The Ultimate 7-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a coastal Maine road trip? You’re in for one of the most scenic routes in New England, packed with charming small towns, historic harbors, rocky coastline, and plenty of lighthouses and lobster rolls along the way.

This 7-day coastal Maine itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time without feeling rushed. You’ll visit iconic spots like Portland, Ogunquit, Camden, and Bar Harbor, with time to explore Acadia National Park and still enjoy relaxed seaside vibes. It’s perfect for a summer vacation, a fall foliage trip, or even a long spring getaway.

I’ll walk you through the full route with day-by-day details on what to do, where to stop, and where to stay, so you can focus on enjoying the ride!

*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.*

Useful Info for Your Maine Road Trip

How to get to coastal Maine

The easiest way to start your road trip is by flying directly into Portland International Jetport (PWM). It’s a small but well-connected airport just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, and it puts you right at the gateway to Maine’s southern coast.

If flights into Portland are limited or expensive, flying into Boston Logan International Airport is a great backup. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Portland, mostly along I-95. This can also be a good option if you want to explore Boston before or after your Maine trip.

In this case, check out my guide about the best things to do in Boston or my ultimate one day in Boston itinerary!

Getting around

The best way to explore coastal Maine is by car. While there are some local buses and seasonal shuttles, you’ll need your own wheels to comfortably reach the smaller towns, scenic viewpoints, and hidden beaches along the coast.

If you’re flying into Portland, you can pick up a rental car right at the airport and start your trip right away. Coming from Boston? It’s an easy two-hour drive north, and renting a car there gives you flexibility if you’re planning to explore more of New England.

I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best rental deals, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Opt for a smaller vehicle if you can, since parking in downtown areas and along the coast can be tight. And don’t wait too long to book, rentals can sell out quickly in the summer and fall!

Overview of Your Maine Road Trip

• Day 1: Arrive in Portland, Maine
• Day 2: Day trip to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport
• Day 3: Explore Portland and Cape Elizabeth
• Day 4: Portland to Camden via Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, and Rockland
• Day 5: Camden to Bar Harbor (with a stop in Belfast)
• Day 6: Full day in Acadia National Park
• Day 7: Morning in Acadia + drive back to Portland

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.

7-Day Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Portland

Start your adventure in Portland, one of New England’s coolest small cities. If you’re flying in, the Portland International Jetport is just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown.

You could also fly into Boston and drive up, but in that case, it might make sense to visit Ogunquit and Kennebunkport first, then loop back to Portland afterward (essentially switching up day 1 and day 2 of this Maine road trip). In this case, you might also want to check out my Boston to Acadia road trip guide!

Once you’ve settled in, head straight to the Old Port District. This area is full of cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and waterfront views, which is perfect for a relaxed first afternoon.

Grab a lobster roll from a food truck, browse the local shops, or pop into one of Portland’s many breweries (Bissell Brothers and Rising Tide are two local favorites).

If you have time before dinner, take a walk along the Eastern Promenade for views of Casco Bay. Then head to Fore Street or Eventide Oyster Co. for a memorable first meal – both are Portland institutions and worth booking ahead.

I recommend staying in Portland for the first three nights of your trip. It makes a great base for exploring both the city itself and nearby spots like Cape Elizabeth, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport without having to change hotels.

Here are my recommendations for different budgets:

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

Day 2: Day trip to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport

Today, you’ll head south along the coast to visit two of Maine’s most charming seaside towns, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. They’re only about 40 to 45 minutes from Portland, making them an easy day trip before returning to the city for the night.

Start your day in Ogunquit, a charming beach town known for its relaxed vibe, coastal views, and walkable downtown. One of the best things to do here is walk the Marginal Way, a scenic paved path that stretches about a mile along the cliffs.

You can start the walk in the heart of town or from the other end at Perkins Cove, a small harbor filled with fishing boats, local shops, and seafood spots. Along the way, don’t miss the Lobster Point Lighthouse – it’s small and simple, but the views are incredible.

For lunch, head to Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove. This longtime favorite is known for its lobster rolls and waterfront views, and it even got a mention in Gilmore Girls! If you’d rather be closer to the beach, Ogunquit Beach Lobster House is a great alternative with plenty of outdoor seating.

Before leaving town, stop by Ogunquit Beach. It’s one of the most popular stretches of sand in southern Maine, perfect for a stroll or a quick break before continuing your drive.

After lunch, head north to Kennebunkport, just about 25 minutes from Ogunquit. It’s one of the most picturesque towns on any Maine coastal road trip, with a mix of classic New England charm, ocean views, and cute downtown streets to wander.

Start in Dock Square, where you can browse art galleries, local shops, and small cafes. If you’re in the mood for another lobster roll (no judgment), The Clam Shack is a classic right at the bridge. For scenic views, take a drive along Ocean Avenue, which winds past historic homes, rocky coastline, and Walker’s Point, the Bush family’s summer compound.

If you have extra time, drive over to Cape Porpoise, a quieter village within Kennebunkport that’s still home to a working fishing harbor. From the pier, you can spot Goat Island Lighthouse in the distance, and there’s a peaceful, authentic feel that’s a nice contrast to the busier main town.

If you’re traveling with kids or just love a bit of retro charm, the Seashore Trolley Museum is worth a quick stop. It’s the largest electric railway museum in the world and offers short vintage trolley rides through the woods.

After a full afternoon of exploring, return to Portland for dinner and your second night in the city.

Day 3: Explore Portland and Cape Elizabeth

After two days of coastal adventures, today is all about diving into Portland itself and exploring nearby Cape Elizabeth. There’s a lot to see, but it’s all close together, so the pace can still feel relaxed.

Start your morning with a stop at The Holy Donut, a Portland staple famous for its potato donuts. Make sure to try the maple bacon version – it was my favorite!

Then head to the Old Port if you haven’t explored it already. This area is full of cobblestone streets, quirky boutiques, and waterfront views. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Portland, don’t miss the Portland Museum of Art, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, or just wandering through the charming West End.

Joining a food tour is also a fun way to sample some of the city’s best bites while learning a bit about its history and neighborhoods.

In the afternoon, drive just 15 minutes south to Cape Elizabeth to check out some of Maine’s most famous lighthouses. Start at Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, then continue on to Spring Point Ledge Light and Bug Light for more ocean views.

If the weather is nice, grab lunch from one of the seasonal food trucks at the park or pack a picnic to enjoy by the water.

Before heading back to your hotel, take a stroll along the Eastern Promenade or hop on a quick ferry ride to Peaks Island for sunset. It’s a laid-back way to end your last full day in Portland before continuing your Maine road trip.

Day 4: Portland to Camden via Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, and Rockland

Today, you’ll make your way from Portland to Camden, with scenic stops in some of midcoast Maine’s most charming towns. The full drive takes about two hours, but with detours and sightseeing, you’ll want to dedicate the whole day to exploring.

Start your morning with a detour to Boothbay Harbor, about an hour and fifteen minutes from Portland. This colorful harbor town is packed with shops, art galleries, and seaside restaurants.

If you’re visiting in spring or summer, don’t miss the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s one of the largest in New England and especially beautiful in late spring and early fall!

From Boothbay, head toward Wiscasset, where you’ll find one of Maine’s most famous lobster shacks, Red’s Eats. It’s often listed as one of the best lobster rolls in the state, so you definitely have to try it! Since you’ll likely arrive around lunchtime, this is a great spot to stop and refuel before continuing north.

Next up is Rockland, about 40 minutes from Wiscasset. This small waterfront city has a growing arts scene and a few worthwhile attractions.

Walk part of the Rockland Harbor Trail or head out along the long stone jetty to reach the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The Maine Lighthouse Museum downtown is also worth a quick stop if you’re interested in the history of the coast.

You’ll likely arrive in Camden in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s one of the prettiest towns on a Maine road trip, with a cozy harbor, mountain backdrop, and walkable downtown.

Save sightseeing for tomorrow and enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant, a local favorite with great views and classic seafood dishes.

You’ll spend the night in Camden. Here are some great accommodation options for different budgets:

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

Day 5: Camden to Bar Harbor (with a stop in Belfast)

Start your morning with breakfast at one of Camden’s cozy cafés, like Buttermilk Kitchen or Zoot Coffee. After breakfast, spend some time wandering through the charming downtown. It’s full of cute boutiques, local art galleries, and waterfront views that are hard to beat.

Before leaving town, head out to the Curtis Lighthouse Overlook for a beautiful view of Curtis Island Lighthouse just offshore. It’s about a 20-minute walk each way from downtown, or you can try driving, but be aware there’s only space for two cars to park at the overlook, so it’s worth going early if you want to avoid the hassle.

Next, make your way to Camden Hills State Park for one last scenic stop before hitting the road. You can drive or hike up to the top of Mount Battie, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the harbor and Penobscot Bay. It’s one of the most iconic viewpoints on a Maine coastal road trip and a perfect send-off as you head north!

In the early afternoon, start the drive toward Bar Harbor. It’s about two hours, but Belfast makes a nice stop along the way. This small town has a relaxed feel and a charming waterfront. You can stretch your legs on the pedestrian bridge over the Passagassawakeag River or grab a quick bite in one of the cafés or bakeries near Main Street.

You’ll arrive in Bar Harbor by late afternoon. After checking into your hotel, head out for a casual evening — maybe a short stroll along the Shore Path followed by dinner in town. Side Street Café is a local go-to, or try Geddy’s for seafood with a view.

You’ll be based here for the next two nights as you explore Acadia National Park. Here are my recommendations on where to stay:

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

Day 6: Explore Acadia National Park

Set aside the full day to explore Acadia National Park, one of the top highlights of any Maine itinerary. It’s packed with scenic drives, coastal hikes, and postcard-worthy viewpoints, and there’s truly something for every type of traveler.

Start your morning with breakfast at Cafe This Way, one of Bar Harbor’s most popular breakfast spots. It’s a cozy place with great food and the perfect way to kick off your day in Acadia.

After breakfast, begin your drive along the Park Loop Road, but make your first stop early to hike either the Beehive Trail or the Bowl Trail. The Beehive is a short but challenging climb with iron rungs and amazing views, while the Bowl is a great alternative if you prefer something less steep.

Continue your drive along the scenic loop, stopping at classic Acadia sights like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs. There are plenty of photo ops and chances to stretch your legs, so take your time.

For lunch, head to Jordan Pond House Restaurant. It’s a longtime favorite for its popovers and tea, and the views over Jordan Pond are hard to beat. After lunch, take a stroll around the lake – the loop trail is peaceful and easy, and offers beautiful views the whole way.

In the evening, make your way to Cadillac Mountain for sunset. You need to reserve a timeslot in advance to drive up (no exceptions!), so make sure to book it ahead of time, especially during busy months. Sunset is a great alternative to sunrise, which tends to fill up fast.

Back in Bar Harbor, grab dinner at Geddy’s or Side Street Cafe – whichever one you didn’t try the night before. Both are great local spots to wind down after a full day of exploring. If you want more details, you can check out my full guide on how to spend one day in Acadia!

Day 7: Bar Harbor to Portland

After a couple of action-packed days, start your final morning at a slower pace. Enjoy breakfast at 2 Cats Bar Harbor, then take one last stroll along the Shore Path or browse a few local shops before checking out.

If there’s something in Acadia you didn’t get to on Day 6, you can squeeze in a short stop. Maybe a quick walk around Jordan Pond (especially if you had trouble finding a parking spot the previous afternoon) or, if you’re up for a detour, head to Bass Harbor Head Light for one last coastal view.

Just keep in mind that the drive back to Portland takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, not counting stops!

On the way back, you might want to break up the drive with a stop in Wiscasset (especially if you skipped Red’s Eats earlier), or swing by Freeport for a little outlet shopping or a bite to eat. The L.L.Bean Flagship store is located right in town and open 24 hours a day, making it a fun and easy detour.

Once you’re back in Portland, you can grab dinner near the Old Port or by the waterfront if you’re staying the night before flying out. It’s the perfect way to end your Maine road trip itinerary with a slower-paced day and one last taste of the coast!