For the optimal driving conditions, the best time of the year for a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip is late spring, summer and early fall. While we suggest that a bulk of your days be spent in Bar Harbor, you can also take a day at each stop to savor all of the unique opportunities each town has to offer. Home of the Boston Red Sox Fenway Park is a must-see for any baseball fan. Mt. Its kind of ironic that now, most people stop for the shopping outlets than the historical features. . Your kids will love seeing kangaroos, zebras, and even African lions. On the interstate, Boston to Bar Harbor is approximately 280 miles and takes roughly 5 hours -with no stops. Back in Portland, take Interstate 295 along the coast and pass Wolfe's Neck Woods and Bradbury Mountain State Parks. Bar Harbor also offers five unique Red Cloak walking tours for the whole family. Make sure you have a valid drivers license. About two hours north of Boston and an hour-plus east of Manchester, sea and riverside Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk are the first Maine charmers on our list. Walk 500 feet out into the Atlantic and take in the gorgeous ocean views, live entertainment, and fireworks every Thursday night during the summer. Bad weather or not, I wanted to walk on a real Maine beach. This amusement park has something for everyone with rides games and plenty of food options. After so many trips to Maine, I put together this one to two-week Maine coast road trip itinerary from Beantown all the way up to . The ultimate road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places, book hotels, and share itineraries all from the map. Be sure to reserve your rental car in advance. Thanks! Road trip stops to make in Freeport, Maine: The final leg of our Boston to Bar Harbor road trip wasnt too exciting. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to Newburyport from Boston Airport. The best part is that you can drive from Boston to Bar Harbor in less than five hours (although we recommend taking your time!). The "coastal route" from Portland to Bar Harbor does not hug the coast and is not particularly scenic.look at a map and you will see that you have to get off route 1 to meander up and down the peninsulas to get a glimpse of the ocean for the most part. 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. 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. And it is beautiful. Maine is one of the most beautiful places in America, and coastal Maine has long been one of the most popular summer vacation spots. Or you can explore the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, a gorgeous location overlooking the ocean and filled with a richly varied depiction of Maines history. Saturday evening - Bar Harbor. Youll want to spend at least a half-day in Old Port district browsing boutiques and crafts from local artisans. 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. The Lobster Claw is a Saco classic and has been in business serving all things lobster for fifty years. Ive only been as far north as Mount Desert Island so some further north in Maine might be more mountainous. Plan your road trip with Roadtrippers. Last but not least on our Boston to Maine road trip itinerary is Bar Harbor! Kalers Restaurant is the area favorite for fresh, affordable seafood, while the Blue Moon Cafe is one of the best breakfast spots in town. The Pier is a popular tourist spot and offers plenty of places to eat delicious food and enjoy cool drinks. However this route can be quite congested especially during the peak summer tourist season. Where should you stop between Boston and Bar Harbor? Find out what is the total toll charges/toll cost you will be paying for this road trip. Above all remember to relax and have fun on your road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor. This stunning park is home to towering mountains pristine lakes and miles of hiking trails. These include a map of the area a first-aid kit and snacks. This Boston to Acadia National Park itinerary highlights the best seaside villages, historic lighthouses, and sandy beaches on a coastal New England road trip. At the end of FY17 . 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. . 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. Buses will stop next to the MDI High School sign on Route 233. Accept Well, that's it! Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. To find out more read the privacy policy. Its filled with towering cliffs, majestic mountains, miles of pristine beaches, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a good lobster roll. We took I-95 out of the city and knowing we wouldnt be able to make as many stops in the rain we just stayed on it for awhile. Unfortunately, the weather just wasnt cooperating. We recommend spending a few hours there before nap time and letting the kiddos sleep on the drive to Cape Elizabeth! Its actually an entire complex of different stores from the L.L. Wet and cold, we hurried back to the car to turn the heat on. Required fields are marked *. Happy trails! When I think about Maine, Kennebunkport is the kind of place I picture in my mind. 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. When youre driving be sure to obey the speed limit and all other traffic laws. Take your time to visit theWitch Trials Memorial, the Old Burying Point, the Old Town Hall and some Hocus Pocus filming locations. Houston Trip road trip makes stops at Boston, MA, United States, Montpelier, VT, United States, KOA Campground Bar Harbor Woodlands and others. If you really want to see Acadia during the snow season, your best bet for accommodation would have to be Bar Harbor itself. Driving the secondary highways is approximately 270 miles but at a slower pace. To help plan and stay on schedule, its smart to have a basic idea of where youd like to stop on your road trip and estimate how much time you can spend seeing on unexpected things you might run across on your journey. I love this hotel and this one in Portland. These stately ship captains homes have been converted into luxurious resort-style accommodations for every family. Your favorite GPS application might show you the quickest route from point A to point B, but that isn't necessarily the best route. We had high expectations about Portland and we got a little disppointed, but you should definitely go. Bostons location in the northeastern United States makes it the perfect city to fly into and road trip from. 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. 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. If you are traveling from Boston to Bar Harbor, you will want to take at least a week to explore the Maine coast. 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. Its really beautiful and very peaceful with brightly colored houses in the coves. 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. City Stops. I'm Lori - southerner, traveler and road tripper. Theres something for everyone here, so youll want to spend a few days taking advantage of everything that Portland has to offer. Thanks! This New England road trip itinerary will take you on the scenic route from Boston to Portland then to Maine's Mid Coast and Acadia National Park. Otherwise, aim for any time between May and September. Charming towns and rocky coasts. This will avoid any additional charges. This portion of the road trip was really more of a long day trip since we were headed to Acadia National Park. . 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. This is a chance to explore New England at your own pace and create lasting memories. This area is full of local boutiques and artisan shops, famous restaurants like Stripers (a Bush family favorite), the Clam Shack, and Old Vines Wine Bar. Day 1 - DC to Manchester, Vermont. You can easily take in the sights of The Yorks in a day before continuing on your Maine road trip without feeling like you missed out on anything. This museum is dedicated to the history of the USS Constitution the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Its the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs. If you visit Portland you will probably visit Cape Elizabeth! Plus they have a loyalty program that can save you money on future trips. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This living history museum is a great place to learn about the early days of the Plymouth Colony. Also known as OOB, this scenic spot has been voted Maines Best Beach year-over-year, and its easy to see why. Id love to hear in the comments what your favorite stops were and where I should stop next time. Stop for a sweet treat at Ben & Jerrys ice cream before doing a little window shopping at Freeports many boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and our favorite, L.L. We ended our visit to Kittery by walking around downtown and grabbing some wood fired pizza at AJs Wood Grill Pizza. Boston to Newburyport road trip - 1-night stay in Newburyport. Dec 9, 2022, 11:39 PM. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Bar Harbor truly is a treat, and its the perfect way to end your adventure up the Maine coast. And the backpacks! It was definitely over ambitious for a day If I was to do it over again, I would opt to do it in two days and spend the night in either Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach or Portland, depending in what kind of experience you are looking for. I would have loved to have visited Camden and Belfast but it kept raining. Bar Harbor offers the perfect gateway to Acadia National Park a 47,000-acre coastal national park on Maines Desert island. Scroll down for Tremont / Southwest Harbor connections. Have a great suggestion for an autumn New England road trip? Hello. About; Roadtrippers Plus; Magazine; Contact; Help; Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers . Bean is one of the oldest makers of outdoor shoes, clothing and equipment. They have just about everything you can imagine and a few things you probably didnt. 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. Since it was still raining, we didnt do much more than drive through but I at least wanted to see a bit of it. The best time to visit coastal Maine is late spring to early summer. Your email address will not be published. If you know this is what you are going to do in advance, then you can pack accordingly so that you dont have to unpack and repack everything. In addition to monuments like the Witch House, we . 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. Freeport is home to the L.L. Spend a few hours of pampering at the Cliff House Resort before taking a walk down Marginal Way, a 2.5-mile paved path that provides plenty of photo opportunities and views of the sea. Great question though and I guess I should add some accommodation options for people that want to break it up. Lastly, dont forget to enjoy some much-deserved retail therapy at Kittery Premium Outlets, featuring several of the best outlet stores in New England. You can easily spend a few hours of fun, and its a perfect stop to add to your Boston to Maine itinerary. Kennebunkport is sn easy drive from Boston and is very scenic with lots of nice places to stay and eat. My daughter and I took a day to drive up the coast, as part of an easy four day road trip that included Acadia National Park and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. 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. A Boston to Maine road trip is closer to 250 miles, making it doable in a single day. Since this road trip was more about smaller towns, Portland isnt included. I've driven this way many times and each time I discover something new. Most people were cozied up, in comfortable chairs under a long covered sitting area that faces the beach. Go on a whale-watching excursion with Finest Kind or simply relax at Ogunquit Beach. Camden to Bar Harbor takes roughly two hours, and while it's a decidedly scenic routeyou'll be curling up Route 1 right along the coastthere's so much jaw-dropping scenery . The price of the hotel is absolutely fair when you consider how great the accommodation and location are, so you can definitely think about more than just an overnight stay. Drive through Georgetown-Rowley State Forest and stop at Maudslay State Park before crossing the Merrimack River and entering New Hampshire. Click the icon in the top left hand corner to see all the layers. ), please let me know! 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. They have plenty of fuel options to choose from so you can find the perfect one for your car. LazyTrips is a trading name of Strategy Desk Ltd. For more tips about road trip planning, read my How to Plan a Road Trip Step by Step. One of the best things about road trips is making impromptu stops along the way. Day 1: Start Your New England Road Trip in Boston, MA. As such, there are seemingly endless things to see and do, so we recommend spending at least three to four days at this conclusion of your Maine road trip. The pristine sand and foaming waves are perfect for strolling, kayaking, or just splashing in the cool water. We have an expanded itinerary to cover every important stop from, We know how stressful packing can be, and thats why we created our. Road trip stops to make in Kittery, Maine: I love the ocean and being so close to it without actually seeing it was driving me crazy. Hi Miriam, 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. Sand Beach and easy hikes Sand Beach is ranked as our number one New England beach. There are also several cant-miss seasonal activities in Ogunquit, like The Ogunquit Playhouse, a summer theater program. There are around ten different ones that could be added to your itinerary. 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. Gas prices can vary depending on the time of year and the location so its always a good idea to check ahead of time. The 275-mile road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor takes 5 hours 30 minutes to drive. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Much of the trip takes place on major interstates, so you can expect the drive to be rather smooth no matter the season. Hi there, I was hoping the weather would clear so we could continue on Route 9 and make a few more beach stops. If you have children, visiting Palace Playland is an absolute must. Your email address will not be published. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and bikes from several locations in town and choose your own adventure. If you do decide to use I-95, keep in mind that there are tolls on this route. We recommend taking at least a day to take in what Kittery has to offer before continuing on with your trip up the Maine coast. However its still a good idea to plan out some of your stops in advance. It also helps that the tranquil window views are unlike anything else in Maine! No chains hotels or restaurants here so you need to book ahead now. 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. In addition to lobster, they have other seafood dishes and for the non-seafood eaters, the serve steak, ribs and chicken. This New England road trip was a jam-packed seven days of beautiful scenery, delicious food and family time. The cobblestone streets and stately architecture are straight out of the early 20th century, but there is also a very modern feel to the architecture. From Bangor, you can detour southward to Prospect to see Fort Knox State Park. Both are known in part for their beautiful 18th- and 19th-century architecture and historic homes. 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. 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. Choose from over 65 activities to climb and even go on a zipline tour! 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. Sunday - Schoodic Pennisula or Blue Hill area, drive to Camden. You can also find the total distance, duration and trip cost of your journey. My family loves to travel and this reflects in our kitchen. The possibilities are endless but some of the featured spots on this road trip are Portsmouth, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. This aquarium is home to a variety of marine life including penguins seals and sharks. And 4th of July weekend is no time to be trying to do that. 1. Amtrak spent $400,588 on goods and services in Maine in FY17. If you are wondering who shops at L.L. There are many kid-friendly activities in Boothbay Harbor, such as the Boothbay Railway Village. 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. Book a room at one of the towns many historic bed and breakfasts, or rent a cottage on Mount Desert Island. Once we were inside the store, our hearts beat a little faster just seeing the rows of Bean boots and the classic L.L.Bean canvas bags. Once you're done, get back to Route 1 and follow it into Interstate 95, then pass Water Park of New England and Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Cadillac Mountain also offers trails and picturesque views of Bar Harbor town. Texts, photos and food styling: Travel Cook Tell - Andrea Martins All rights reservedHow to share content from this site: more info. This. But with good planning you can work around it. Thats where renting a car comes in. A 7-hour trip separates these places. When I have a chance for a do-over, some of the other to see between Boston and Acadia are Salem, Rockland and Camden. Downeaster Packages offers over 50 travel packages . The Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle offers several trips a day between Bangor and Bar Harbor; . No Maine coastal road trip would be complete without a stop in Ogunquit, another 10 minutes away from York. Here's the rundown of where we went, where we stayed and what we did on our week-long New England road trip. 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. I have an older style REI bag thats been everywhere. If not, I still recommend waking them up one morning to experience it. Saturday morning - I95 to Bar Harbor, lunch, hike. The main public beach was surprisingly crowded for a cool, drizzly July day. Mapbox . After youve experienced Acadia, head inland and check out these, Setting out from New York? This quarter-mile stretch of sand is surrounded by cliffs, is near a playground in Ellis Park, and also houses Fun-O-Rama, an arcade right there on the sand! Boston, MA to Portsmouth, NH 62 miles 1 hour Our fly and drive July road trip started when we flew to. Today will be spent in Bar Harbor, ME. One of the best East Coast road trips, this one is full of lobster . Were right there with you! This will ensure that you get the car you want and that its available when you need it. Boothbay Harbor also offers some of the best sea kayaking in Maine, and you can rent kayaks at several shops along the shore. Spend some time exploring all that the wonderful city of Boston has to offer before heading to Maine. For the ultimate morning view of Frenchman Bay, consider booking a room at Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. The trip takes roughly four hours and thirty-five minutes direct, with the bulk of the drive being along I-95. Best stops along Bar Harbor to Portland drive The top stops along the way from Bar Harbor to Portland (with short detours) are Mt Desert Island, Portland Head Light, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Even in the drizzle, the cute downtown was overflowing with people. Total distance: 271 mi / 436 km Total driving time: 5.5 h 1. Click on the destination to get more info like the address, phone number and directions. 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. Maine in the fall with leaves starting to change color and boats in the harbor Maine fall color road trip also features brightly colored red, orange, and yellow blueberry fields Where to Stay in Maine We recommend Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Co., a family-owned Freeport favorite with the freshest lobster rolls in Maine! Whale watching is a popular Kennebunkport tourist attraction, one of many boat tours available along the coast. 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. It is located on the northeast coast of Mount Desert Island, an appropriately shaped, lobster claw island off the coast of Maine, approximately 200 miles up the coast from the state border. You can also navigate the Saco River and Scarborough salt marsh by canoe or kayak (if youre feeling bold!). Roadtrippers While planning a road trip usually begins with a starting location and a destination, the real work starts when it comes to figuring out where to stop, what to see, and how to get there. 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. Sidewalks, a quaint historic district and plenty of colorful houses surrounding the water. Curious your thoughts! I love this road trip and want to do the same one! 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. How Far is Boston to Bar Harbor? It was so delicious creamy with just the right amount of lobster pieces in it. Your drive from Boston to Bar Harbor can be as brief or as long as youd like for it to be. All Rights Reserved. Our fist city in New Hampshire Portsmouth. Make your way to Portland to visit the Portland Head Light, then consider doing a lengthy yet scenic detour to White Mountain National Forest. You wont regret it! It looked like the perfect spot to read a book. Bean and honestly, one of the reasons we wanted to do this Boston to Bar Harbor road trip. While there is a more direct route, I suggest making your way through the beautiful White Mountains past Mt. Block Island is a beautiful island off the coast of Rhode Island with gorgeous beaches, walking trails, water activities, salt marshes, great restaurants and is overall a wonderful place to relax while appreciating the outdoors. Will you be trying lobster for the first time while youre in Maine? Especially since its been special enough for presidents to vacation there for years. Salem is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Boston and 5 hours from Bar Harbor. This will help you avoid getting pulled over and will keep you safe on the road. We are debating whether we should stay a night in Kennebunkport or to drive all the way to Portland. I hope you enjoyed this post! The official name of the flagship store in Freeport is L.L. Make time to stop at one or several of the many ice cream shops along the way. Re: Boston to Bar Harbor 2 years ago Save The Haraseeket Lunch & Lobster in South Freeport is a good pit stop between Boston and Bar Harbor; it's a quintessential Maine lobster shack on the town wharf (in scenic Freeport Harbor). For a little shopping and history, Kittery has a very popular Trading Post thats been around a long time. Be sure to check out Cadillac Mountain for some of the most epic views along the East Coast! Day 6: Burlington, VT to Bar Harbor, ME. From oceanside strolls to five-star restaurants, this unique coastal city has it all. Shell is another great gas station option for your road trip. Not as long as the houses but they have been in business since 1938. Bean flagship store, is that they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The 275-mile road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor takes 5 hours 30 minutes to drive. Summer is the best time of year to visit Bar Harbor, whether youre whale watching, hiking the trails, or relaxing on the seashore. 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. 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. Different parts of America offer different benefits for tourists. Service begins June 23 and operates through August 22. Take your time to walk for a while and visit Camden State Park. Your email will not be provided to third parties. With a rental car you can relax and enjoy the journey without having to worry about the particulars of driving. 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. Longer to spend in Maine? 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. It's about 5-10 minutes from Rt 295 N and close to LLBean if you want to visit there too. Even in the rain. DO: Ferries and Water Taxis. The city is very cute and something you can not miss is to eat a donut (or many) at The Holy Donut! Lots of B & B's and small Inns and one large historic hotel, The Colony. Explore. Fingers crossed, we would get some breaks in the weather. 16 Where do you stop on way to Bar Harbor? 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 Take a tour of the stadium or catch a game if youre lucky enough to be in town when the Sox are playing. That means I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I provide. 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. Be sure to fill up your rental car with gas before you return it. Portsmouth New Hampshire: This charming seaside town is home to a variety of shops restaurants and historical sites. 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. Step back in time and see how the Pilgrims lived. All it needed on this summer day was a fireplace. Carry your own refillable water bottle to fill up instead of buying small plastic bottles. Direct routes for travel from Boston to Bar Harbor You can take a direct flight from Boston to Bar Harbor that takes approximately 1 hour and costs from 95 USD. Once in Boston, you can board the Downeaster train between Boston and as far north as Brunswick, ME. 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. Find how many toll plazas/toll gates you will encounter for travel from Boston to Bar Harbor by car, bus, truck or LCV. Have you road tripped Boston to Bar Harbor before? For other things to do in Ogunquit, consider the Ogunquit Heritage Museum to learn more about the area. During certain seasons, you can even travel across to Nova Scotia. Another fun Boston to Bar Harbor road trip theme would be to include the lighthouses along the route. Thanks! However, the bisque hit the spot. Of course, you can drive straight through in under five hours, but there is. As someone who road trips in the southwest a lot and it used to driving longer distances, this New England road trip was one of the best and easiest road trips Ive ever taken. 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. Portland Head Light. 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. 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. Known as the infamous site of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, this haunting spot is perfect for history buffs. You can easily find other things to add to this Boston to Bar Harbor road trip itinerary. 7 stops you should make on your way from Bar Harbor to Boston Camden When we left Bar Harbor our first stop was Camden. Youll need to present this when you pick up your rental car. You could also drive the interstate to Portland, spend the night and then take the smaller roads to Bar Harbor the next day. I was so glad I had mine with me. For monthly postcards, road trip reports and even more travel tips, drop your email below. 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. In between are towns, seaport villages and a few boutique cities that offer the true quintessential New England experience. 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. Keep reading for all the details on the best route, places to stop and things to do along the way! Traveler, road tripper and public lands explorer, I've driven thousands of miles looking for the best sunsets, the perfect campsites and amazing food. Distance: 27 miles. Thanks for the question, If you dont mind different cities, I say go for it and stay over in Kennebunkport too. And this is what youll find here at Travel Cook Tell: recipes from around the world and some travel ideas. Have you always dreamed of visiting coastal Maine with your family, and now you want to make it a reality? Boston to Bar Harbor by bus Travel from Boston to Bar Harbor is easy by bus as 292 miles separate these places. How to use this Google Map. Portland Harbor Hotel is the city's finest resort - the stylish rooms are by far the fanciest in all of Maine. You cannot print contents of this website. It doesnt matter, they have it. While you can make a direct drive in a day, we encourage you to make plenty of stops along the way. Saving that for another visit and better weather. There are also several opportunities to explore Old Orchard Beach on the water, whether youre interested in lobstering tours, fishing excursions, or rafting tours. Lets hit the road! Highway 1 has so many and we wanted to try them all. 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! This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. There are a few mountains but nothing like in the west. Come along for the ride! 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. Before you strike out from Boston, check out our guides for everything fun to do in the city! This route is longer but its a great way to see some of New Englands beautiful coastline. 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. 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. Looking for road trip inspiration in the New England states? Then, explore Fort Williams Park and see the Portland Headlight, an iconic Maine lighthouse. So at least, we didnt have to set up in the rain too. If youve purchased anything from them, you know their products are good and last forever. Quintessentially Maine. Trip Guides. 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. Pirates Cove Adventure Golf is also a popular pastime, as are the Bar Harbor Ghost Tours. If your little ones are early risers, this will give you something spectacular to do together. 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? Lori. Start New Trip. While this means you can easily make the drive in an afternoon, you should take things slow and do some exploring along the way. When it comes to a summer visit, the good news is that temperatures will often reach a comfortable 70-or-so degrees. 7. Road trip stops to make in Ogunquit, Maine: Heading north from Ogunquit, we drove Route 9 into Kennebunkport our next stop from Boston to Bar Harbor. Shaded times continue from August 23 through October 10, 2022. I was wondering where you stayed along the way? We aim to be the most comprehensive resource out there for planning family road trips in the USA and around the world. 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. Since it was the middle of summer, I had counted on warm, sunny weather. Acadia National Park: No trip to Bar Harbor would be complete without a visit to Acadia National Park. Ooh this sounds like a very nice road trip! Because of logistics we spent the night there. About one hour into the drive, be sure to make a quick stop in Salem, Massachusetts. Taking Route 1 out of Boston, pass Middlesex Fells and Breakheart Reservations before detouring to Salem. 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). Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen.Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown, an IHG Hotel 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America - Excellent location - show map - Subway Access 7.9 Good 452 reviews The . Maybe one of the most interesting things about the L.L. If youre traveling with children, Short Sands beach may just be the place to go. Hi, Hop in and let's go for a ride! 30 Classic Family Road Trip Movies You Need to See, Best Nature Spots in New York: Nature-Lovers Guide to NY, Las Vegas to Zion National Park Driving Itinerary. Theres something for everyone in Acadia. Then, break in those new hiking boots by walking Brimstone Hill Trail before sitting down to eat at one of Freeports many fabulous restaurants. There are a few different ways to make the drive from Boston to Bar Harbor. 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. So many of our happiest childhood memories were made on the road. Share Map. From vast woodland to jagged beaches and glacier peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the HIGHEST POINT on USA's east coast. 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 plan on staying the night, the historic York Harbor Inn in nearby York is an excellent option. 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. 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. 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! 7. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. 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. As you cross the river into town, notice the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the east and to the west, the USS Albacore Museum, where you can tour a real naval submarine. 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