The 8 Most Beautiful Road Trips in Maine, New England

As you drive through the state of Maine, you’ll see the term “Vacationland” on both roadside signs and license plates. It has been the state’s official slogan for over a hundred years, but decades earlier, wealthy Americans had already discovered Maine as the perfect vacation destination. When it comes to scenic drives, Maine offers plenty to choose from. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the ocean, charming harbor towns, streams winding alongside twisting roads, breathtaking lakes, and majestic mountains. A rental car is essential in Maine, as some of the most beautiful and remote areas are only accessible by car. Rent a car in Portland and discover for yourself that the state truly lives up to its nickname!

Below, we’ve listed eight tips for incredibly beautiful drives along the coast and through the interior of Maine. If you want to drive the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway from Portland—from Salisbury to Boston, Massachusetts—check out our blog post “5 Great Road Trips from Boston.” There, you’ll also read about the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in New Hampshire, which is very easy to reach from Portland.

1. Portland’s Old Port & Head Light

Portland is Maine’s largest city and the cultural heart of the state. The Old Port is a picturesque historic district with cobblestone streets, where former warehouses have been transformed into cozy restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars, and delicatessens. In the summer, some of the streets are closed to traffic to make room for outdoor seating. The name might suggest that the harbor is no longer in use, but nothing could be further from the truth. Every day, fresh catches from the Atlantic Ocean are brought ashore—especially lobster and oysters—and you can admire them at the lively Harbor Fish Market. Of course, there are also plenty of restaurants where you can indulge in seafood.

Across from the harbor, you’ll see Bug Light, one of the many lighthouses that dot the Maine coast. More famous is the iconic Portland Head Light, a little further south. It towers high above the rocky coastline and is the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. A small museum has been set up in the lighthouse keeper’s house. In the summer, there’s always a food truck there—and what can you eat there? Exactly: a lobster roll!

If you’ve rented a car in Portland, it’s worth driving along the coast of Cape Elizabeth. Or head a little further south to Kennebunkport. This small port town, with its 18th- and 19th-century wooden houses, has unmistakable New England charm. Take your rental car for a drive along Ocean Avenue, past historic homes on the rocky coast. Are you traveling with children, or are you a fan of old streetcars? Then don’t miss a visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum. You can take a ride on one of these historic streetcars, with a stop along the way at the museum’s restoration workshop.

One of Maine’s best beaches is located a little further south, near the town of Ogunquit. The Marginal Way is a 1.5-kilometer path leading from downtown Ogunquit. You can enjoy the unobstructed ocean view from one of the 39 benches along the path.
Just north of Kennebunkport lies the fishing village of Cape Porpoise, with a small harbor and excellent restaurants.

2. Along the coast to Acadia National Park

Maine is best known for its rugged and rocky coastline, also known as the Down East. That coastline, with all its nooks, crannies, and rocks, would stretch for thousands of kilometers if you were to straighten it out. In addition to stunning ocean views, you’ll find picturesque little harbors, fine sandy beaches, and secluded coves. There are two routes that take you from Portland to Bar Harbor. The fastest route follows Interstates I-295 and I-95 via Augusta, Waterville, and Bangor and is 280 kilometers (175 miles) long. Much more enjoyable is U.S. Route 1, which runs closer to Maine’s picturesque coastline. It is, however, much longer—over 400 kilometers (250 miles)—and is perfect for making the occasional stop along the way. We recommend setting aside at least two days to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Maine coast at a leisurely pace.

Boothbay Harbor

For your first stop, you’ll need to turn off the main road. Boothbay Harbor is about a 45-minute drive from Portland. This colorful harbor town is full of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, don’t miss the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in New England and is especially beautiful in late spring and early fall. You can also take boat tours from Boothbay Harbor to catch a glimpse of ospreys, puffins, seals, porpoises, and whales.

Wiscasset / Rockland

Make a stop in Wiscasset if you want to try the famous lobster restaurant Red’s Eats before continuing on to Rockland. Explore the Rockland Harbor Trail or park your rental car at the Breakwater Lighthouse parking lot and walk along the long stone pier to the cottage and the lighthouse. In the town itself, visit the Lighthouse Museum to learn about the history of lighthouses along the Maine coast.

Camden

Camden is a great place to spend the night. You can also go canoeing or take a boat tour on a historic schooner on Penobscot Bay. On the north side of town, you can hike or drive to the top of Mount Battie, where you’ll find beautiful views of the bay. An even higher vantage point is Mount Megunticook, but it’s a bit harder to reach. You’ll enjoy a lovely hike through dense forests, where the trees are covered with mosses and lichens.

Prospect / Fort Knox

If you drive north from Camden along the bay in your rental car, you’ll come to Fort Knox. This place holds a piece of American history, as it was built in the mid-19th century to repel a potential British attack. But that never happened. Right next to it, an imposing cable-stayed bridge spans the Penobscot Narrows. The observation deck at the top of one of the two piers is a real highlight. The fort and the observation deck are open from May 1 through October 31.

Blue Hill Peninsula

After crossing the bridge, drive south along the other side of the bay. You’ll then be on the Blue Hill Peninsula and will arrive at the harbor town of Castine. During the summer months, there are guided tours of historic sites, but you can also explore on your own using the directions on the Virtual Tour on your phone.

Take the Deer Isle Bridge in your rental car to the eponymous, jagged island. Lobsters are caught along the entire coast of Maine, but Stonington, on the southernmost tip, is the capital of the lobster fishing industry. Artists have long been drawn to the rugged coastline and the complete seclusion of the island, so you’ll find many art galleries there. In the village of Blue Hill, a Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday between May and October.

Bar Harbor

The final stretch to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island is already part of the Acadia All-American Road. Bar Harbor is the ideal base for exploring the Acadia National Park, which is called the crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast. Keep in mind, though, that the summer months here are very busy, and in the fall, many people come to enjoy the fall colors. Further on, we’ll give you a tip for a slightly less crowded part of this national park, but first, Mount Desert.

3. Acadia National Park: Mount Desert

The most famous driving route is the Park Loop Road, which winds through the most beautiful spots in the eastern part of this national park. This road, which is over forty kilometers long, is a must-do route that takes you past highlights such as Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain is very popular to visit at sunrise, but you’ll also need to reserve a time slot for the rest of the day if you want to drive up in a rental car. Of course, you should also leave the car behind to stretch your legs, for example on the Beehive Trail—a challenging climb—or the Bowl Trail, if you prefer a less steep hike. There’s plenty to choose from among the hiking trails, which total nearly two hundred kilometers in length.

The western side of Acadia is a bit quieter and more secluded, making it ideal for hiking, boating, and swimming. From mid-May through mid-October, there are also programs where park rangers introduce you to the park’s diverse natural and cultural history. Park rangers offer not only short walks but also longer hikes, boat tours, and children’s programs. There are special tours for spotting peregrine falcons and other birds of prey.

In the late nineteenth century, Acadia was a vacation destination for wealthy Americans, including oil baron John D. Rockefeller Jr. He had over seventy kilometers of carriage roads built, and they still exist today. He did this primarily out of self-interest, as he was opposed to the rise of automobile traffic and wanted to enjoy peaceful rides in his horse-drawn carriage along car-free roads. These rustic routes are still off-limits to motorized traffic. So to explore them, you’ll need to leave your rental car behind and set out on horseback, by carriage, or by bicycle.

4. Schoodic National Scenic Byway

Acadia National Park isn't limited to Mount Desert Island; the neighboring peninsula— Schoodic —is also part of it, but it's much less crowded. If you've rented a car in Maine, you can drive the Schoodic Scenic Byway . It actually starts outside the national park, at the bridge between Hancock and Sullivan. You can start here with a picnic at Tidal Falls, a set of rapids where blue herons and kingfishers hunt for a bite to eat, especially at low tide.

To reach the Schoodic Peninsula, turn off the main road and follow US Route 186 south. This will take you to Winter Harbor, a town that also thrives on the lobster industry. Continue driving along the peninsula’s coast on Loop Road, which occasionally runs right alongside the foaming surf. At a T-junction, turn left to take Mountain Road to Schoodic Head. This is the starting point for several hiking trails through forests and over rocky terrain, including the Buck Cove Trail and the Anvil Trail.

If you go straight at the T-junction, you’ll eventually reach the southernmost tip of the peninsula, Schoodic Point. Here, waves crash against enormous rock formations. It’s a spectacle you could watch for hours. The view is best at high tide—check the tides online.

5 Continuing along the Bold Coast

Prefer an even more peaceful route along Maine’s stunning coastline? Then follow the Bold Coast Scenic Byway: over 230 kilometers along a breathtaking coastline, colorful fields full of blueberries, and quiet fishing villages. Just like elsewhere along Maine’s coast, life here is dictated by the seasons and the tides, but here you’re truly off the beaten path! We recommend taking a few detours, because this is where you’ll experience the real Maine.

You can take one of these side paths right at the start of this route by first taking a walk to the top of Pigeon Hill, very close to the starting point in Milbridge. From there, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the (semi-)islands that float like bubbles in the surrounding sea. From Milbridge, you’ll drive along the Narraguagus River to Cherryfield, the Blueberry Capital of the World. The fields around this town are full of blueberries, and in the fall, the bushes turn brilliant shades of red and orange. Cherryfield also boasts dozens of historic homes and other buildings in a variety of styles.

The fishing village of Jonesport is connected by a bridge to Beals Island and Great Wass Island. On the latter island, you can park your rental car to go for walks through the marshlands (Little Cape Point Trail) or right along the rugged coastline (Mud Hole Trail). Stop for a lobster roll in Machias on the river of the same name, which flows through the town near Bad Little Falls Park.

To the northeast of Cutler Harbor, the rugged shores of the Bold Coast are further shaped by the rising and falling tides of the Bay of Fundy. This bay has the greatest tidal range in the world, with an average difference of sixteen meters between high and low tide. Fog is common here, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the rugged, steep cliffs lined with spruce trees.

A little further on, you’ll reach the easternmost point of the U.S. mainland: Quoddy Head. There’s (of course) another lighthouse here, this time striped red and white, and from that tower, an easy trail runs along the coast. There are benches where you can sit and quietly enjoy the view of the ocean. Lubec is located on the only land connection to Campobello Island—a bridge named after Franklin D. Roosevelt, since that U.S. president had his summer home on this island in Canada. If you want to drive to Campobello, you must specify when booking your rental car that you ’ll be crossing the border.

From the pier in Lubec, you can see Eastport on Moose Island. As the crow flies, the distance is just over four kilometers, but to get there in your rental car, you’ll have to drive sixty kilometers. Oh well, it’s no hardship, since it’s a beautiful route along deep coves. Eastport is a fishing port and an artists’ community, which is especially evident from the many galleries on Water Street. Between May and October, you can take boat tours from this village to go whale watching. You’ll also pass Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.

6. Old Canada Road

US-201 connects Brunswick—more than forty kilometers from Portland—to the Canadian border, but the picturesque part of the route doesn’t begin until you reach Solon. This Old Canada Road Scenic Byway winds along the Kennebec River, surrounded by mountains and forests. That’s why it’s a popular route in the fall, when the trees display their most beautiful autumn colors. The northern section is also known as Moose Alley, due to its large population of moose. Incidentally, the term “Old Canada Road” is a bit misleading, as it is still the main route to Canada—specifically to the capital of the French-speaking region, Québec City.

A National Scenic Byway must be more than just a scenic drive. The route must have historical significance and offer plenty to do. The Old Canada Road more than meets these criteria. Along the way, you’ll pass many historical markers, drive through spectacular landscapes, and find endless opportunities for outdoor adventures: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and more. In winter, there are opportunities to explore on a snowmobile.

In Bingham, cross the bridge over the Kennebec River and then turn right. After nearly six kilometers, you’ll reach a parking lot next to the trailhead for Houston Brook Falls. On the way back, you can swim and/or have a picnic on the shore of Wyman Lake.

Further north, you’ll pass the Million Dollar Birdhouse Wall. This kilometer-long wooden retaining wall cost a million dollars, and someone once had the idea to hang a birdhouse on it. Now there are hundreds of them. Please note: You can’t stop here; the next place to stop is a little further on at the Wyman Lake Rest Area. When you reach The Forks, be sure to visit the Dead River—which is anything but dead, as you can go whitewater rafting there, just past Grand Falls. Further on, near the town of Jackman, you can go canoeing on the popular and very scenic Moose River.

