Coastal Maine 7-day road trip itinerary

Maine is an incredible place to start off a great road trip to see the fall foliage or chase beaches in the summertime. This is why I’ve planned out this coastal Maine 7-day road trip itinerary just for you. This way, you can see the best and enjoy this beautiful state any time of the year.

Coastal Maine is a great place to visit year-round. From beautiful beaches to just enjoying the countryside, you’re sure to find something you like and even enjoy the peacefulness of smaller cities.

I think Maine is an underrated destination as it has so much to offer. You can enjoy just about anything from sports, adventures, cozy stays, and beach days.

So without further ado, get everything you need to know to start planning this Maine road trip you’ve been waiting for!

When is the best time to visit Maine

The best time to visit Maine will vary depending on what activities you are planning to do while you are visiting.

Every season has something different to offer but also activities that can be done year-round.

If you are looking for a maple syrup experience or great fishing, spring will be the best time to visit. Spring season can bring all kinds of weather. From beautiful sunny days to rainy ones and sometimes even snow! You’ll have to make sure to bring clothing for every type of weather so you can enjoy your time there.

If you’re more into summer sports such as biking, ATVing, water sports, beach days, hiking, camping and so much more, you’ll definitely want to go during the summer season. If you’re not into all of that, Maine has lots of sightseeing to be done. The weather will be a lot more enjoyable. Sunny and warm days are more likely.

Planning to visit in the fall, you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent fall foliage. Many of the summer activities will still be going on. Hiking, biking, and walking on the beach are still very accessible during this time of year. You can go apple picking, or just walk around to look at all the colors in the trees.

Maine in the winter is also very beautiful. Whether you want to hit the slope or just enjoy a nice fireplace in a cabin, you’ll definitely find what you are looking for. You can enjoy snowmobiling, dog sledding, and wildlife watching as well.

The best time to visit will entirely be up to you depending on your plans. Maine can be enjoyed any time of the year!

What is the weather like

With Maine being geographically located in the north, it is exposed to moderate and moist weather influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and is also exposed to both cold and hot air coming from the continent.

Weather will average between -14 Celsius and 26 Celsius. Depending on which season you are traveling to Maine, you’ll have to dress accordingly. Maine is also partly-cloudy pretty much year-round.

The months of December, January, and February tend to be the coldest. The overall colder season lasts from the end of November to mid-March. The warmer season is between the end of May to about mid-September. The warmer month to visit would be July.

Coastal Maine 7-day road trip itinerary

Day 1: Acadia National Park

If you love the great outdoors, Acadia National Park is definitely a place to add to your coastal Maine road trip itinerary.

You don’t have to stay overnight but you might need more than one day to fully enjoy the entirety of the park.

Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most visited parks in the United States. When visiting the park, you can enjoy miles of historic roads to take the views in, and many, many hiking trails.

Acadia National Park has the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline.

In order to access the park, you will need to buy a park pass. This pass is only valid for Acadia National Park. Most visitors will buy a Vehicle pass, which will cover all passengers on board for a 7-day period.

If you already have the Federal lands pass, you will not need to purchase the Acadia National Park one.

Purchase your Acadia National park pass here!

If you wish to drive to the highest peak in the park, you will need to buy an additional pass for the Cadillac Summit Road. You will need this pass if you are planning to do this drive from June through October. Keep in mind that these could change depending on the weather conditions.

If you wish to purchase the Cadillac Summit road pass in advance, reservations will begin by the end of May 2023. Know that only 30% of passes are offered 90 days prior and that the other 70% is released two days prior. So you’ll have to quickly reserve them in advance or wait two days before your visit.

Purchase your Cadillac Summit road pass here!

If you’re planning the drive, know that it is a narrow two-lane road that brings you to the top. You will find a gift shop, restrooms, and a parking area at the top. Recreational vehicles and trailers are prohibited in this part of the park.

Planning to stay overnight in the park? Acadia National Park offers plenty of campground areas. There are two campgrounds located on Mount Desert Island, one on Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut.

You must make camping reservations in advance. Winter camping and overnight parking aren’t allowed either.

Spend the night either in the park or in Bar Harbor and enjoy fine dining.

Day 2: Bar Harbor, Blue Hill

Bar Harbor is pretty much the gateway to Acadia National Park. The city is located in a beautiful bay called Frenchmen’s Bay.

If you’re looking to experience the United States’ first sunrise, this is the place to be. The city of Bar Harbor is known for its award-winning dining experiences, accommodations, and of course the outdoor activities located so close by.

It is a popular summer destination so keep that in mind if you visit during summertime. It will be a little bit more crowded.

You can also spend your day wandering on Main Street where you will find shops, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants.

Bar Harbor is great to experience a little bit of everything. From endless outdoor activities to cozy cabin stays. You’ll find something for everyone to enjoy!

After enjoying Bar Harbor, head over to Blue Hill. This small magical town is worth a stop. Let the photographer in you set free! The views are quite impressive and worth capturing!

Spend the night in Blue Hill so you can take advantage of the evening to explore the city.

Day 3: Deer Isle, Stonington

From Blue Hill, drive along the coast and cross the bridge to spend some time on Deer Isle and Stonington.

Not only is the bridge picturesque, but the island is a paradise for bird watchers, kayakers, artists, and anyone who loves to spend some time outdoors.

Deer Isle is worth a visit because it is less crowded than Bar Harbor but as charming.

The island has many art galleries, antiques, and gift shops. The island has plenty of accommodations to offer if you want to spend the night. From motels, inns, and campgrounds you are most likely to find something to your liking.

Day 4: Camden, Rockland, Monhegan Island

Next, head over to Camden. You will be charmed by its 19th-century homes. You can spend some time outdoors enjoying the trails of Camden Hill State Park or look at the beautiful Camden Bay.

Then, head to Rockland. The vibrant city has much to offer foodies. The city is famous for its mountainous and rocky shores. You’ll see many marinas and inlets. If you want to sail, Rockland has great cruising waters.

If you wish to experience Monhegan Island, you’ll have to head over by boat. It is a popular tourist destination to witness the magnificent cliffs and experience the beauty of unpaved roads leading to the village.

You could even spend the night here before returning to the coast to continue your road trip.

Day 5: Boothbay Harbor, Bath

Boothbay Harbor is a great place to get away from your busy schedule. This coastal town is home to a rich history, quaint local shops and boutiques, great restaurants, and world-class boat excursions.

Boothbay Harbor has many activities you can enjoy out there! If you’re looking for beautiful coastal scenery, you’re sure to find what you are looking for.

From its quiet coves, rocky shores, and beautiful lighthouses, the scenery is quite impressive.

Among the things to do, you can take a scenic drive to ocean point. This is the best to see the sunrise and sunset. Have yourself a picnic at Ocean Point Loop and enjoy the magnificent view.

If you prefer to do some outdoor activities, Boothbay Harbor is home to plenty of hiking trails and gardens to explore. There are many great boat excursions you can take as well to visit the islands nearby.

Once you’ve explored Boothbay Harbor, head over to Bath. You’ll have plenty to do! From fine dining to shopping to visiting the Maritime Museum to the Marina, one day probably won’t be enough!

There is plenty of outdoor experiences too. You can use the skatepark if that is something you’re into, there are beautiful beaches, historic walking tours, hiking, and biking trails, and the Kennebec River.

Day 6: Brunswick, Freeport, Portland

Once you’ve finished exploring Bath and Boothbay Harbor, head over to Brunswick to start off your next day. Brunswick has about 61 miles of coastline for you to enjoy some time at the beach or spend time along the Androscoggin River.

If the weather isn’t too great or you don’t feel like spending some time near the water, there is plenty of museums to visit. There are art museums, historical museums, and more.

From there, head to Freeport. Freeport is famous for its shopping outlets, restaurants, amazing fairs, and festivals, and great oceanfront campgrounds.

You’ll have plenty to do in this bustling coastal town.

Finish off your day in Portland to spend the night. Go explore the city at night or just go out for dinner. This is a packed day and you might need more than one day if you want to explore and take in the sights without feeling rushed.

Day 7: Portland, Scarborough

Portland and Scarborough are great cities to finish off your coastal Maine 7-day road trip. Portland is a mix of artists, foodies, beachcombers, and winter lovers.

It’s a great place for nightlife, shopping, and many great attractions nearby. The city has beautiful waterfront paths you can enjoy the view. If you’re looking for charming scenery, head to the Portland headlight.

Spend the rest of the day in Scarborough. Scarborough is known to be the best of both worlds. You’ll have all the best amenities and beautiful landscapes on top of that.

You’ll have beaches, cliffs, a historic harbor, family-friendly attractions, a great town center, and many types of accommodations.

Where to stay in Portland

Where to eat in Portland

Eventide Oyster Co.
Duckfat
Chaval
Terlingua
Leeward
The Highroller Lobster Co.
Solo Italiano
Boda

Got more than 7-days on your coastal Maine road trip?

If you’ve got more than 7 days to go on your Maine road trip, then you can add a couple more destinations to discover.

Spend some time exploring more stunning coastal towns, laying on the beach, and enjoying the sights around you.

Day 8: Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport

If you’ve got more time on your hands, you need to head over to Cape Porpoise and Kennebunkport. Cape Porpoise is considered the quiet side of Kennebunkport. You’ll want to visit Cape Porpoise as it is a quiet town with beautiful scenery right next to Kennebunkport.

You can stroll historic streets and see the beautiful scenery the city has to offer. There are several galleries and delicious restaurants. Cape Porpoise doesn’t really have beaches to hang out but it is a great place to go kayaking or biking.

Next, head to Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport is known for its beaches, local seafood, and beautiful scenic lighthouses. You can spend the day at either Goose Rocks Beach or Arundel Beach.

Kennebunkport is a touristy destination so you’ll have to expect a bit more crowds. There’s plenty of arts and culture you can enjoy while spending some time there. There’s also shopping. You’ll find unique shops all over the place.

You can also spend some time in all the different museums and historic houses. You can visit the Wedding Cake House or the Trolley Museum.

Day 9: Ogunquit

On your next day, head over to Ogunquit. Spend your day at the beach. The water is cold in Maine. Keep that in mind when you go for a swim! Ogunquit has long beaches on sandy peninsulas with grassy dunes in some places.

Ogunquit is said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Maine!

You can also hike Marginal Way. Marginal Way is a cliff walk where you’ll enjoy beautiful coastal views and a lighthouse.

In the summertime, you can enjoy musicals at the Summer theatre. Ogunquit has a vibrant art scene as well. You’ll find many attractions to do.

You might just need more than one day!

Day 10: York

York is known for being a summer resort town. It has great golf courses, beautiful sandy beaches, and Mount Agamenticus.

This coastal vacation town is one of the oldest towns in the United States!

York has plenty to do! Spend some time at Sohier Park, head to the Nubble lighthouse, and visit the Museum of Old York, splurge yourself at the Goldenrod candy store, or try some spirits at the Wiggly Bridge Distillery.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of activities to do in York. You’ll definitely find something to do to explore the beautiful area.

Day 11: Kittery Outlets

To finish off your Coastal Maine 7 (or more) day road trip itinerary, do a bit of shopping at the Kittery Outlets. The outlets are located closer to the New Hampshire and Maine border.

There are more than 75 outlet stores to choose from. If you need specific items at discounted prices, it’s a great place to find what you’re searching for.

You’ll find outlets such as Adidas, Champion, Calvin Klein, Columbia, Levi’s, Lululemon, Nike, and Under Harmour to only name a few.

I’ve shopped at these outlets before going to Scotland and I found more than what I was looking for!

Maine might not be on your radar but it is definitely a place you’ll want to road trip once in your lifetime. With all the beautiful coastal and fishing villages and historical landmarks, you’re going to find something for you.

There is plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy as well.

I hope this coastal Maine 7-day road trip itinerary helps you plan your own Maine road trip!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!

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