cincinnati to maine road trip

Felger & Mazz

Big jim’s patriots road trip guide to: cincinnati .

Big Jim here, back once again for a new slate of road trip recommendations for you, the Patriots fan, this 2024 season. 

And lemme tell ya- we’re about to see who the just who the most hardcore of you Patriots fans there really are out there, because long gone are the salad days of Brady and Co. going into hostile road stadiums year in, year out, and ripping out the souls of both the opposing team and their yahoo fan base. 

These days, if you’re dropping a good chunk of your hard-earned money to go see this team in whatever hostile road stadium THIS year (and frankly, going forward until further notice) what with the coach who might be in over his head, a rookie QB the organization might be too skittish to start, and the dullard that is Jacoby Brissett playing in his place then you sir or madam, are truly a Patriots super fan. 

Well, it’s either that or you just really like to travel and have been lucky enough to have a nice disposable income, because let’s be honest – the football you’ll be paying to see this season sure as hell ain’t gonna leave you feeling like your road trip was worth it. 

So that’s where I come in! 

Lemme help fill your weekend with other stuff to do before you step into the viper pit of an opposing stadium to watch this Patriots offense struggle to get to 17 points. 

Starting with… WEEK 1, in Cincinnati! 

1)  DO:  GO TO KENTUCKY FOR A TASTE OF GERMANY! 

Wait, what? Kentucky? Isn’t being in Ohio enough? Now you want me to go to ANOTHER equally worthless state? 

I do. 

And I promise you it’ll be worth it. 

The Hofbräuhaus, located in Newport, Kentucky , is located just across the river from Cincinnati, and it’s an authentic Bavarian beer hall and restaurant, and it’s as loud and fun and festive a time you can have. It’s basically like getting to attend the real deal Oktoberfest in Germany. It’s festive, it’s funny, and it’s just something you have to experience. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hofbräuhaus Newport (@hofbrauhaus_newport)

The Hofbräuhaus will provide you with a genuine Bavarian experience, blending traditional German food, giant beers, busty waitresses, lederhosen, and a lively atmosphere. 

2)  DO:  GET THE WEIRD CHILI! 

Cincinnati chili is most certainly NOT for everyone. It’s not a “gray area” food, you’re either going to hate it like Mazz, or love it like me and Zo. 

Just know going in, that Cincinnati chili gets its unique flavor because it is typically seasoned with a blend of spices that include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cocoa powder, which gives it a sweet and savory flavor. It’s not as spicy or tomato-heavy as many other types of chili.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skyline Chili (@officialskylinechili)

They serve it over spaghetti, which is obviously quite different from the more traditional chili-in-a-bowl approach. This dish is known as a “3-way.” You can also get it “4-way” or “5-way” with additional toppings like shredded cheese, onions, and beans.

The place to get it at, in my opinion, is Skyline , but you could also get it at Gold Star Chili and not notice that much of a difference in taste. 

It’s sloppy, it looks like cafeteria food, and it’s delicious! 

3) DO: JUMP ON THE BELL CONNECTOR 

I guess you could call this Cincinnati’s version of The “T”, as it’s a modern, and easy to use streetcar system that’ll take you around downtown Cincy, in a clean, spacious, and most importantly dirt cheap fashion. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Connector (@connector_cincy)

It’s a quick and easy way to see the city and bar hop. Just make sure you download their app before jumping aboard. 

4) DO: VISIT THE AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM! 

Admittedly, I’ve got a love for old kitsch and garish 1950’s neon advertising, so it was a given that I was going to love this place . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by American Sign Museum (@americansignmuseum)

If you’re into old McDonald’s and HoJo’s signage, then you too will have no problem dropping the $15 to get into this place to wander around for a half hour or so and take a bunch of cool photos for your Instagram. 

It’s really a great little museum, and worth a visit. 

5) DON’T:  GIVE THESE RUBES A HARD TIME ABOUT THEIR DUMB CHANT 

These people already have to suffer enough, what with having to live in the South of Ohio or (shudder) Kentucky or Indiana. 

So when you’re in the stadium, and you’re watching the Patriots getting their brains beat in, and these drunken Bengals fans start in with their obnoxious (and completely stolen from Saints fans) “Who Dey” chant – just let them have it. 

They have precious little to really be proud of or happy about, and there’s no need for you to get into a fight or tossed from the stadium. 

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6 Best Road Trip Snacks

Around the world, food plays a big part in so many different ways. Food brings people together through different cultures, ideologies, and walks of life. Food breaks barriers, as no matter what you believe, which political party you align with, or anything in between, everyone eats food. My personal favorite subcategory of food is snacks, particularly road trip snacks.

There’s something unique about snacks. Snacks typically are not of the most highly regarded nutritional value yet are beloved by millions. There’s nothing quite like snacking on some Oreos, a bag of potato chips, pop, crackers, candy, or popcorn after a long day. The key is always to eat in moderation, of course, but still, having quality snacks is a must, especially when discussing snacks on a road trip.

Road Trip Snacks Are Special

Road trip snacks are special for a few reasons. They have specific criteria that automatically make them a much more desirable snack choice because you’re in a moving vehicle instead of stationary. For instance, eating chips and salsa at the dinner table is sublime; trying to devour a bowl of salsa with tortilla chips in a moving vehicle is a mess. This is where certain foods win out.

Another reason road trip snacks are special is because they taste better on the road. While this isn’t backed by science or studies, certain snacks just simply taste better on the road. For example, I don’t enjoy eating snacks like Pringles, Trail Mix, or Cheetos. But for some reason, if I’m a driver or passenger on a road trip, I crave and love these snacks.

Maybe it’s desperation, maybe it’s psychological, but all I know is I only eat Cheetos in the car. For these reasons, road trip snacks are their own food category. Keep reading to discover which snacks you should include on your next road trip. For easy-to-cook food options at home, check out this list.

Pretzels are an amazing road trip snack. Their salty flavor, combined with their ease of eating while driving, makes them a prime choice for any road trip. 

A new line of stick pretzels made by the Mary’s Gone Crackers team boasts a trio of flavors (sea salt, chipotle-tomato, curry), lots of grains (rice, quinoa, amaranth, millet) and a gluten-free certification. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

I am a firm believer that beef jerky is only good on a road trip or when camping. If you think that’s crazy, tell me why it can be found inside literally every gas station.

The Hay Merchant, 1100 Westheimer, makes its own sweet and spicy beef jerky using Black Angus beef from 44 Farms in Cameron;

Combos (pizzeria Baked Pretzel Flavor)

Combos are taken for granted. They have been around for a long time but still are one of the best road trip snacks. Specifically, the Pizza and Pretzel flavor is an amazing enhancement to any trip in the car. 

Goldfish are a prime travel companion until you eat them all. They are the perfect mix of cracker and cheese taste—not an overwhelming amount of cheese yet cheesy. Also, they are not a messy snack.

Campbell Soup Co. Pepperidge Farm brand Goldfish crackers are arranged for a photograph in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015.

Honey nut cheerios

Honey nut Cheerios are interesting; this is very much a snack that little kids would eat in a plastic baggy. But have you ever wondered why kids never complain when eating these out of that little baggy? It’s because they are very underrated.  

MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: In this photo illustration, the General Mills cereal Honey Nut Cheerios is seen on September 23, 2014 in Miami, Florida.

Pringles were made for road trips. I don’t really care for Pringles on a daily basis, but once I’ve started a road trip, they are the best.

Packets of Pringles chips, manufactured by Kellanova, in a shopping basket in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.

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Pope embarks on longest, farthest and most challenging trip to Asia

If any evidence were needed to underscore that Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Asia and Oceania is the longest, farthest and most challenging of his pontificate, it’s that he’s bringing along his secretaries to help him navigate the four-country program while keeping up with work back home.

Francis will clock 20,390 miles by air during his Sept. 2-13 visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, far surpassing any of his previous 44 foreign trips and notching one of the longest papal trips ever, both in terms of days on the road and distances traveled.

That’s no small feat for a pope who turns 88 in December, uses a wheelchair, lost part of a lung to a respiratory infection as a young man and had to cancel his last foreign trip at the last minute (to Dubai in November to participate in the U.N. climate conference) on doctors' orders.

What You Need To Know

Pope francis is making the longest, farthest and most challenging trip of his pontificate when he goes to asia and oceania this week he will clock 20,390 miles by air during his sept. 2-13 visit to indonesia, papua new guinea, east timor and singapore that far surpasses any of his previous 44 trips and notches one of the longest papal trips ever, in terms of days on the road and distances traveled that’s no small feat for a pope who turns 88 in december, uses a wheelchair, and lost part of a lung to a respiratory infection as a young man.

But Francis is pushing ahead with this trip, originally planned for 2020 but postponed because of COVID-19. He’s bringing along his medical team of a doctor and two nurses and taking the usual health precautions on the ground. But in a novelty, he's adding his personal secretaries into the traditional Vatican delegation of cardinals, bishops and security.

The long trip recalls the globetrotting travels of St. John Paul II, who visited all four destinations during his quarter-century pontificate, though East Timor was an occupied part of Indonesia at the time of his landmark 1989 trip.

By retracing John Paul’s steps, Francis is reinforcing the importance that Asia has for the Catholic Church, since it’s one of the few places where the church is growing in terms of baptized faithful and religious vocations. And he is highlighting that the complex region also embodies some of his core priorities as pope – an emphasis on interreligious and intercultural dialogue, care for the environment and insistence on the spiritual component of economic development.

Here is a look at the trip and some of the issues that are likely to come up, with the Vatican’s relations with China ever-present in the background in a region where Beijing wields enormous influence.

Francis loves gestures of interfaith fraternity and harmony, and there could be no better symbol of religious tolerance at the start of his trip than the underground “Tunnel of Friendship” linking Indonesia’s main Istiqlal mosque to the country’s Catholic cathedral.

Francis will visit the underpass in central Jakarta with the grand imam, Nasaruddin Umar, before both partake in an interfaith gathering and sign a joint declaration.

Francis has made improving Christian-Muslim relations a priority, and has often used his foreign travels to promote his agenda of committing religious leaders to work for peace and tolerance, and renounce violence in God’s name.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population and has enshrined religious freedom in its constitution, officially recognizing six religions -- Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Protestantism and Catholicism. Francis is likely to highlight this tradition of religious tolerance and celebrate it as a message for the broader world.

“If we are able to create a kind of collaboration between each other, that could be a great strength of the Indonesian nation,” the imam said in an interview.

Papua New Guinea

Francis was elected pope in 2013 largely on the strength of an extemporaneous speech he delivered to his fellow cardinals in which he said the Catholic Church needed to go to the “peripheries” to reach those who need God’s comfort the most. When Francis travels deep into the jungles of Papua New Guinea, he will be fulfilling one of the marching orders he set out for the future pope on the eve of his own election.

Few places are as remote, peripheral and poverty-wracked as Vanimo, a northern coastal town on the main island of New Guinea. There Francis will meet with missionaries from his native Argentina who are working to bring Christianity to a largely tribal people who still practice pagan traditions alongside the Catholic faith.

“If we suspend our preconceptions, even in tribal cultures we can find human values close to Christian ideals,” Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who heads the Vatican’s missionary evangelization office and is part of the Vatican delegation, told the Fides missionary news agency.

Francis will likely reflect on the environmental threats to vulnerable and poor places like Papua New Guinea, such as deep sea mining and climate change, while also pointing to the diversity of its estimated 10 million people who speak some 800 languages but are prone to tribal conflicts.

When John Paul visited East Timor in 1989, he sought to console its overwhelmingly Catholic population who had suffered under Indonesia's brutal and bloody occupation for 15 years already.

“For many years now, you have experienced destruction and death as a result of conflict; You have known what it means to be the victims of hatred and struggle,” John Paul told the faithful during a seaside Mass in Tasi-Toli, near Dili.

“I pray that those who have responsibility for life in East Timor will act with wisdom and good will towards all, as they search for a just and peaceful resolution of present difficulties,” he said then in a direct challenge to Indonesia.

It would take another decade for the United Nations to organize a referendum on Timor’s independence, after which Indonesia responded with a scorched-earth campaign that left the former Portuguese colony devastated. East Timor emerged as an independent country in 2002, but still bears the trauma and scars of an occupation that left as many as 200,000 people dead — nearly a quarter of the population.

Francis will literally walk in John Paul’s footsteps when he celebrates Mass on the same seaside esplanade as that 1989 liturgy, which some see as a key date in the Timorese independence movement.

“That Mass with the pope was a very strong, very important moment for Timor’s identity,” said Giorgio Bernardelli, editor of AsiaNews, the missionary news agency. “It also in many ways put the spotlight on the drama that Timor was living for the international community.”

Another legacy that will confront Francis is that of the clergy sexual abuse scandal: Revered independence hero and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo was secretly sanctioned by the Vatican in 2020 for sexually abusing young boys.

There is no word on whether Francis will refer to Belo, who is still revered in East Timor but has been barred by the Vatican from ever returning.

Francis has used several of his foreign trips to send messages to China, be they direct telegrams of greetings when he flies through Chinese airspace or more indirect gestures of esteem, friendship and fraternity to the Chinese people when nearby.

Francis’ visit to Singapore, where three-quarters of the population is ethnically Chinese and Mandarin is an official language, will give him yet another opportunity to reach out to Beijing as the Vatican seeks improved ties for the sake of China's estimated 12 million Catholics.

“It’s a faithful people, who lived through a lot and remained faithful,” Francis told the Chinese province of his Jesuit order in a recent interview.

The trip comes a month before the Vatican is set to renew a landmark 2018 agreement governing bishop nominations.

Just last week, the Vatican reported its “satisfaction” that China had officially recognized Tianjin Bishop Melchior Shi Hongzhen, who as far as the Vatican is concerned had actually taken over as bishop in 2019. The Holy See said China’s official recognition of him under civil law now was “a positive fruit of the dialogue established over the years between the Holy See and the Chinese government.”

But by arriving in Singapore, a regional economic powerhouse which maintains good relations with both China and the United States, Francis is also stepping into a protracted maritime dispute as China has grown increasingly assertive with its presence in the South China Sea.

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The Ultimate Maine Road Trip Itinerary

June 26, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   3 Comments

Trying to plan the perfect Maine road trip? Look no further! We’re here to help make the process a little less stressful!

It is one of the best road trips in the USA and should totally be on your bucket list!

Maine has so much to offer: from scenic roads to iconic lighthouses, famous lobster shacks, breathtaking trees alongside winding drives, fun cities, and some national parks, you won’t be disappointed with any stop you add to your Maine road trip itinerary. 

We are listing some of our favorite and “must-see” stops for a Maine road trip below. Victoria actually grew up exploring Maine and New England by RV, so we hope that you enjoy this itinerary!

Keep your personal timeline in mind as you get the car ready to go! You’re in for an amazing adventure.

The Ultimate Maine Road trip Itinerary

Getting to maine .

When starting your Maine road trip, we recommend flying into the Boston Logan International Airport. This airport is large and therefore a huge hub for many Airlines such as Delta, Cape Air, Southwest, American, United, and more. 

Because this airport is a hub, it also has a variety of cities to depart from, including, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta Fort Lauderdale, Vegas, and more! So no matter where you are coming from, you will find a well-priced flight here at Boston Logan International Airport. 

If you want to fly into somewhere else, however, you can also consider flying into Portland (Portland, Maine, of course!), through their Portland International Jetport! We just suggest Boston Logan International because it is close to the border of the state and easier to rent cars from for Maine road trip! 

Getting Around During Your Maine Road Trip 

To begin your Maine road trip, you’ll need a car! So make sure to stop by the Rental Car Center serving Boston Logan after you land. Airport terminals run every 5-6 minutes and will take you straight to the RCC where you can rent out a vehicle.

Here you can rent from Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, BOS, Thrifty, and Advantage! Just make sure to get a car that has some room and good gas mileage so you are comfortable and prepared for all your adventures of a road trip to Maine. 

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

When to See Fall Foliage in Maine 

We know that the fall foliage in New England is spectacular: people come from all over to see the leaves change, and Maine has some of the bright orange, yellow and red hues across their Maples, Oaks, Elms and Birch trees. 

Many people travel to Maine during late September to see the fall foliage. The September to October weather also is perfect timing for touring the coast and witnessing these hues act as a stake contrast of the blue waters of the nearby oceans, lakes, and rivers! So make sure to keep this in mind when you’re planning a date for your Maine road trip!

Stop 1: Rest and Relax at Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit, Maine is a must stop for your Maine road trip because it truly is a beautiful place by the sea! With miles of sandy beaches, a scenic coast, art galleries, fun shopping, and dining adventures, this place ranks as one of the best vacation spots! 

Perkins Cove is a small fishing village that is great for shopping and restaurants! There are also a variety of tours from boat harbors that you can visit here! Marginal Way is a 1.25-mile coastal walking path that connects Perkins Village to Ogunquit, so this is a great science route to walk. 

There is also some great theater here, so you can check out the Ogunquit Playhouse or the Museum of American Art if you’re interested! Or if you want to do something beyond the beach and small towns, make sure to check our some events: local food and wine tastings are popular and fall-themed events are dependent on the time of year you visit! 

Where to Stay in Ogunquit Beach

Mid-Range: Ogunquit River Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Ogunquit Tides . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Continue to Relax in Kennebunkport 

Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine that is famous for it’s long, sandy beaches. You must check this location out during your Maine road trip if you’re interested in stopping by Goose Rocks Beach as well as Arundel Beach.  This is truly one of the best things to do in Maine!

The Seashore Trolley Museum is also a neat and niche place that displays a huge collection of streetcars, and many people like checking out St. Ann’e Episcopal Church since it dates back to 1887 and its rustic stone architecture contrasted with its grass fields are breathtaking. 

Cape Porpoise is also 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! 

Where to Stay in Kennebunkport

Mid-Range: Lodge at Kennebunk.  Check Rates: Booking.com

High Range-Range: The Boathouse. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Make sure to Visit Cape Elizabeth for Iconic Lighthouses

A Genteel town, Cape Elizabeth is another stop you have to spend some time during your Maine road trip This place of history and coastlines and parks hugs the Casco Bay , making ripe for adventure! 

Many tourists love to explore this area by bike and cross the Casco Bay Bridge to get to the Cape Elizabeth’s coast. But the hardest decision to make when visiting here comes down to visiting lighthouses: there are so many! Portland Headlight, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse, and Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse  are active and great views. 

Williams Par k has great trails to explore old batteries, but more importantly, Two Lights State Park is set on a rocky shoreline where you can view twin lighthouses that are close by. This place is perfect for lunch alongside the crashing waves, but you can also check out Crescent Bech State Park!

Where to Stay Near Cape Elizabeth 

Mid-Range: The Francis Check Rates: Booking.com

High-Range: Inn by the Sea . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Spend some time in Portland, Maine (not Oregon!) 

Set on the peninsula extending into Casco Bay , Portland is a great city to stop in during your Maine road trip, and it’s close to Cape Elizabeth!  The Old Port features fishing wharves, warehouses, restaurants, and unique Indie shops that are great for exploring. 

Fort Willams Park is fantastic for visiting a rocky coast, as the seaside park is coastal and has an old fort and views of lighthouses! The Portland Head Lighthouse is also super cool to check out. 

If you’re looking for something more “indoors” to do, you can check out the Portland Museum of Art, but we highly recommend visiting Peaks Island , where there are more beaches and a really cool Fifth Maine Regiment Museum ! 

Where to stay near Portland 

Mid-Range: Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront Check Rates: Booking.com

High-Range: Portland Harbor Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Enjoy the Water in Waldoboro 

Waldoboro is a cute, quaint town in Maine that is perfect for any Maine road trip itinerary. Well known for its lakes, this place thrives off of its agricultural and fishing legacy. 

We recommend checking out all the lake and pond wonders Waldoboro has! From Damariscotta Lake to Pemaquid Pond and Duckpuddle Pond , these bodies of waters are perfect for evenings that you want to fish, relax, boat, and watch sunsets! 

We also think the Waldoboro Historical Society is a cute museum to check out! And the Goose River Peace Corps Preserve and Pond are just fantastic for exploring trails and greenery! Make sure to take in the scenery at Waldoboro! 

Where to Stay Near Waldoboro

Mid-Range: Claddagh Motel and Suites. Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Ledges by the Bay . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Check out Rockland and it’s cute Bay and Harbor

Rockland , Maine is a popular tourist spot, so you must add it to your Maine road trip itinerary. Rockland is known as mid-coast Maine and is beautifully famous because the mountains and sea converge here right on Rockland Harbor and Penobscot Bay . 

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is a highlight of the town, and there are plenty of tours you can take that lets you travel around Penobscot Bay. 

There are also amazing restaurants and shops to check out here, such as Rustica — a great Italian place– and Jess’ Market . Many tourists love renting bikes to explore the small-time and highly recommend looking at great festivals that might be going on when you visit: Rockland is famous for its Summer Solstice Festival! 

Where to Stay Near Rockland

Mid-Range: Glen Cove Inn & Suites. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range : Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: You Must See the East Coast’s Acadia National Park 

Would you really be on a Maine road trip without stopping by and witnessing Acadia National Park in all of its glory? Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre recreation area on Maine’s Mount Desert. 

Known for its foods, rocky beaches, and breathtaking granite, there are some must-sees here. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest point on the East coast for example. It’s known for its sweeping panoramic views. 

But also make sure to check out Sand Beach , where the quiet cove is super relaxing, or even Jordan Pond where there are some beautiful trails with nearby mountains and lakes! We recommend ensuring that you check out the Bubble Mountain hike though, and Mount Desert Island! 

Where to stay near Acadia

Low-Range: Acadia Pines Motel. Check Rates: Booking.com 

Mid-Range: Anchorage Motel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Spend some Time In Bar Harbor 

This bayside town is close to Acadia and is a popular getaway or stops for tourists which is why we’re listing it on your Maine road trip itinerary! You can view this town from the top of Cadillac Mountain.

Many people stop by here because it is so close to Acadia, but while here make sure to check out the Ocean Trail, Schoodic Peninsula, and Frenchman Bay . 

The Criterion Theatre is also a cool place for an evening in, or exploring Village Green , a small historical town with lots to explore! The College of the Atlantic Gardens is also quaint and quiet if you’re looking for something a bit different to explore!

Where to stay in Bar Harbor

Mid-Range: Moseley Cottage Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com

High-Range: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: Take a trip on a ferry to Nova Scotia 

Although Nova Scotia is technically a province in eastern Canada and not a part of Maine, you have to add it to your Maine road trip! Thankfully you can take the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor for a day trip to Nova! 

Some of the top sights you’ll want to visit in Nova during your trip include the Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you can take trails through mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and coastlines. The Kejimkujik National Park is similar to Cape Breton as well! 

Or you can explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Halifax Public Gardens of the Halifax Citadel National Site. And if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, off the coast of Sable Island there are tons of shipwrecks to explore if you want to go diving or snorkeling! Just watch for the high tides Nova is famous for! 

Where to Stay in Nova Scotia

Low-Range: Hillside Landing B&B. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Residence Inn. Check Rates: Booking.com

We are so excited you’ve chosen o embark on a Maine road trip, as it is truly a gorgeous state with unforgettable coastlines. After your day trip to Nova, you can head back to Boston or Portland to go ahead and fly home! But as we’ve mentioned, this guide only touches the surface of what Maine has to offer. If you want to know more or have more time to explore, check out some other stops as well. Either way, we know you’ll have fun!

With More Time: 

There is truly so much to do in Maine, so if you are traveling with a bit more time, or for a longer period of time, we are adding a few more stops you might want to stop and explore during your Maine road trip! These stops are super popular as well but are a bit further out of the “loop” during your traveling adventures. They will take more time to get to, but definitely check them out if you have that extra time!

Visit Chimney Pond Via Mount Katahdin

To climb Mount Katahdin during your extended Maine road trip, we suggest taking the Chimney Pond Trail. This trail is 6.3 miles and is considered a “moderate” hike, but is well known for the lake and views it offers.

The Chimney Pond Campgrounds are also part of the “backcountry” near Baxter State Park . Here you can rest and realz while having the closest access to other trails such as Hamlin Ridge and Saddle .  

Visit Oh My Gosh Corner/Carrabassett

Carrabassett Valley is located between the Bigelow Mountains and is known for its scenic routes of birches and rivers. Many people love to come here for skiing in the winter, as there is a bend in the Route known as “Oh My Gosh Corner.”  

From this corner, you can see Sugarloaf Mountain, is 163 trails trifling down its surface. The bend in this road is breathtaking: its north-facing mountain towers around the corner at a 4,237 summit along Carrabassett River . You don’t want to miss it during your Maine road trip.

Visit Moosehead Lake 

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine, which means you have to stop and see it with your Maine itinerary! Situated in the Longfellow Mountains , this lake is surrounded by the Kennebec River.

Near Beaver Cove , the terrain slopes gently toward the water making it a perfect place to swim. The water clarity is great, temperatures fairly warm, and Mount Kineo is also close: here you can explore the 700-foot scenic cliffs in-between your lake day! 

Visit Rangeley Lake 

Fed by a variety of streams, Rangeley Lake is situated close to Rangeley , which was named one of the best winter towns inNew England. Its lake is over 6,000 arches and is super deep (149 feet!). But no matter what time of year you are taking your Maine road trip, you’ve got to stop here! 

Many people love to fish here, as the lake is known for its brook trout and salmon. Beyond the lake though, there is Rangeley Village with hotels, restaurants and shops, and the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society is a cute museum that exhibits the town’s history! 

Visit Sugarloaf Mountain 

Sugarloaf Mountain is a lovely mountain in Maine. Open from 8 a.m. until sunset, this natural landmark has geographical beauty and striking landscape views. After taking lifts to the top of Sugarloaf and exploring the park, you can check out the nearby towns. 

Visit Baxter State Park 

Our last suggestion for your Maine road trip itinerary includes Baxter State Park . This is a large wilderness area that has been permanently preserved and features a variety of trails (we highly recommend checking out the Knife Edge trail !), sights, and mountains. 

Mount Katahdin is Maine’s tallest peak and is located here. It is also a favorite hike amongst tourists! And Baxter Peak is also popular, although its trial is more difficult. If you’re feeling more “woodsy” too, you can explore the monuments and breathtaking sights of Katahdin Woods and Waters! 

And there you have it! A great Maine road trip itinerary that will take you around the state to experience national parks, iconic lighthouses, potent landscapes, and more. Make sure to drive safe and have TONS of fun during your Maine road trip– we promise it will be unforgettable! 

Reader Interactions

July 12, 2020 at 12:14 pm

What a wonderful trip through Maine. I have done some of it but would love to return to see the rest. It is a beautiful state with so many places to visit…One day…

October 14, 2022 at 8:39 pm

thanks for the good read. i am going solo as i promised to see Maine before i am 60 ill let you know how much i love it

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Best Road Trip from Ohio to Maine? (7 Itineraries)

• Post author: Roadtripbuzz
• Post published: July 29, 2022
• Post category: Uncategorized

Taking a road trip from Ohio to Maine can be an exciting experience when you have a detailed itinerary to guide you on which places to visit. Many interesting places are waiting for you to discover them on your trip.

Niagara Falls, Presque Isle state park, Strong National Museum of Play, Fenway park, Marginal Way, Portland Headlight, and Acadia National Park are all unique sights to see and visit as you pass by New York, Pennsylvania, and Boston until you finally arrive in Maine.

This article will elaborate on the best times to visit, distances, things to see, and fun facts about the best stops. We have also displayed the best mapped-out routes to take for the optimum road trip experience.

Table of Contents

Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #1: The Famous Niagara Falls in New York 

Source: Wanderlog

Best time of the year to attend: You can visit any day of the year but the peak season is during the summer (June to August) because temperatures are below 80.

Suitable for : Open for all, locals and foreigners. 

Duration: Approximately 5-6hr from Ohio depending on the route you take. The staying duration would be 2-3 nights for maximum enjoyment.

Things to see:

• Waterfalls from the observation tower
• Journey behind the falls
• Whirlpools boat tours
• Niagara Gorge Trail
• Aquarium observation
• Old Fort Niagara

Distance: 

• 326.9 mi via I-90 E
• 352.6 mi via I-71 N
• 410.5 mi via ON-401 E

Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls also identified as the Canadian Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Canadian Falls has the largest coverage among the three. 

The waterfalls are located on the border between Ontario and New York.

Here are quick 5 interesting facts about Niagara Falls that will compel you to visit:

• The Falls are nearly 12,000 years old.
• The Niagara river flows at approximately 35 miles/hour.
• The combination of its height and water flow is what makes it so breathtaking.
• The falls were formed by melted glaciers that formed great lakes such as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario 
• Other man-made attractions around the Falls include Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Maid of the mist, Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, Spanish Aero car, Marineland, Casino Niagra, Imax Theatre, and a newly built butterfly garden.

Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #2: The Stunning Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania

Source: The Lakehouse Inn

Best time of the year to attend: It’s popular in the summer but it’s just as fun or even more in the winter season with plenty of ice and snow activities.

Suitable for : All people visiting during the day.

Duration: 3hrs from Ohio, Staying time: 1-2 days

• Sandy beaches
• Swimming in Lake Erie
• Bird watching
• Hiking trails
• Ice fishing and Ice skating
• 209 mi via I-71 N and I-90 E
• 234.7 mi via I-71 and I-76
• 216.7 mi via OH-58, I-71 N, and I-90 E

Presque Isle State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s lesser known sandy parks. It is a peninsula that connects to Lake Erie. The National Natural Landmark is a favorite spot for migrating birds and a home to multiple endangered and rare species.

There are tons of fun beach activities to enjoy such as fishing, swimming, boat tours, Kayaking, and amazing sunsets.

The Presque Isle Lighthouse is also another main attraction that dates back to the 1870s and is still in operation helping ships in navigation.

Bird watching and hiking are other favorite activities for the park visitors.

Read also: Virginia to Maine Road Trip Itinerary (5 Trip Alternatives!)

Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #3: The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York

Source: Uncovering New York

Best time of the year to attend: All year round

Suitable for : People of all ages, it is especially loved by children.

Duration: 6hrs from Ohio, touring time: 3hrs

• Video game exhibits
• Interactive toys, dolls, and board games.
• Obstacle courses
• Butterfly garden
• Sesame Street and many more nostalgic cartoon exhibits.
• 370 mi via I-90 E

The museum is heavily themed toward video games, comics and storybooks, television shows, train rides, and overall children’s lifestyles.

Margret Woodbury , the founder of one of the biggest history museums in the United States, established The Strong National Museum of Play with fascinating collections in mind.  

With time, the museum has been widely acknowledged exactly the way she imagined it for its exhibitions that are not only interactive but also educational for children.

Some of the exhibits, such as Sesame Street, the Berenstain Bears, Reading Adventureland, and the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, will take you on a trip down memory lane.

Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #4: The Beloved Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts

Source: Digital Ocean Spaces

Best time of the year to attend:  

Suitable for : All people, loved especially by baseball fans.

Duration: 11hr from Ohio, 1-day touring.

• Oldest major-league stadium, arena
• Baseball memorabilia
• The rich history of baseball 
• 748.2 mi via I-90 E

Boston’s own Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team, is one of America’s most beloved historic landmarks. It has been the longest active major league park since 1912.

If you are a huge fan of the sport, you will be excited to see the park’s renowned Green Monster which is the common name for the left field wall that is over 37 feet high.

More on what you can discover from your tour would be baseball’s greatest moments of all time, pictures of the best players and biggest names in baseball history, along with memorabilia put on display with historic information.

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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #5:  The Charming Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

Best time of the year to attend: all year round

Suitable for : Everyone

Duration: 12hrs from Ohio, 1-2 days touring.

• Historical walking areas along the coastal line
• Sights and landmarks
• Quaint village
• Nearby beach
• 814.1 mi via I-90 E

Marginal Way in Ogunquit is more than just a small village town. With its preserved walking trail in between most of the hotels in town and the scenic shoreline, it makes for a lovely resting stop.

Cliff walking by the coastline is one of the best things said about the area. The scenery as well is spectacular for photo sessions. You can also get some shopping done in the downtown area of Ogunquit.

By checking in to one of the hotels in the Marginal Way area, you will also experience exquisite sunsets and relaxing beach waves for a soothing night’s rest.

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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #6:  The Historic Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Suitable for : Adults and Children, especially interesting for historians.

Duration: 13hrs from Ohio, 1-day sightseeing.

• Navigation museum
• Children’s garden
• Historical sites and landmarks
• 852 mi via I-90 E

The Portland Headlight consists of a currently active lighthouse and navigation museum. Both are situated in Fort Williams Park by the rocky scenic coastline.

Just bout 20 minutes from Kennebunkport you would arrive at the Fort Williams State Park. The Portland HeadLight is guarding the entrance to Portland Harbor.

President George Washington commissioned the headlight in 1791 and staffed it until 1989, later machines took over. The keeper’s house is now a museum, which traces the maritime and military history of the region. 

If you are a historian or history enthusiast, you can stop and tour the museum extensively to know more about these historic artifacts.

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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #7:  The Famous Acadia National Park in Maine

Source: MapQuest

Best time of the year to attend: Mostly popular in the summer. 

Tip: travel in the early morning to avoid traffic congestion.

Suitable for : Best for hikers and nature adventurers. 

Duration: 15 hr from Ohio, 1-2 days of exploration.

• Camping sites 
• Nature trails
• 1,017.5 mi via I-90 E

The Acadia National Park is an epic national treasure on the coastline of Maine. According to Visit Bar Harbour , Acadia makes it to the top ten list of most visited parks in America, with over 3 million visitors annually.

Its lovely shoreline presents a stupendous sunrise that you can watch in the wee morning hours while either driving, biking, or walking. When driving through the park’s loop road you can enjoy a 27-mile cruise along oceanside cliffs through the forests and observe the wildlife.

Some attractions you will encounter along the way would be the mighty thunder hole and sand beaches. For the hiking fanatics, you cannot miss Acadia’s most incredible feature which is its hiking trails.

Camping and stargazing are also tourist park favorites.

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You can get the most out of your trip from Ohio to Maine by visiting these greatly appreciated and highly reviewed sights. 

Beautiful waterfalls, parks, museums, beaches, a monumental lighthouse, and historical towns make great itineraries for an epic road trip.

Getting sound sleep while on the road is important. Check out this article the next time you are considering which vehicle is suitable to get some shut-eye.

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Road Trip from Kentucky to Maine

Driving from Kentucky, through the majestic Appalachians and cities of the East Coast to the rugged coastline of Maine is one of the best American road trips you could have. You'll see charming small towns, huge cities, beautiful national parks, and much more.

The drive from Kentucky to Maine will take you 1,105 miles with 18 hours and 5 minutes of driving time. You'll pass highlights like Pittsburgh, New York City, New Haven, Providence, Boston, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes, Boston, Portland, and Bar Harbor.

This truly is a road trip of a lifetime, full of adventure, fun, and relaxation. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, where to stay, and what to see and experience on your way from Kentucky to Maine.

How far is Maine from Kentucky, and how long will the road trip take?

There are two fantastic routes that will take you from Kentucky to Maine. Each one is full of adventurous activities, cultural attractions, and plenty of unforgettable nature.

The shortest route is the Portland Route, at 1105 miles and 18 hours and 5 minutes of driving time. On this route, you'll get to drive through some of the biggest cities in America and historical places.

The Bar Harbor Route is a longer route that takes you through the natural wonderland of upstate New York. You'll travel 1,340 miles with 22 hours and 15 minutes of driving time.

Because both routes are full of adventure and memorable sights along the way, we recommend taking 7 to 10 days for your journey. Continue on below to learn more details about our recommended routes, where to stay, and what to see and do on the way.

If you are looking to explore Maine, here is our ultimate road trip itinerary:

READ MORE - Ultimate Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Best road trip route from Kentucky to Maine

The exciting Portland Route covers several major cities along the East Coast of the United States and passes through several states, offering a mix of urban and rural environments. You'll pass by plenty of historical places as well as quiet locations where you'll want to relax.

Some of the benefits of this route include well-maintained highways and scenic drives through the New England region, which is known for its picturesque coastal towns, lighthouses, and charming small cities. There are also many historic sites and landmarks along the way, including the birthplace of America in Philadelphia and the Freedom Trail in Boston.

The overall vibe of this route can be described as a mix of modern and historic, with a focus on the East Coast's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The cities along the route are diverse and offer a wide range of attractions and experiences, from world-class museums and restaurants to quaint shops and historic landmarks.

The Bar Harbor Route offers stunning scenery along the way, particularly when passing through areas like Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. The overall vibe of the route can be described as a mixture of historic and quaint, as it takes you through several older cities with a rich history, such as Boston and Cleveland.

Overall, this route has good quality roads and picturesque scenery, as well as the opportunity to experience some charming and historic cities. If you have the time and want more of a small-town America vibe, then this route is for you.

How to drive from Kentucky to Maine

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Louisville, Kentucky and Maine. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Portland Route

Starting in Louisville, Kentucky, make your way on route to the wonderful city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You'll cross beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and farmland.

Keep driving from the rural countryside and into New York City. Here, you can set off in the big city and explore one of the world's top destinations.

After New York, head north to New Haven, Connecticut. From here, continue on to Providence, Rhode Island.

After soaking up the small city charm of Providence, make your way to the city of Boston, Massachusetts before continuing north to Portland, Maine. However, if you have more time we recommend venturing out and exploring this gorgeous state .

The Bar Harbor Route

Beginning in Louisville, Kentucky, continue your drive north to Cincinnati, Ohio. Afterwards, make your way through Ohio and into the city of Columbus.

Next, continue on route north towards Lake Erie and Cleveland, Ohio. Here, you'll get to explore the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Next, head to the enchanting Niagara Falls in New York State. After seeing this natural wonder, continue on to the Finger Lakes to enjoy the popular wineries and scenery.

Continue on to Boston, Massachusetts. Here you'll see some of the oldest and most historically significant places in America.

Finally make your way into Portland, Maine. From here, it's only a short drive along the coast to the fantastic city of Bar Harbor. Here is our ultimate guide for an epic road trip itinerary in Maine if you are ready for more adventure.

Best places to stop between Kentucky and Maine

Both routes are full of incredible stopovers and things to see and experience without rushing. Below are our top places to stay and rest so you can make the most of this fantastic road trip.

Rock out in Cleveland

Between Erie and Sandusky is the big city of Cleveland. Located on the Portland Route, this city is famous for its diverse attractions, food scene, and epic museums.

You'll get to experience one of the most culturally rich cities in America. Visitors will love exploring the wide range of museums, theaters, and performing arts venues on offer.

If you love sports, this city will be perfect for you to experience. Cleveland is famous for being the home of sports teams like the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and many more.

When in Cleveland, check out the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is a must-see attraction, showcasing the history and culture of the world's most famous style of music.

Next, check out the West Side Market. This historic indoor market offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and unique foods that will liven up your tastebuds.

If you love art, make your way to the Cleveland Museum of Art. This is one of the best museums in the country showcasing a collection of over 45,000 works of art including some classics from the old world.

Once you reach Cleveland, we recommend staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown , Cleveland. This luxurious hotel has spacious rooms and suites that offer plenty of space to relax in style after your long drive.

It has an indoor pool that's perfect to unwind after a long day on the road. Also, the hotel serves its guests a free hot breakfast and evening reception with snacks and drinks, perfect for refueling close to your room.

Guests love the hotel's location close to the interstate, making it easy and convenient for hitting the road early the next morning. You'll have easy access to several amazing attractions in Cleveland.

Within walking distance is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is a must-visit attraction in Cleveland for music lovers. You're also just a short walk and drive away from some of the city's most popular restaurants and bars, making this the perfect accommodation for a night on the town.

Where to stay when you reach Portland

Once you reach your destination in Portland, we recommend staying at the luxurious Press Hotel, Autograph Collection, Portland . This popular and highly rated hotel is a great choice for a stay in Portland for those who want to unwind and relax in style and comfort.

Its location in the Old Port District puts it in the heart of the action, with easy access to many of the city's best restaurants, shops, and galleries. The hotel itself is also steeped in history, having been built in the 1920s as the offices of the Portland Press Herald newspaper.

The Press Hotel incorporates this history into its design and decor, with charming touches like vintage typewriters and newspaper-inspired artwork throughout the hotel.

In terms of amenities, the hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms with luxurious touches like Frette linens, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and locally sourced snacks and beverages. It also has an on-site restaurant and bar, UNION, which features seasonal New England cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

Additionally, the Press Hotel has received numerous accolades for its quality and service, including being named one of the best hotels in New England by Condé Nast Traveler and winning a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. After your long drive you too can enjoy a unique and memorable stay in Portland with a prime location, rich history, and high-quality amenities.

Where to stay when you reach Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a popular tourist destination located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, known for its picturesque scenery, outdoor activities, and charming downtown area.

The town itself is also home to many excellent restaurants, shops, and galleries, making it a great place to spend a few days exploring and relaxing. Overall, Bar Harbor offers a great combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming accommodations, making it a top destination for travelers to Maine.

Once you reach Bar Harbor, we recommend staying at the highly rated Bar Harbor Grand Hotel . This luxurious hotel features wonderful amenities, friendly staff, and access to some of the town's top attractions.

After your long drive, you can unwind in the hotel's indoor pool and spacious hot tub. Also, you can enjoy the on-site fitness center and free WiFi. In the morning, take advantage of the hotel's deluxe continental breakfast.

The hotel is just walking distance or a short drive to popular places like Cadillac Mountain and the famous waterfront. There are also plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars as well so you can unwind and relax.

Visitors can also enjoy exploring nearby Acadia National Park, whale watching, hiking, kayaking, and more. It's a great choice for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Maine while still having access to a variety of amenities.

Things to see on a road trip from Kentucky to Maine

Each route is full of memorable activities and sights that will surely impress even the most die-hard roadtripper. Below, we've included our top highlights to help you plan this incredible journey a little easier.

On The Portland Route

• Fallingwater - Located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, this iconic house was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A must-see for architecture enthusiasts, the structure is famous for its innovative design that seamlessly integrates nature and the built environment.
• Gettysburg National Military Park - Home to the famous Civil War battle site and offers visitors a chance to explore its rich history. With numerous monuments, markers, and trails, the park provides an immersive experience in understanding the events that took place here.
• Liberty Bell - Found in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this iconic symbol of American independence is a must-see for history buffs. The bell, with its famous crack, has played a significant role in American history and stands as a reminder of the nation's pursuit of freedom.
• Mystic Seaport Museum - Located in Mystic, Connecticut, this living history museum showcases maritime history through its collection of historic ships and buildings. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the region's rich seafaring past and experience life in a recreated 19th-century coastal village.
• Yale University - Situated in New Haven, Connecticut, this prestigious Ivy League university boasts a beautiful campus to explore and is home to several notable museums. Visitors can appreciate the university's impressive architecture and history while exploring the collections housed in the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
• Newport Mansions - Nestled in Newport, Rhode Island, these historic mansions offer a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy during the Gilded Age. With opulent interiors and stunning landscapes, these grand estates provide a unique opportunity to learn about the social and cultural history of the era.

On The Bar Harbor Route

• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - One of the oldest and most popular zoos in the country, featuring a wide variety of animals and a beautiful botanical garden. Visitors can enjoy diverse exhibits, learn about conservation efforts, and stroll through the stunning garden landscapes.
• German Village - Found in Columbus, OH, this historic neighborhood boasts brick streets, charming homes, and unique shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore the quaint streets, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the preserved charm of this picturesque community.
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Situated in Cleveland, OH, this must-visit destination for music lovers showcases the history and evolution of rock and roll through interactive exhibits and iconic artifacts. Delve into the stories of legendary musicians, see memorable stage costumes, and relive memorable moments in music history.
• Niagara Falls - One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, offering stunning views and the opportunity to take a boat ride to the base of the falls. Experience the thundering roar and powerful mist up close, or explore the surrounding parks and attractions.
• Boston Common - Located in the heart of Boston, this historic park features beautiful green spaces, a serene lake, and plenty of walking paths. As the oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike since 1634, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of a bustling city.
• Acadia National Park - Nestled in Bar Harbor, this stunning national park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Explore the rugged coastline, lush forests, and diverse wildlife while experiencing the natural beauty of this beloved park.

On both routes

• Kennebunkport - Kennebunkport is a picturesque coastal town located about 30 minutes south of Portland. It's known for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown area, and the stunning Bush family compound.
• Maine Whale Watching Tours - Maine is a great place for whale watching, and there are several companies that offer tours departing from various coastal towns, including Boothbay Harbor and Camden. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback, minke, and finback whales, as well as porpoises, dolphins, and seals.
• Portland Head Light - Located in Cape Elizabeth - This iconic lighthouse is the oldest in Maine and one of the most photographed in the country.
• Mount Desert Island - Located in Acadia National Park - Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine and offers breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor activities.
• Maine Maritime Museum - This museum in Bath showcases Maine's rich maritime history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore historic boats and ships, learn about Maine's shipbuilding industry, and discover the state's seafaring traditions.

Best time to go on a road trip from Kentucky to Maine

Maine is a destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year, but it depends on what activities and experiences you're looking for. The state offers different things to do and see depending on the season.

Most visitors love to visit the state in spring, summer, or fall. These seasons are perfect for calm weather and fun events like the Camden Windjammer Festival and the Acadia Night Sky Festival.

In the summer, visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, go hiking, camping, and fishing, and take part in various festivals and outdoor events like the Maine Lobster Festival. This five-day festival takes place every August in Rockland and is a celebration of all things lobster, including seafood cooking contests, live music, carnival rides, and more.

The summer months are ideal for water-based activities such as kayaking, sailing, and swimming, and visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in Maine's parks and forests. Summer is also the peak season for tourism in Maine, which means that attractions and accommodations can be more crowded and expensive than during other seasons.

Spring and fall are considered the shoulder seasons in Maine, which means they are less crowded than summer and winter. The weather during these seasons can be mild and pleasant, making it a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. The foliage is also a popular attraction in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange.

Fall is a popular time to visit Maine because of the harvest festivals as well. One of the most popular is the Common Ground Country Fair. Held every September in Unity, this fair is a celebration of rural living and sustainable agriculture, featuring local food vendors, livestock exhibits, and educational workshops.

In winter, Maine can be quite cold and snowy, with temperatures typically ranging from the teens to the 30s Fahrenheit in December through February. The coastal areas of Maine may experience milder winter temperatures due to the moderating effect of the ocean, but still, expect chilly temperatures.

The winter landscape of Maine can be quite stunning, with snow-covered trees and frozen lakes creating a winter wonderland. Winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowmobiling are popular in Maine, particularly in the western and northern parts of the state.

That being said, Maine's weather can be quite harsh in the winter months, with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Some attractions and businesses may also be closed during the off-season.

So while Maine is a year-round destination, it's important to research and plan your trip based on your interests and the time of year you'll be visiting. With the right amount of planning, Maine will be one of the best destinations in the USA for a road trip.

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Lobster rolls and lighthouses: The perfect Maine road trip

Maine's breathtaking coastline is unlike any other. It's only about 280 miles from the New Hampshire border to the New Brunswick, Canada, border if you follow the region's principal road, U.S. Route 1 (along with state Route 189 for the final stretch).

However, this jagged shoreline is anything but a straight shot. And if you measure the tide coastline — which includes every peninsula, inlet, island and tidal basin — the Maine coast actually measures 3,478 miles, making it the fourth-longest in the country (it slightly exceeds California's).

You could drive it sticking closely to U.S. 1 in about seven or eight hours, but you wouldn't actually see much of the ocean. For views of Maine's azure waters — its rocky headlands dotted with imposing historic lighthouses, its sheltered harbors aglow with sleek sailboats and colorful lobster buoys — you'll want to detour frequently from the main route. To fully experience this breathtaking maritime landscape immortalized in the paintings of Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Andrew Wyeth and countless other luminaries, spend at least a few days (or ideally a couple of weeks) tracing the coast's many contours.

As you traverse the coast in a northeasterly direction, heading "down east" as it's known in Maine vernacular, you'll encounter far fewer people and much less commercial development. The relatively direct stretch from the New Hampshire border to the state's largest city, Portland, abounds with sophisticated sea-to-table restaurants and posh country inns as well as charming lobster shacks, enticing ice cream stands and nostalgic minigolf centers. Once you get past Freeport, with its iconic L.L. Bean flagship store, you start to encounter the wilder and more rugged Maine coast, with its long and narrow peninsulas.

Along this part of the coast, you'll still find pockets of upscale vacationers in affluent summer colonies like Boothbay Harbor, Camden and Bar Harbor, but the pace slows. The final stretch of coast beyond Mount Desert Island to the Canadian border feels completely rural. You'll encounter few fellow travelers in this sparsely populated but verdant area that depends economically more on commercial fishing and blueberry farming than tourism.

But by exploring the full length of Maine's gorgeous coast, you'll find much to appreciate. You can feast on incredible seafood (not just lobster but rock and Jonah crab, oysters, mussels, and myriad fish) and a dizzying variety of craft beers. You'll discover superb art museums and galleries, and diverse flora and fauna to view on coastal hikes, wildlife-watching cruises and kayaking and biking tours. And, of course, there's the stunning natural scenery of Acadia National Park.

Here's your guide to planning the perfect coastal Maine road trip and everything you should see and do along the way.

Maine road trip planning

GPS devices tend to be at cross purposes with actually enjoying a drive up the Maine coast, as they constantly attempt to shunt you onto U.S. Route 1 or, worse, Interstate Highway 95, instead of the happily meandering and circuitous roads that run closer to the shoreline. Unless you're pressed for time, feel free to ignore the entreaties of your GPS and take the scenic route whenever possible. Detour down to the tips of Maine's finger-shaped peninsulas, and if there's an island you can reach by bridge or even by ferry, go for it, at least once. Bailey Island, Deer Isle and Vinalhaven (which entails a ferry ride) are all good bets.

Note that many municipal beaches have steep parking fees for nonresidents, sometimes $25 or more. Day-use fees at state beaches are per person rather than per vehicle and typically cost around $7 or $8 per person. In Portland and some of the more popular small towns along the coast — Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit — street parking can be hard to come by, especially during the summer high season, so prepare to use a pay lot that may also be expensive.

Gas stations are present all along U.S. Route 1 and in most towns, but they can be harder to find, or a lot more expensive, on the more rural peninsulas and islands. It's best to top off your tank before venturing anywhere remote.

Set aside enough time

If you're driving this full itinerary from Kittery to the Canadian border, give yourself a minimum of five days and four nights to be able to experience the key sights along the way. This allows you to set aside a full day each for exploring Portland and Acadia National Park, and enough time to drive through all of the towns described in this article. To appreciate this trip at a more leisurely pace, budget a week to 10 days and try to spend two nights in some of the more prominent areas, such as Kittery-Portsmouth, Portland, Rockland-Camden, and Bar Harbor-Acadia National Park. If you have two weeks or even longer, you won't run out of engaging things to see and do.

Getting to the Maine coast

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has by far the greatest number of direct flights in New England, and it's just a 75-minute drive from the Maine border. Another option is to fly into Maine's small, user-friendly Portland International Jetport (PWM), which is a 45-minute drive from Kittery. A lesser-known option that's just a 50-minute drive from Kittery is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire. It's served by several of the major airlines. Although Logan Airport is likely the easiest to reach from much of the country and many international destinations, it is a busy hub in a city with notorious traffic, and rental car rates tend to be steeper than at the airports in Portland and Manchester, which are also smaller and more pleasant to navigate.

From Boston, Amtrak serves Portland and several smaller towns along the lower Maine coast. And there's frequent daily bus service on multiple carriers from Logan Airport and downtown Boston to both Portsmouth and Portland.

Best starting and end points on the Maine coast

This itinerary follows Maine's coast in a northeasterly direction, beginning at the town of Kittery, which is just across the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This corner of the state is easy to get to, as it's just a 75-minute drive up the coast from Boston via I-95, and there are plenty of hotels in the area, both on the New Hampshire and Maine sides of the border. This trip ends at the Canadian border, where you have the option of extending your adventure by continuing into New Brunswick and potentially beyond. Although it can take several days to travel along the coast's meandering roads, exploring its peninsulas and inlets, the drive back from Lubec to Kittery-Portsmouth takes just under five hours if you take the most direct interior route (state Route 189, U.S. Route 1, state Route 192 and state Route 9 to Bangor, and then I-95 the rest of the way).

The best time to visit the Maine coast

For the best balance of weather and scenery without excessive crowds or super-steep hotel rates, make this trip during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, between May and mid-June or mid-September and mid-November. The exception to this rule is fall's peak foliage season, which along the Maine coast is generally from around mid-September through the first week of November. Although the coast attracts fewer leaf-peepers than interior New England, crowds do pick up around this time and hotel rates can also spike a bit.

July and August are peak high-season, as are holiday weekends in spring and fall. This is the best time to laze on Maine's beaches and even swim in the ocean (which is still pretty chilly, with highs averaging around 70 degrees in summer). It's also when seasonal businesses like lobster shacks, ice cream stands and scenic tour boats have their longest hours. But you'll pay a premium at coastal hotels during this time (note that the starting rates for hotels recommended in this article are for the summer high season).

Conversely, winter on the Maine coast can be a bargain as long as you don't mind bundling up, and you'll sometimes have beaches all to yourself. But many businesses, including lodgings and restaurants, shut down in winter — and in some cases all the way from mid-October through early May, especially the farther up the coast you go.

Kittery to the Kennebunks

More than any other section of Maine's coast, this relatively short (30-mile) stretch in the state's southwestern corner is easiest to access from coastal roads, which more or less parallel the shore's contours, even beyond Kennebunkport and up through Cape Elizabeth and South Portland.

The region is characterized by broad, crescent-shaped, golden beaches and is home to the greatest concentration of tourism-related businesses. You'll find no shortage of accommodations, from swanky seaside inns to low-frills, family-friendly motels to vacation rentals of every configuration and price range. Although the population swells in summer and traffic can slow to a crawl on weekends, don't give in to the temptation to skip this region in favor of the quieter areas beyond Portland. It's a beautiful part of the state with a number of appealing attractions. What you might consider doing, however, is timing your trip so that you're in this area midweek rather than during the busier weekend.

Kittery and the Yorks

Start your journey by taking U.S. Route 1 over the Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Piscataqua River from historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Kittery, Maine's oldest town. If you want to fuel up early, stop on Badger's Island, which is right in the middle of the river, for a hearty meal at Ore Nell's Barbecue or in the historic downtown at Lil's Cafe , an artisan bakery with great coffee drinks.

Continue east on state Route 103 along the curving riverfront rather than following U.S. Route 1 into the tangle of outlet shops for which Kittery is most famous. Stop to walk around colonial-era Fort McClary State Historic Site , with its formidable granite walls and views of pretty Portsmouth Harbor. The road curves past characteristic colonial homes before joining with U.S. Route 1A, a scenic coastal road that passes through the classic seaside vacation villages of York Harbor, York Beach and Cape Neddick. These towns have a nostalgic family vacation vibe and there are plenty of places to hop out for a stroll along the sand or a bite to eat overlooking the sea.

Just north of York Beach — a stretch of beach cottages and hotels that looks like a postcard from the 1940s — turn right (follow the signs) to the parking area for what's quite possibly the most photographed building in Maine: Nubble Lighthouse, an elegantly simple white tower beside a red-roofed Victorian keeper's house set on a small rocky island just offshore. You can't actually visit the island, but the view from across the water is splendid, and next to the parking lot, Fox's Lobster House is a good spot to indulge in your first bowl of chowder or lobster roll.

Optional side trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The largest community on New Hampshire's 18-mile shoreline, this upbeat historic city with a population of around 23,000 is both an excellent base for exploring the adjacent southwestern corner of Maine and a delightful destination in its own right.

A compact seaport, Portsmouth is known for its carefully preserved colonial buildings, many of them open to the public. A highlight is Strawbery Banke Museum , a 10-acre living history village of more than three dozen restored structures. Sometimes described as a miniature Portland, this city of narrow tree-shaded lanes and well-tended gardens has a growing restaurant scene and plenty of galleries, crafts shops, bookstores and clothiers to keep you busy.

Just north of Cape Neddick, where U.S. Route 1A cuts west to join U.S. Route 1, turn right onto Shore Road and follow this narrow, curvy route into charming Ogunquit, which developed into an artists colony and a summer resort in the late 19th century and has in more recent decades become a popular LGBTQIA+ destination. Testament to this cheerful beach town's creative legacy are the small but excellent Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the acclaimed Ogunquit Playhouse summer theater. Be sure to check out the shops and seafood eateries (such as Footbridge Lobster and Barnacle Billy's ) of Perkins Cove, where there's also a photogenic footbridge across the town's boat basin. From here, walk the stunning 1.3-mile Marginal Way footpath along a series of sea cliffs into the cute downtown, where you'll discover a number of hip bars and restaurants.

Kennebunkport

As you head north on U.S. Route 1 from Ogunquit, turn right onto the state Route 9 shore route into the old-money enclave of Kennebunkport, with its appealing village center bisected by the scenic Kennebunk River. Stroll among Dock Square's many shops and restaurants, where you can also book a sightseeing cruise on The Pineapple Ketch , a historic 38-foot ship that provides a glimpse of the many imposing summer cottages (mansions, really) that dot the town's shoreline, including Walker's Point, aka the Bush compound, which served as the "Summer White House" for President George H.W. Bush. Off Dyke Road a few miles northeast of town, Goose Rocks Beach is one of the area's gems, offering great opportunities for tidepooling and soaking up rays.

Where to stay

With days of driving ahead, you might consider treating yourself to a night or two in a fabulous spa resort, like Cape Neddick's sumptuous Cliff House Maine (rates start at $699 per night), which is perched on a dramatic rocky ledge a few miles south of the Ogunquit border. In addition to having a 9,000-square-foot spa overlooking the sea, this contemporary 226-room hotel boasts a championship golf course, several restaurants and myriad recreational activities. From the enchanting Trellis House (rates start at $309 per night), an eight-room bed-and-breakfast surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, you're steps from Ogunquit's Marginal Way coastal path and within walking or trolleying distance of the beach and local dining.

The contemporary-chic AWOL Kennebunkport (rates start at $327 per night) offers a distinct contrast to the area's many old-fashioned inns. A short walk from lively Dock Square in Kennebunkport, it's made up of 17 airy cabins with low-slung, tasteful furnishings and private patios and balconies. Most rooms have fireplaces, and rates include a breakfast featuring a toast bar with bagels, muffins, breads and gourmet toppings. AWOL is part of the renowned boutique hotel brand Lark Hotels, which has four other Maine properties, including the stunning Kennebunkport Captains Collection (rates start at $471 per night), which is just around the corner and consists of four smartly updated historic homes with plush rooms and suites outfitted with soaking tubs, working fireplaces and plenty of other perks.

Just across the state line in Portsmouth, you'll find a great selection of both modern full-service hotels and distinctive urban inns. A couple of notables include the Hotel Thaxter (rates start at $369), a new 15-room boutique inn within the heart of the city's historic downtown, and Wentworth by the Sea (rates start at $389 per night), which is a 10-minute drive outside of town on the beautiful New Castle island. This legendary grande dame was built in 1874 and overlooks a scenic harbor where the Piscataqua River meets the ocean. It offers a spa, two pools, tennis courts and a Scottish-style links golf course.

Greater Portland

Maine's largest city has just under 70,000 residents and is 50 miles up the coast from the New Hampshire border. In addition to being a picturesque port city with an incredible food scene, it's an excellent place to anchor yourself if you're planning a longer stay and appreciate having proximity to both the sea and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. From Kennebunkport, state Route 9 leads into the towns that form the metro area's southern edge, including Biddeford and South Portland.

Biddeford and Cape Elizabeth

From Kennebunkport, follow Route 9 as it curves back inland along the Saco River into Biddeford, a once-thriving textile mill town that underwent a severe downturn during the second half of the 20th century as industry moved elsewhere. By the early 2000s, the city center's handsome, though largely empty, redbrick mill buildings and storefronts began to attract chefs, brewers, makers, artists and other entrepreneurs, and today Biddeford buzzes with activity.

Stop for breakfast or lunch at acclaimed spots like Catface Cafe and the Palace Diner , or a memorable dinner at Elda . Sample fine spirits, including aromatic small-batch gins, at cozy Round Turn Distilling , and house-roasted coffees and local beer at the inviting bookstore-cum-cafe Elements .

Once you've filled up on excellent food and drink, follow U.S. Route 1 over the river into another small industrial city, Saco. Here, you have a decision to make about which route to follow. If you have a soft spot for the thrum of boardwalk amusement parks, fried-dough and saltwater taffy vendors, T-shirt shops and souvenir stands, and other retro-kitschy fun, head east a few miles to Old Orchard Beach, a spirited if at times raucous honky-tonk vacation town with a long pier, a beach that's jammed on weekends with towels and umbrellas, and fireworks shows on Thursday nights from late July through early September.

If this isn't your bag, continue up U.S. Route 1 to the bedroom community of Scarborough, and take state routes 207 and 77 through the upscale seaside town of Cape Elizabeth. On this scenic route, you can detour south to Prouts Neck to visit the Winslow Homer Studio ( tours are offered only by advance reservation through the Portland Museum of Art), where the artist painted many of his legendary Maine seascapes from the 1880s until his death in 1910. And you can visit the Portland Head Light , which has served as a beacon to ship captains since 1791 and inspired countless paintings, including Edward Hopper's memorable 1927 work, "Portland Head." You can walk around this graceful stone tower and tour the museum inside the quaint keeper's house — walking paths lead along the rock bluffs and throughout surrounding Fort Williams Park. Route 77 continues north across Casco Bay Bridge and into the heart of Portland.

With its walkable streets lined with stellar restaurants, cocktail lounges, fine galleries and fashionable boutiques, Portland is the perfect city to ditch your car for an afternoon, or even a few days, and explore on foot. The exercise will come in handy given how much eating and drinking you'll be tempted to indulge in. Moreover, there's a clutch of first-rate hotels downtown.

Great views can be had from the grassy lawns of the Western Promenade and Eastern Promenade, two hilltop parks that bracket the city. The Portland Museum of Art features extensive holdings of painters who have immortalized the region's natural scenery, including Homer and Hopper but also John Marin, George Bellows and Andrew Wyeth. There's also an outstanding contemporary collection and terrific rotating exhibits. A few blocks away you can visit the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which now contains the Maine Historical Society . Nearby, the Old Port district exudes old-world charm with its bustling wharves, seafood markets and narrow lanes.

Where to eat and imbibe? Longtime favorites include Fore Street for locally sourced seafood and meats and Duckfat for Belgian-style frites and luscious milkshakes. Along the same block, head to Eventide Oyster Co. for fresh-shucked bivalves and its sister establishment, The Honey Paw , for boldly flavored pan-Asian cooking. Newer chef-driven spots such as locavore-minded Twelve and warmly convivial Thistle & Grouse are turning heads with their inventive, artfully prepared cuisine. And James Beard Award-nominated chefs are well represented in town; consider Krista Cole of Sur Lie (she also runs Gather , just up the road in Yarmouth), Courtney Loreg of Woodford Food & Beverage , Isaul Perez of Isa Bistro and Jake Stevens of Leeward , to name just a few. Allagash , Bissell Brothers and Austin Street are among the more than two dozen craft breweries making waves in and around Portland, while purveyors of everything from artisan baked goods (the Holy Donut , Forage , Norimoto ) to locally roasted coffee ( Tandem , Bard , Speckled Ax ) appear in seemingly every direction. Prepare to be blown away.

The islands of Casco Bay

If you have an extra day, consider taking a cruise among the nearly 150 islands of Casco Bay; six can be reached by scheduled ferry service with Casco Bay Lines from downtown Portland. You can rent a bike near the terminals of most of the islands if you're up for a two-wheel adventure, or just go for a cruise. The sunrise and sunset runs are especially scenic, while the mailboat run lets passengers soak up the scenery as workers deliver mail to several of the islands. For a longer visit, consider booking one of the many vacation rentals on the islands, or staying at one of the few full-service hotels, such as the Inn at Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island.

As you continue up the coast from Portland, you'll encounter the one span of this itinerary that's best undertaken via a dull but efficient freeway. Hop onto Interstate Highway 295 for the nearly 20-mile drive to Freeport, an attractive and historic town that's both a suburb and a retail hub, thanks to the presence in the heart of downtown of the renowned gear and sportswear store L.L. Bean . Established here in 1912, this massive flagship store is open 24/7 and is a must for stocking up on everything from boating and skiing equipment to tasteful housewares and practical yet attractive fleeces, sweaters, boots and more. A crop of other name-brand retailers have outlet shops within walking distance of L.L. Bean.

Set in an imaginatively transformed 1850s mill building in downtown Biddeford, the artful Lincoln Hotel (rates start at $334 per night) contains 33 spacious, industrial-chic rooms with brick walls, gas fireplaces, soaring ceilings and huge windows. It's an excellent choice for taking advantage of Biddeford's increasingly acclaimed culinary scene. Close to Portland Head Light and convenient to downtown Portland but with a peaceful setting on Cape Elizabeth's idyllic Crescent Beach, the pet-welcoming Inn by the Sea (rates start at $495 per night) has 62 individually designed rooms with casually opulent decor; suites have full kitchens.

The seven-story Press Hotel (rates start at $432 or 67,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) occupies a 1920s Old Port building that once housed the city's newspaper and has been given new life as a hip 110-room hotel with old-fashioned writing desks, local art, a rooftop deck, lots of comfy common spaces and a scene-y (for Portland) farm-to-table restaurant. Located in Portland's historic West End, The Francis (rates start at $395 per night) is set in an imposing redbrick mansion that had fallen into a state of disrepair before its new owners completed an ambitious two-year restoration. This dashing 15-room boutique inn has light-filled, uncluttered rooms with a modern vibe, and guests can book spa treatments in the hotel's sister property, The Longfellow, just across the street.

On Great Diamond Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from Old Port, the distinctive Inn at Diamond Cove (rates start at $249 per night) has been created out of late-19th-century army barracks and has spacious, stylish suites, some with kitchens, that feature porches or balconies, and a large pool and acclaimed waterfront restaurant.

Brunswick to Camden 

From Freeport, U.S. Route 1 continues to the dapper college town of Brunswick (home to Bowdoin College and arguably the state's most famous artisan ice cream purveyor, The Gelato Fiasco ), before becoming a less-trafficked and generally quite scenic two-lane road as it meanders in an east-by-northeast direction through Maine's storied Mid-Coast region. It's about a 60-mile drive from Brunswick to Camden, much of it through lively village centers lined with colonial and Victorian houses and storefronts.

You won't see the actual coastline along this section of road, but numerous state roads run south from U.S. Route 1 down to the picturesque tips of several craggy peninsulas, leading to fabled sites of natural beauty like the Giant's Stairs on Bailey Island, Popham Beach in Phippsburg and Pemaquid Point in Bristol. Detouring down these winding, slow-going roads can easily take an hour or more round-trip, without stops, so unless you have lots of time on your hands, don't attempt to explore every one. But do try to set aside time for at least one of these rewarding side excursions, as it's when you get off the beaten path and experience this region's windswept beaches and dramatic rock formations that you gain a true sense of coastal Maine's sheer beauty.

Bath and Boothbay Harbor

Continue on U.S. Route 1 from Brunswick to the bustling small city of Bath, whose location along a deep stretch of the Kennebec River has made it a hub of shipbuilding since the mid-18th century. Thousands of vessels, including striking wooden clipper ships, were built in the shipyards that formerly lined the riverfront, and the grand Federal and Victorian homes that you see throughout town are a testament to the wealth derived from this important industry. On the south side of downtown, Bath Iron Works opened in 1884 and has built countless warships for the U.S. Navy. It continues to function in this capacity as a division of General Dynamics Corp.

You can learn about the town's, and the state's, rich shipbuilding legacy at the outstanding Maine Maritime Museum , which opened in 1971 on the site of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard. This rambling 20-acre campus contains dozens of carefully preserved buildings along with a terrific museum with an impressive permanent collection of nautical art, ship models and memorabilia, as well as excellent rotating exhibits. On your visit, set aside time to take one of the nature and lighthouse cruises that the museum conducts along the Kennebec River.

From Bath, shortly after passing through historic Wiscasset (home to the famous lobster shack Red's Eats ), turn right onto state Route 27 and continue south to Boothbay Harbor, an idyllic yachting enclave that's home to several stunning lodgings as well as a handful of colorful boutiques and convivial seafood restaurants. Boothbay Harbor's greatest draw is the expansive Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens . Peaceful trails lace the more than 300 acres of formal plantings, a delightful children's garden, shady riverside woodlands and art installations, including five whimsical, larger-than-life troll sculptures that Danish artist Thomas Dambo fashioned out of recycled wood.

Back on U.S. Route 1, you'll continue through several attractive small towns, including Damariscotta, known for its oyster farms and beautiful Victorian buildings. River House and King Eider's Pub are a couple of excellent spots in town to enjoy the local seafood.

You'll find some of Mid-Coast Maine's most bewitching scenery along the shore of West Penobscot Bay, starting with Rockland. Once a rough-and-tumble hub of commercial fishing and lime quarrying, and later a supply center serving the needs of the region's swankier resort communities, this town of about 7,100 has enjoyed a recent renaissance thanks in part to the opening of the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum , known for its remarkable collection of works by Andrew Wyeth (as well as his father, N.C., and son Jamie). The museum also features the works of many other notables of American painting and sculpture, including Louise Nevelson and Marsden Hartley. The Farnsworth is the centerpiece of Main Street, whose striking redbrick Italianate buildings house one-of-a-kind shops and eateries.

A block away, the strikingly sleek Center for Maine Contemporary Art , which acclaimed architect Toshiko Mori designed in 2016, is another cornerstone of the town's remarkable creative scene. Rockland supports an increasingly robust dining scene, with Primo and the ethereal Mediterranean cuisine of James Beard Award-winning chef Melissa Kelly leading the way.

Before heading north toward Rockport, make the easy 15-minute detour southeast to Owls Head Lighthouse , a stout white lighthouse that's notable for its dramatic setting atop an 80-foot bluff that guards the entrance to Rockland's busy harbor. Climb to the top of this 1852 structure for a rewarding view of Penobscot Bay and the nearby island of Vinalhaven, to which ferry service is available from downtown Rockland; there's a small, informative museum at the base. Home to more than 150 meticulously maintained antique cars, motorcycles and planes, the Owls Head Transportation Museum makes for a fun stop on your way back to Rockland.

Rockport and Camden

U.S. Route 1 continues north along Penobscot Bay through quaint Rockport, a venerable artists colony set around a glorious little harbor and home to destination-worthy restaurants like 18 Central Oyster Bar and, turning out seasonally sourced Maine-meets-Mediterranean fare, Nina June . Turn right onto U.S. Route 1A and follow this narrow, twisting road through the village and around to Camden City Park, a slice of greenery set on a bluff with commanding views of the antique wooden-masted sailboats and schooners in Camden Harbor. It has access to a wonderful little beach, too.

In Camden, an affluent summer getaway that's famous for its fleet of historic Windjammer ships, several outfitters in town offer sails on the bay. Stroll around downtown, relax in the Olmsted Brothers-designed Harbor Park or make the short but rather steep 1.1-mile round-trip hike up to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park . From the historic observation tower at the top, to which you can also drive, the bay views are stupendous. Back in town, alluring restaurants await, such as Long Grain , for some of the tastiest Thai food in the Northeast, and 40 Paper , with its oft-changing menu of flatbreads, pastas and charcuterie focused on locally sourced ingredients.

