From Portland to Bar Harbor: A Road Trip Along the Coast of Maine

Start your Maine trip in Portland. Portland Head Light is always breathtaking. Built in 1791, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Maine and is still active. Today, it houses a museum about the cape’s history.

Seafood is a must when in Maine. The Old Port “Seafood Lovers” Walking Lunch Tour is a great way to enjoy a fresh lobster roll, clam chowder, a local craft beer, and more while visiting a mix of Old Port and Waterfront District areas. You’ll get a chance to experience Portland restaurants, pubs, markets, and artisanal shops on foot, getting a feel for the city.

Watch the sun set over Casco Bay while enjoying a cocktail and light bites at Top of The East.

Snag breakfast at Becky’s Diner. Blueberries are the state fruit of Maine—blueberry pancakes aren’t to be missed!

Head out to explore the Portland Peninsula by bike with a guided tour. Start at the Eastern Promenade, making your way along the waterfront bike path until you reach the Back Cove Trail. Your guide takes you to the Old Port to see some of Portland’s prettiest old brick buildings, and you learn the significance of local food, history, and culture of this area.

Lobster rolls are a must when in Maine. High Roller Lobster, a food-truck-turned-restaurant, has traditional lobster rolls, as well as lobster roll flights to add variety to your meal.

End your day with a sunset sail along the coast of Portland. Make sure to pack a light jacket or blanket; summer nights in Maine can get cool!

Hit the road and head to Boothbay Harbor. Make a pitstop at the L.L. Bean Flagship Store in Freeport. It’s open 24 hours, which means there’s never a bad time to stop and take a picture with the giant Bean Boot Mobile.

Once you arrive in Boothbay, stretch your legs and explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Not only are the nearly 300 acres full of local plants, flowers, butterflies, and art—the pathways in the central gardens are all ADA-compliant, making this an inclusive and accessible destination for all travelers. The Lerner Garden of the Five Senses features sensory-stimulating plants and areas dedicated to each of the five senses.

After getting settled in at Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Inn, head to the quaint town of Boothbay Harbor. Abacus Gallery and Mung Bean Gifts are two great browsing and shopping options—both have been in Boothbay Harbor for over 50 years. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Robinson’s Wharf is a short drive from town and has some of the freshest seafood around.

While en route to Bar Harbor, explore Owls Head Light, located in Owls Head State Park, which dates back to 1852. It’s a pleasant spot to spend an afternoon picnicking and exploring. If you want to dig into coastal history, swing by the Maine Lighthouse Museum to learn about maritime history and the lifesaving evolution of lighthouses along the coast of Maine.

The Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina is a perfect fit for a variety of travelers. The family rooms and two- to three-bedroom suites are perfect for families or groups who need a bit more space and separation, while boathouse suites with private jacuzzis are perfect for couples looking for a long weekend getaway. The hotel’s direct water location makes this property appealing to everyone.

Spend the afternoon on the water on a whale-watching cruise. Whale spottings are so frequent in Bar Harbor that many companies offer vouchers to rebook if no whales are spotted during your whale-watching cruise

Snag dinner in town. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Islesford Dock: fresh seafood/farm-to-table

• Aragosta: fine dining on a beautiful piece of property

• Perry Long’s Lobster Shack: the quintessential Maine lobster shack

Bar Harbor is home to Acadia National Park. Visitors can enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads and 158 miles of hiking trails. Seeing the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is an experience like no other. You’ll need a reservation and a vehicle pass to get up the mountain.

From Thunder Hole to Sandy Beach and Jordan Pond, there are plenty of other spectacular vistas throughout the park to enjoy throughout your day. Pro tip: There is a complimentary shuttle from Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park—use it and avoid the hassle of parking.