Road Trips from Portland, Maine Coastal to Mountains

Trip Snapshot:

• Distance & Drive Time: ~170 miles one-way (about 3–3.5 hours of driving without stops).
• Best Time of Year: Summer and early fall offer the best weather; September (post-Labor Day) is ideal to avoid peak crowds. Fall foliage season adds extra beauty, but plan for busy weekends.
• Ideal For: Scenic coastal lovers, lighthouse and seafood enthusiasts, national park explorers, and photographers.
• Route Summary: From Portland, head north on I-295/I-95 to Brunswick, then follow historic US Route 1 up Maine’s MidCoast through charming seaside towns all the way to Ellsworth. Cross to Mount Desert Island via ME-3 into Bar Harbor. (For a faster return, hop on I-95 south at Bangor back to Portland).
• Top Highlights: Freeport’s L.L.Bean flagship store, the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, Camden’s harbor views from Mount Battie, roadside lobster shacks, and the wonders of Acadia National Park (Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Cadillac Mountain’s summit drive).

Route Overview

Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park one of the first places to see daylight in the U.S., and a coveted reward for early risers.

This route strings together Maine’s coastal jewels in one memorable drive. From downtown Portland, zip 20 minutes up I-295 to Freeport, home of L.L.Bean’s famous 24-hour flagship store (a true Maine institution). After stretching your legs (and maybe snapping a photo with the giant boot outside), continue north to Brunswick and merge onto US Route 1. Now the adventure really begins Route 1 is the classic “scenic coastal route,” winding through quaint villages and alongside inlets (don’t expect ocean views at every turn, but the small-town charm is unbeatable). Pass through Wiscasset (nicknamed “the prettiest village in Maine”) if it’s around lunch, join the queue at Red’s Eats for their iconic lobster roll. Continue to Rockland, roughly 1.5 hours from Portland, known for its maritime heritage. Here Route 1 runs right through downtown: you might pause to visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum or detour to walk the granite breakwater out to Rockland Breakwater Light. A few miles onward lies Camden, a postcard-perfect harbor town. If time permits, ascend the auto road up Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park for a panoramic view of Camden’s harbor and West Penobscot Bay the vista of sailboats and islands is quintessential Maine. As Route 1 leads you through Belfast, Searsport, and Blue Hill, soak up the scenery of clapboard houses, antique shops, and roadside lobster pounds. From coastal Ellsworth, turn onto ME-3 for the final stretch: crossing the causeway onto Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. The road hugs the shoreline of Frenchman Bay as you approach Bar Harbor, your end point.

Top Stops & Experiences

• Freeport (L.L.Bean Flagship Store): Kickstart the trip at this legendary 24/7 outdoor store in Freeport’s village centervisitmaine.net. Even if you’re not shopping, the campus is worth a stroll (don’t miss the giant Bean Boot!). Official site: L.L.Bean Freeport.
• Rockland: Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum (learn about the brave lighthouse keepers and see Fresnel lenses up close), or enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell at a local raw bar. Rockland’s harborfront is great for a walk you can even walk the nearly mile-long granite Rockland Breakwater to the lighthouse at its end visitmaine.net.
• Camden: Stroll the idyllic downtown and waterfront — think classic schooners, boutique shops, and a beautiful library amphitheater overlooking the harbor. For a sweeping view, drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park; from the summit, you’ll gaze down at Camden village and the bay dotted with islands.
• Lobster Shacks: Keep an eye out for lobster pounds along Route 1 (often signposted with big red lobsters). Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is famed for its overstuffed lobster roll a worthy stop if lines aren’t too long. Further up the coast, you’ll find casual lobster shacks in almost every town perfect for an authentic Maine lunch (usually a picnic table with a view!).
• Acadia National Park Park Loop Road: Once on Mount Desert Island, nature takes center stage. Enter Acadia and cruise the 27-mile Park Loop Road (vehicle pass required) that accesses many of the park’s highlights. Stop at Sand Beach, a surprising golden-sand cove nestled between rocky cliffs. A bit further, listen for the boom of Thunder Hole (especially during mid-tide when waves hit just right). Continue toward Cadillac Mountain, the East Coast’s highest peak. A winding road leads to Cadillac’s summit park at the top for an unforgettable 360° panorama of mountains and sea. If you time it for sunrise, you’ll be among the first in the nation to catch the sun (just be prepared for early rise and reserved parking)
• Bar Harbor: This lively coastal town serves as the perfect finale for the drive. Wander the quaint downtown streets lined with shops and eateries, watch boating activity from the waterfront, and consider walking the Shore Path along the bay. Don’t miss Jordan Pond House in the park for their famous tea and popovers a local tradition dating back to the 1890snps.gov. In the evening, treat yourself to a lobster dinner or enjoy homemade ice cream while strolling by the harbor. Tourism: Visit Bar Harbor.

Where to Eat & Stay

• Eat: For casual local flavor, roadside seafood shacks are abundant. Try Red’s Eats in Wiscasset for a lobster roll (often hailed as Maine’s best)redseatsmaine.com. In Rockland, Conte’s or Primo offer celebrated seafood (Primo is an upscale farm-to-table experience). In Bar Harbor, polish off your day with fresh lobster or fish & chips at Thurston’s Lobster Pound (nearby in Bernard) or grab popovers at Jordan Pond House inside Acadia. Don’t forget dessert: Bar Harbor has several ice cream parlors a cone of Maine blueberry ice cream is highly recommended by the bay.
• Stay: If doing this as a day trip, it’s a long haul consider an overnight to truly enjoy Acadia. Bar Harbor and neighboring villages offer accommodations ranging from charming B&Bs to full-service hotels. Wake up to ocean views at the historic Bar Harbor Inn or stay in a cozy cottage in Southwest Harbor for a quieter vibe. Resource: Bar Harbor Lodging Guide (Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce). For a mid-coast overnight, Camden also has lovely inns, letting you split the drive over two days.

Practical Tips

• Start Early: Hitting the road early (7–8 AM) helps beat summer traffic on Route 1. Notorious bottlenecks like the single bridge in Wiscasset can cause delays late morning (yes, everyone is heading to Red’s Eats). Early departure means more time for sightseeing and shorter lines at popular stops.
• Cadillac Mountain Reservations: If you plan to drive up Cadillac Mountain during peak season (late May–Oct), note that advance vehicle reservations are required for the summit road. Booking opens 90 days out for sunrise slots (which fill up fast) and 2 days out for remaining times. Plan ahead to secure a spot, especially for sunrise. If you miss out, consider a sunset visit (no reservation needed in off-peak hours) or take a park shuttle/hike up.
• Gas & Facilities: Once past Camden, towns get farther apart. Fuel up in Camden or Belfast there are no gas stations in Acadia National Park proper, and stations on Mount Desert Island can be a bit spread out. Also stock up on any snacks or supplies before entering the park; the next big grocery is in Bar Harbor.
• Crowd Control: Summer (July–August) is busy along the coast. Popular stops like Camden’s Mount Battie or Sand Beach parking lot may fill by late morning. Visiting on weekdays or in shoulder seasons (June, September) means fewer crowds. In Acadia, use the Island Explorer shuttle (free) to get around the park hassle-free once you’ve arrived and parked.
• Stay Weather-Aware: Coastal Maine can bring fog and fast-changing weather. Carry layers a sunny day in Portland could mean a cool, misty breeze at Cadillac’s summit. If Thunder Hole’s waves aren’t booming (best 2 hours before high tide), don’t fret the coastal views are beautiful regardless. And watch for wildlife on park roads, especially at dawn/dusk (keep speeds moderate and your eyes peeled for crossing deer).

Rentals & Logistics

A reliable car is your key to this classic Maine road trip. If you’re flying into Portland, pick up your rental car downtown or at the Portland Jetport. Reserve in advance during peak season, as inventories can run low. One-way rental drop-off in Bar Harbor is not common (most travelers loop back), so plan to return to Portland or drive to Bangor for highway speeds home. If you’re returning the same day, consider taking I-95 south from Bangor after sunset it’s about 3 hours back to Portland via the interstate, saving time. Lastly, pack a day bag with hiking shoes, a camera, and maybe a picnic blanket this coastal journey is one you’ll want to savor at every overlook. Ready to go? Reserve your rental car in Portland early, and get ready for an unforgettable coastal adventure!