Itinerary help

Question

Planning a summer trip with our family of 5 (myself, husband, and our 3 daughters ages 23, 20, & 16). Trying to figure out where to fly into/out of and map out our itinerary. We’d love to visit many of the coastal towns and definitely plan to visit Acadia. I’ve narrowed it down to 2 options:

Option 1: Fly in and out of Bangor. Drive to Portland when we arrive and then make our way along the coast to Acadia before we fly home. Trip will be 7 days (Saturday to Saturday).

Option 2: Fly into Portland and out of Bangor. Following same route as above. Rental car is slightly more expensive this way but not too crazy.

Also thought about flying in and out of Boston but definitely want to make it to Acadia and feel like that drive all the way back to Boston is pretty far.

Any suggestions on must see towns and things to do/see along the way are welcome. We are a very adventurous family and enjoy the outdoors, hiking and adrenaline fueled activities (Beehive Trail is def in our list!)

Thanks!

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning an exciting and adventurous trip with your family! Both itinerary options you’re considering are great, and it really comes down to your preference for travel logistics and how much time you want to spend driving. Here’s a breakdown of each option and some suggestions for must-see coastal towns and activities along the way:

Option 1: Fly in and out of Bangor (Saturday to Saturday)
This option allows you to start your trip with a drive to Portland and then make your way up the coast towards Acadia, which offers a beautiful and scenic drive. By flying in and out of Bangor, you’ll save a bit of time and not have to drive all the way back to Boston at the end of your trip. The drive from Bangor to Portland is about 1.5 hours, so you can spend the first day exploring Portland and then begin your journey along the coast.

Option 2: Fly into Portland and out of Bangor
Flying into Portland gives you a great start for the first few days of your trip, as Portland is a vibrant city with lots to offer. You can then make your way up the coast and finish with Acadia, which will be the highlight of your trip. The rental car is slightly more expensive, but it’s still manageable. This option allows you to explore Portland and other coastal towns before heading up to Bangor, but you will need to drive the longer route back to Bangor at the end of the trip (roughly a 3-hour drive from Acadia to Bangor).

Both options have their merits, but if you want to avoid a long drive back to Portland at the end, Option 1 (flying into Bangor and out of Bangor) might be a little more relaxed, especially considering that the drive from Acadia to Bangor is relatively short.

Must-See Towns and Things to Do/See Along the Way:

Portland: Spend your first day or two here. Visit the Old Port for its charming cobblestone streets, enjoy some fresh seafood (lobster rolls, of course!), and check out the Portland Head Light lighthouse at Fort Williams Park. For outdoor activities, consider hiking in the nearby ranges or taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands.
Kennebunkport: A picturesque coastal town known for its charming downtown and beautiful beaches. Kennebunkport offers great opportunities for scenic walks, kayaking, and boutique shopping. It’s a great stop on your way up the coast.
Ogunquit: Famous for its beautiful beaches and coastal trails. The Marginal Way, a scenic 1.25-mile coastal path, is a must-see for hikers. The town also has a thriving arts scene and great restaurants.
Boothbay Harbor: Known for its picturesque harbor and great seafood, Boothbay Harbor is a perfect stop for a relaxing afternoon. Consider taking a boat tour or visiting the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Camden: A charming seaside town known for its beautiful harbor, boutique shopping, and hiking trails. Camden Hills State Park offers some great hikes with scenic views of the coast, including the popular Mount Battie Trail.
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park: Acadia is an absolute must-see for outdoor lovers, offering a wide range of hikes for all levels, including the Beehive Trail, which you mentioned, along with Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and the famous scenic drives along the Park Loop Road. Be sure to explore the town of Bar Harbor as well for its quaint shops and restaurants.

Suggestions for Adventurous Activities:

Beehive Trail: As you mentioned, this is a must-do! It’s a relatively short but challenging hike with a thrilling rock scramble and spectacular views of Acadia’s coastline.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Hike: If you’re into early mornings and epic views, hiking up Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise is a popular and unforgettable experience.
Kayaking or Canoeing: Consider renting a kayak or canoe in either Portland, Bar Harbor, or along the coast. Many towns offer opportunities to paddle along the beautiful coastline, often with options to explore the calm waters of nearby coves or even see seals and other wildlife.
Ziplining or Rappelling: If you're looking for more adrenaline, you could explore some ziplining or rappelling adventures in the area around Acadia or Portland.

Day Trip Ideas (if you have extra time):

Portsmouth, NH: About an hour from Portland, Portsmouth is a historic town with great shops, seafood, and outdoor activities. It’s a charming New England town with a scenic harbor and waterfront.
Mount Washington (New Hampshire): If you’re up for a longer drive and love hiking, you could venture towards the White Mountains and hike Mount Washington. It’s a bit of a trek, but it offers incredible views and some great challenging trails.
Rockport, ME: A beautiful coastal town on the way up to Acadia, known for its art galleries, harbor views, and scenic walks.

In conclusion, either option for your trip will give you a chance to explore some of Maine’s most beautiful coastal towns and experience outdoor adventures, but flying into Bangor and out of Bangor might be the more convenient option. You’ll avoid the long drive back to Portland at the end, giving you more time to explore. Enjoy your trip, and happy adventuring!