Boston to Acadia National Park

Question

I’m flying into Boston September 2 and leaving September 12 from Boston. I plan to rent a car and I wanna drive up the coast of mass New Hampshire and Maine arriving in Acadia national Park. I would like to stop along the way at some seaside towns, lighthouses and simply enjoy the scenery. I’m in no rush, but I would have to be back in Boston 4 AM on the 12th.. any thoughts or ideas on where I should stop? Stay? Sights? I don’t like to do a lot of touristy things I like to spend more time with the locals and getting to know a town.

Answer

Your trip from Boston to Acadia National Park sounds like a fantastic adventure, and there's plenty to see along the way! Since you prefer avoiding the touristy spots and want to experience more local culture, I'll suggest a route that includes scenic coastal drives, charming seaside towns, and opportunities to connect with locals. Here’s an itinerary that balances natural beauty with small-town charm:

Day 1-2: Boston to Newburyport Start your trip by heading north from Boston. Newburyport, a historic seaport town in Massachusetts, offers a perfect first stop. It’s known for its quaint streets, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. Take a walk along the Merrimack River, visit the Plum Island Lighthouse, and stop at the Tannery Marketplace for local goods. Stay in a cozy inn or a small B&B in town to get a feel for the local vibe.

Highlights: Plum Island, Newburyport Harbor, and the historic district.
Local experience: Grab a coffee at a local café like the Daily Grind or enjoy fresh seafood at Michael’s Harborside.

Day 3-4: Newburyport to Portsmouth, NH From Newburyport, head up the coast to Portsmouth, a vibrant town with a mix of history, culture, and maritime charm. Portsmouth has a lovely downtown with cobblestone streets, great local restaurants, and small art galleries. Don’t miss the historic Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum showcasing Portsmouth’s history. While in town, check out the Prescott Park for riverside walks and enjoy local cuisine at The Black Trumpet.

Highlights: Portsmouth Harbor, Strawbery Banke Museum, and downtown Portsmouth.
Local experience: Grab lunch at a local spot like the River House or the Oar House for fresh seafood.

Day 5-6: Portsmouth to Ogunquit, ME Next, head into Maine. Ogunquit is a lovely coastal town with beautiful beaches, art galleries, and a friendly atmosphere. Spend some time walking along the Marginal Way, a scenic 1.25-mile coastal path offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ogunquit is also home to Perkins Cove, a charming area with shops and restaurants by the water. Spend a night here before continuing your journey.

Highlights: Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, and Ogunquit Beach.
Local experience: Enjoy fresh lobster rolls at The Lobster Shack or explore the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.

Day 7-8: Ogunquit to Portland, ME Continue north to Portland, Maine’s largest city, which is known for its thriving food scene, artsy vibe, and historic architecture. Explore the Old Port district with its cobblestone streets and charming shops. You’ll also want to visit the Portland Head Light, one of the most iconic lighthouses in the U.S. For local food, check out Duckfat for their famous fries or head to Eventide Oyster Co. for great seafood.

Highlights: Portland Head Light, Old Port district, and Eastern Promenade.
Local experience: Try Portland’s craft beer scene, and don’t miss a visit to the Portland Museum of Art.

Day 9-10: Portland to Boothbay Harbor From Portland, drive to Boothbay Harbor, another picturesque Maine town. It’s known for its scenic harbor and maritime culture. Here, you can take a relaxing boat tour, visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, or stroll along the downtown area, filled with charming shops and restaurants. Boothbay has a great local feel, and you can enjoy the fresh seafood here as well.

Highlights: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Harbor, and the Maine State Aquarium.
Local experience: Eat at a local seafood shack or go for a boat tour to spot wildlife.

Day 11-12: Boothbay Harbor to Camden Camden is another great stop. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this small town offers beautiful views and a charming atmosphere. You can hike up Mount Battie for panoramic views of the harbor, or take a stroll around Camden’s picturesque harbor and downtown. Camden is often described as one of Maine’s most beautiful towns, so take your time exploring.

Highlights: Mount Battie, Camden Harbor, and the Camden Hills State Park.
Local experience: Enjoy a meal at one of Camden’s cozy restaurants like the Waterfront or the Owl and Owl Café.

Day 13-14: Camden to Acadia National Park Now head to Acadia National Park, one of the highlights of your trip. The park offers stunning coastal views, accessible hikes, and the chance to explore Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard. Be sure to take in the views at Jordan Pond and stop by the Thunder Hole. Acadia is also great for spotting wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for moose, seals, and bald eagles.

Highlights: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, and the Park Loop Road.
Local experience: Dine at a local restaurant in Bar Harbor, such as the Bar Harbor Lobster Co. or Mache Bistro.

Day 15: Acadia to Portland On your final day, take a leisurely drive back down to Portland, stopping at any small coastal towns or lighthouses that catch your eye along the way. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to return your rental car and catch your flight.

Since you prefer local experiences over touristy spots, I recommend exploring small coastal towns, taking time to stop at hidden gems along the way, and interacting with the locals at cafés, small shops, and markets. Enjoy your trip, and have fun soaking in the natural beauty of Maine!

Boston to Acadia National Park

More Maine (ME) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions