Portland or Mid Coast?

Question

I made another post last week about something else and asked a follow up question within the post but decided to make it a separate post in hopes that more will see it and be able to answer.

We are flying into Bangor on a Saturday and have a house rented on MDI from Monday through the following Saturday. We have to drive to Portland the day we fly in to pick up our oldest daughter. It was much cheaper for everyone to fly into separate airports unfortunately. My question is, should we spend those first 2 nights in the Portland area? Or somewhere along the way to MDI? Another option would be to add Sunday night to our existing rental and just spend that first night in Portland. It is our first visit to Maine so we are not familiar with any of it and can’t decide where to stay.

We appreciate any help/suggestions you have. Thanks in advance!

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a wonderful trip to Maine! Given your plans, there are a few great ways to structure your visit, depending on what type of experience you're hoping for. Here’s a breakdown of the options you’re considering and some suggestions based on your situation:

Option 1: Spend the First 2 Nights in Portland Portland is a vibrant, walkable city with plenty to see and do, especially if you’re new to Maine. If you enjoy a lively city atmosphere with great food, shopping, and scenic views, spending the first two nights there is a solid option. You can explore the waterfront, visit the Old Port district with its cobblestone streets and unique shops, or take a scenic cruise along Casco Bay. Portland also has excellent dining, from fresh lobster shacks to upscale restaurants like Fore Street. You could even spend a bit of time exploring nearby lighthouses like Portland Head Light, which is a beautiful and iconic Maine spot.

Pros: Portland is a fun, bustling city with lots of local flavor, and it’s a good spot to ease into your trip. You’ll have time to pick up your daughter and explore the city before heading to MDI.
Cons: Portland is a little further from Mount Desert Island (about a 3-hour drive), so you’ll be doing quite a bit of driving to get to your rental. It may also feel a bit more urban compared to the quieter, more rural vibe of MDI and the Mid Coast area.

Option 2: Stay Somewhere Along the Way to MDI (Mid Coast) If you want to break up the drive to MDI and get a taste of Maine’s coastline before you settle in, consider staying in one of the Mid Coast towns like Camden, Rockport, or Rockland. These towns are charming, and you can get a good mix of both scenic beauty and quaint New England charm. Camden, for example, is known for its picturesque harbor and mountain views, and it offers some nice hiking and a few local museums. Rockport and Rockland are also lovely spots to visit, with great seafood restaurants, coastal views, and some art galleries. You could spend your Sunday exploring the Mid Coast before continuing on to MDI.

Pros: More relaxed and scenic, these towns offer a great coastal experience without the hustle and bustle of Portland. You’ll get to see some charming Maine towns along the way and have a more leisurely drive to MDI.
Cons: You would be adding another night of accommodation, and while these towns are charming, they are smaller and may not have as many things to do as Portland. It could also make the drive a bit longer compared to spending all your time in Portland.

Option 3: Add Sunday Night to Your Rental on MDI If you prefer to get straight to the more relaxed, nature-focused part of your trip, you could spend Sunday night at your MDI rental. This would give you more time to explore the island on Monday, especially since you’ll be near Acadia National Park. The drive from Portland to MDI is about 3 hours, so you could get there in time to relax, unpack, and enjoy your first evening on the island. If you choose this option, it might be a good idea to stop in a scenic spot along the way, like Blue Hill or the coastal towns nearby.

Pros: You’ll get an early start on your time at MDI, which means more time for exploring Acadia and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. It also saves you from having to book an extra night in Portland or another town.
Cons: The drive from Bangor to Portland is about an hour and a half, plus another 3 hours to MDI, which could make for a long first day of travel. You may feel a bit rushed when trying to pick up your daughter and head out to the island in one day.

Final Recommendation: If you’re looking for a balance of relaxation and exploration, I’d suggest spending the first night in Portland to enjoy the city, pick up your daughter, and settle in. Then, spend Sunday either in Portland or in a charming Mid Coast town like Camden before heading to MDI. This gives you a chance to explore Portland without feeling rushed, while also experiencing the more tranquil, scenic Maine coast. Adding Sunday night to your rental on MDI is also a good option if you want to maximize your time on the island, but it could make for a long travel day, especially with kids. Either way, Maine’s beauty and charm are sure to make for a memorable first visit!

Portland or Mid Coast?

More Maine (ME) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions