Boston- Bar Harbour for first trip

Question

Hi- Looking for some guidance on a first trip itinerary for 2 adults. I was thinking we would start on May 13th to avoid some of the summer traffic. We are flying into Boston to start since never been and was thinking of staying 2 nights then head to Bar harbor. This will be our first trip so not sure where to stop or end up?? My thoughts are 2 nights in Boston then head to Bar harbor stopping along some sight-seeing along the way then staying 3 nights in Bar harbor. They have a good flight time in Portland Maine so I thought stay the last night there and fly out the next day rather than driving all the way back to Boston and then that way can enjoy some of Portland as well. Does this sound like a good game plan? 2 nights Boston, 3 nights Bar Harbour and 1 night in Portland, ME.

Answer

Your itinerary sounds like a wonderful plan, and you're definitely on the right track for a relaxed, scenic trip. Here's some additional detail to help guide your decision-making and make sure you get the most out of your time in Boston, Bar Harbor, and Portland:

2 Nights in Boston:

Two nights in Boston will give you a good amount of time to explore the city's highlights. Since it’s your first time, consider visiting iconic spots such as:

Freedom Trail: This 2.5-mile walk takes you through 16 historic sites in Boston, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.
Boston Common: This beautiful park is a great spot to relax, and it's also the starting point of the Freedom Trail.
Harvard Square: A short ride across the river to Cambridge, this historic area is great for a stroll, with plenty of shops, cafes, and the prestigious Harvard University campus.
Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall: A bustling marketplace offering food, shopping, and street performances. It's perfect for a casual walk and lunch break.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: For something a bit different, this interactive museum offers an engaging and informative look at the events leading up to the American Revolution.

Boston is a compact city, so with two full days, you should have enough time to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. Depending on your interests, you could also take a harbor cruise or visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the New England Aquarium.

Drive from Boston to Bar Harbor:

The drive from Boston to Bar Harbor is around 3.5 to 4 hours without any stops, but there are plenty of great places to break up the drive and enjoy the scenery. Here are some recommended stops:

Rockport (Cape Ann): A picturesque coastal town known for its art galleries and charming harbor. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or a walk around the harbor.
Camden: This lovely town is located along the coast and is known for its beautiful harbor and the Camden Hills State Park. You can take a short hike or enjoy a scenic view of the harbor from Mount Battie.
Lincolnville: If you have time, you can take a quick detour to visit Lincolnville Beach or take a ferry to Islesboro, a quaint island off the coast of Maine.
Penobscot Bay: Before arriving in Bar Harbor, you’ll pass through the beautiful Penobscot Bay, where you can enjoy coastal views and take a break at one of the local beaches or parks.

3 Nights in Bar Harbor:

Bar Harbor is a charming base for exploring Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. With three nights, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the beauty of the area and experience both outdoor adventures and local culture. Some must-dos include:

Acadia National Park: Drive the Park Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the coastline, forests, and mountains. You can also take short hikes, like the Jordan Pond Path or the Ocean Path, or tackle the more challenging Cadillac Mountain summit trail for panoramic views.
Cadillac Mountain: For a unique experience, visit Cadillac Mountain early in the morning to see the sunrise – it’s the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. during certain times of the year.
Bar Harbor Shore Path: This easy walk along the water provides beautiful views of the harbor and the surrounding islands. It’s perfect for an evening stroll.
Explore the town: Spend some time in downtown Bar Harbor, which has plenty of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town’s harborfront is also lovely to walk around.

1 Night in Portland:

Your plan to spend the last night in Portland before flying out is a great idea. Portland is a vibrant, artsy city with a strong food scene, and it’s perfect for a relaxed day of exploring. Some highlights include:

Old Port District: This historic area of Portland is full of cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and great restaurants. It’s a lovely place to spend the afternoon or evening.
Portland Head Light: Located in Cape Elizabeth, this iconic lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the U.S. and offers beautiful views of the coastline.
Food Scene: Portland is known for its fantastic food scene, especially seafood. Don’t miss a meal at Eventide Oyster Co. or The Lobster Shack.
Explore the Waterfront: Stroll along the scenic waterfront, or if you have time, take a harbor cruise to get a different view of the city and surrounding islands.

Conclusion:

Overall, your plan of spending two nights in Boston, three nights in Bar Harbor, and one night in Portland is a solid itinerary for a first-time visit to the area. It balances sightseeing, outdoor activities, and relaxation while giving you a good mix of both city and nature experiences. The timing in mid-May is also great, as you’ll avoid the summer crowds but still get to enjoy pleasant weather.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip!