Route 1 - coastal Maine itinerary

Question

For early August, I'm planning a week or so trip with my teens from Boston up the coast of Maine along Route 1. I'd appreciate recommendations on where it would be best to stay along the way and any other suggestions you might have:

August 4: arrive in Boston

August 4-6: Explore Cape Cod

August 6-7: Ogunquit (Boston-Kittery-York). Nubble Lighthouse. 30-minute hike up Mount Agamenticus.

August 7-8: Ogunquit-Old Orchard Beach (7 miles of beach)-Brunswick.

August 8-9 Stay in Cape Elizabeth, Portland, or Brunswick?

August 9-11 Mount Desert Island / Acadia National Park [or is this too much, too far?]

August 11-12-13 Boston-Cambridge

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer

Your coastal Maine road trip sounds amazing, and it’s great that you’ll be exploring so much of New England! Here's a breakdown of your itinerary with some recommendations for places to stay and things to do along the way:

August 4-6: Explore Cape Cod

In Cape Cod, there’s so much to explore! You’ll want to check out the picturesque towns of Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis. For a scenic and relaxing experience, consider visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore or taking a whale watching tour out of Provincetown. The Cape is also great for cycling, so renting bikes for a day is a fun way to explore. For food, you can’t miss a seafood meal, especially a lobster roll.

Stay: The Chatham Inn or Chatham Bars Inn – A lovely spot to stay in Chatham with beautiful views and easy access to the town and beach.
Stay: Provincetown Inn – If you decide to head to Provincetown, this inn is right on the water, offering a fantastic location for enjoying the local art scene and natural beauty.

August 6-7: Ogunquit (Boston-Kittery-York)

Ogunquit is a wonderful town to explore. The Nubble Lighthouse is iconic, and Mount Agamenticus offers a fantastic view of the area after your short hike. Ogunquit Beach is beautiful for a relaxing time, and the town has great shops, restaurants, and a lovely seaside vibe.

Stay: The Anchorage by the Sea – An oceanfront hotel with a nice pool and walking distance to downtown Ogunquit.
Stay: Ogunquit Beach Inn – A charming and affordable option near the beach.

August 7-8: Ogunquit-Old Orchard Beach-Brunswick

Old Orchard Beach is famous for its 7-mile stretch of sand, a great stop for enjoying the classic beach experience. Afterward, heading up to Brunswick gives you a charming town with great food and shops. You could also check out the nearby Bowdoin College campus or explore some of the local parks.

Stay: The Tides Beach Club – Located at Old Orchard Beach, perfect for a beachside stay.
Stay: The Brunswick Hotel – A stylish, modern option in Brunswick with great amenities and walking distance to local attractions.

August 8-9: Stay in Cape Elizabeth, Portland, or Brunswick?

If you're deciding between Cape Elizabeth, Portland, and Brunswick, Portland is the most vibrant and offers the most to do, including the Old Port district with its cobblestone streets, excellent restaurants, and a bustling waterfront. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience, Cape Elizabeth is lovely, with scenic coastal views and nearby parks. Brunswick is more laid-back but still charming and close to attractions like Popham Beach State Park.

Stay: The Press Hotel in Portland – A stylish, centrally located hotel with easy access to Portland’s best dining and shopping.
Stay: The Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth – A tranquil and beautiful spot by the beach, perfect for a peaceful evening.

August 9-11: Mount Desert Island/Acadia National Park

Visiting Acadia is a highlight of any Maine trip. While it is a bit of a drive from Portland (about 3 hours), it’s definitely worth the trip. If you want to make the most of your time in Acadia, consider staying on Mount Desert Island. You can explore Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and the beautiful coastal views along the Park Loop Road. There’s hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, and it’s one of the most scenic areas in the U.S.

Stay: The Harborside Hotel in Bar Harbor – A beautiful, luxury hotel with great access to the park.
Stay: Bar Harbor Inn – A classic option in Bar Harbor with views of the water and close to downtown.

August 11-13: Return to Boston-Cambridge

Boston is a fantastic city to wrap up your trip. With your teens, you can explore the Freedom Trail, visit the Museum of Science, or take a walk through Boston Common and the Public Garden. Cambridge offers cool spots like Harvard Square and the MIT campus, plus the vibrant food scene.

Stay: The Liberty Hotel – A beautiful hotel with a unique history, located near Beacon Hill and the North End.
Stay: The Charles Hotel in Cambridge – A great option for staying in Cambridge, close to Harvard Square and good transportation to downtown Boston.

Overall, your itinerary looks fantastic, and you’ll have the perfect mix of coastal beauty, charming towns, and exciting activities. Be sure to take your time at Acadia and enjoy the many outdoor opportunities! Have a great trip!

Route 1 - coastal Maine itinerary

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