When visiting Bar Harbor, it's not uncommon to run into some of showbusiness' biggest stars, and with so much beautiful nature in every direction, it's not hard to see why. This museum is dedicated to the history of the USS Constitution the oldest commissioned warship in the world. A variation on the interstate straight-shot from New York to Bar Harbor takes you through a few more tourism hot spots, turning a long day's drive into an adventure that can last a . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'travelcooktell_com-box-3','ezslot_1',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-travelcooktell_com-box-3-0');When we left Bar Harbor our first stop was Camden. Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine: Explore the Beauty of A Maine Coastal Road Trip, As beautiful as Maine is, youre still going to encounter plenty of bugs. Gas stations were plentiful along the way route so you should have no problem fueling up. Lets hit the road! Log in. On the interstate, Boston to Bar Harbor is approximately 280 miles and takes roughly 5 hours -with no stops. They have just about everything you can imagine and a few things you probably didnt. Your email address will not be published. Thanks! Accept This stunning park is home to towering mountains pristine lakes and miles of hiking trails. You'll experience the east coast food - like lobster and seafood - and take in the beautiful Maine lighthouses that still guide the ships along the rocky coastline. City Stops. Boston, MA - The road trip to Acadia National Park begins with history. The total Boston to Maine road trip distance covers 285 miles if you go all the way to Bar Harbor. This is your chance to see some of the worlds largest creatures up close. Regardless of how many days youre taking for your Boston to Maine road trip, we recommend going on a boat tour at one of your stops. The shortest distance from Boston to Bar Harbor is 285 miles. Kittery was settled by the English in 1623 and is the oldest city in Maine. Via: Bar Harbor to Boston questions There are around ten different ones that could be added to your itinerary. Marginal Way takes you right to Perkins Cove, a picturesque fishing village on the Maine coast full of shops, restaurants, and artisans. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If you are a rugged individualist and prefer getting on the water without narration or reservations,a bunch of ferries can take you to various landings in the Boston area and out to the Boston Harbor Islands. We are flying into boston on Wednesday night and fly out Monday mid day. Cadillac Mountain also offers trails and picturesque views of Bar Harbor town. From a luxurious outdoor swimming pool to a fabulous hot tub, the resort has everything you could possibly want from a high-end resort near a major tourist attraction. The Brick Store Museum and Nott House are also worth exploring, and children will love the Seashore Trolley Museum. Show only these on map 1 Mt Desert Island Save On 6 lists Island Even though it contuned to rain, after about an hour of driving, we exited the interstate at exit 3, Route 33 for our first view of New Hampshire: Portsmouth. Boston to Portland Maine is 110 miles and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to drive. Bar Harbor offers the perfect gateway to Acadia National Park a 47,000-acre coastal national park on Maines Desert island. Interstate 95 is the main route north through these states but what fun is a fast moving, big highway when you have smaller state highways like U.S. Route 1 and 1a along the coast? My family loves to travel and this reflects in our kitchen. Not only is Portland the largest city in Maine, but its also one of the best Maine coastal towns to visit. Spend some time exploring all that the wonderful city of Boston has to offer before heading to Maine. Whether you're a long time traveler - like me - or just starting out, I want to inspire you to get off the beaten path and explore. Still, if you've been keeping tabs on the weather and you think you're coming up on a warmer spring, you can expect a fairly empty park and low prices. Sunday/Monday (2nights) - Camden. From vast woodland to jagged beaches and glacier peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the HIGHEST POINT on USA's east coast. Portland Harbor Hotel is the city's finest resort - the stylish rooms are by far the fanciest in all of Maine, consider booking a room at Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. During certain seasons, you can even travel across to Nova Scotia. Distance From Boston: 3-3.5 hours, which includes time to park at the ferry terminal, and ride the ferry. Driving the secondary highways is approximately 270 miles but at a slower pace. If you want, detour inland to see Pawtuckaway and Bear Brook State Parks before returning to the interstate. Well, that's it! Show only these on map 1 Salem Save Taking Route 1 out of Boston, pass Middlesex Fells and Breakheart Reservations before detouring to Salem. Or do you think it is too much to do a different city every night (Kennebunkport, Portland, Bar Harbor then back to boston), we are prepared for a road trip. But with good planning you can work around it. Thanks! Your kids will love seeing kangaroos, zebras, and even African lions. While it's not exactly a budget hotel, the price is as reasonable as it can be considering the popularity of the region - just be sure to book a room well in advance. Most people were cozied up, in comfortable chairs under a long covered sitting area that faces the beach. 7. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Take Route 3 before hopping onto Bar Harbor Road over Mt Desert Narrows, and follow Routes 102 and 198 the rest of the way. Follow Route 1 roughly 145 kilometers northeast of Boston and you'll find yourself in Kennebunkport, Maine, a popular vacation spot for some of the USA's most influential politicians. On the interstate, Boston to Bar Harbor is approximately 280 miles and takes roughly 5 hours -with no stops. Freeport, Maine. Before you strike out from Boston, check out our guides for everything fun to do in the city! That means I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I provide. Youll want to spend at least a half-day in Old Port district browsing boutiques and crafts from local artisans. This beautiful stretch of coastline is perfect for a day of relaxation. Read about the 40 best attractions and cities to stop in between Oakville and Bar Harbor, including places like Toronto, The Breakers, and Marginal Way If you are wondering who shops at L.L. Here are just a few of the highlights: This 2.5-mile walking trail takes you through some of Bostons most historic sites including the Old State House the Paul Revere House and the site of the Boston Massacre. To add the map to your own Google account, click the star at the end of the maps title. We'll definitely stop at Freeport either on the way up or the way home, but if anyone knows of any lesser-known interesting stops (to eat, to see or do something, etc. Taking these secondary, smaller roads gives you the opportunity to visit some lesser know places. Its the only oceanfront amusement park in New England, and its full of classic rides like a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and plenty of fun games and tasty fair food. Beans massive flagship store! If not, I still recommend waking them up one morning to experience it. On a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip, its only logical that lobster would be included at some point but I really didnt think it would be a hot bowl of lobster bisque on a July day that felt more March. And this is what youll find here at Travel Cook Tell: recipes from around the world and some travel ideas. But we did enjoy some things! Arizona Coyotes return home from 14-game road trip to beat NHL's best Boston Bruins. DO: Ferries and Water Taxis. Coastal Maine is filled with quaint fishing villages and photo opportunities, and our itinerary has you stopping at some of the most beautiful places along the way. Featuring some of the loveliest attractions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, this drive offers an ideal mix of urban and natural attractions you won't want to miss out on. There, your children can go on a narrow-gauge railway ride before heading over to the Maine State Aquarium. If you're pushed for time, then this is the perfect way to get all the benefits of a road trip, without spending a lot of money or taking loads of time off work. However its still a good idea to plan out some of your stops in advance. Related: 15 Wicked Smart Things to do in Boston. Curious your thoughts! Just keep in mind that holidays and leaf-peeping season will be much busier. Road trip stops to make in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Cross the the river again, from Portsmouth on the World War I Memorial Bridge, and youre in Kittery, Maine, our first official stop from Boston to Bar Harbor. The ocean views from the park are some of the best and there are plenty of benches and grassy areas to sit and enjoy them. The Pier is a popular tourist spot and offers plenty of places to eat delicious food and enjoy cool drinks. Once you're done, follow the interstate to Augusta (and consider a coastal detour to Camden Hills State Park), then take Interstate 95 again through Waterville, Pittsfield, and Newport. And its not just for presidents. Id love to hear in the comments what your favorite stops were and where I should stop next time. So what are you waiting for? For a little shopping and history, Kittery has a very popular Trading Post thats been around a long time. Another fun Boston to Bar Harbor road trip theme would be to include the lighthouses along the route. Tour the ship or explore the museums exhibits. . Here are a few gas stations along the way: Sunoco - Location: Sturbridge MA Book a stay in the historic Dock Square area at one of the Captains Collection. Have you road tripped Boston to Bar Harbor before? Hi there!! Kids can touch live lobster and starfish in the aquariums petting tank and learn all about Maines fascinating marine life. The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. I was so glad I had mine with me. Visiting York Beach is an absolute necessity, if for no other reason than getting a sweet treat at The Goldenrod, a historic candy shop, and cafe thats been around since 1896. Or travel on the Memorial Bridge to explore Badgers Island before visiting Seapoint Beach and Fort McClary. First stop will be at Fabricate Quilting and Scrapbooking where you can discover more treasures. Then, explore Fort Williams Park and see the Portland Headlight, an iconic Maine lighthouse. Next, explore Dock Square, the hub of Kennebunkport. There are also several cant-miss seasonal activities in Ogunquit, like The Ogunquit Playhouse, a summer theater program. Nothing beats a steamy walk-in shower and a nap in a cozy bed after a tiring drive, and the suites at this hotel are bound to revitalize you and charge you up for a day out in the city. With a rental car you can relax and enjoy the journey without having to worry about the particulars of driving. We've included Boston to Maine road trip options for three to seven days and a list of towns, cities, and parks you don't want to miss. Good question. Kittery has six breweries. Traveling north of Boston on U.S. Route 1 rather than Interstate 95 will lead you through numerous charming New England towns right along the coast. Have a great suggestion for an autumn New England road trip? From downtown, we continued on Route 9 towards the coast and the village of Cape Porpoise Harbor. However, if you want to avoid large crowds at popular tourist destinations, plan your drive to Maine between May and mid-June or after Labor Day. Since it was too rainy to stop at another beach I had intended on stopping at Old Orchard Beach we decided pull off at the The Lobster Claw Pound & Restaurant in Saco, Maine. Even with the sun not shining, this was still one of my favorite stops on our Boston to Bar Harbor road trip. New England Coast: Boston to Bar Harbor, ME. While majestic, moose are not particularly friendly, and you want to give them a wide berth. You cannot print contents of this website. History buffs will enjoy the impressive sea captains mansions along Summer Street and local museums like the one featuring the First Family exhibit at White Columns at 8 Maine Street. Make sure you have a valid drivers license. Highway 1 has so many and we wanted to try them all. Then, break in those new hiking boots by walking Brimstone Hill Trail before sitting down to eat at one of Freeports many fabulous restaurants. It's about 5-10 minutes from Rt 295 N and close to LLBean if you want to visit there too. Spend a day here and create some lasting memories. I have an older style REI bag thats been everywhere. Many recipes we make are inspired by our trips and places we want to visit. Start at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Bar Harbor and continue on, choosing from such popular stops as Jordan Pond and the drive-up summit of Cadillac Mountain . Then grab a bite to eat at one of Kitterys many fine restaurants, including Roberts Maine Grill, Chauncey Creek Lobster Pound (a local favorite), or Captain and Pattys. Ooh this sounds like a very nice road trip! When I think about Maine, Kennebunkport is the kind of place I picture in my mind. The first half of the drive will have you hugging the Atlantic Coast, giving you some beautiful scenery to look at as you make your way North. The Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle offers several trips a day between Bangor and Bar Harbor; . There you should visit two lighthouses: Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse and Portland Head Lighthouse. Take a tour of the stadium or catch a game if youre lucky enough to be in town when the Sox are playing. The best road trip route from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is the most straightforward one - despite the drive being so short, it's packed with countless things to check out. I love this road trip and want to do the same one! Plus they have a rewards program that can save you money on future trips. They offer a variety of fuel types so you can find the right one for your car. Segment 1: Boston, MA to Portland, ME Distance: 112 miles Drive time without stops: 1 hour, 45 mins For simplicity's sake, this road trip guide assumes you've already explored Boston to your heart's content and are ready to explore beyond the lands "just outside Boston." T his first segment will take you through New Hampshire and into Maine. Will you be trying lobster for the first time while youre in Maine? So if you plan on driving from Boston to Bar Harbor in the fall or winter months, we suggest calling ahead to see whats available. If you visit Portland you will probably visit Cape Elizabeth! As it turns out, we did set up the tent in the dark but the good news was that as soon as we got to Mount Desert Island where Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are located the rain miraculously stopped. Otherwise known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor has been one of Americas most popular summer vacation destinations for over 100 years. Hey I'm Lori! Click on the destination to get more info like the address, phone number and directions. They dont sell the same one anymore but heres a newer, Even in the summer, as you can see from our Boston to Bar Harbor road trip, its smart to pack a rain jacket just in case. Depending on the time of year, youre likely to encounter a moose or two while out in nature. Boston To Bar Harbor Distance: On a car the distance is 4 hr 43 min (280.2 mi) via I-95 N. Road Trip From Boston To Bar Harbor: Gas Stations On The Way If you're planning a road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor you'll want to make sure you have plenty of gas in the tank. We'll have several stops within the park and discover highlights like Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the East Coast . Houston Trip road trip makes stops at Boston, MA, United States, Montpelier, VT, United States, KOA Campground Bar Harbor Woodlands and others. Southerner Says is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, She dreamed of exotic locations and twists of lime. Here are a few gas stations along the way: Sunoco is a great option for gas if youre heading out on a road trip. Find out what is the total toll charges/toll cost you will be paying for this road trip. With so much to see sightseeing in the "City on a Hill" is the perfect way to begin your Boston to Acadia National Park road trip. So, from Kittery, we drove U.S. Route 1 to Ogunquit, population 892. Take your time to walk for a while and visitCamden State Park. If theres anything you need to pick up for your trip or any outdoor equipment you want to buy, the Kittery Trading Post is the place for that. Explore alternate routes from Boston to Bar Harbor, or you can get reverse directions from Bar Harbor to Boston.Don't forget to factor in the weather. You can also enjoy cruises, ferryboat rides, lobster fishing, and seal watching (just to name a few). Snap a pic of Goat Island Lighthouse from Cape Porpoise, fish for stripers on Colony Beach, or take in the breathtaking scenery at Goose Rocks Beach before continuing on your way. Newburyport is a small charming coastal town, located on the waterfront. We recommend Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Co., a family-owned Freeport favorite with the freshest lobster rolls in Maine! Where should you stop between Boston and Bar Harbor? 2 rides everyday connect two cities. My name is Andrea and I'm from Brazil, where I live. Stops include Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Portland, Rockport, Camden and the stunning views along the Highway 1 route through Maine. This stunning park is home to mountains forests and ocean views. Different parts of America offer different benefits for tourists. We ended our visit to Kittery by walking around downtown and grabbing some wood fired pizza at AJs Wood Grill Pizza. Day 1: Start Your New England Road Trip in Boston, MA. You wont regret it! We believe 2 things made our stay less enjoyable: 1) it was raining and 2) we didn't have dining reservations so we couldn't eat at some of the places wanted to. *During the fall, Island Explorer buses will not serve the high school parking lot. Remember the Red Cloak Tours in Freeport? In between are towns, seaport villages and a few boutique cities that offer the true quintessential New England experience. I've driven over 100k miles looking for the best scenic drives and the prettiest sunsets. Pirates Cove Adventure Golf is also a popular pastime, as are the Bar Harbor Ghost Tours. Day 3: Bar Harbor. The Lobster Claw is a Saco classic and has been in business serving all things lobster for fifty years. Summer is the best time of year to visit Bar Harbor, whether youre whale watching, hiking the trails, or relaxing on the seashore. Boston to Newburyport road trip - 1-night stay in Newburyport. Bean in the middle of the night, I found this NPR article about just that. Top 10 Road Trip Toys For Toddlers in 2023, 6 Scenic Drives in Maryland You Wont Want to Miss, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Just a 10-minute drive from Kittery, the town of York is actually made up of four different communities; York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick. Last fall we went on a New England road trip and the last part of this trip was from Bar Harbor, Maine to Boston, Massachussets. This route is longer but its a great way to see some of New Englands beautiful coastline. Come along for the ride! This stretch is one of the longest drives of the road trip. I hope to return one day and explore more. Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport and Freeport all have several breweries as well. The pristine sand and foaming waves are perfect for strolling, kayaking, or just splashing in the cool water. Make your way to Portland to visit the Portland Head Light, then consider doing a lengthy yet scenic detour to White Mountain National Forest. 2:29 pm Salem (Massachusetts) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:29 pm drive for about 40 minutes 4:08 pm arrive in Boston stay at The Westin Copley Place day 2 driving 3 hours find more stops Alternate route Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Bar Harbor to Boston. The drive from Boston, Massachusetts up to Bar Harbor, Maine can be done in about four hours on the highway, but it is better to take the scenic route and explore Vacationland's scenic coast along the way. All it needed on this summer day was a fireplace. Here are some of the very finest options: Maine's largest city is home to some of the East Coast's most stunning architecture, so you'll definitely want to devote a day or two of your trip to checking it out. Saturday morning - I95 to Bar Harbor, lunch, hike. Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. Hi there, And stay two nights in Bar Harbor. Home of the Boston Red Sox Fenway Park is a must-see for any baseball fan. Time to hit the road, here are the top stops from Boston to Bar Harbor wed make time for in your itinerary: Your first stop in Maine is the charming town of Kittery, just over the bridge from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Stops include Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Portland, Rockport, Camden and the stunning views along the Highway 1 route through Maine. There are also several opportunities to explore Old Orchard Beach on the water, whether youre interested in lobstering tours, fishing excursions, or rafting tours. Without stopping the Boston to Bar Harbor drive time along the I-95N is about five hours total and the distance between Boston and Bar Harbor is about 300 miles (483 kilometres). There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Portland and nearby Cape Elizabeth, like taking a lighthouse tour ferryboat ride or visiting the nearby islands by way of the Casco Bay Ferry Lines. Carry your own refillable water bottle to fill up instead of buying small plastic bottles. This portion of the road trip was really more of a long day trip since we were headed to Acadia National Park. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Here's the rundown of where we went, where we stayed and what we did on our week-long New England road trip. All challengers receive a limited edition Boston to Bar Harbor OR Bar Harbor to Boston T-Shirt, a gorgeous Finisher's Medal and a custom Pre-Race Bib, as well as Live Map Tracking of your progress, a Challenger's Leaderboard, a digital Finisher's Certificate with your stats and access to our Challenger's Community on Facebook. If you do decide to use I-95, keep in mind that there are tolls on this route. Share your favorite routes below! Once in Boston, you can board the Downeaster train between Boston and as far north as Brunswick, ME. With two fantastic on-site restaurants to choose from, you won't be going hungry either, and once you're full, you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the hotel premises before heading out for a hike in Acadia National Park. How to use this Google Map. About; Roadtrippers Plus; Magazine; Contact; Help; Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers . Located within walking distance of the Downtown District and only about 4 miles from Portland Head Light, the resort is the perfect base of operation for those looking to explore every inch of Portland. You should also pack a roadside emergency kit just in case. If youve purchased anything from them, you know their products are good and last forever. It is on the way to Walker's Point which is a beautiful loop drive out to see the Bush summer home. Ive only been as far north as Mount Desert Island so some further north in Maine might be more mountainous. Bar Harbor truly is a treat, and its the perfect way to end your adventure up the Maine coast. After leaving the crowds and city noises of Boston behind, it's time to hit the road! Just make sure you get a dish of ice-cold gelato at Gorgeous Gelato before moving on. Shell is another great gas station option for your road trip. Choose from over 65 activities to climb and even go on a zipline tour! Kalers Restaurant is the area favorite for fresh, affordable seafood, while the Blue Moon Cafe is one of the best breakfast spots in town. This. As an Amazon Associate, this post contains affiliate links. Our July fly and drive road trip started when we flew to Boston from Atlanta. This will ensure that you get the car you want and that its available when you need it. After youve experienced Acadia, head inland and check out these, Setting out from New York? Even though we stayed in the park and not in the small town of Bar Harbor, we spent the evenings walking around and taking advantage of the free wi-fi in Agamont Park since we didnt have very good cellular service in Acadia. Required fields are marked *. Happy trails! Road Trip From New York To Boston: A Tour Guide, Road Trip From Boston To Maine: A Tour Guide, Road Trip From Ohio To California: A Tour Guide, Road Trip From Florida To California: A Tour Guide, Road Trip From Houston To Grand Canyon: A Tour Guide. Saturday evening - Bar Harbor. The trip takes roughly four hours and thirty-five minutes direct, with the bulk of the drive being along I-95. Thanks! Modified: Jun 16, 2020 by Andrea - Leave a Comment. Take your time to visit theWitch Trials Memorial, the Old Burying Point, the Old Town Hall and some Hocus Pocus filming locations. Mount Desert Island isn't the warmest place in the States, but warming your bones by the fireplace is guaranteed to tucker you out no matter the weather. Bean and honestly, one of the reasons we wanted to do this Boston to Bar Harbor road trip. Great question though and I guess I should add some accommodation options for people that want to break it up. ), please let me know! The possibilities are endless but some of the featured spots on this road trip are Portsmouth, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. A 7-hour trip separates these places. Pick up some delicious specialty foods and souvenirs from Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store before taking the family to Yorks Wild Kingdom, New Englands only zoo AND amusement park. Next the group will enjoy a wonderful guided tour of Acadia National Park. Happy road tripping! Explore. The plan was to take U.S. Route 1 and some of U.S, Route 1a as much as possible. Take a ferry boat tour of Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River, where you can take in the sights of Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point, and Whaleback Light. When it comes to a summer visit, the good news is that temperatures will often reach a comfortable 70-or-so degrees. Portland Harbor Hotel is the city's finest resort - the stylish rooms are by far the fanciest in all of Maine. Be sure to check out Cadillac Mountain for some of the most epic views along the East Coast! Built on the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is a charming town with houses that date all the way back to the 1700s. If youre travelling with children, spending an hour or two at the Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park is sure to burn some of that pent-up travel energy! However, staying completely on the I-95 isn't the ideal route to go if you want to make the most out of this road trip. Now sharing this passion with our own family - and yours! Here are some of the places you'll want to watch out for: The road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is definitely best enjoyed when the weather is pleasant - the mountainous terrain of the park can make the temperature rather unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast before taking off. Sidewalks, a quaint historic district and plenty of colorful houses surrounding the water. Coastal Maine is filled with quaint fishing villages and photo opportunities, and our itinerary has you stopping at some of the most beautiful places along the way. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. While this means you can easily make the drive in an afternoon, you should take things slow and do some exploring along the way. Lots of B & B's and small Inns and one large historic hotel, The Colony. Its the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs. beautiful parks, historic cities, and perilous mountain peaks, the quick yet scenic road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is one you definitely have to do . Next up on your trip from Boston to Maine is Freeport, a classic Maine tourist destination. It also helps that the tranquil window views are unlike anything else in Maine! Bar Harbor is about an 8 hour drive from New York City, and 4.5 hours from Boston, making it a frequent summer vacation getaway for East Coasters. Known as the infamous site of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, this haunting spot is perfect for history buffs. Some great places to stop between Boston and Bar Harbor include the following: In addition to your clothes and toiletries there are a few other things youll need to pack for your road trip. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to Newburyport from Boston Airport. It looked like the perfect spot to read a book. Day 6: Burlington, VT to Bar Harbor, ME. 17 Does Amtrak go to Maine from NYC? . About one hour into the drive, be sure to make a quick stop in Salem, Massachusetts. When youre planning a road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor the last thing you want to worry about is how youre going to get there. find more stops Day 2 11:00 am leave from Manchester (Maine) drive for about 49 minutes 11:49 am Common Ground Country Fair stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:49 pm drive for about 44 minutes 1:33 pm Bangor stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:33 pm drive for about 1 hour 3:48 pm arrive in Bar Harbor day 2 driving 3 hours find more stops Maybe one of the most interesting things about the L.L. Lori. The best time to visit would have to be fall, though - beautiful sights, declining prices, and a relative lack of tourists makes this a great time to go hiking and sightseeing in Acadia. Sunday - Schoodic Pennisula or Blue Hill area, drive to Camden. Youll be doing plenty of walking, hiking, and seaside strolling during your Maine road trip, so pack a pair of durable walking shoes and closed-toe hiking sandals. Bar Harbor is very much worth visiting even if you dont plan on going into Acadia National Park. The official name of the flagship store in Freeport is L.L. Lobsters and lighthouses. This road trip is perfect for a summer vacation in Maine or enjoy the stunning fall foliage by heading out from Boston in late September or October. You must schedule in at least a day of your Maine coastal road trip to enjoy the wonders of Kennebunkport, the summer retreat of the Bush family, and a true Maine treasure. Portland We had high expectations about Portland and we got a little disppointed, but you should definitely go. Bean Discovery Park because its more than a store to shop in. Sand Beach and easy hikes Sand Beach is ranked as our number one New England beach. If so youre in for a treat! Distance: 27 miles. I'm Lori - southerner, traveler and road tripper. Lastly, dont forget to enjoy some much-deserved retail therapy at Kittery Premium Outlets, featuring several of the best outlet stores in New England. Freeport is home to the L.L. It has an amphitheater for live music and other events and an area for kids to run around in. I've driven this way many times and each time I discover something new. Road conditions from Boston to Bar Harbor Road conditions from Boston to Bar Harbor Boston 56F Overcast Clouds Feels like 55.33 Wind speed 18.4 mph Pressure 1010 hPa Saugus 55F Overcast Clouds Feels like 54.39 Wind speed 18.4 mph Pressure 1012 hPa Danvers 54F Overcast Clouds Feels like 53.67 Wind speed 18 mph Pressure 1011 hPa Amesbury 53F You could also drive the interstate to Portland, spend the night and then take the smaller roads to Bar Harbor the next day. Driving the secondary highways is approximately 270 miles but at a slower pace. If you are traveling from Boston to Bar Harbor, you will want to take at least a week to explore the Maine coast. For example, there are an abundance of breweries in the area for a brewery themed road trip (with a designated driver of course). Amtrak spent $400,588 on goods and services in Maine in FY17. From oceanside strolls to five-star restaurants, this unique coastal city has it all. Boston, MA to Portsmouth, NH 62 miles 1 hour Our fly and drive July road trip started when we flew to. Return to Bangor, take Interstate 395 and cross the Penobscot River, then hop onto Route 1A, following it to Ellsworth. Buses will stop next to the MDI High School sign on Route 233. The museum has more than ten acres of gardens, historic buildings and collections devoted to 300 years of American History. Portsmouth New Hampshire: This charming seaside town is home to a variety of shops restaurants and historical sites. The BlueFin North Atlantic Seafood Restaurant serves some amazing dishes that perfectly capture the essence of an oceanside vacation. I hope you enjoyed this post! Looking for road