The Best Coastal Maine Road Trip

Maine is by far one of my favorite states. There is just something about the rocky coastline, epic sunrises, and all of the pine trees that make my heart happy. I’ve left a little piece of my heart all over the state, but my absolute favorite thing to do in Maine is a coastal road trip. Think charming coastal fishing villages with lobster boats in the harbor. Think lobster rolls, ice cream, and homemade goods in sweet shops on cobblestone streets. That is coastal Maine, and I can almost guarantee you will fall in love with it. If you are wanting to do a coastal Maine road trip this summer or fall, keep reading! 

Getting To Coastal Maine

Sure, you could fly into Portland, but in my opinion, nothing beat a road trip! I always find so many places that I never even knew existed. I would hate to miss those myself and I would hate for you to miss those. 

If you need to fly into New England, I highly recommend flying into Boston Logan International Airport and road-tripping from Boston to all of the best coastal Maine has to offer. This airport is a hub for Delta, Cape Air, Southwest, American, United, Jet Blue, and more. 

You will need a rental car! Make sure to stop by the Rental Car Center at Boston Logan after you land. Most of the larger rental car companies are represented here including Budget,  Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, and Advantage! Just make sure to get a car with enough room and good gas mileage. You want to be comfortable and prepared for all your adventures on a road trip to Maine. 

Now – Your Coastal Maine Roadtrip Begins…

The Ultimate Coastal Maine Roadtrip

Cross The Maine Line| Stop In Kittery, Maine For A Lobster Roll

If you don’t already know this about me, I’m obsessed with lobster rolls! They are my favorite thing about summers in Maine, and my very first lobster roll ever was from Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery, Maine (it’s not my favorite to date – but there is something special about your first lobster roll, ya know?). Bob’s has been a Maine staple since 1956 and offers a variety of summer favorites including clams, Cajun Fish Fry, and crab cakes. 

What To Order: Lobster Roll With Hot Butter or Lobster Roll With Mayo, Lobster Stew (yes, even in the summer)

Not only that, but Bob’s Clam Hut is right next to the Kittery Trading Post, so even if you aren’t hungry this is a great first stop for your trip. The Kittery Trading Post is a great place to wander and just take in all of the homewares, clothing, and homemade Maine goods. 

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Maine I think of lighthouses. On your way out of town make sure to stop at the Nubble Lighthouse. Although you can’t get close to this lighthouse, there is something idyllic about this statuesque white house atop the hill.

Bob’s Clam Hut| 315 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904| Menu

Kittery Trading Post|  301 US-1 One, Kittery, ME 03904

Nubble Lighthouse| Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909

Pit Stop: Ogunquin (20 Minutes – 10 miles)

On the drive from Kittery to Kennebunkport – stop in Ogunquit for the stunning coastal views! Ogunquit offers miles of sandy beaches, a scenic coast, fun shopping, and dining adventures, this place ranks as one of the best vacation spots! Take in the coastal sites and let the ocean breeze relax you at Ogunquit Beach or Footbridge Beach.

Keep Driving To Kennebunkport, Maine (25 minutes – 12 miles)

Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine that is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. Stopping by Goose Rocks Beach or  Arundel Beach to take in some of Maines’s gorgeous coastline. You may have heard of Kennebunkport before because it’s a favorite among celebrities such as the Bush Family, Taylor Swift, and Martha Stewart. 

While in Kennebunkport, you will find boutique shopping and art galleries in the delightful downtown area. Seafood is a specialty in this area so you won’t find it hard to find charming clam shacks in the area. 

Cape Porpoise is a nearby lobster-fishing village that sits in a harbor and is well known for its local seafood. From most restaurants and galleries here, you can also view the 1833 Goat Island Lighthouse, another lighthouse checked off the list! 

Where To Shop:

Beach Grass| 28 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046| Curated good you will love! 

Daytrip Society| 4 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046| inspired by design, nature, and the art of the perfect day trip

Where To Eat: 

The Clam Shack| 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043

What to order: Lobster Dinner or Lobster Roll 

Where To Stay: 

Glamping: Sandy Pines Campground 

Mid-Range: Lodge at Kennebunk

High End: The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel

Pit Stop: Cape Elizabeth (45 Minutes – 34 Miles) 

On the drive from Kennebunkport to Portland, Maine stop at Cape Elizabeth to stretch your legs and take in the beautiful lighthouses at Two Lights State Park. Here you can see some twin lighthouses on the rocky shortline. 

Next Stop Portland, Maine  (18 Mintues – 8.5 Miles)

I’ll just say it, I’m in love with Portland, Maine. This funky small city has a vibe all its own and it’s one that I love. With plenty to see and do in Portland, you could easily spend a 3 day weekend here. BUT if you only have one day on your Coastal Maine Roadtrip, I highly recommend you read my guide to One Day In Portland Maine. 

Highlights: Portland Head Light, Bite Into Maine Foodtruck, The Holy Donut, Ship Yard Brewery, and Urban Farms Fermentary (kombucha).

Where To Eat: 

Bite Into Maine| 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

What to order: Maine Style Lobster Roll, CT Style Lobster Roll

Eventide Oyster Company| 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

What to order: Oysters on the half shell with Horseradish ice, Eventide Brown Butter Lobster Roll

Duck Fat| 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

What to order: Duckfat Poutine 

The Highroller Lobster Co| 104 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

What to order: Lobster Cheese Crisp Taco, Lobby Pop

Pit Stop: Wiscasset (48 Minutes – 45 Miles)

The most famous lobster roll in all of Maine can be found in the small town of Wiscasset, Maine. Red’s Eats is a Wiccasset institution (they are celebrating 83 years) and home to the reigning champ on lobster rolls. That’s right, this is Maine’s number 1 Lobster Roll! You may have seen Red’s Eats on The Zimmern List, and it was named Maine’s number 1 roll again last year by Down East Magazine! 

Is it my favorite? Find out by reading The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine

Head To Rockland, Maine (43 Minutes – 33 Miles)

Rockland is truly one of the cutest small towns in Maine. This classically charming coastal town has an artsy vibe all its own, and there is so much to see and do. The Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and The Muir Garden for Contemporary Sculpture at Harbor Square Gallery to choose from. We loved taking Loki and Freya for a walk on the Rockland Harbor Trail (pictured below). 

Once you’ve checked out some great art collections that are housed in Rockland, head on over to the beautiful Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.  The views both of and out of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse are positively perfect.

Where To Eat:

McLoon’s Lobster Shack| 315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858

What to order – Lobster Roll with mayo AND butter, Clam Chowder, Lobster Stew, Giffords Ice Cream 

Where To Stay: 

Mid-Range: Glen Cove Inn 

Pit Stop: Camden, Maine (16 Minutes – 8.3 Miles)

Camden, Maine, is known as the ‘Jewel of the Maine Coast’, and for good reason! It is a picturesque town by the sea with a gorgeous harbor that you can imagine yourself enjoying on a daily basis. I’ve written an entire post on how much I love Camden and all of the fun things to do, check out 11 Amazing Things To Do In Camden, Maine. 

Highlights: Camden Harbor, Hiking Camden Hills State Park, The Chai Tea Latte at Owl and Turtle Bookstore, Seadog Brewing Company, Marriner’s Restaurant. 

Your Final Stop: Acadia National Park (1 Hour, 28 Minutes – 66 Miles)

Ah Acadia, one of my all-time favorite places in the United States. While I lived in New England this felt like my “home” park. I loved it from the very first moment I set eyes on the rocky coastline that meets the pine forests. Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre recreation area on Maine’s Mount Desert. 

The park’s Cadillac Mountain is the tallest point on the East Coast, and it’s known for its sweeping panoramic views (by reservation only since 2020). Whether you are visiting Acadia to hike, enjoy some time with your pups, or stroll the rocky Maine shore, you will love every single second at this special National Park. This is one of Loki, Freya, and I’s favorite parks to hike in and hang out in – it’s incredibly dog friendly. 

Read a few of these for inspiration: 

The Best Sunrise Spots At Acadia National Park

One Day At Acadia National Park With Dogs 

10 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes At Acadia National Park

Is Acaida National Park Dog Friendly?

11 Can’t Miss Shops In Bar Harbor

11 Fun Things To Do In Bar Harbor

Acadia Highlights: Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, Bar Harbor 

Where To Eat: 

Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound| 465 Seawall Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

What To Order: Lobster Roll with warm butter 

Coffee Hound| 465 Seawall Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

What To Order: The Maple, Nutella Crepe

Acadia Perk| 5 Firefly Ln, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

What To Order: Blueberry Macchiato, Blueberry Lavender Latte

Where To Stay: 

Mid-Range: Ullikana Inn

Mid-Range: Ivy Manor Inn

Mid-Range: Under The Canvas Acadia National Park 

If you are interested in camping at Acadia, I’ve got you covered with my Complete Guide To Camping At Acadia National Park. 

Optional: Take a trip on a ferry to Nova Scotia 

Nova Scotia is technically a province in eastern Canada and not a part of Maine, but you can easily add it to your Coastal Maine road trip! Thankfully you can take the CAT Ferry from Bar Harbor for a day trip to Nova Scotia. The CAT Ferry ride takes about 3.5 hours. Cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles, bicycles, recreational vehicles, and tour buses are welcome aboard The CAT, as well as foot passengers. The ferry costs around $105 per adult. 

What can do you in Nova Scotia? I absolutely loved Cape Breton Highlands, National Park. Halifax is another great place to check out during your time in Nova Scotia. 

A coastal Maine road trip is one of the best ways to experience all that Maine has to offer. This is also a great trip to take in the fall, Acadia is particularly gorgeous at that time of year. Do you have a favorite Coastal Maine destination? Tell me all about it! 

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