Curator’s statement
Maine’s coastline means more to me than just a beautiful view—it feels like a part of who I am. There’s something about the way the Atlantic crashes against the rocky shores, the call of the gulls overhead, and the scent of salt and pine in the air that brings me an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging. Visiting the coast was where time slowed down. It’s where I learned to appreciate stillness, where I had deep conversations with people I care about, and where I felt most connected to nature. Each harbor, lighthouse, and tide pool holds a memory—moments of calm, joy, and even heartbreak, all etched into that jagged edge of the state. Maine’s coastline grounds me. It reminds me to be resilient like the rocks that have weathered centuries of storms, and to be fluid like the tides that rise and fall with steady grace. It’s a place that continues to shape how I see the world and my place in it. That’s why it’s not just important—it’s essential to me.
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This trip along the coast of Maine is one of my favorites—a perfect mix of scenic views, small-town charm, great food, and relaxing moments. We started in Portland, picking up the rental car and heading north. While this wasn’t a traditional road trip with long hours on the road, the drive itself was part of the experience, especially once we connected with Route 1, which winds its way along the coastline and through some of Maine’s most beautiful spots.
Coastline
Our first major stop was Freeport, home to the famous L.L. Bean flagship store. We grabbed lunch, did some shopping, and of course picked up a box of Wicked Whoopies—a must-have snack when you’re in Maine (they’re SOOO good). It’s also a fun town to walk around and stretch your legs before heading further up the coast.
Next came Brunswick, where we found a great local bagel shop, followed by Wiscasset, a postcard-worthy town known for its lobster rolls. There are two rival spots here—and trying both is half the fun. Wiscasset also has a cute downtown perfect for a casual stroll.
From here, we had the option to detour and visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which I highly recommend. It’s a magical place filled with lush landscapes and even life-sized wooden trolls.
At this point, you can either spend the night nearby or continue toward Bar Harbor, with plenty of places to stop for ice cream, local farmers markets, or just to enjoy the views along the way. Once we got to Trenton, we left Route 1 and followed High Street into Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor
For accommodations, we had two great options:
Terramor Outdoor Resort: A glamping experience with fire pits, on-site dining, and a really peaceful atmosphere.
Harborside Hotel: Where we ended up staying. It’s right on the water, with a cozy restaurant that serves the best blueberry pie I’ve ever had.
One of the highlights was walking after dinner to the land bridge, looking for shells, skipping rocks, and just soaking in the natural beauty. Bar Harbor itself is a small, walkable town with lots of great little shops and places to explore.
The next day, we spent time at Acadia National Park. We drove up the mountain and did a bit of hiking, though the weather wasn’t ideal. Still, it was absolutely worth it the views are stunning, and the park has a calm, wild feel that’s hard to describe. Just make sure to book a car reservation in advance, as the park limits access during busy times
After our time in Bar Harbor, we planned to loop back, saving Portland for our final day. There’s so much to enjoy there:
The Portland Head Light, one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses.
Commercial Street, with great shopping and food.
Stores like Stonewall Kitchen, Holy Donut, Seabags (they make bags from recycled sails!), and Maine Pottery Company.
Overall, this trip offers everything I love about Maine: incredible scenery, amazing local food, charming towns, and unforgettable moments. It’s a trip I’d do again in a heartbeat—and one I love helping others plan.
Need to know
Make sure to pack layers when traveling north. The weather changes quickly.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Maine page.
Travel Advisor
Jessica Goodman
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