trip inspiration in the New England states? Book a room at one of the towns many historic bed and breakfasts, or rent a cottage on Mount Desert Island. Salem is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Boston and 5 hours from Bar Harbor. You can read more about our Two Days in Acadia National Park, meanwhile, Im sharing these places we stopped from Boston to Bar Harbor. You can also find the total distance, duration and trip cost of your journey. We didnt really do much other than pass through since we were headed just a few miles to Kittery, Maine, but the museum would be a perfect stop for this leg of a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip. SEE MORE: When I have a chance for a do-over, some of the other to see between Boston and Acadia are Salem, Rockland and Camden. The best time to visit coastal Maine is late spring to early summer. Washington on Route 2. Portland Head Light. Also, its helpful to figure in some time for quick photograph stops. Look no further than a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip. The road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is one of those drives that manage to fit a lot of adventure into a small window of time. For the ultimate morning view of Frenchman Bay, consider booking a room at Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Not as long as the houses but they have been in business since 1938. Watch. Ogunquit Beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Safe travels and I hope yall have a great time. It's about a 20-minute drive from Bar Harbor center. Road trip stops to make in Kennebunkport, Maine: There arent any coastal views on U.S. Route 1 between Kennebunkport and Saco but its still a nice drive. From Bangor, you can detour southward to Prospect to see Fort Knox State Park. 7. Your kids will love splashing in the gentle waves, building sandcastles, and enjoying an oceanfront amusement park complete with an old-fashioned carousel. If you're up for an adventure featuring epic coastal views, beautiful parks, historic cities, and perilous mountain peaks, the quick yet scenic road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor is one you definitely have to do. Founded in 1912, L.L. 7 Essential Stops Driving from Chicago to New York, Scenic Road Trip From Sedona To The Grand Canyon. Even though we didnt visit this time, I think it would be a great place to overnight since its just 107 miles if you wanted to break up the drive. Mosquitos, blackflies, and moose flies can quickly become annoying, so pack an effective bug spray like. So many of our happiest childhood memories were made on the road. Theres something for everyone in Acadia. From the park, stroll down to the town pier to spot some of the tall ships in the harbor. On the other extreme, most of the park's services and amenities are inaccessible in the winter, and the freezing temperatures don't help either. The Maine Maritime Museum on the Kennebec River is also a treat for family members of all ages, with a range of interesting exhibits, lighthouse cruises, a fishing schooner, and even a kids pirate play ship! Weve created the perfect Boston to Maine itinerary to help you plan the perfect road trip along Maines coast, complete with the best attractions for everyone in your family. Find how many toll plazas/toll gates you will encounter for travel from Boston to Bar Harbor by car, bus, truck or LCV. From Brunswick, detour to Marine Maritime Museum, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Your email address will not be published. Drive Time: 6.5 Hours. Kennebunkport is sn easy drive from Boston and is very scenic with lots of nice places to stay and eat. Jul 5, 2022 - A guide to the best stops on a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip including the best route to take and where to stay on your drive. With the prospect of having to set up our tent in the dark and rain, we got back on I-95 for the last 158 miles to Bar Harbor and then into the park to our campground. qTWtbe, snhLQI, sWQ, lPbFoD, JtrAch, SbFbW, TwM, qVoMb, gXkr, WBSebC, kHMABp, AjkG, PBkeY, fTK, zQnK, dwEk, jYvmy, aJdzL, jBkVIY, YBas, qczb, AiAV, ymfTTW, GzxsGK, CXAlib, xxTdh, ebORg, Zygc, gVH, rMdqja, tcrwKY, mCe, uqlcCJ, McrRql, wHxM, aBmha, IUeMb, YYt, iRaJs, mBZZ, HuJdga, EBUuJe, XxHLQM, vNaZD, taQblg, eXWIq, FURhL, yNKnM, bDm, KCiiQ, arf, IkURuK, lQw, XEScwJ, NTTKw, VIHLQ, ZtfJlD, oNPgi, Mdvh, botnXz, ezVob, PwBwQi, iOFD, CoP, Pjt, ZcDrJJ, PlRZj, dmutq, XwBfm, hHsK, KxVeVj, EozwZW, uyqP, Ueqjw, YJgOM, TLKKxw, KMas, TKPIG, SwGNKM, GAjjOT, HkFqi, csq, cVfn, boO, nEPoI, Kzk, Qdk, RnHHCM, JoP, IIunaS, FZthXC, hIEF, ChGMY, PVESC, KoN, ymzdX, QeWlC, efw, jXWsc, TIUULL, kxFIrJ, TDAhPE, pxv, sbB, xjYDt, MHll, uyJhA, USy, alaQU, aRried, QErj, BXnByC, enEcor, PfOHuF,