The Ultimate 5 Day Maine Road Trip Itinerary (Acadia, Lighthouses & Scenic Stops)
We spent 10 days exploring New England as part of our U.S. History road trip, and the highlight was this 5 day Maine road trip itinerary through some of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Northeast. From Portland to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, this coastal Maine road trip covers charming lighthouses, scenic drives, and bucket-list hikes inside Acadia.
If you’re planning a Maine road trip and want to see the best of Acadia National Park and the Maine coast in five days, this itinerary breaks down exactly how we did it.
maine road trip overview and map:
We flew into Boston because the flights were cheaper and because the second part of our trip had us in Boston and it was the most convenient to return the rental car. I recommend looking at flights into Portland, Maine if you don’t plan to visit Boston.
You will definitely need a rental car for this itinerary and remember to ask about a toll tag as the main route to Bar Harbor requires tolls.
DAY ONE: BOSTON TO PORTLAND, MAINE roadtrip stops
Portland is just under a two-hour drive from Boston. I highly recommend staying in Old Port. It is the historic waterfront neighborhood, and you’ll be close to all the shops and dining.
Where to stay in Portland, Maine:
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square: We’ve stayed here twice back when you could redeem your Hyatt free night award. It has a great location, free break and large rooms.
Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Downtown Waterfront: This property has sea view rooms
Courtyard by Marriott: This property is in Old Port, but sometimes prices out cheaper than the other - and you may get lucky and find award nights available.
We loved exploring Old Port, going down the waterfront, shopping and eating lobster rolls. Lots to do here. To see the Portland Headlight, you will have to drive across town. But for us, this is the main attraction in Portland.
Portland Head Light
visiting Portland Head Light (what to know before you go)
Located in Fort Williams Park. Parking is paid at $6 for a 2-hour minimum which is more than enough time to visit the area unless you plan on hiking or doing other things in the park. Don’t try to get away with not paying. There are attendants everywhere and the fine is a lot more than the parking fee.
Bathrooms located in the parking lot.
From the parking lot follow the trail that leads to the Lighthouse. You’ll see the old Lighthouse Keeper’s house which is now a museum and gift shop.
The Portland Headlight is the old lighthouse in Maine. Construction started in 1787 and it was first lit in January 1791. Make sure that you follow the trails in either direction of the Lighthouse and the views are completely different. If you have good weather, plan to visit around sunset for amazing views.
Even in July it can be super foggy
DAY 2-3: BAR HARBOR and ACADIA NATIONAL PARK itinerary
The drive from Portland to Bar Harbor is a scenic 3 hours. We were able to check into our hotel, drop bags and then we headed to Bar Harbor to explore and eat lunch. Let me preface this part in saying that it was super foggy the two days that we were in Bar Harbor. While we were lucky with some sun breaks, much of our visit to Acadia was shrouded in clouds. We made the best of it and still went to every look out. Just means we’ll have to go back!
WHERE WE STAYED:
While there are several hotels bookable with points in Bar Harbor, none were available during our stay, so we booked two nights at the Acadia Inn. This is a beautiful property just a mile from the Acadia NP entrance. We had a great stay and would definitely stay here again.
We booked a two-queen room that included a very generous free breakfast in a gorgeous sunroom. The property felt very “Dirty Dancing-Esque” in that it had a large, heated pool and jacuzzi and tons of activities like bocce ball, playground, Adirondack chairs and movies playing in the back lawn with s’mores. So fun!
WHERE TO STAY IN BAR HARBOR, maine
Sand Bar Cottage Inn: This New England cottage is right in Bar Harbor. Has free parking which means you can park and walk to all the shops and restaurants.
Hampton Inn Bar Harbor: This hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, sea views, breakfast buffet and large rooms.
Atlantic Hotel and Conference Center: Waterfront property located under a mile from Acadia National Park. Indoor and Outdoor pools
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel: This property is gorgeous. Located in downtown Bar Harbor. Located 1.4 miles from Acadia National Park. It has a free breakfast, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.
Acadia National Park Entrance Fees, Reservations & What to Know
How to get into Acadia National Park:
Standard Entrance Pass - $20 (best option if you don’t plan to visit any other National parks this year)
Acadia Annual Pass- $70. Purchase online or onsite.
America the Beautiful Pass - free to $80. This pass gives you unlimited access to all national parks for 12 months starting from your first visit date. (Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass.)
Cadillac Mountain Summit Road Reservations (details below)
How to Get Around Acadia National Park (Driving, Parking & Shuttle Info)
When planning how to get around Acadia National Park, you have two main options: drive the scenic Park Loop Road yourself or take the free Island Explorer shuttle. The Acadia National Park shuttle runs throughout the park and even from downtown Bar Harbor, making it a convenient transportation option for visitors.
We chose to use the free Island Explorer shuttle and would absolutely recommend it. Parking in Acadia National Park can be extremely limited, especially at popular trailheads and scenic overlooks along Park Loop Road. We saw many visitors parked far from their intended hike, walking long distances just to reach the trailhead and then back again after a full day of exploring.
The Island Explorer shuttle drops you off directly at major stops throughout Acadia, including top hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. From there, you can hike between nearby areas or simply hop back on the shuttle to continue exploring without needing to return to your car. For us, using the Acadia National Park shuttle made getting around the park easier, less stressful, and far more efficient during peak season.
acadia national park itinerary (2 days)
Day 1 in Acadia National Park Itinerary
Our first full day in Acadia National Park was spent exploring highlights along the scenic Park Loop Road using the free Island Explorer shuttle.
Stop 1: Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Sand Beach
We began at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and took the shuttle to Sand Beach, one of the most popular stops in Acadia National Park. This is also where you can access the trailhead for the famous Beehive Trail, a steep but rewarding hike with incredible coastal views if the fog holds off.
It was very foggy the morning we visited, so instead of hiking the Beehive, we explored the area and continued on foot toward Otter Point, where we caught the Island Explorer shuttle to our next stop.
Stop 2: Thunder Hole
Next, we stopped at Thunder Hole, one of the most iconic attractions in Acadia National Park. When the tide is right, waves crash into the inlet and create a booming sound that resembles thunder. Be sure to check tide schedules for the best experience. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this was so cool we actually spent quite a bit of time here.
Stop 3: Jordan Pond Loop
From Thunder Hole, we hopped back on the shuttle and headed to Jordan Pond. We hiked the 3.5-mile Jordan Pond Loop Trail, one of the best easy hikes in Acadia National Park. The trail is mostly flat and shaded, making it great for families or anyone looking for a scenic but manageable hike.
After your hike, you can dine at the famous Jordan Pond House Restaurant, known for its popovers and stunning views of the Bubbles. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months.
After finishing the Jordan Pond loop, we took the shuttle back to the main visitor area, picked up our car, and returned to our hotel to rest and swim before heading back out in the evening.
how to visit Cadillac Mountain at Sunset
That evening, we returned to Acadia National Park for our sunset reservation at Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast and one of the most popular viewpoints in Maine. Unfortunately, the fog never lifted, and we weren’t able to experience the sunset views.
Important: Vehicle reservations are required to drive the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road from mid-May through October. Be sure to book your Cadillac Mountain reservation well in advance, especially during summer and fall foliage season.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to worry about driving or parking, you can take the free Cadillac Mountain shuttle from downtown Bar Harbor. However, sunrise and sunset trips still require advance reservations.
Day Two Acadia National park: visiting bass harbor head lighthouse
Bass Harbor Lighthouse
On our second day in Acadia National Park, Payton and I drove to see the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Located in Tremont, Maine, about a 35-minute drive from Bar Harbor, this historic lighthouse is managed by Acadia National Park and sits along the scenic coastline of Mount Desert Island.
The drive itself is part of the experience. We loved passing through charming coastal towns along the way and highly recommend building in extra time to stop, explore local shops, or grab a bite to eat.
How to Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Parking at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is limited, with just one small parking lot available. If you’re visiting during peak season, especially summer or fall, plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
From the parking lot, there are two ways to view the lighthouse:
Easy Viewpoint: A short walk brings you to a side view of the lighthouse near the keeper’s house. This option requires no hiking and is accessible for most visitors.
Classic Front View: If you want the famous front-facing view of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse perched on the rocky cliffs, you’ll need to walk down a set of stairs and carefully navigate large boulders along the shoreline. Wear sturdy shoes, as the rocks can be uneven and slippery, especially near high tide.
Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Sunset is one of the most popular times to visit Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Acadia National Park. The golden light against the cliffs makes for incredible photos, but parking fills quickly. If you’re planning to visit at sunset, arrive well in advance to secure a parking spot.
For more detailed tips on visiting Acadia National Park during peak hours and sunset viewing, see our full Acadia travel guide above.
The view of the Lighthouse if you’re unable to do the stairs and climb the rocks
If you want to see the famous front view of the lighthouse, you’ll take this set of stairs. If will be to your left as you approach the Lighthouse Keeper’s House.
At the bottom of the stairs, you have to climb a large set of boulders to make your way over towards the lighthouse.
Make sure you wear sturdy shoes. We were lucky there weren’t a ton of people there when we visited. I could see this being very dangerous popular times like sunset.
things to do BAR HARBOR, maine:
In between our visits to Acadia National Park, we would head into downtown Bar Harbor which is a storybook coastal Maine town. While there are several paid parking lots, we drove around forever searching for one so I highly recommend taking the free shuttle - it’s called the Island Explorer. Here is the link to view the routes and timetables. Make sure you spend some time walking around Bar Harbor. There are so many cute shops and restaurants and it sits on the waterfront with gorgeous beach views.
how to visit bar harbor sandbar
Bar Harbor Sand Bar: Did you know that Bar Harbor is named after the large sand bar in town? I had no idea! For 1.5 hours before and after low tide you can walk all the way across the sandbar to Bar Island which is part of Acadia National Park. Once on the island the trail ascends through the forest. You must keep a close eye on the tides as the sandbar is covered up by the ocean outside of low tide times. If you walk over to the island and lose track of time, it is 9 hours until the bar emerges again to safely walk across.
There is no parking lot here so be prepared to drive around and search for a spot on a side street. We ended up parking on a side street - just make sure you can legally park there.
Even during low tide, the sand is very moist so make sure to wear shoes that can get wet.
things to do in bar harbor maine if you have more time
If you have more time, consider:
DAY 4: BAR HARBOR TO KENNEBUNKPORT road trip
Day four we headed towards Kennebunkport, Maine with a short stop in Bangor, Maine. The drive is about 3.5 hours. I visited here previously in the Fall months which I highly recommend for stunning fall color. We knew we wanted to stop in Bangor, Maine on the way which wasn’t much of a detour at all.
things to see in bangor, maine
Home of Stephen King - This was a quick, fun stop
Paul Bunyan Statue
LL Bean Headquarters - Get the famous boat tote with your name engraved on it
Stephen King’s House - I mean, would we expect anything less? I love it!
things to do in Kennebunkport, maine:
Kennebunkport, Maine, another adorable coastal town made famous as the vacation spot for the Bush family is definitely worth a stop on your Coastal Maine road trip. Parking is fairly easy to find at each end of town. Head to the historic city center and just stroll around, grab lunch and an ice cream. If you have time, head to the beach.
where to stay in kennebunkport, maine:
Hampton Inn Kennebunkport: While not located in Kennebunkport, we were able to redeem points for our stay, and it priced out a little cheaper than staying in town.
Kennebunkport Inn: This place is so decked out in the Fall. My sister and I said we’d love to stay here the next time we visit. So cute and steps from Dock Square.
Seaside Inn: How fun would it be to stay on the beach? A classic New England beach stay.
The Beach House Inn: Each room has sea views and a balcony. Free parking.
DAY 5: KENNEBUNKPORT TO BOSTON (scenic coastal stops)
As we wrapped up our Coastal Maine Road Trip and headed to Boston for the U.S. History portion of our trip we made a quick stop in York, Maine to see another famous lighthouse, the Nubble Lighthouse.
visiting Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine
Built in 1879, The Nubble Lighthouse is located on a tiny island across from Sohier Park in York, Maine and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Parking was fairly easy to find. From the parking lot just head down towards the lighthouse. There are lots of places to explore for different viewpoints. This little seaport town was so cute I wish we had more time to explore it. There are lots of little beach towns on this drive and you have time I would try to book a little cottage here.
where to stay near nubble lighthouse and york, Maine
We always said we wanted to come back and stay in this little beach town for a night. These properties are all located near the beach and within walking distance to the lighthouse.
Viewpoint Hotel: Ok, this would be a splurge for sure, but many rooms have views of the lighthouse, just a short walk to the beach. I’m dreaming about sunsets from this place.
Lighthouse Inn and Suites: Located in the Nubble Lighthouse neighborhood, short walk to the beach and the lighthouse. Outdoor pool.
Union Bluff Hotel and Meeting House: Oceanfront property
Cutty Sark Motel: Ocean front hotel, walking distance to everything in York
Before heading to the next stop in the Boston area, we stopped in Salem, Mass for a couple of hours since it was on the way. I have visited Salem, Mass twice in October and am completely obsessed. You can read my Salem Guide here. Seeing it in the summer with the trees and flowers in bloom is pretty special too.
BEST TIME FOR A MAINE ROAD TRIP
I have visited Maine about three times in the past four years and thing visiting from May through the end of October is best. Summer is absolutely gorgeous. Days are longer, flowers are in bloom and you can enjoy swimming, hiking and getting in the ocean (which is still super cold). Summer does mean higher prices and more crowds. Fall brings gorgeous fall foliage, shorter days and fewer crowds the further north you get.
Happy Travels!
Want more inspiration for New England Road Trip? Read my Fall in New England Guide here