Maine Road Trip: 7 Adventure-Filled Stops

If you are looking for an unforgettable family road trip, believe me when I say you can’t go wrong driving along the coast of Maine! Maine was one of those states that back in the day, before I knew too much about it, I would say “Why would you want to go there?” But I was proven wrong when I finally took a Maine Road trip!

A Maine Roadtrip along the coast includes beaches, sunshine, lighthouses, natural beauty, small town charm, and plenty of shopping opportunities for unique and locally made gifts and souvenirs. Beginning in Southern Maine, take the drive up the coast from the small town of Kittery to Acadia National Park. We have complied a list of the best stops along the way for you!

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****

Maine Road Trip: Stops Along the Coast

Kittery, Maine

Located in Southern Maine, Kittery is a charming New England village that was once big for shipbuilding, but is now known for shopping, dining, and beaches! Kittery is located in Southern Maine on the border between Maine and New Hampshire and is a great place to start your Maine road trip. You will find historic forts, shopping, great dining options, and art galleries featuring the work of local artists.

Fort McClary State Park is a must visit spot for history lovers. The fort was built as protection for the Portsmouth Harbor. Still standing today the fort can be visited on a self-guided tour. Fort Foster Park is another great stop not only for history lovers but also for those who love to just relax at the beach. Fort Foster Park is home to the ruins of a late 1800’s fort that you can explore and climb on, a beach area for swimming or sunbathing, and a play area for the kiddos.

For shopping, visit the Kittery Trading Post or stop by the Kittery Premium Outlets where you will find many brand name shops. For some local shopping visit the Kittery Foreside, the downtown area that features plenty of local shops, restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, and historic sites.

For some family adventure, head over to Take Flight Adventures, an aerial adventure course and zipline. If you are looking to get outside, the Wiggly Bridge, although technically located in York, could easily be combined with a visit to Kittery (9 min. drive). The Wiggly Bridge is known as one of the world’s smallest suspension bridges. The bridge is easily accessible from a walkway off of a main road and takes you to Steedman Woods, a small nature reserve where you can enjoy easy hiking trails.

Maine Road Trip: Ogunquit

The next stop on the Maine Road Trip along the coast is Ogunquit. Ogunquit is a small coastal town about 15 miles North of Kittery, or a 20 minute drive. It is known for its stunning beaches and rocky cliffs.

If you are a sun and waves person you will find that Ogunquit is home to two sandy beaches: Ogunquit Beach and Footbridge Beach. Ogunquit Beach is the more popular and more populated beach, while Footbridge Beach is a quieter, less populated area that can be reached over a footbridge and North of Ogunquit Beach.

If you are a nature lover, you won’t want to miss a walk along Marginal Way, a 3 mile oceanfront pedestrian walkway that goes from the village to Perkins Cove, a small seaside fishing village with quaint shops and local restaurants. While you enjoy the walk you will also be treated to lighthouse views and plenty of picnic tables/benches for relaxation.

Ogunquit has a history of being known for its artistic community and you can find several studios and galleries to explore. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is home to over 1,600 permanent pieces of art, including photography, paintings, sculptures, and more.Visit the Ogunquit Playhouse for plays, shows, and live entertainment.

Kennebunkport

The next stop on the Maine road trip along the coast is Kennebunkport, about 12 miles north and a 20 minute drive. Kennebunkport is another picturesque New England village full of beaches, small shops, local art, and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water!

Visit Cape Porpoise, a small village near Kennebunkport that was the original settlement in the area. Here you can view the Goat Island Lighthouse from the Cape Porpoise Pier (or take a boat ride to the island), enjoy a bike ride, or enjoy a kayaking trip.

To cool off on a hot summer day stop at one of Kennebunkport Beach’s three beaches: Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach, or Mother’s Beach. If enjoying your Maine road trip with kids, Mother’s Beach is the best option with the calmest waters and a playground on site. Stop at the Parsons Way trail for an easy hike with great views of Cape Arundel, Spouting Rock, and Blowing Cave.

The Seashore Trolley Museum is great for history lovers and car lovers alike. You can explore numerous transportation exhibits, restored street cars, a working restored street car that you can take a ride on, and view the restoration shop.

For a different view of the town hit the waters on the Pineapple Ketch. You can also hop aboard a First Chance Whale Watching Excursion and take in views of Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales.

If you are interested in the history of Kennebunkport, take an Intown Trolley tour, which will take you through Kennebunkport while giving you an overview of the town’s history on a 45 minute ride. You can also visit the First Families Kennebunkport Museum to learn about the town’s history.

For food lovers, take a Maine Foodie tour starting in Dock Square extending into the village. You can also enjoy some beer tasting at Federal Jacks restaurant and Brewpub. For some shopping, stroll Dock Square, where you will find small boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth is the next stop on our Maine Road Trip, about 32 miles and 45 minutes of driving time from Kennebunkport. Cape Elizabeth is home to some of the best Maine lighthouses. You will want to visit the Portland Head Light, one of the most well known lighthouses in the country, and the lighthouses in Two Lights State Park.

One of the top things to do in Cape Elizabeth is a visit to Fort Williams Park. Here you will find the Portland Head Light. While you can’t climb the lighthouse, you can enter the base which houses a gift shop and museum. The views from the hiking trails alone make it worth a visit to the park. Aside from the lighthouse, you can enjoy roaming the remains of a US army fort that was active during WW I and II and visit the children’s garden.

For more lighthouses, visit nearby Two Lights State Park, where you can view one of the twin lighthouses, walk across a jetty, and enjoy views of the crashing waves against Maine’s rocky coastline. For some swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and hiking visit Crescent Beach State Park.

Visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy some wildlife viewing and nature. For some nightlife, dining, and shopping visit the Old Orchard Beach Pier. Here you can enjoy live entertainment, dinner comedy shows, and special events throughout the summer season.

Maine Road Trip: Portland

Next up is Portland! Portland is only about 7 miles and an 18 minute drive from Cape Elizabeth. A change from the smaller towns found along much of the coast of Maine, the city of Portland is a must stop spot on the perfect Maine road trip. Portland is known for its historic district, food, nightlife, and lighthouses.

While in Portland, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Port for its historic streets and buildings, old fishing piers, shops, and restaurants. If you are an art lover, be sure to check out the Portland Museum of Art, which features a combination of American and European artwork.

Commercial Street is perfect for those who love shopping, with plenty of great options near the waterfront. Explore the Old Fort and other areas of Portland in a unique way on a vintage firetruck tour. Visit Fort Allen Park and walk the 2.1 mile Eastern Promenade Trail for views of the waterfront at Back Cove. You can also reach East End Beach along the trail.

If visiting with children, visit the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine, which has 3 floors of interactive exhibits. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co and Museum is another fun museum to visit with kids. You can learn about the history of the 2 ft. gauge railway, take a scenic ride on the Eastern Promenade, and stay busy with some children’s activities. The Southworth Planetarium is also worth a visit, where you can watch a variety of shows that take you out of this world.

Visit some of Maine’s most well known lighthouses, including the Bug Light and Spring Point Light. Bug Light is located in Bug Light Park, where you will be able to walk to the base of the lighthouse, watch ships as they enter and leave the harbor, and stroll along the coast. At Spring Point Light you can see the ruins of an old fort and climb the rocks along the breakwater to the base of the lighthouse. Get out on the water and take a ferry to the Calendar Islands (Great Diamond Island, Peak’s Island, Chebeague Island, Long Island, and Cliff Island).

Camden

The drive to the next stop is longer at an hour and 45 minutes and about 81 miles. It is another small coastal town found in mid-Maine along the Penobscot Bay. Camden should be a part of any Maine road trip, especially for nature lovers, with opportunities to get out on the water and escape for a day of hiking.

Get out on the water and enjoy a cruise aboard the 1918 Schooner Surprise. The two hour cruise takes you out onto Penobscot Bay where you can enjoy wild life, lighthouses, and coastal views or opt for a sunset cruise and watch as the sun sinks below the Atlantic Ocean. Another option is the Schooner Olad Windjammer, which provides a similar experience. After your boat ride, head over to Barret’s Cove on Megunticook Lake for some swimming or relax with some great views and a picnic lunch.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, or just love great views, head over to Mount Battie & Camden Hills State Park. Camden Hills State Park is perfect for hikers, with over 30 miles of trails, including the trail to the Mount Battie Summit, where you will find yourself overlooking Camden and the Penobscot Bay (you can also drive to the summit). The Merryspring Nature Center is another great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Camden. The 66 acre park is free and open for visitors to roam about and enjoy the gardens featuring perennials, roses, daylilies, and more.

Depending on when you are visiting, you may be able to catch something of interest at the Camden Opera House, which hosts ballets, musicals, films, concerts, and more throughout the year.

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

The final stop on the Maine road trip is the stunning Acadia National Park! The drive is about an hour and 45 minutes and about 70 miles. Bar Harbor, sitting right outside Acadia, is a picturesque seaside town on Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor is loaded with quaint local shops, restaurants for seafood tasting, and peaceful streets to stroll down. You can relax and have a picnic lunch on the Village Green or join a culinary walking tour to taste some of Maine’s tasty local dishes.

A Bar Harbor Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise is another activity you won’t want to miss! Not only will you be able to enjoy seeing many of Maine’s coastal lighthouses and wildlife, you will also be treated to unique and breathtaking views of Acadia’s landscape from the water. The cruise takes you past several lighthouses, including the Egg Rock Lighthouse, the Petit Manan Lighthouse, and the Winter Harbor Lighthouse.

When visiting Bar Harbor, you would be amiss not to stop at Acadia National Park. You could easily spend two or three days exploring all that Acadia National Park has to offer. Some highlights you won’t want to miss include Park Loop Drive, the Cadillac Mountain Summit, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, and Sand Beach. Park Loop Drive is a 27 mile long loop road that takes you past many of the highlights of the park and is a great introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****