best popover I have ever had, but with the jam and butter I thought it was worth a short wait if you are in the area.

Other Places to Eat on Mount Desert Island

I meant it when I said I did a lot of research. These were other highly rated places to eat that either weren’t seafood (we stuck to seafood), weren’t open for the season yet, closed too early in the evening, and/or we simply didn’t have enough time.

Bar Harbor

McCay’s Public House – higher end surf n turf
Havana – Latin American
Brasserie Le Brun – French
The Barnacle – oyster bar and seafood

Northeast Harbor

Copita – higher end American and seafood

Southwest Harbor

Rodick’s Takeout – lobster rolls
Peter Trout’s Tavern & Inn – lobster and seafood
Beal’s Lobster Pier – waterfront seafood

Bass Harbor

Archie’s Lobster Shack – lobster rolls

Bernard

Thurston’s Lobster Pound – lobster and seafood

Seal Cove

Hodgdon’s Seafood – lobster rolls

Where to Stay on Mount Desert Island

Without a car you’ll definitely want to stay in Bar Harbor. Whether you have a car or not, Bar Harbor is a good base and offers the most accommodation choices.

We stayed at the Acadia Park Inn outside of Bar Harbor. With a car we didn’t need to stay in town, but it did mean we had to pay for parking every-time we went into town. The 10 minute drive wasn’t far, but it was a little tricky to find the hotel after dark.

Breakfast was included every morning. There are a couple of hot items along with a waffle maker. There is an outdoor playground and pool. Rooms and bathrooms were spacious and included all the essential comforts.

More Places to Stay in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Villager Motel – a basic, yet highly rated motel located in a prime spot downtown
Acadia Hotel Downtown – centrally located 3 star hotel with breakfast included
Ivy Manor Inn – a bed and breakfast in a prime location
Bluenose Inn – a 4 star hotel outside of Bar Harbor with views of Frenchman Bay and two pools
Edenbrook Motel – a lower cost motel outside of Bar Harbor

Days 9 – 10: MidCoast

The area referred to as MidCoast Maine includes the islands and coastal towns from south of Acadia NP to north of Portland (from about Belfast to Brunswick). The seven main regions are:

7. Islands

6. Union – Hope – Appleton – Warren – Freedom

5. Belfast

4. Camden – Rockland

3. Boothbay Harbor

2. Wiscasset – Damariscotta

1. Bath – Brunswick – Topsham

No Maine itinerary is complete without spending some time in this region. This guide focuses primarily on regions 4, 3, and 2 (going from north to south).

How to Get to Maine’s MidCoast

From Mount Desert Island drive south along the coast. You’ll be driving on coastal highway 1, which actually doesn’t have that much of a coastal view. You’ll need to drive down the different roads that branch off from highway 1 and lead to the coast.

Concord Coach Lines does have a bus line that goes through MidCoast Maine. You’ll have to go back to Bangor first and then you can make stops in Camden, Rockland, Damariscotta, Brunswick, and others before returning to Portland. There are also some ferry lines connecting cities. While you can get to a lot of the smaller cities throughout MidCoast Maine, reaching the coastal attractions and smaller towns will be challenging without a car.

Amtrak also runs to Brunswick.

What to Do in Camden

Camden is a great seaside town to base yourself in. I don’t know how it’s possible to leave Acadia without your fill of hiking, but if you have another hike in you, climb your way to the top of Mount Battie. For a more relaxing activity, sail on a historic schooner at daytime or sunset from Camden. Outside of the city, Barrett’s Cove offers adventure and relaxation. Take it easy on the beach, swim in the lake, or go boating.

What to Do in Rockland

Rockland is another waterfront city that makes a great base. There is a working harbor and a nice downtown. It’s an artsy city with murals and multiple art museums including the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art. There is also the Maine Lighthouse Museum.

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is worth a visit. It’s almost a mile walk out to the lighthouse on large granite rocks. It doesn’t sound like a long walk, but you’ll need some sure footing as there are large gaps between the rocks. It also can be incredibly windy. Once at the lighthouse you can’t go inside, but you can climb up the stairs to the outdoor balcony. There are no public restrooms near the parking or the lighthouse.

From Rockland take a ferry to Vinalhaven, Maine’s largest offshore island. Swimming in the quarries, playing at parks, hiking at nature preserves, shopping local, and taking boat tours of the island will keep you busy.

Owls Head is a short drive south of Rockland. Car and plane enthusiasts will enjoy the Owls Head Transportation Museum. For another lighthouse and more outdoor adventures visit Owls Head State Park.

What to Do in Damariscotta

You can’t go wrong with a seaside town in Maine, but Damariscotta has an extra dose of small town seaside charm. Shops and restaurants line Main Street. Kayak rentals and boat trips take off from town onto the Damariscotta River.

Hopefully you’re not tired of lighthouses yet as I have one more lighthouse for you. The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, south of Damariscotta, is one you can go inside……well unless you visit Sunday morning, the one time the museum is open without the lighthouse being open. Not like I chose that exact time to visit!

I was really bummed to not be able to go in the lighthouse as that was the only lighthouse on my Maine road trip that allows visitors inside. It was still cool to see and I enjoyed visiting the fisherman’s museum inside the old lightkeeper’s house. It is more stuff than information, but the docents are happy to answer any questions. There is also a small art gallery with work from local artists.

Restrooms are on the grounds. Entry to the grounds requires a small admission per person.

What to Do in Boothbay Harbor

The final town in this coastal Maine road trip section is Boothbay Harbor. It’s another town with the perfect combination of shopping, cultural attractions, dining, and outdoor adventures. Catch dinner and a performance at the Carousel Music Theater. The historic 1894 Opera House is another excellent place for a performance.

For an outdoor activity visit Barrett Park or hike at Penny Lake Preserve. Directly in town, walk across the largest wooden footbridge in the country across Boothbay Harbor.

Outside of the town is the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s a very impressive garden. With over 300 acres, it’s hard to explore everything in only one visit. There are several miles of wooded trails surrounding the main gardens. It feels like a recreational park with hiking trails versus a popular tourist attraction. It’s easy to get away from the crowds and reconnect with nature. I loved finding the giant recycled wood troll sculptures within the woods.

All the gardens are well done, but the children’s garden is so cool! Not only is it well landscaped and maintained with separate themed areas, the gardens are inspired by different children’s books by Maine authors. Turn off the electronics and bring your kids here or come on your own!

Where to Eat in Maine’s MidCoast

Franny’s Bistro – Camden

A cozy, yet upscale seafood restaurant in Camden. It’s open for dinner only a few nights a week.

Hill’s Seafood Co – Rockland

This casual seafood restaurant in Rockland has views of the water across from Harbor Park. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The “not so fishy” section of the menu helps make the restaurant family friendly for seafood and non-seafood lovers alike. All the seafood plates come with two sides. The crab cake dinner was very tasty.

In Good Company – Rockland

A New American restaurant in downtown Rockland with a wine bar.

Primo – Rockland

An upscale Italian restaurant in a historic Victorian house. It’s a true farm to table restaurant with about 80% of the ingredients coming from the property.

Atlantic Baking Co – Rockland

There was only enough time to go to the bakery or the lighthouse and I chose the lighthouse. From the looks of all their delicious pastries and breads, I really wish I would have had time for both.

The Lobster Haul – Damariscotta

Do you have room for one more lobster roll? There are six different signature rolls on the menu with crab or lobster. The Crabster is the best of both worlds with crab and lobster. The Spicy was right up my alley as I always enjoy an extra kick and cilantro tastes good on everything.

Red’s Eats – Wiscasset

Only a short drive away in Wiscasset there is another spot for a lobster roll. You might have to wait an hour or two for a taste of the popular lobster roll from this roadside stand. Is it worth it? I chose to have extra time exploring instead of taking the chance for a really long wait. There was a long line when we drove past, but I can’t say for sure how long or if it would be worth it. While locals said it is good, they also said a lot of other lobster stands are just as good with the same locally caught lobster.

Where to Stay along Maine’s MidCoast

I chose to stay in Rockland as it is about halfway between Bar Harbor and Portland…..close enough! We stayed right downtown at the Rockland Harbor Hotel. A basic hotel room was booked, but they kindly gave us an upgrade to a balcony room with a view of the sea! The hotel is across the street from the Rockland Ferry and within walking distance to all the downtown museums, shops, and restaurants.

250 Main Hotel is also conveniently located downtown with views of the sea.

North of Rockland in Rockport, Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn is an oceanfront inn with a heated outdoor pool.

Maine Road Trip FAQs

When should I visit Maine?

The short answer is, unless you are looking for a winter vacation, it’s best to plan your Maine road trip between April and October. There are several factors to consider to narrow it down.

First you want to think about what you want to do in Maine and if it will be open. Many places were just opening up for the season during the last half of May. Visiting before the mid to end of May you’ll run into a lot of places that are closed in and around Acadia National Park and other small coastal towns.

If you’re looking to hike the best trails in Acadia be aware that several might close due to peregrine falcon nesting anywhere between March and August. There are still plenty of trails, but if you have your heart set on a particular trail keep this in mind.

As for the crowds, late spring is a great time to avoid them. Memorial Day weekend can be busy and the crowds continue to pick up and reach peak numbers in July and August. September sees less visitors. Maine becomes busy again in early October due to the spectacular fall foliage.

Speaking of weather, it can vary drastically. July and August are typically the warmest and driest. I know many people who visited in the summer and had almost all wet, dreary days. During my Maine road trip in late May most days were in the 70s and there was only one rainy day out of 10.

While I would love to return to Acadia one day in October as I know the fall foliage would be outstanding, I think we really hit the sweet spot with the third week of May before Memorial Day.

How long is the perfect Maine road trip?

After 10 days in Maine, I wasn’t ready to leave “Vacationland”! The question isn’t “how much time do I need in Maine?”, but “how many days are you able to spend in Maine?”.

What other places in New England should I visit?

For a longer New England road trip head to New Hampshire after Maine. Portsmouth is a fun coastal city. Then continue on to Boston, MA where you can delve into the early history of the US. Finally make your way to Rhode Island which is full of history and outdoor adventures.

How much does it cost to go to Maine?

Any destination with a short window of time to visit for prime weather is typically pricier. Maine is no different. It’s hard to be budget friendly in this northeast state.

Restaurants are expensive in general, but seafood is very pricey. Lobster rolls range from about $25 – $35. Whole lobsters are at least $30 if not $40 and above. Other seafood dinners start at $20 or $25 minimum. Those are the prices before tax, tip, drinks, and dessert.

Accommodations aren’t cheap either, but vary quite a bit depending on when and where you book.

With a private vehicle, admission to Acadia National Park costs $70 for the year or $35 for 7 days. A pedestrian or cyclist pass costs $20 for 7 days. An annual America the Beautiful Pass, valid for all NPS sites, is $80. If you’re visiting 3 or more sites in one year it’s an excellent deal.

Where should I eat in Maine?

Restaurant recommendations are given above within each section. More about what seafood to eat is described under the next question.

Most Portland restaurants are open year round and hours are similar to other big cities. Outside of Portland, keep in mind that many restaurants are seasonal. Some close very early in the evening, around 6 or 7pm. We wanted to maximize our days hiking and exploring so it was challenging to find seafood restaurants that were open later in the evening.

What seafood is local to Maine?

Maine produces more lobster than any other state. It’s the state’s number one export. To reiterate what I wrote under the “what and where to eat in Portland”, you’ll want to eat lobster. There are so many ways to eat this tasty crustacean. Treat yourself to at least one whole lobster. It’s an experience and there is no better place to experience it than in Maine! Prepare for the dining experience to take awhile as you have to do a fair amount of work. Does it sound like too much work? Order a “lazy lobster” instead! With a higher price tag, you’re saved doing the work yourself.

Make sure to also order at least one or two lobster rolls. Try a classic (cold with mayo or warm with butter) and venture out with a different, inventive roll. Next you’ll want to try another type of dish with lobster in it. The options are limitless. I didn’t see it anywhere, but I did hear there is lobster ice cream in Maine!

In between your lobster meals, try the other local Maine seafood: haddock, scallops, halibut, shrimp, oysters, and clams. I found the clams to be a little too chewy for my taste. Mixed platters were a good way to try a variety in one meal, especially if some of the food is fried. A full platter of one type of fried seafood gets a lot on the stomach. I was really happily surprised with haddock, it’s not a fish I eat a lot of. Different restaurants served it in unique ways so it was a dish to try multiple times.

Under each section above I gave some recommendations about what to eat and where to eat.

Where Should I Stay in Maine?

Recommendations for each area are included above. Make your reservations early! As prices are so expensive it’s a great area to redeem points and free night awards. My hotel savings post explained how to save thousands on hotels, most of which was in New England.

What Should I Bring to Maine?

The weather fluctuates in Maine. Be prepared for chilly rainy days and sunny hot ones.

For the daytime come prepared with the best hiking attire and a day pack if you plan on hiking. Evenings are a good time to bring out your casual nautical wear.

What are you most excited about for your Maine road trip? If I helped you plan your 10 days in Maine please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee so I can continue providing free, in-depth content!