Boston to Acadia Road Trip: Best Routes & Stops

Driving from Boston to Acadia National Park is one of the most scenic road trip routes in New England, especially in the fall. While you could technically make the trip in about five hours, there’s so much to see along the way that it’s worth turning into a multi-day adventure!

From charming coastal towns and lighthouses to hidden donut shops and ocean views, this stretch of New England is packed with great stops.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best Boston to Acadia road trip itineraries, from quick three-day getaways to longer seven-day adventures. You’ll also find a list of the best stops along the route, tips for where to stay, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

How long does it take to drive from Boston to Acadia?

The drive from Boston to Acadia National Park covers roughly 280 miles and takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours without stops. But unless you’re in a major rush, I wouldn’t recommend doing it all in one go, as there’s way too much to see and experience along the way.

If you’re just looking to get from point A to point B, the fastest route is up I-95 to Bangor, then east to Bar Harbor. For a more scenic drive, Route 1 through Maine’s midcoast offers better views, charming towns, and plenty of spots worth pulling over for.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Quickest route via I-95: around 4.5 hours with minimal traffic
• Scenic coastal route via Route 1: about 6 to 7 hours of driving, not counting stops
• Ideal trip length: at least 3 to 5 days to enjoy the route without rushing

When is the best time to do a Boston to Acadia road trip?

The best time to do this road trip is from late spring to early fall. Late May through June offers mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are ideal for beach stops and outdoor activities, but they’re also the busiest and most expensive months along the Maine coast.

Fall is the most popular time thanks to the stunning foliage, especially from late September to mid-October. You can do this route as a wider New England fall road trip itinerary if you want to explore more of the region during peak leaf peeping season. Just be sure to book hotels well in advance, as fall is the busiest time to visit!

Recommended Boston to Acadia road trip itinerary

How many days you need really depends on how much ground you want to cover and how fast you like to travel. Below are a few suggested itineraries to help you plan, whether you’re squeezing it into a long weekend or turning it into a full-on New England adventure.

3-day Boston to Acadia itinerary

If you’re short on time, this route gives you a good mix of charming towns, coastal views, and time in the park without feeling too rushed.

• Day 1: Drive from Boston to Salem and spend a few hours exploring the historic center. Continue to Portsmouth in the afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.
• Day 2: Spend the morning and early afternoon in Portland. Walk around the Old Port, check out a lighthouse, and grab lunch before hitting the road again. In the late afternoon, drive up to Bar Harbor and settle in for the night.
• Day 3: Spend the day exploring Acadia National Park. Drive the Park Loop Road, go for a short hike, or catch sunrise at Cadillac Mountain if you’re up early. Head back to Boston in the late afternoon or stay an extra night if you have time.

5-day Boston to Acadia itinerary

This is the sweet spot for a balanced Boston to Acadia road trip with time to enjoy the towns along the coast.

• Day 1: Drive from Boston to Salem for a morning visit, then continue to Portsmouth. Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront, browsing local shops, and grabbing dinner in town. Overnight in Portsmouth or nearby Ogunquit.
• Day 2: Make your way up the coast to Portland. Spend the day checking out the Old Port, lighthouse hopping, and trying local seafood. Overnight in Portland.
• Day 3: Head north with a stop in Freeport for shopping or coffee. Continue on to Boothbay Harbor or Camden. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or doing a short hike. Overnight in Camden or Rockland.
• Day 4: Drive to Bar Harbor, stopping in Belfast or Bucksport if you’d like a break. Arrive in the afternoon and settle in. Enjoy dinner in Bar Harbor and maybe a sunset walk along the Shore Path.
• Day 5: Spend the day exploring Acadia National Park. Drive the Park Loop Road, hike one of the trails, or just enjoy the views. Drive back to Boston in the afternoon or stay an extra night if you have more time.

7-day Boston to Acadia itinerary

If you have a full week, this route gives you plenty of time to explore the coast, enjoy great food, and soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

• Day 1: Drive from Boston to Salem and Rockport. Spend the morning walking through Salem’s historic center, then head to Rockport for lunch and a stroll along Bearskin Neck. Continue to Portsmouth for the night.
  Day 2: Make your way from Portsmouth to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. Visit the Marginal Way, grab a lobster roll, and take your time exploring these charming beach towns. Overnight in Kennebunkport or Portland.
• Day 3: Spend a full day in Portland. Visit the lighthouses, walk around the Old Port, try the Holy Donut, and relax with a drink on the waterfront. Overnight in Portland.
• Day 4: Drive north to Camden, stopping in Freeport for a bit of shopping or lunch. You can also make a detour to Boothbay Harbor if you’re up for it. Overnight in Camden.
• Day 5: Enjoy a relaxed morning in Camden. Hike up Mount Battie or take a sailboat tour if the weather’s nice. In the afternoon, drive to Bar Harbor and settle in for the night.
• Day 6: Spend the day exploring Acadia National Park. Drive the scenic loop, hike a trail or two, and enjoy the coastal views. Catch sunrise or sunset if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Day 7: Use the morning for anything you missed in Acadia or just relax with breakfast in Bar Harbor. Then begin the drive back to Boston.

Where to stay between Boston and Acadia

There are plenty of great places to spend the night along the route, depending on how fast you’re traveling and which itinerary you’re following. These are some of the best towns to base yourself in during a Boston to Acadia road trip.

Portsmouth

A great first stop if you’re breaking up the drive early. Portsmouth has a walkable downtown, great restaurants, and a nice mix of boutique hotels and historic inns.

Recommended places to stay:

• High-end: The Hotel Portsmouth – Downtown
• Mid-range: Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
• Budget: Holiday Inn Portsmouth by IHG

Portland

Perfect for your second night, especially if you’re taking the coastal route. Portland has tons of great restaurants, cool shops, and easy access to lighthouses and waterfront views.

Recommended places to stay:

• High-end: Canopy By Hilton Portland Waterfront
• Mid-range: Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME
• Budget: La Quinta by Wyndham Portland

Camden

Camden is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter night on the coast. It’s especially beautiful in the fall with its harbor views and nearby hikes like Mount Battie.

Recommended places to stay:

• High-end: Relais Chateaux Camden Harbour Inn
• Mid-range: Hartstone Inn
• Budget: Camden Riverhouse Hotel and Inn

Bar Harbor

Your base for visiting Acadia. This is the busiest and most touristy town on the list, but it’s charming, super walkable, and right next to the park entrance. Book early if you’re visiting in peak season!

Recommended places to stay:

• High-end: Acadia Hotel – Downtown
• Mid-range: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
• Budget: Anchorage Motel

Car rental tips for a Boston to Acadia road trip

If you’re flying into Boston for this trip, the easiest option is to pick up a rental car directly at Logan Airport. You can also rent a car from one of the downtown locations, but airport pickups tend to have better availability, especially during peak travel months.

There’s no need for anything fancy, a standard car is fine for this route as long as you’re traveling outside of winter.

One way rentals aren’t really necessary unless you’re flying out of Bangor or Bar Harbor, which most people don’t. It’s usually cheaper and more convenient to do a round-trip rental and return the car in Boston.

It’s a good idea to book your rental well in advance if you’re traveling in summer or fall, especially if you want the best rates or need an automatic.

You can check rates and book through Discover Cars, where you can compare a few different companies to find the best deal.

Best stops on a road trip from Boston and Acadia

One of the best parts of this road trip is the number of cute towns, scenic viewpoints, and local food spots you can check out along the way. Here are some of the best stops to consider, depending on how much time you have.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

If you’re starting your road trip from Boston, it’s worth spending at least a little time exploring the city before hitting the road. You could walk part of the Freedom Trail, grab a lobster roll at Quincy Market, or take a quick stroll through the North End for coffee and cannoli.

If you’re flying in, give yourself a buffer day to explore and get settled before picking up your rental car and heading north. Boston traffic can be rough, so it’s best to avoid leaving during weekday rush hour if you can.

If you’re planning to explore the city before hitting the road, check out this one day in Boston itinerary or browse this list of the best things to do in Boston to help you plan.

2. Salem, Massachusetts

Just 30 minutes from Boston, Salem makes a fun and easy first stop on a Boston to Acadia road trip. It’s best known for its witch trials history, but there’s more to see than just spooky stuff. You can visit the Witch House, check out the Peabody Essex Museum, or just wander around the historic downtown.

If you’re visiting Salem in October, expect big crowds and lots of themed events. Otherwise, it’s usually a quick and manageable stop on your way north.

3. Rockport, Massachusetts

About 45 minutes from Salem, Rockport is a small coastal town that’s perfect for a relaxed wander. It’s known for its colorful harbor, artist galleries, and the iconic red Motif No. 1 fishing shack that’s been painted and photographed a thousand times over.

Bearskin Neck is the main street you’ll want to explore – it’s lined with cute shops, ice cream stands, and places to grab seafood by the water. It’s a great spot for a scenic lunch break or a quick stretch before continuing north.

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Just across the border from Massachusetts, Portsmouth is a charming waterfront city with a mix of historic buildings, fun shops, and great restaurants. It’s compact and walkable, making it a great place to stop for lunch or spend the night if you’re taking the drive from Boston to Acadia a little slower.

Stroll through Market Square, grab a drink by the water, or pop into one of the many local boutiques. Strawbery Banke Museum is worth a quick visit if you’re into history, and there are some nice harbor views from Prescott Park.

5. Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit is one of the prettiest little beach towns on the southern Maine coast. It’s best known for the Marginal Way, a mile-long oceanside path with amazing views, easy walking, and plenty of photo spots. There’s also a sandy beach if you want to stretch your legs or dip your feet in.

The downtown area is small but full of charm, with a mix of galleries, cafés, and ice cream stands. It’s a great stop if you’re doing a slower-paced Boston to Acadia itinerary and want to break up the drive with some coastal scenery.

6. Kennebunkport, Maine

Just a short drive from Ogunquit, Kennebunkport is another postcard-perfect stop along the Maine coast. It’s a little more polished and upscale, with art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés lining the streets of Dock Square.

If you’re into seafood, this is a great place to grab a lobster roll by the water. You can also take a quick drive out to Walker’s Point for a view of the Bush family’s summer home and some classic Maine coastline.

7. Portland, Maine

Portland is one of the best stops on any Boston to Acadia road trip. It’s a lively small city with a great food scene, historic charm, and easy access to the coast. Spend some time walking around the Old Port, grabbing a bite at one of the many restaurants, or checking out a local brewery.

Don’t miss Portland Head Light, one of the most iconic lighthouses in New England. If you’re short on time, you can visit it quickly and still get back on the road, but it’s also a great place to spend the night if you’re doing a multi-day trip.

If you’re planning to spend more time here, check out this one day in Portland itinerary or take your pick from the best things to do in Portland before continuing north.

8. Freeport, Maine

Freeport is a quick and easy stop just north of Portland, best known as the home of the L.L.Bean flagship store. If you’re into outlet shopping, you’ll find plenty of stores here, but it’s also a good place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee before continuing up the coast.

If you have a bit more time, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is just outside town and has some peaceful walking trails with views over the water.

9. Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Boothbay Harbor is a bit of a detour off Route 1, but if you have extra time, it’s totally worth it. This little coastal town has a relaxed vibe, cute shops, and lots of opportunities to get out on the water. You can take a scenic boat cruise, go kayaking, or just wander around the harbor and enjoy the views.

It’s a great addition to any Boston to Bar Harbor road trip if you’re looking to slow things down and explore some of Maine’s quieter corners. The downtown is small but walkable, and there are plenty of places to grab a lobster roll or sit outside with a drink.

10. Rockland, Maine

Rockland is a low-key, artsy coastal town that makes a great stop on a Boston to Acadia itinerary. The downtown area has a few galleries, cafés, and shops to explore, and it’s a good spot to grab lunch or take a short break.

If you have time, check out the Farnsworth Art Museum or take a walk along the Rockland Breakwater for some ocean views.

11. Camden, Maine

Camden is one of the most scenic towns along the Maine coast and a favorite stop for many road trippers. The harbor is picture perfect, and the town itself has a great mix of bookstores, cafés, and small shops to explore.

If you have time, hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an incredible view over the harbor and surrounding islands. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage peaks. You can also take a sunset sail from the harbor if you’re spending the night.

Camden is a quieter alternative to some of the more touristy towns and makes a great overnight stop before heading to Bar Harbor.

12. Belfast, Maine

Belfast is a small, artsy town right on the water with a mellow vibe. It’s a nice place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or take a quick walk along the harbor walk that connects the downtown to the waterfront.

You don’t need a ton of time here, but it’s a convenient break on the way from Camden or Rockland to Bar Harbor.

13. Bucksport, Maine

Bucksport is a small town on the Penobscot River with a surprisingly nice waterfront walkway and views of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. It’s a super quick stop, but a good place to stretch your legs or snap a few photos.

If you have time, you can also check out the Penobscot Narrows Observatory or Fort Knox Historic Site just across the bridge.

14. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is the main town near Acadia and the final stop on most Boston to Bar Harbor itineraries. It’s the most convenient place to stay when visiting Acadia National Park, with easy access to the park entrance, restaurants, and shops all within walking distance.

The town itself is charming and laid back, with colorful storefronts, seafood spots, and ocean views around every corner. In the evenings, you can stroll along the Shore Path, grab a lobster dinner, or just relax by the water and watch the boats in the harbor.

15. Acadia National Park

Acadia is the highlight of the trip and one of the most beautiful national parks on the East Coast. From rugged coastline and scenic drives to peaceful lakes and forested trails, there’s a lot to explore, and even more reasons to take your time here.

Ideally, you’ll want at least one full day in the park, though two days will let you see a lot more without rushing. Some of the best things to do in Acadia include driving the Park Loop Road, hiking around Jordan Pond, relaxing at Sand Beach, and catching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.

Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just soaking up the coastal views, Acadia is the perfect way to end your Maine road trip on a high note.

Map of the Boston to Acadia Road Trip

If you’re more of a visual planner, having a map can make it easier to see how everything fits together. Below is a map showing the full route from Boston to Acadia, along with all the major stops mentioned in this itinerary, including Salem, Portsmouth, Portland, Camden, and Bar Harbor.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.