Don’t want to drive all the way to the Canadian border—or take the same route back? Then head east from Jackman toward Moosehead Lake. The lake’s waters, dotted with islands, stretch as far as the eye can see and are surrounded by vast, forested wilderness. The small Mount Kineo peninsula stands out: the rock rises high out of the water. From a former fire tower, you’ll have a fantastic view of the lake and the islands. You’ll have to park your rental car nearby, though, because you can only get there by shuttle boat. On the southern shore of this lake lies the picturesque town of Greenville, where you can take a cruise on the historic steamboat Katahdin.

7. Rangeley Lakes

The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is only 57 kilometers long and winds through unspoiled lake country featuring six large lakes and hundreds of smaller ponds, rivers, and streams. Moose and deer inhabit the forests, along with beavers, otters, and minks. In this peaceful, natural area, you might even spot bears. This tree-lined route is also very popular in the fall because of its stunning fall colors.

You can start this road trip at two locations: in Roxbury or in Madrid, 135 and 160 kilometers from Portland, respectively. Bring your swimsuit if it’s warm, because you can take a dip at various spots along the way. For example, at Smalls Falls, a series of multi-tiered waterfalls easily accessible from the main road. A short trail winds past the falls and offers several overlooks. The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail is a 1.5-kilometer trail leading to a moss-covered gorge with rushing waterfalls and clear pools.

The literal“Height of the Land” on the route is not far from Roxbury. From there, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the small islands in the lakes, including Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Try saying that out loud. That lake is a dream for kayakers, anglers, and those seeking peace and quiet. Haines Landing in Oquossoc is the place to rent a kayak or canoe, have a picnic, or cast a line. It’s also the starting point for the Bald Mountain Trail. This six-kilometer loop hike is fairly easy, though there are a few short steep sections. At the summit stands a fire lookout tower, offering a 360-degree view above the treetops. This region is a prime habitat for moose, so keep your eyes peeled to spot them.

8. Pequawket Trail

Prefer to stay a bit closer to Portland? Even then, you can take a trip along a stunning scenic byway: the Pequawket Trail. The route winds along the Saco River, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, or kayaking—and, in the winter, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.

The starting point is at Two Trails Junction just outside Standish, about a 45-minute drive west of Portland. Before you set out on your road trip, you’ll probably want to check out Sebago Lake, Maine’s second-largest lake. You can go swimming on the other side of Standish, at Steep Falls on the Saco River. On the way to Fryeburg, there are countless opportunities for hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. For example, near Hiram, you’ll see a small sign along the road pointing to a parking area for your rental car at the Mount Cutler Trails. Be prepared for rocky and sometimes steep trails.

Fryeburg is a quiet village on the Saco River—except during the Fryeburg Fair in the fall, which runs for a week starting on the last Saturday in September. This classic fair attracts visitors from all over New England. In addition to rides on the Ferris wheel or merry-go-rounds, you can participate in “crazy” contests, such as throwing a frying pan or an anvil as far as possible. On warm summer days, you can rent a canoe, kayak, or inner tube in Fryeburg to drift down the Saco River, stopping for breaks at one of the small beaches along the way. The river’s gentle current does most of the work.

The covered wooden Hemlock Bridge, built in 1857, spans the old course of the Saco River. You can drive there before reaching Fryeburg or afterward if you continue north on the Pequawket Trail. The final fifty kilometers run partly through the neighboring state of New Hampshire and the White Mountain National Forest. An alternative is to drive west from Fryeburg, straight through the national park and over the Kancamagus Pass. This is a fantastic drive in the fall to see the colorful autumn foliage.

Driving a Rental Car in Maine

If you’re driving around Maine in a rental car, you should always be on the lookout for animals standing in the middle of the road or crossing suddenly. Especially in the northern and western parts of the state, it’s not uncommon to encounter a deer or moose. Always look far ahead and slow down if you spot any animals. We don’t recommend driving at night, but if you do, you’ll need to be extra careful. Because moose are so large, you won’t immediately see the reflections in their eyes, as you would with smaller deer.

When to Rent a Car in Portland?

July and August are the peak season in Maine. This is not surprising, as temperatures are pleasant during this time, there are plenty of events, museums, and other attractions are open, and it’s a great time to spot whales along the coast. Furthermore, the chance of rain is much lower than in spring or fall. On the other hand, spring is quieter, and the budding nature has its own charm. In the fall, the many trees change color from green to yellow, orange, and red—a truly beautiful sight. Keep in mind, though, that this season is quite short in Maine: usually from mid-September to early October.