Boston To Bar Harbor: A Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

Hey guys! Planning a road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor? You're in for a treat! This route is packed with stunning coastal views, charming New England towns, and, of course, delicious seafood. Let's dive into creating the perfect itinerary for your adventure. This itinerary ensures you experience the best of both worlds: the vibrant city life of Boston and the serene natural beauty of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. So buckle up, grab your map (or GPS!), and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Day 1: Boston – Portsmouth, NH (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes driving)

Let's kick things off! On day one, we're heading from Boston to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The first leg of your Boston to Bar Harbor journey begins in the historic city of Boston. Before hitting the road, make sure to soak in some of Boston's iconic landmarks. Consider a stroll along the Freedom Trail, a visit to Fenway Park (if you're a baseball fan), or exploring the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Grab a delicious breakfast at a local cafe before you head out. Once you've had your fill of Boston's charm, it's time to hit the I-95 North towards Portsmouth.

The drive to Portsmouth is relatively short, taking just over an hour without traffic. This makes it a perfect first stop, allowing you to ease into your road trip without spending too much time behind the wheel. As you approach Portsmouth, you'll notice the landscape transitioning from urban sprawl to the scenic beauty of the New England coastline. Portsmouth is a delightful city brimming with history, culture, and a vibrant food scene. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the quintessential New England atmosphere.

Once you arrive, check into your hotel or bed and breakfast. Portsmouth offers a range of accommodations, from cozy inns to modern hotels, catering to various budgets and preferences. After settling in, take a walk around Market Square, the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Here, you'll find a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum that brings the city's past to life. You can wander through historic homes, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about the lives of the people who shaped Portsmouth.

As evening approaches, Portsmouth's culinary scene beckons. The city is renowned for its fresh seafood, so be sure to indulge in some local delicacies. From casual clam shacks to upscale dining establishments, Portsmouth offers a diverse range of dining options. Consider trying the fresh oysters or the classic New England clam chowder. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the Piscataqua River. If you're in the mood for some nightlife, Portsmouth has a lively bar scene with plenty of options for enjoying a drink and live music.

Day 2: Portsmouth – Portland, ME (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes driving)

Alright, day two! We're driving from Portsmouth to Portland, Maine. After a hearty breakfast in Portsmouth, it's time to continue your journey north to Portland, Maine. This scenic drive along the coast offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged New England shoreline. Portland is a city that perfectly blends historic charm with modern innovation, making it a must-visit destination on your Boston to Bar Harbor itinerary.

The drive from Portsmouth to Portland is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering ample opportunities to enjoy the coastal scenery. Consider taking a detour along Route 1, a scenic byway that hugs the coastline and passes through charming seaside towns. As you approach Portland, you'll be greeted by the sight of its historic Old Port district, with its cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and bustling waterfront. Portland is a foodie paradise, boasting a vibrant culinary scene that has earned it national recognition. From fresh seafood to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, Portland offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every palate.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and then head out to explore. Start with a stroll through the Old Port, where you can browse the unique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Don't miss the chance to visit the Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse, located in Cape Elizabeth, just a short drive from downtown Portland. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline and is a popular spot for taking photos.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Portland's culinary scene. Take a food tour to sample the city's best dishes or visit the local breweries and sample some of Maine's famous craft beers. For dinner, consider trying one of Portland's many acclaimed restaurants. Options range from casual seafood shacks to upscale dining establishments. Be sure to try the fresh lobster, a Maine specialty, or indulge in some of the innovative dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a walk along the Eastern Promenade, a scenic park that offers panoramic views of the city and Casco Bay. If you're in the mood for some entertainment, Portland has a lively arts and culture scene, with theaters, music venues, and art galleries offering a variety of performances and exhibitions.

Day 3: Portland – Freeport & LL Bean – Boothbay Harbor (approx. 2 hours driving)

Today, we're making our way from Portland to Boothbay Harbor, with a special stop at Freeport and the iconic LL Bean flagship store! After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in Portland, it's time to embark on the next leg of your journey towards Boothbay Harbor. This route offers a delightful mix of shopping, scenic beauty, and quintessential Maine charm. Before heading to Boothbay Harbor, make a detour to Freeport, home to the famous L.L.Bean flagship store.

