The Perfect Maine Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days

Planning a Maine road trip? This 5-day itinerary is a fast-paced but rewarding way to see some of the best spots along the coast. You’ll cover a lot of ground in just a few days, with stops for lighthouses, seafood, scenic walks, and classic New England charm.

The route works whether you’re starting from Portland or driving up from Boston. You’ll visit places like Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, and Bar Harbor. It’s a mix of small towns, coastal views, and short outdoor adventures, perfect for a Maine vacation with variety.

This Maine road trip itinerary is ideal for summer or fall, especially if you’re short on time but still want to see the highlights. Just be ready for early mornings and a few longer drives along the way.

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Good to Know Before Your Maine Road Trip

📅 When is the best time for a Maine road trip?

Late spring through early fall is the best time to explore coastal Maine. Summer is the busiest season, with warm weather, beach days, and long daylight hours. September and early October are quieter and bring beautiful fall colors, especially around Camden and Acadia.

🗺️ Should you start your road trip in Portland or Boston?

Either one works. Portland is closest to the Maine coast and a great place to kick things off. But if flights are cheaper into Boston, it’s just a 2-hour drive to Portland. You can easily adjust the route to work in either direction.

📍 How far apart are the stops on this itinerary?

Most drives are between 1 and 2 hours. The longest stretch is between Camden and Bar Harbor, which takes around 2 hours without stops. This is a busy itinerary with something planned each day, so be ready for a few early starts and plenty of time on the road.

🚘 Do you need a car for this Maine trip?

Yes, 100%! Public transportation is limited along the coast, and you’ll want the freedom to stop in smaller towns along the way. I recommend comparing prices on Discover Cars for the best rental deals, especially if you’re picking up in one city and dropping off in another.

🌊 Is this a good route for a Maine coastal road trip?

Yes, this itinerary sticks to the coastline and includes some of the most iconic towns along the way. You’ll see sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, working harbors, and lighthouses all throughout the trip!

🏨 Where to stay along the route

You’ll change accommodations a few times to avoid backtracking. This 5-day Maine itinerary includes overnights in Portland (2 nights), Camden (1 night), and Bar Harbor (1 or 2 nights, depending on your travel plans). Try to book accommodation well in advance if you’re traveling during peak summer or early fall.

Day 1: Explore Portland and Cape Elizabeth

Start your Maine road trip in Portland, Maine’s biggest city, and a great base for the first two nights of your itinerary. If you’re flying into Portland or driving up from Boston, you’ll have plenty of time to explore on day one.

Spend the morning wandering through the Old Port District, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, independent shops, and a bunch of great cafés and brunch spots. Grab a donut from The Holy Donut or sit down for a proper breakfast at LB Kitchen.

In the afternoon, head out to Cape Elizabeth to visit Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park. This is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and a must on any Maine coastal road trip.

If you have time, you can also check out Spring Point Ledge Light and Bug Light Park nearby.

Back in Portland, wrap up the day with a seafood dinner and a stroll by the water. Eventide is known for its oysters and lobster rolls, while Fore Street offers seasonal dishes in a cozy space.

You’ll be spending two nights in Portland, so no need to rush out the next morning. The Press Hotel is a stylish boutique option in the heart of the city, while Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront is another great choice with a central location.

For a more detailed guide, check out my one day in Portland itinerary. And if you have longer in the city, take a look at my 3-day Portland itinerary too!

Day 2: Day Trip to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport

On your second day, head south for a mini road trip to two of the most charming coastal towns in Maine.

Both Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are full of small-town charm and classic New England scenery, and they’re close enough to visit in one day without switching hotels.

Start with a morning drive to Ogunquit, about 45 minutes from Portland. Once you arrive, head straight to the Marginal Way, a scenic seaside path that runs just over a mile along the coast.

It’s an easy walk with ocean views, rocky cliffs, and a few benches where you can sit and take it all in.

After your walk, wander through Perkins Cove, a little harbor filled with galleries, souvenir shops, and cafés. If it’s a warm day, you can also spend some time on Ogunquit Beach before moving on.

Before heading to Kennebunkport, you can make a quick detour to Nubble Lighthouse, officially called Cape Neddick Light. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Ogunquit and offers one of the most picturesque lighthouse views in southern Maine!

In the afternoon, continue to Kennebunkport, just 25 minutes up the road. Stroll through Dock Square, check out the boutiques, and grab a lobster roll from The Clam Shack or a sit-down lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

After exploring the town center, head out to Cape Porpoise, a quieter fishing village just a few minutes away. From the harbor, you can spot Goat Island Lighthouse in the distance.

There’s not much to do here besides enjoy the peaceful setting, but it’s a great place to slow down for a bit before the drive back.

On your way out, stop by Walker’s Point Overlook for a view of the Bush family’s famous summer compound.

Back in Portland, you can end the day with dinner or drinks in the Old Port. It’s your final night in the city, so it’s a good time to revisit a favorite spot or try somewhere new!

Day 3: Freeport, Boothbay Harbor, and Camden

After checking out of your hotel in Portland, head north toward Camden with a couple of worthwhile stops along the way. This stretch is one of the most scenic parts of your Maine coast road trip, so plan a full day to enjoy it!

First up is Freeport, about 30 minutes from Portland. This little town is best known as the home of L.L. Bean, which is open 24/7 and anchors a walkable shopping area filled with outlet stores and local boutiques.

If you’d rather skip the shops, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is just a few minutes away and makes a nice detour. It’s a quiet, wooded park with short trails along the water and views of the Harraseeket River.

From Freeport, continue for about an hour to Boothbay Harbor. This harbor town is postcard-perfect and a great spot to stop for lunch. Walk across the wooden footbridge that spans the harbor, pop into a few galleries or shops, and enjoy the relaxed pace.

Just outside of town, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are another great stop if you have time. The gardens are especially popular in spring and summer and tend to book out during busy weeks, so plan ahead if that’s on your list.

In the late afternoon, drive 1.5 hours up the coast to Camden. This charming town is one of the prettiest places to visit in Maine, with its harbor views, cozy downtown, and mountain backdrop.

You’ll be staying here for the night, so check in before heading out to explore. The Camden Harbour Inn is a lovely splurge if you’re looking for a luxury stay with harbor views.

If you’d rather stay in the center of town, Lord Camden Inn is a solid mid-range option just steps from the waterfront.

Once you’re settled, make your way up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for sunset. You can drive to the top in just a few minutes or take one of the short hiking trails if you prefer to earn the view.

For dinner, Peter Ott’s on the Water is a great pick with a waterfront setting and a menu full of Maine favorites like lobster, scallops, and clam chowder. It’s casual but still feels like a treat, especially if you can grab a table outside.

This day covers a lot, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of your Maine vacation! If you want to make it more relaxed, feel free to skip some of the spots I mentioned.

Day 4: Camden to Bar Harbor

After breakfast in Camden, spend a little more time enjoying the town before hitting the road. Grab coffee from a local café and take a short walk along the harbor or through the quiet backstreets if you didn’t have the chance the day before.

From Camden, it’s about a two-hour drive to Bar Harbor. This popular seaside town is the base for visiting Acadia National Park and marks the final major stop on your Portland to Bar Harbor road trip.

Once you arrive, grab lunch in town and check into your hotel. The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is a classic and walkable option right in the center of town. For something more on the budget side, check out the Bar Harbor Villager Motel.

After checking in, head out for a walk along the Shore Path, a scenic trail that wraps around the coastline just outside the downtown area. It’s an easy and peaceful stroll, especially in the late afternoon.

From there, you can drive part of the Park Loop Road or head to Jordan Pond, one of the most iconic spots inside Acadia. If time allows, walk the flat loop trail around the pond or grab tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House.

Toward the end of the day, make your way to Bass Harbor Head Light for sunset. The view from the rocks below the lighthouse is especially beautiful at golden hour.

Back in Bar Harbor, enjoy dinner at Side Street Café for something laid-back and local. If you’re looking for a more upscale option, Havana is a great choice with creative dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

You’ll spend the night in Bar Harbor, with one more half day left to enjoy Acadia before the trip wraps up.

Day 5: Morning in Acadia and Drive Back

If you’re up for an early start, begin the final morning of your Maine road trip itinerary with sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.

It’s one of the first places to see the sunrise in the United States, and the views are incredible when the sky is clear. From mid-May through mid-October, you’ll need to reserve a vehicle pass ahead of time.

Afterward, grab breakfast in Bar Harbor or bring something with you to eat on the go. If you didn’t get a chance to walk Ocean Path or check out Thunder Hole earlier in the trip, this is a great time to squeeze in one more short adventure inside Acadia National Park.

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, hike the Beehive Trail, a short but steep loop with iron rungs and amazing views over Sand Beach.

If heights aren’t your thing, the nearby Bowl Trail is a great alternative with far fewer crowds and a peaceful mountain pond at the top.

When you’re ready to hit the road, begin the drive back to Portland or Boston, depending on where you’re flying out. The drive to Portland takes around three hours, while Boston is closer to five.

If you’re not in a rush, you can stop in a few smaller towns along the way or grab lunch in Ellsworth or Belfast to break up the drive.

If you’re staying for one more night and planning to spend more time in Acadia, check out my 2-day Acadia itinerary for more hiking trails, viewpoints, and park highlights!