A stately 1860s captain's house with additional rooms in adjacent buildings, the Topside Inn (rates start at $369 per night) sits on a hilltop with a gracious lawn and sweeping views of Boothbay Harbor. It's a short stroll from local shops and restaurants and a great base for visiting Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Maine Maritime Museum.

Overlooking the harbor in the heart of downtown Rockland, the stylishly modern 250 Main Hotel (rates start at $358 per night) has 26 spacious, high-ceilinged rooms on five floors, along with a rooftop deck with fantastic views of the water and downtown. The thoughtful staff tends to guests' every need, and amenities include a light complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese.

One of Mid-Coast Maine's most luxurious hideaways, the Camden Harbour Inn (rates start at $555 per night) is part of Relais & Chateaux and enjoys a spectacular setting on a hill with expansive views of the town harbor. This 20-room property features an inn and the critically acclaimed restaurant Natalie's; it's also a short walk from downtown dining and shopping. A half-mile up U.S. Route 1 from downtown Camden, Whitehall (rates start at $231 per night) occupies a 19th-century sea captain's mansion that's been given a clever, boldly colored 21st-century makeover. The 36 rooms and suites are set among a few buildings and range from plush and expansive to simple and economical (with bathrooms down the hall).

Camden to Bar Harbor

There are essentially two ways to get from Camden to Bar Harbor, which is just 40 miles east as the crow flies: the long way, following U.S. Route 1 up around Penobscot and directly across to Ellsworth, and the really long way, which entails detouring extensively down through the beautiful Blue Hill Peninsula and onto pastoral Deer Isle before cutting back up to Ellsworth.

The first option takes a little under two hours without stops, while the second option can take as long as four hours depending on how many of the Blue Hill Peninsula's nooks and crannies you decide to explore. This side excursion is well worth the time if you're not in a rush. Either way, from Ellsworth, it's an easy drive down state Route 3 onto the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island to get to Bar Harbor.

As you drive northeast along U.S. Route 1, skirting the western shore of Penobscot Bay, you'll pass through the small beach town of Lincolnville, which is where you can pick up the ferry to the attractive summer vacation island of Islesboro, before entering one of the coast's most alluring small towns, Belfast. With a downtown abundant with grand centuries-old homes and shopfronts with ornate brick facades, the governmental seat of Waldo County is a pleasure to explore on foot. You'll find a smattering of generally casual bars and eateries in town, plus some intriguing antiques and housewares shops.

Searsport and Bucksport

As you continue up U.S. Route 1, more antiquing awaits in the friendly village of Searsport, which is also worth a visit for its superb Penobscot Marine Museum . About 10 miles north, right before the road crosses the Penobscot River, make a left turn and follow the signs to Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory . Built in 2007, the soaring cable-stayed Penobscot Narrows Bridge is home to the world's tallest bridge observatory; take the elevator to the top of the 420-foot-high West Tower to enjoy the 360-degree views. Then return to earth and stroll the grounds of the adjacent Fort Knox, a formidable granite fortress constructed in the mid-19th century.

After driving across the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, you'll come to the small riverfront town of Bucksport, a former mill town that's reinvented itself as a burgeoning center of tourism. The walking path along the riverfront makes for a pleasant stroll.

Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle

Bordered by Penobscot Bay to the west and Jericho Bay, Blue Hill Bay and Mount Desert Narrows to the south and east, the mostly rural and incredibly peaceful Blue Hill Peninsula is about 25 miles long and contains just a handful of unpretentious yet dignified villages and a cluster of atmospheric country inns and reliable restaurants. As you drive along its curving country roads and alongside its pebbly beaches and graceful bays, it's easy to imagine you're seeing a slice of coastal Maine much as it probably looked a century ago. Home to several conservation areas and nature preserves, the peninsula is popular for hiking, with 934-foot-tall Blue Hill Mountain among the best destinations for a not-too-strenuous 2-mile round-trip scramble, and the views from the top are impressive.

To get here, turn right onto state Route 166 from Bucksport and follow it south along the eastern shore of Penobscot Bay to Castine, a once-bustling colonial seaport that transitioned gradually into a summer colony of understatedly wealthy industrialists in the 19th century. You'll find a handful of endearing shops and eateries in the village center overlooking the harbor.

From here, backtrack up and around Northern Bay and then follow state Route 175 south to a bridge and then a causeway leading to 30-square-mile Deer Isle, with a pair of winsome villages, Deer Isle proper and Stonington, with still more appealing boutiques, galleries and eateries. Home to one of the state's most famous farm-to-table restaurants, Aragosta , Deer Isle attracts more than its share of foodies. Return to the main route by crossing back onto the peninsula and taking state Route 175 or 172 northeast to the peninsula's largest town, Blue Hill, which is still pretty tiny (the population is slightly fewer than 1,000 souls).

Follow U.S. Route 1 and then state Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island, home to the postcard-worthy resort town of Bar Harbor as well as most of Acadia National Park . Bar Harbor was established as a fishing and shipbuilding town in the 1760s, but by the middle of the next century, prestigious American landscape painters, including Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, were drawn here by the captivating harbor, towering granite cliffs and mountains, and sheltered beaches. The town soon attracted wealthy visitors, many of whom, including Rockefellers, Astors and Vanderbilts, erected massive summer homes. The downtown is one of the prettiest, albeit busiest during the summer high season, in the state.

From May through October, cruise ships tie up in the harbor and ferry passengers into town, resulting in sometimes excessive crowds. That being said, the lovely Main Street is lined with appealing shops and eateries, and both the Village Green and waterfront Agamont Park are enchanting spots to relax, perhaps with a slab of fudge or a dish of ice cream from one of the countless sweets shops. Pro tip: Mount Desert Island Ice Cream , which now has locations as far away as Japan, serves the best frozen desserts in town, with unique flavors like coriander-lemon curd and hojicha (roasted green tea). Make sure to visit the two excellent history museums in town, the Abbe Museum , a Smithsonian-affiliated property devoted to interpreting Maine Indigenous culture and natural history, and La Rochelle Mansion , the Gilded Age "summer cottage" of George Bowdoin that opened as a museum in 2020.

Acadia National Park

Home to the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard (Cadillac Mountain, elevation 1,530 feet) and remarkably diverse landscapes of rugged and rocky coastal headlands and pristine forests and beaches, Acadia National Park is one of the great natural treasures of New England. About 77 square miles, the park covers around half of Mount Desert Island, mostly on the eastern of the island's two lobes; the rest of Acadia is on Isle au Haut (reachable by ferry from Deer Isle), a number of small and mostly uninhabited islands in the vicinity, and the southern end of the Schoodic Peninsula. Most visitors focus their efforts on the portion of the park adjacent to Bar Harbor, which is indeed an excellent place to start, although this section of Acadia also receives the greatest number of visitors and can feel a bit overwhelming in summer, especially on weekends.

After stopping by the park's Hulls Cove Visitor Center, drive the breathtaking 27-mile Park Loop Road, absorbing the views from the many rocky ledges. Enjoy lunch at the historic Jordan Pond House restaurant. It's famous for its fluffy fresh-baked popovers with butter and strawberry jam.

Although you can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, parking is limited and reservations are required between mid-May and mid-October to drive to the summit. If you love getting outside and you're ready for a break from driving, consider hiking to the top instead. Several trails, ranging in length from around 2 to 7 miles round-trip, lead to the summit. Other appealing treks in the park include neighboring and less crowded Dorr Mountain and climbing the ladders and rungs of the short but quite vertical Beehive Loop, which overlooks one of the park's loveliest stretches of shoreline, Sand Beach. If you have an extra day or want to get away from the crowds, set aside a few hours to explore the park's quieter western side, checking out the trails around Beech Mountain and Echo Lake.

A luxurious base that's close to both Camden and Belfast yet not far from the Blue Hill Peninsula, the exquisitely restored Homeport Inn and Tavern (rates start at $179 per night) is a short walk from Searsport's town park and fishing pier. This 1860s sea captain's house has a warmly lit British-style pub serving elevated comfort fare, and many rooms have terraces overlooking the verdant gardens.

Famous for having one of the state's most celebrated restaurants, Aragosta at Goose Cove (rates start at $360 per night) offers overnight stays in nine dog-friendly cottages with kitchenettes and three suites, all of them steps from the sea (and some of them with direct water views). It's in the quiet village of Deer Isle, far from crowds, even in the middle of summer. The Blue Hill Inn (rates start at $237 per night) is one of the true gems of the Blue Hill Peninsula. This 1830s mansion decorated in the Federal period style has 11 upscale rooms, and there are two more contemporary suites in an adjacent Cape House cottage. Rates include a lavish multicourse breakfast, and the inn is within walking distance of the harbor and several popular restaurants.

With one of the most desirable locations of any hotel on Mount Desert Island, the refined Bar Harbor Inn & Spa (rates start at $469 per night) sits on a promontory with stupendous views of Frenchman Bay and a wealth of amenities, including an infinity pool, a full-service spa and three waterfront restaurants; many rooms have balconies with water views. The inn accesses the town's famous coastal Shore Path and is an easy stroll from numerous restaurants, shops and the sightseeing cruises that depart from the town pier. The owners run a few other first-rate properties in town, including the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (rates start at $409 per night), a contemporary reconstruction of a baronial 19th-century inn that was lost in a fire.

The stylishly updated Salt Cottages (rates start at $505 per night) date to the 1940s and are a 10-minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor, across the road from Hulls Cove Beach and right by the Hulls Cove Entrance to Acadia National Park. Popular with families, this welcoming beachy-chic resort offers a host of amenities, from a pool and hot tub to lawn games and a fire pit with s'mores. For a quieter stay away from the bustle of Bar Harbor, book a room at the beautifully renovated Claremont Hotel (rates start at $529 per night), overlooking Somes Sound in Southwest Harbor, on the more tranquil western half of Mount Desert Island. It's a great base for exploring the trails in Acadia National Park's west side, and this 6-acre property features a large pool, three excellent restaurants and a wide range of accommodations options, from classic hotel rooms to houses with multiple bedrooms.

Bar Harbor to Lubec

After returning to U.S. Route 1 from Mount Desert Island, it's about a 90-minute journey — the final 15 minutes on state Route 189 bring you to the town of Lubec, which is the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. This is the most sparsely populated stretch of Maine's coast. It's punctuated by a few hardscrabble fishing, farming and timber towns, and the natural scenery along the smaller roads leading out to the coast is beautiful, but there aren't a lot of dedicated attractions in this region. One notable exception to keep an eye out for as you zoom along U.S. Route 1 is the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center in tiny Columbia Falls, which occupies a distinctive pale-blue geodesic dome building meant to resemble a bulbous blueberry. It's one of those goofy roadside stops that's fun for a photo op. Inside the building, a small nonprofit museum has exhibits about the state's most famous crop and a gift shop selling all things blueberry-themed.

For the most part, car traffic dwindles to a trickle, even in summer, once you drive east of Ellsworth. At the end of the road, however, Lubec and neighboring (across Johnson Bay) Eastport are inviting villages free from excessive development. For fans of seaside solitude, it's worth tacking on an extra day or two to complete the drive to the Canadian border.

Even if you're not planning to go all the way to Lubec, consider driving at least as far as the small, laid-back village of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula, which dips down into the Gulf of Maine just 5 miles across the water from Bar Harbor. In summer, you can take a passenger ferry between the two towns; otherwise, it's an hour's drive up and around Frenchman Bay. At the southern tip of the peninsula, off state Route 186, you can enter the nearly 4,000-acre Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, with its largely untrampled conifer forests and bike-friendly scenic park loop road and gravel paths. Only a tiny fraction of visitors ever make it to this pristine and highly underrated section of the park that's anchored by the Schoodic Institute , a 1930s mansion that once held offices and living quarters for the U.S. Navy base that occupied the land before it was transferred to the park in 2002. The building now houses a visitor center and a small museum with exhibits on natural history and the peninsula's interesting military history.

A mellow fishing village surrounded on three sides by water, scenic Lubec has just under 300 residents and an unpretentious downtown with a handful of casual lodging and dining options. After spending the night in town, you can rise early and drive to nearby Quoddy Head State Park to watch the sunrise from the nation's easternmost point. Set aside an hour or two to walk around the 49-foot-tall candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and explore the park's peaceful, windswept nature trails.

Campobello Island

Another enjoyable activity in this part of the world is driving over the only bridge onto Canada's Campobello Island (from the Canadian mainland, you can get to this wooded island of about 950 residents by ferry only). The main event here is visiting Roosevelt Campobello International Park , the 2,800-acre summer hideaway of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. You can tour the 1897 shingle-style house and learn more about the couple in the excellent visitor center. Don't forget to bring your passport!

Tantalizingly within view of both downtown Lubec and Roosevelt Campobello International Park, this historic village on the southeastern tip of Moose Island is only reachable (by car, at least) by driving about 45 minutes around Cobscook Bay. (In summer, there is a passengers-only water taxi that runs between Lubec and Eastport.) Despite feeling even more remote than Lubec, Eastport's downtown actually has more in the way of infrastructure, with a waterfront historic district that comprises a few blocks of handsome Victorian buildings containing a smattering of galleries and cafes. Horn Run Brewing occupies one of the prettiest buildings in town and serves well-crafted brews and tasty pub fare, with a tree-shaded patio looking across the Passamaquoddy Bay toward Canada's Deer and Campobello islands. Stop by the Tides Institute & Museum of Art , which is set inside a vintage bank building and contains rotating exhibits.

Optional side trip to St. Andrews, New Brunswick

You could easily continue your coastal explorations by crossing onto the Canadian mainland and driving farther into the Maritime Provinces. From the border crossing between Calais, Maine (which is a half-hour drive up the St. Croix River from Eastport), and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, it's just an hour or so to the province's largest, and Canada's oldest, incorporated city, St. John. From there, plenty of travelers continue on to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

But even if your goal is to return to your starting point in southwestern Maine, you might consider making a quick side excursion to St. Andrews, which is just a half-hour southeast of the Calais-St. Stephen border crossing. This colorful maritime village perched at the tip of a peninsula that juts into Passamaquoddy Bay is known for its quaint downtown art galleries, seafood eateries and colonial houses. It's also home to several upscale inns and hotels, including the gracious, Tudor Revival-style Algonquin Resort.

En route from Bar Harbor to the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, the enchanting Crocker House Country Inn (rates start at $210 per night) sits near the tip of a secluded peninsula, Hancock Point, an easy stroll from the Frenchman Bay waterfront. The 11 rooms in this 1884 inn received a dapper renovation in 2022, and the inn's restaurant serves exceptionally tasty contemporary American and Asian specialties.

At the Inn on the Wharf (rates start at $130 per night) in tiny Lubec, you can stay in the easternmost town in the United States while enjoying a view from your room of the sun setting to the west over the water. The inn operates out of a former sardine factory but also has rooms in several contemporary cottages on a hill overlooking the bay. A casual restaurant serves simple, fresh seafood, and whale-watching excursions are offered on the inn's 26-passenger boat. In Eastport's downtown historic district, the Kilby House Inn (rates start at $150 per night) is set in a pretty Queen Anne house with four period-furnished rooms with antique beds and country quilts; a full breakfast is served in the dining room each morning.

If you decide to hop across the border for a night or two, consider staying at the elegantly restored Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea (rates start at $218 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), which is in the quaint seaside village of St. Andrews, New Brunswick. A member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, this red-roofed late-Victorian hotel has 233 stylishly appointed rooms, five restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and an award-winning 18-hole golf course.

The Best 10-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary For An Amazing Trip

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Do you need help planning a coastal Maine road trip itinerary ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in the New England region of the United States, Maine is the country’s easternmost state and borders Canada to the north.

Its cooler climate and coastal location are what allow visitors to enjoy many of the things Maine is most known for: delicious seafood, juicy blueberries, beautiful beaches, rocky coastline, and stunning landscapes that offer some of the world’s best hiking and outdoor activities.

There is a lot to enjoy on a Maine road trip, though with so many options, it can be hard to narrow down what to actually add to your itinerary.

Luckily, I’ve done the hard work for you, and you’ll find a road trip through Maine mapped out below — complete with recommendations for where to go, what to do, where to eat, and tips for having the best trip possible.

This itinerary is based on a summer road trip I did with my husband Andy, though solo travelers, families, and friend groups can also enjoy the below suggestions.

To help you have the best Maine road trip possible; one complete with incredible memories you’ll truly never forget!

Renting a car for coastal Maine road trip?  Check out  Discover Cars  to quickly compare your rental options. Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% by using their tool! There are also a number of fun guided Maine tours to add to your itinerary, like an Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland or an eBike Tour of Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads from Bar Harbor .

Psst, don’t forget to pin this Maine itinerary for later!

Simply add the map to your phone to have it ready to go for your trip.

Bonus: The kit comes with 40+ other travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

On that note, let’s go over how to have the absolute best road trip in Maine.

10-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary (Quick Facts)

To help you save time, here is a quick overview of the Maine coast vacation itinerary detailed below.

Maine car rental: Use DiscoverCars to compare prices across various car rental companies. This can really help you save money when traveling to Maine or heading out on a road trip .

Maine travel insurance: I use and recommend SafetyWing , which offers budget-friendly yet robust coverage.

Road trip planning tool: Wondering how to plan a trip to Maine? Check out Roadtrippers Plus , which helps you plan your route, estimate gas costs, book hotels and tours, create maps, and more. Use code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off!

Stop #1: Portland (2 nights)

• Stay: This historic hot tub-equipped Airbnb or at a hotel in downtown Portland – like the Black Elephant Hostel (which has private rooms) or The Docent’s Collection .
• Eat: Bite Into Maine (amazing lobster rolls), Blyth & Burrows (cocktails & bites), Central Provisions (unique seasonal menu), Holy Donut (made-from-scratch potato donuts).
• Do: Bike the lighthouses as a DIY adventure or book this tour , walk the many scenic neighborhoods, visit beautiful beaches (like Old Orchard Beach), and do a beer tour .
• Tours: Click here for a full list of tours in Portland, Maine .

Stop #2: Bar Harbor (3 nights)

• Stay: We stayed at the Acadia Pines Motel based solely on the price, and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. It was fine for what we needed, though if I did it again I’d probably choose the reasonably-priced Little Fig Hotel , which also has a better location right in Bar Harbor’s walkable village.
• Eat: 2 Cats Restaurant (made-from-scratch breakfast), Terrace Grille (delicious lunch on the water), Merchant & Frye (farm-to-fork eatery), and Geddy’s (fresh local lobster).
• Do: Hike in Acadia National Park, wander the walkable village and its coastal Shore Path, and go on a tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co .
• Tours: Click here for a full list of tours in Bar Harbor, Maine .

Route 1 Maine Road Trip Map

When it comes to Maine driving trips along the coast, many people like to take Route 1 since it’s smooth, scenic, and parallels the Maine coast.

To help you save time, you can click here for a Google Map for your Route 1 Maine coast itinerary with the above-mentioned destinations pre-plotted.

10-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary (In-Depth Plan)

Now let’s go over our best coastal road trip in Maine in-depth.

In this section, I’ll detail a number of recommendations in each stop based on my own unforgettable 10 day Maine itinerary — so that you can steal them for your own travels.

Of course, this list of ideas for a road trip through coastal Maine is not exhaustive. If you have your own suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Maine Road Trip Stop #1: Portland (2 Nights)

One stop you should definitely add to your Maine trip is Portland, a hip city with a rich history.

Originally called “Machigonne” (great neck) by the Native American Algonquians, the area was later named after the English Isle of Portland.

According to Britannica , it changed names a few more times before eventually becoming Portland again, and its history includes being a fishing and trading village, seeing many wars (and being destroyed and rebuilt many times), and playing a big part in the transportation industry.

Much of this history, and more, can be explored at Portland’s many museums.

Portland is actually Maine’s largest city, and today you’ll find loads of opportunities to discover great restaurants, bars, nightlife, tours, and cultural institutions.

Quite honestly, there is enough to do to warrant a longer stay in Portland; however, as this is only a 10-day Maine itinerary and we’ve got places to go, I’m keeping it at 2 nights. That being said, feel free to extend if you have the time!

Where To Stay In Portland

Airbnb with hot tub . During our road trip to Portland, Maine, we stayed in a charming Airbnb housed in a building that’s on the National Historic Registry. Known as the Leonard Bond Chapman House (circa 1868), the home is a classic Second-Empire Victorian, and once featured vast farmland and a successful nursery — though today you’ll find the land has amenities like a hot tub, pool, and relaxing lounge areas.

Hotel in Portland’s Old Port . If you’d prefer to be in the heart of the action, staying in the historic Old Port with its cobblestone streets and beautiful brick buildings is a smart idea. You’ll be within walking distance of loads of restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutiques — plus the waterfront is nearby if you’d like to enjoy a promenade walk, waterfront meal, or sunset cruise .

Things To Do In Portland, Maine

-Bike The Lighthouses

One fun activity to do along your coastal Maine road trip is to bike the lighthouses Portland is so well known for.

You can rent a bike from Lighthouse Bikes in South Portland, which offers rentals for $10 per hour or $35 per day, which also gets you a helmet, bike lock, and a map.

There are 5 lighthouses on the main route, though most people only do the first 4 — Bug Light , Spring Point Ledge , Ram Island Ledge , and Portland Head Lighthouse .

Liquid Riot . While they have a food menu, I’d recommend coming here just for drinks. They brew their own beer and distill their own alcohol — meaning the libations are delicious. Plus, the space is really cool with giant glass windows showing the behind-the-scenes of the operation, wine barrels as tables, and indoor-outdoor seating.

Drink recommendation: the “Wild Hearts” made with Liquid Riot Bonfire Spirit, mezcal, banana Cognac, lime, prickly pear, grapefruit, and spice.

Holy Donut . This beloved local donut shop is known for their made-from-scratch potato donuts that come in flavors like chocolate sea salt and blueberry lemon. My top pick: the vegan chocolate caramel coconut, which looks and tastes like a Samoa cookie!

Geddy’s Restaurant . No vacation on the Maine coastline would be complete without savoring some local lobster. This eatery in Bar Harbor Village is known for its fun nautical decor and fresh lobster caught right in the Maine waters out front. Pair a Lobster Bake — which comes with lobster, corn, and homemade blueberry pie — with a local Atlantic Brewery beer.

Merchant & Frye . This hip eatery in Bar Harbor Village serves up seasonally-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with their craft cocktails, local beers, and carefully curated wines in a stylish space with open kitchen, fun artwork like regal dog portraits, and classic diner tables and stools.

We loved the Maine mussels appetizer — served with seed crackers and aioli for a unique flavor. It’s also recommended to try the Crab Cacio & Pepe with thick rye pappardelle pasta and a generous helping of crab meat, and the 12-hour smoked brisket with marinated heirloom tomatoes.

Graffiti Donuts . This dessert cafe’s specialty is donut creations — including “Donut Nachos” featuring fresh-made cinnamon sugar donut holes, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and rainbow sprinkles. Yum!

Terrace Grille . Here you can savor an amazing lunch with a front row view of the harbor. A few standout dishes include the fish tacos made with local Maine haddock, the shrimp and haddock grits, the lobster roll, and the homemade New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. Pair with a local Atlantic Brewing Co beer or their charitable cocktail of the day (it was “Bubbles For Books” when we visited).

Tours In Bar Harbor, Maine

Add one — or more — of the following Bar Harbor tours to really experience the best of coastal Maine:

• Private Holiday Professional Photo Shoot in Bar Harbor
• Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
• Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour
• A Walk Through Time in Bar Harbor (Celebrating 200+ Years!)

Click here for a full list of Bar Harbor tours .

Tips For Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor has free parking after 8pm. This is true even in the large main lots.

Book your trip in advance. While this goes for all of coastal Maine, Bar Harbor is particularly tricky when it comes to finding affordable lodging. Especially if visiting during the busy summer months, book your accommodation, tours, and transportation as far in advance as possible.

Plan your Cadillac Mountain visit in advance. When researching what to do in coastal Maine, visiting the iconic Cadillac Mountain — the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,530 feet tall — will undoubtedly come up as a recommendation. The thing is, you need a permit to drive to the summit, which books up quickly. You can find full information on making a Cadillac Mountain reservation here .

Maine Road Trip Stop #3: Camden (2 Nights)

If you want to explore the best places to go on the coast of Maine, Camden should definitely be on your road trip itinerary, especially as many consider it to be one of the prettiest coastal Maine towns.

“Where the mountains meet the sea” is Camden’s motto, as it’s one of only two places on the Atlantic seaboard where inland hills roll right up to the harbor to kiss the water.

This makes for absolutely breathtaking scenery whether you’re hiking in the local Camden Hills State Park or wandering the charming waterfront village full of galleries, shops, restaurants, and breweries.

Actually, the Native American Penobscots, who originally inhabited present-day Camden , called it “Megunticook,” meaning “great swells of the sea” — which references the silhouette of the Camden Hills. Hopefully, you’ll have some bright days in Camden during your coastal Maine road trip, as this is when the visual is most apparent.

On that note, let’s go over how to have an amazing time in Camden on your road trip to Maine.

Where To Stay In Camden, Maine

High Tide Inn . We absolutely loved our stay at this bed & breakfast — which is only a 6-minute drive to the walkable village and a 3-minute drive to Camden Hills State Park.

Owned by two sisters, they offer cottages and motel units, many of which have ocean views.

Along with a delicious breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, and homemade baked goods, you can enjoy sipping a glass of wine, seeing a sunrise, or stargazing on their beautiful lawn (with lawn chairs) or on their private beach.

Camden Deli . Not only does this deli have delicious sandwiches — including a number of yummy options for vegetarians — it has a back patio with waterfront views and a rooftop.

Sea Dog Brewing . Enjoy elevated pub fare like crab rangoon dip, creamy lobster bisque, or a veggie sweet potato burger on the back patio with waterfront views and pair with one of their many beers: wild blueberry ale, hazelnut porter, light-bodied wheat ale, hoppy IPA, and more!

Peter Ott’s On The Water . Treat yourself to a nice meal at this fancy restaurant on the water. Prices are reasonable for the level of service and the quality of the dishes — like the homemade lobster corn chowder, panko-crusted haddock, or my personal recommendation, lobster fettuccini. Order it and thank me later!

Tours In Camden, Maine

Camden is one of the best places to visit on the Maine coast, especially if you add some of the following tours to your itinerary:

• Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail
• Windjammer Classic Day Sail
• Ghost Walking Tour
• Artisanal Cheeses of Maine Class

Click here for a full list of Camden tours .

Tips For Visiting Camden, Maine

Explore Camden early. Camden Village closes down early, with most shops closing around 5pm or 6pm and dinner restaurants closing around 8pm or 9pm. Many places — especially those on the water — will have a wait, so if you can get there before 6pm you’ll avoid having to wait for an hour.

Parking is cheap. Along with paid parking spots and lots that are typically $2 per hour, there are a few free lots — including one on Washington Street behind Camden Fire Department and one past the Camden Public Library on Atlantic Avenue.

Maine Road Trip Stop #4: Kennebunkport (2 Nights)

Sitting at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, right along the Atlantic coast, sits Kennebunkport — one of the Kennebunks, which consists of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel.

To the Native American Abenaki, Kennebunk meant “the long cut bank,” believed to reference Great Hill at the mouth of the Mousam River.

The place we call Kennebunkport today was named Cape Porpus by settlers in 1653, and then Arundel in 1717. In 1821, it was finally called Kennebunkport — a name derived from an Abenaki or Mi’kmaq word translating to “long sandbar,” according to Britannica .

Today, the hub of activity is in and around the Dock Square neighborhood of Kennebunkport. Here you’ll find a walkable village with local shops and eateries, waterfront restaurants, and activities like kayak and bike rentals.

That being said, there are numerous places to explore in and around Dock Square to enhance your Maine coastal road trip.

Where To Stay In Kennebunkport

Paris In Kennebunk (Airbnb). This cozy and comfortable Airbnb is located in nearby Kennebunk and is walkable to a number of yummy restaurants. There is also a backyard with a grill, fire pit, hot tub, and loads of seating options for relaxing under the stars with a glass of wine.

Whimsy . Here they sell whimsical home decor and gifts, like decorative lamp shades, hand-carved bird statues, and Maine-themed ornaments.

Minka . This boutique showcases sustainable and handmade apparel, accessories, and art.

Note that these are hardly your only options, so add exploring Dock Square for a few hours to your coastal Maine road trip itinerary!

-Relax on the beach

The best Maine road trips always include time in the sand. Luckily, There are many local beaches in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, like Kennebunk Beach , Mothers Beach , and Parsons Beach .

Probably the most popular — and the one you’ll see in many Maine tourism ads — is Gooch Beach , which features an expansive stretch of sand with swimmable waters, waves for surfing, and views of lovely local homes.

This is one of the best places to visit along the Maine coast. Plus, if you book the above-mentioned Airbnb, a beach parking pass is included with your stay!

Tours In Kennebunkport / Kennebunk

No road trip along the Maine coast would be complete without visiting Kennebunkport. Elevate your itinerary by booking some of the following tours:

• Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charters in Maine
• A Walk Through Time in Kennebunkport (Celebrating 200+ Years!)
• 3 Hour Kayak/SUP Rental in Cape Porpoise Harbor
• Alpha Omega Connections – A Spiritual Healing and Guidance Home

Click here for a full list of tours in Kennebunkport .

Tips For Visiting Kennebunkport

Know where to park. During busy times, the parking lot in the center of Kennebunkport gets full and it’s tough to find parking. Luckily, we discovered a large and empty free lot about a 10-minute walk from the village. The lot is next to the Kennbunkport Fire Station. Here is a pin you can put into Google Maps to find it.

Shorter 7-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary Option

Not all great driving trips in Maine need to be long to be fun. If you don’t have time for a full 10 day coastal Maine road trip itinerary and only have a week to spare, I’d personally cut out Portland and shave one night off Bar Harbor.

With this in mind, your Maine coast driving itinerary would be:

• Bar Harbor (2 nights)
• Camden (2 nights)
• Kennebunkport (2 nights)

This is especially true if visiting Maine in the warmer months when you’ll want to take advantage of the beaches and don’t necessarily care about exploring a bigger city as much.

If traveling to Maine in the winter, then you might instead consider removing Kennebunkport from the road trip itinerary.

With this in mind, your cool weather coastal Maine vacation itinerary would be:

• Portland (2 nights)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable week in Maine, either of the above would be perfect. These are truly some of the best scenic road trips in Maine.

About Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa is a New York-based travel content creator who is passionate about empowering her audience to experience new places and live a life of adventure. She is the founder of the solo female travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and is editor-in-chief of Epicure & Culture , an online conscious tourism magazine. Along with writing, Jessie is a professional photographer and is the owner of NYC Photo Journeys , which offers New York photo tours, photo shoots, and wedding photography. Her work has appeared in publications like USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, Thrillist, and WestJet Magazine.

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The driving distance from Cincinnati, Ohio to Maine (ME) is:

1,064 miles / 1 712 km, map of driving directions from cincinnati, oh to maine.

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest .

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Driving distance from Cincinnati, OH to Maine

The total driving distance from Cincinnati, OH to Maine is 1,064 miles or 1 712 kilometers .

Your trip begins in Cincinnati, Ohio. It ends in the state of Maine.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Cincinnati, OH to Maine so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

You can also calculate the cost of driving from Cincinnati, OH to Maine based on current local fuel prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Cincinnati, OH and Maine .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the straight line distance to fly from Cincinnati, OH to Maine .

Cincinnati, Ohio

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Ultimate 5-Day Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary

Looking for a way to see a ton of amazing sites along Maine’s coast but time is short? Look no further – I’ve got a 4- or 5-day itinerary that we loved when we visited in 2022. Below are my favorites and ‘must-see’ stops for a coastal Maine road trip.

In my opinion, the best parts of coastal Maine are the coastline views, lighthouses, and Acadia National Park.

Arriving in Maine

First, you’ll need to get there. Many people fly into Boston Logan International Airport. I prefer to avoid crazy city traffic when possible, so we opted to fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire instead. Then you’ll need to rent a car before hitting the open road.

Don’t forget to check out my Rental Car Tips and Complete Road Trip Guide .

It was only a little over an hour to get to our first stop in Maine. From there, almost the entire trip is along Route 1 making it an easy drive.

Day 1: York to Portland

Nubble Lighthouse

Nubble Light , formally known as the Cape Neddick Light Station, sits on a rock island a hundred feet off the shore of York, Maine. Its nickname comes from the term for a small, off-shore island – nubble.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Located on the breakwater in South Portland, Spring Point Ledge is a caisson-style light station. You can walk on the 950-foot granite breakwater up the lighthouse. Next to the breakwater, you can explore Fort Preble on the SMCC campus.

Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light

Fort Williams Park is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This 90-acre park has a museum, lighthouse, mansion, batteries, hiking paths, playground, and views of the ocean. The park is free; however, from April to mid-November premium parking lots near the main attractions have parking fees.

Dating to 1791, Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest, commissioned by George Washington.

There are a handful of battery ruins in the park. Battery Keyes was built in 1906 as one of the last two batteries in the fort. You can walk up and into the battery. From the top you get a great view of the Portland Head Light in the distance.

Where to stay: You can stay in Portland. We stayed overnight in Brunswick, Maine to make our drive on Day 2 shorter.

Day 2: Arrowsic, Boothbay, and New Harbor

Doubling Point Lighthouse

Doubling Point Lighthouse was my favorite lighthouse I saw in Maine! We were able to walk right up to the charming 23-foot light. One of Maine’s river lights, it was built in 1898 on Arrowsic Island in the Kennebec River. It is sometimes called Kennebec River Lighthouse.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

The 300-acre Costal Maine Botanical Gardens offer beautiful flowers, birds, toads, walking trails, and – best of all – sculptural trolls! There are 5 giant trolls, called the Guardians of the Seeds, throughout the botanical gardens – each with their own name, form, and purpose. These trolls are made of recycled pallets and other salvaged wood.

The central gardens are universally accessible; however, the rest of the trails are sloped forest paths and gravel walkways.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park includes the lighthouse tower, fishermen’s museum, learning center, art gallery, picnic area, and public restrooms. Pemaquid Point allows visitors to climb into the 38-foot tower during the season. Park admission includes access to the tower. I also recommend that you explore the rocky ledges for beautiful coastal views, but be careful as some have steep drop-offs.

Marshall Point Lighthouse

Marshall Point Lighthouse was featured in the film Forrest Gump! It is a beautiful lighthouse accessible by a walkway. The lighthouse overlooks Muscongus Bay and Penobscot Bay at the point of St. George Peninsula.

Where to stay: New Harbor or Camden. We stayed overnight in Lincolnville, Maine near Mount Battie at the Mount Battie Inn.

Day 3: Camden, Rockport, and Rockland

Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is at the end of a 7/8-mile breakwater. It is free to visit. I recommend starting your day here when crowds are limited, and you can still find fisherman along the breakwater.

Use caution on the breakwater – it is made of uneven granite blocks with gaps in between. The granite can be slippery when wet. As volunteers are available, the 25-foot tower is open for tours.

Rockport Marine Park

Rockport is on the shore of Penobscot Bay between Rockland and Camden. This marine park offers a walking path along the harbor with multiple benches. The park has several old limekilns on the waterfront. You can also visit the André the Seal statue and spy the Indian Island Lighthouse across the harbor.

Curtis Island Lighthouse Overlook

A break in the trees at the water’s edge gives you stunning views of Camden Harbor and Curtis Island. Curtis Island acts as a breakwater for the harbor from ocean storms.

The 25-foot lighthouse is a cylindrical, white brick tower. This newer tower was built in 1896. Andrew Jackson ordered the original tower in 1835.

Camden Hills State Park

Created in the 1930s, the park is just north of Camden on U.S. Route 1. There is an admission fee in order to hike, bike, horseback ride, camp, snowshoe, picnic, and drive the auto road up to the top of Mount Battie.

I recommend trying to time it so you can watch the sunset from Mount Battie . To reach the summit of Mount Battie, you can hike the Mount Battie Trail or drive up the road like we did.

Where to stay: Lincolnville, Camden or drive up to Bar Harbor.

Day 4: Acadia National Park

We combined Acadia in our day 3 itinerary, but I would recommend dedicating a whole day to the park if you are looking to hike or see specific features like the splash of Thunder Hole.

Maine’s coastal national park, Acadia National Park, protects almost 64 miles of coastline on Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and other islands.

Drive the Park Loop Road

The most popular drive, with the main attractions, is the 27-mile Park Loop Road . Most of Park Loop Road is one-way with two lanes. There are many areas where signs indicate visitors can park in the right lane.

From Park Loop Road, visitors can hike, relax, swim, and enjoy mountains, lakes, forests, meadows, ocean coastlines, beaches, plants, and animals.

Go for a Hike

There are hikes for all skill levels with 150 miles of trails. Visitors can enjoy mountain, coastal, lake, and forest paths. Some routes include iron rungs, staircases, exposed cliffs, and steep climbs so do your research before you arrive.

Popular hikes include Beehive Loop, Cadillac North Ridge and South Ridge Trails, Great Head Trail, Hemlock Path Loop, Jordan Cliffs Loop, Ocean Path Trail, Ship Harbor Trail, and Wonderland Trail.

Note: If you want to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, a separate fee and reservation are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road.

Where to stay: Bar Harbor or drive back to Camden

Optional Day 5

Book a whale watch tour.

There are different tours and companies all along the coast. We had one booked from Portland with Odyssey Whale Watch but it was cancelled due to a hurricane coming in from the south.

Explore Camden

• Take a cruise in Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
• Walk around downtown Camden and the High Street Historic District to check out the antique stores, shops, and cafes.
• Have a picnic on the waterfront.
• Enjoy nature at the Merryspring Nature Center or nearby Murray and McLellan-Poor Preserves .
• Catch a performance at the Camden Opera House.

If You Have More Time

There are of course more lighthouses and coastline farther north. If you have the time, don’t miss out on West Quoddy Head Lighthouse which is the easternmost point in the continental United States! Consider hiking Mount Katahdin or visiting Moosehead Lake.

Looking for a quaint seaside town along the route? Try Kennebunkport for shopping, beaches, and the harbor.

If you’re really looking for an adventure, take a ferry to Nova Scotia for a day trip.

We were visiting multiple states, so we continued inland toward New Hampshire, stopping at Moxie Falls and Rumford Falls along the way.

What to Eat

When in Maine make sure to indulge in their seafood – Lobster, lobster rolls, haddock, flounder, mussels, and clam chowder. While in Acadia National Park, try the popovers at Jordan Pond House – but be prepared for a long wait at this popular spot.

Fall Foliage

The best time to see fall foliage is between late September and mid-October. In 2022, we hit it right at the start in mid-September. That way we got a hint of color without all the crowds.

This is only the tip of the iceberg of things to do and see but it’s a perfect start to get a feel for all Maine has to offer. I know you’ll have an amazing time!

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One Comment

I loved visiting without the peak of crowds and still seeing color! I guess it’s what you want in your travel. Me? Well that would be nature.

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Cincinnati to Bar Harbor drive

Cincinnati to bar harbor road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cincinnati to Bar Harbor. If you're planning a road trip to Bar Harbor, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Cincinnati drive for about 1.5 hours

10:33 am   Columbus stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:33 am drive for about 2.5 hours

1:59 pm   Cleveland stay for about 2 hours and leave at 3:59 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 7.5 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Niagara Falls drive for about 2.5 hours

1:39 pm   Syracuse (New York) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:39 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 5 hours find more stops

8:00 am  leave from Albany (New York) drive for about 3 hours

10:54 am   Boston stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:54 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:42 pm   Portland (Maine) stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 6:12 pm drive for about 3 hours

9:08 pm  arrive in Bar Harbor

day 3 driving ≈ 7.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Columbus   (56 answers)     The Short North   (3 mentions)     Wolf's Ridge Brewing   (2 mentions)     Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse   (2 mentions)     North Market   (2 mentions)     Columbus Museum of Art   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Columbus:         Late Night Slice         Northstar Café         Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams         The Thurman Cafe         Lavash Cafe     questions about Columbus:         What's the best neighborhood in Columbus for a first time visitor?         What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus?         Where should we eat in Columbus?         What to see and eat in Short North with just a day?         Traveling thru Columbus Ohio on I -71 need a motel near by. Cleveland   (83 answers)     Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum   (13 mentions)     The Cleveland Museum of Art   (12 mentions)     Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum   (6 mentions)     West Side Market   (6 mentions)     Great Lakes Brewing Company   (5 mentions)     restaurants around Cleveland:         Lola         Lolita         The Greenhouse Tavern         Melt Bar & Grilled         L'Albatros     questions about Cleveland:         What's the best neighborhood in Cleveland for a first time visitor?         Good restaurants for business dinner?         What is your favorite restaurant in Cleveland?         New to the city, friend coming to visit: What should we do?         Fun things to do Niagara Falls   (80 answers)     Niagara Falls   (18 mentions)     Maid of the Mist   (5 mentions)     Skylon Tower   (4 mentions)     questions about Niagara Falls:         best place         Best free things to do in Niagara Falls?         Can we take food across the US/Canada border on our road trip to Niagara Falls?         where to stay one night         Best and most affordable hotel with bar and hot tub? Syracuse (New York)   (22 answers)     questions about Syracuse (New York):         What is one attraction to see? Famous place to eat at?         vintage shopping Albany (New York)   (19 answers)     questions about Albany (New York):         Leaving Albany, NY for 6 days, north or south? Boston   (245 answers)     Faneuil Hall   (30 mentions)     Freedom Trail   (29 mentions)     Fenway Park   (26 mentions)     Harvard Square   (18 mentions)     Harvard University   (17 mentions)     restaurants around Boston:         Mike's Pastry         Legal Sea Foods         Island Creek Oyster Bar         Neptune Oyster         Alden & Harlow     questions about Boston:         Best way to get to downtown Boston from Logan Airport         Is the Boston Freedom Trail worth a visit?         Worried about Boston cold weather. What should I wear?         Where are the best shopping deals in Boston?         What are the can't miss things to do in Boston? Portland (Maine)   (70 answers)     Portland Head Light   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Portland (Maine):         Duckfat         Standard Baking Co         Bao Bao Dumpling House         Fore Street         Eventide Oyster Co.     questions about Portland (Maine):         Good restaurants in Portland         Best places to eat in Portland, ME         Things to do and good restaurants in Portland, ME         Best Breakfast spots in Portland, Maine?

What are some things to do in Bar Harbor?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Bar Harbor. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Bar Harbor.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Bar Harbor to Cincinnati drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Cincinnati to Bar Harbor . Or get a full Cincinnati to Bar Harbor flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Cincinnati well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Cincinnati!

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