The drive from Portland to Freeport takes approximately 20-30 minutes, making it a convenient stop along the way. Freeport is a shopper's paradise, with a wide array of outlet stores and boutiques offering everything from clothing and shoes to home goods and outdoor gear. However, the main attraction is undoubtedly the L.L.Bean flagship store, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Spend some time browsing the store's extensive collection of outdoor gear, clothing, and home goods. Don't miss the iconic L.L.Bean boot, a Maine staple that has been keeping feet dry and comfortable for over a century. Even if you're not a shopper, the L.L.Bean store is worth a visit for its sheer scale and unique atmosphere. You can take photos with the giant L.L.Bean boot, explore the store's many themed rooms, and even participate in outdoor activities like kayaking and fly fishing.

After your shopping adventure in Freeport, it's time to continue your journey to Boothbay Harbor. The drive from Freeport to Boothbay Harbor takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering scenic views of the Maine coastline. Boothbay Harbor is a charming seaside village known for its picturesque harbor, art galleries, and boat tours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel or bed and breakfast and then head out to explore. Take a walk along the harbor, where you can watch the fishing boats come and go and admire the colorful buildings that line the waterfront. Visit the local art galleries and browse the unique creations of Maine artists. Boothbay Harbor is also a popular spot for boat tours, offering opportunities to see the local wildlife, explore the nearby islands, and learn about the area's maritime history.

Day 4: Boothbay Harbor – Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor (approx. 3 hours driving)

Alright, the moment we've been waiting for! Today, we're driving from Boothbay Harbor to the crown jewel of our trip: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. After a relaxing morning in Boothbay Harbor, it's time to set your sights on Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. This is the longest drive of the itinerary, so get ready to settle in and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Maine coast. Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, is a natural wonderland boasting rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and lush forests. Bar Harbor, a charming town nestled on the edge of the park, serves as the perfect base for exploring Acadia's wonders.

The drive from Boothbay Harbor to Acadia National Park takes approximately 3 hours, offering ample opportunities to stop and admire the coastal scenery. As you approach Mount Desert Island, you'll be greeted by the sight of the iconic Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Bar Harbor is a vibrant town with a rich history and a lively atmosphere. It offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring Acadia.

Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, check into your hotel and then head out to explore Acadia National Park. Start with a drive along the Park Loop Road, a scenic byway that winds through the park's most iconic landmarks. Stop at Sand Beach, a unique beach nestled between the mountains and the ocean, or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the evening, take a stroll through downtown Bar Harbor, where you can browse the local shops, sample the Maine lobster, or enjoy a sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay.

Day 5 & 6: Exploring Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

These two days are dedicated to fully immersing yourself in the beauty of Acadia National Park and the charm of Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and biking to kayaking and rock climbing. Spend your days exploring the park's diverse landscapes, discovering hidden coves, and marveling at the stunning vistas. Here are some must-do activities in Acadia National Park.

Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the Park Loop Road, a scenic byway that winds through the park's most iconic landmarks. Visit Sand Beach, a unique beach nestled between the mountains and the ocean. Hike the Ocean Path, a scenic trail that hugs the coastline and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rent a bike and explore the park's carriage roads, a network of gravel paths that wind through the forests and mountains. Take a boat tour of Frenchman Bay and see the local wildlife, including seals, whales, and seabirds.

In the evenings, explore the charming town of Bar Harbor. Browse the local shops, sample the Maine lobster, or enjoy a sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay. Visit the Abbe Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, the native inhabitants of Maine. Take a stroll along the Shore Path, a scenic walkway that offers views of the harbor and the surrounding islands. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Bar Harbor's many restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines to suit every taste.

Day 7: Bar Harbor – Boston (approx. 5 hours driving)

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Today, we're driving back from Bar Harbor to Boston. After a final breakfast in Bar Harbor, it's time to begin your journey back to Boston. The drive from Bar Harbor to Boston takes approximately 5 hours, so be sure to factor in plenty of time for rest stops and traffic. You can break up the drive by stopping at some of the charming towns along the way, such as Camden or Rockland. Alternatively, you can take a more direct route and focus on getting back to Boston as efficiently as possible.

As you drive south, take one last look at the stunning Maine coastline and cherish the memories you've made on your Boston to Bar Harbor road trip. This itinerary is just a suggestion, of course, feel free to customize it to fit your interests and preferences. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, this road trip has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Remember to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Check for any road closures or construction delays before you head out. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!