When Boston traffic snarls to a stop, you may be thinking: road trip. It's time to escape the big city life for the beauty of Maine. Keep reading for an easy 2-3-day road trip that will restore your soul.
On this 2-3-day-Boston to Maine road trip, you will see Penobscot Bay from the top of Mount Battie in Camden, sail out of Boothbay Harbor, and enjoy the gorgeous views from a historic inn. You will soak in the beauty at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and stroll the Marginal Way with its spectacular ocean views and white sand beaches in Ogunquit.
Traveling this Boston to Maine Road Trip will cover 400 miles. You will be transported into the rocky wonder of "The Pine State" Maine. Keep reading for options for a 2-3-day trip with things to see, places to stay, and good food to enjoy.
How Long is the Trip from Boston to Maine?
The Maine southern border community of Kittery sits 67 miles from Boston. Take I-95 North 48 miles to the New Hamshire border past the town of Seabrook, New Hampshire. Kittery is only 19 more miles north on I-95. Camden, Maine sits 105 miles north of Kittery for a total of 191 miles from Boston.
Where Should We Stop between Boston and Maine?
Your Maine road trip should include some of the historic and scenic harborfront sea towns of Maine. For this road trip, you will drive out to Camden by freeway, then take local roads back south to Boston. You will get to explore Camden, Boothbay, and Ogunquit, Maine.
Should We Visit Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor?
Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine should be on everyone's bucket list. The National Parks Service lists Acadia as the 8th most popular national park with over 3.3 million visitors a year. Acadia, with its spectacular mountains and flowing water, deserves its own separate weekend road trip.
Start the Boston to Maine Road Trip with Camden, Maine
What's the Best Time to Leave on a Road Trip?
You and your road-tripping friends/family should decide together when is the best time to begin your road trip. If you leave Friday night after work, you can have more time to see the sights. If you leave first thing Saturday morning, you can save money on the hotel. It is purely a personal decision.
First Stop Camden, Maine
Whether you leave Boston Friday night or early Saturday morning, head to Camden, Maine. You will drive 191 miles up I-95 and US-1 to Camden.
Camden began as a shipbuilding town named after Charles Pratt, the first Earl of Camden (England), in 1791. Today Camden is a scenic seaside town with great inns, delicious seafood restaurants, with a picturesque waterfront for strolling.
Picnic in Camden Hills State Park
Begin the fun part of the road trip with a picnic in Camden Hills State Park. Pick up some deli sandwiches and a lobster roll (if you've got a cooler) at the Camden Deli. You can hike, bike, cross-country ski, and camp inside a park.
The Sights from Mount Battie
Camden Hills State Park's premier sight is the top of Mount Battie in the southern section of the park. You can drive to the top of Mount Battie on Mount Battie Road.
Many prefer to hike to the top instead. You can take the 2.4-mile Carriage Trail which winds through splendid forests to the top. Or you can challenge the rocks themselves on the moderate to strenuous 750-foot climb on the Mount Battie Trail.
Great Hikes in Camden Hills State Park
Take the mile-long moderate hike on the Megunticook Trail up to Ocean's Lookout where you can look down on the cars in the parking lot on Mount Battie. Head to the western part of the park to hike the mile-long Maiden Cliff Trail that winds 800 feet about Lake Megunticook
Downtown Camden, Maine
After exploring Camden Hills State Park, drive into Camden for a relaxing stroll downtown. See the High Street Historic District with 50+ homes and inns from the 19th century. Many have beautiful gardens to enjoy.
Find a great casual restaurant for an early dinner. Head to Sea Dog Brewing for great local beers, burgers, and nachos. For a delicious farm-to-table dinner, head to Blaze Camden for burgers and wood-fired pizza.
Drive South to Boothbay Harbor
After dinner in Camden, the road trip continues with a short 90-minute (61 miles) drive down the coast to Boothbay Harbor for the night.
Boothbay Harbor has long been a deep port harbor with a strong connection to fishing, lobstering, and sport boating. Locals refer to Boothbay Harbor as "The Boating Capital of New England" for its many marinas and yacht clubs.
Great Inns of Boothbay Harbor
Before leaving on your Boston to Maine Road Trip, make a reservation in Boothbay Harbor at one of their many beautiful inns.
You could choose a 19th-century sea captain's home at the Bayside Inn with its waterfront views and a short walk to town. During the warmer seasons, you could enjoy a resort experience with a pool and beach at the Smugglers' Cove Oceanfront Inn.
Remember to check all websites to see what is open year round and what is only open seasonally.
Sailing on Boothbay Harbor
Your road trip won't be complete without a sail on the bay. Reserve with Eastwind Schooner to enjoy a fully-crewed charter. For the more adventurous take sailing lessons with Midcoast Sailing to see the open water with a sheet (rope) in your hand and to stand at the helm (wheel) guiding the sailboat.
Lunch in Boothbay Harbor
After a great morning on the water, sit at the picnic tables at Shannon's Unshelled, "Fresh from Trap to Table," for some of the best lobster and french fries at this walk-up joint. Another great lunch spot is the relaxed bar Brady's with all types of seafood, burgers, and comfort food—Maine Pot Roast!
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
From Boothbay Harbor, head inland for 4 miles to see the wonderful gardens of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Wander through over 300 acres of flower gardens, a children's garden, a hillside garden, and more. Visit the Native Butterfly and Moth House to sit and be soothed by the colorful residents as they alight on you looking for nectar.
The 2-Day Boston to Maine Road Trip
Let the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens be your final activity if you are on a 2-day Boston to Maine road trip. Head south for 2 hours (94 miles) for a final dinner in the quaint sea town of Ogunquit, Maine. After dinner, you've got just 72 more miles of freeway driving back home to Boston.
Great Dinners in Ogunquit, Maine
Head to The Front Porch in Ogunquit, for three dining experiences: the main dining room, the bar+lounge, or the lively sing-along piano bar.
Another fun option is freshly all made-in-house ingredients for New York-style pizza at Lapizzeria. Or head to dinner at That Place in Ogunquit for delicious steaks and seafood dishes in a lively bar atmosphere.
The 3-Day Boston to Maine Road Trip
If you are lucky enough to do a 3-Day Boston to Maine Road Trip, spend your last day in Ogunquit, Maine. You can stay in a historic B&B like The Trellis House or a beautiful inn like the Nellie Littlefield Inn & Spa or the Gazebo Inn with its swimming pool and spa.
Great Brunch in Ogunquit, Maine
On the last day of your road trip, sleep in then head out for brunch done right. Try the Egg and I Pancake and Waffle House or The Greenery Cafe for the full brunch experience of eggs, hash, french toast and so much more. For coffee and freshly made croissants or pastries, head over to Mornings in Paris for a taste of Europe.
The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine
The "high" point of any visit to Ogunquit is strolling the cliffside paved walkway above the beaches and rocky shore on the Marginal Way. This 1.5-mile trail passes historic homes and scenic inns. You will have amazing views from all sides.
Small parking lots are available at each end. You may find street parking easier as there are many accesses to the trail. Benches are scattered along the way for looking down at the ocean. Sturdy stairs bring you down to the different beaches.
Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine
Conclude your 3-Day Boston to Maine road trip with the picturesque Perkins Cove. This former artist colony now includes great restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and scenic overlooks.
Perkins Cove sits on a peninsula with the ocean on one side and the cove on the other. A beautiful white pedestrian, stroller, and bicycle drawbridge connect Perkins Cove to downtown Ogunquit.
In Closing
The 2-3 Boston to Maine road trip has barely scratched the surface of all that the Pine State has to offer. As you explore, take the time to stop to see something that catches your eye. Share your road trip finds in the comment section below.
Boston is awesome, but Maine is calling you.
Check out these other awesome road trips:
Four Best Road Trips from Florida to Other States
5-Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary