Boston to Bangor

Question

Arriving in Boston on Sept. 10th and spending 2 days and then driving up the coast of Maine to Acadia National Park. Flying out of Bangor on Sept. 18th. Want to try all the Lobster and Crab we can get. My husband loves history. Want to spend the 17th near Bangor airport. I have been reading and researching on the internet and books. Hotels are so expensive when we will just be there to sleep, but want clean rooms. I have been looking at Airbnb and hotels. Any suggestions on what we must see on the way up to Acadia National Park. I like to hike a little but my husband likes it even less. He will hike with me if it isn't too long or hard. We both love the ocean but really we want some good seafood. Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer

Your trip from Boston to Bangor along the Maine coast is a fantastic opportunity to explore charming coastal towns, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in scenic views. Since you have 8 days and plan to spend a couple of days in Boston first, you can take a leisurely drive north, stopping at key points along the way.

Starting from Boston, you can head northeast along I-95 and then US-1 for a more scenic coastal route. Maine’s coast is dotted with picturesque towns, lobster shacks, and historic sites. Here are some must-see stops and areas to consider:

Portsmouth, NH: A charming historic town with a quaint downtown, waterfront views, and several seafood restaurants. It’s a good first stop after Boston for stretching your legs and grabbing lunch.
Kittery, ME: Famous for Kittery Outlets if you like shopping, and you can also enjoy some fresh lobster rolls at local seafood shacks.
Ogunquit & Perkins Cove: Beautiful coastal town with scenic walking paths like the Marginal Way. You can enjoy short, easy hikes and seaside views. Ogunquit has a few great seafood restaurants and art galleries.
York & Nubble Lighthouse: A classic Maine lighthouse worth stopping at for photos. Nearby seafood spots are plentiful.
Portland: Portland is Maine’s largest city and a must for foodies. You can try lobster rolls, fresh crab, and enjoy the historic Old Port area. If your husband enjoys history, the Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park is iconic and easy to visit. There are many Airbnb and budget-friendly hotels in this area that are clean and convenient.
Mid-Coast Maine (Rockland, Camden, Belfast): These towns are scenic, with harbor views, art galleries, and lobster shacks. Camden Hills State Park offers a short, moderate hike with stunning views of the ocean—manageable even for less avid hikers.
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia and a seafood lover’s paradise. For hikes, you can choose short loops like Jordan Pond Path or Ocean Path for easy, scenic walks. Cadillac Mountain has accessible trails and spectacular views. Reserve accommodations early; clean Airbnb options can be more affordable than hotels.

For your last night near Bangor airport, consider staying in Bangor or nearby towns such as Brewer or Hermon. These areas are convenient for flights, generally less expensive than staying in Bar Harbor, and have clean hotels suitable for a short overnight stay.

Bangor: Larger city with chain hotels, clean and practical for one night before your flight.
Brewer or Hermon: Close to the airport, quieter, and often more affordable.

Along the route, your focus on lobster and crab can be satisfied at any of the small seaside towns—don’t miss lobster shacks in Portland, Rockland, and Bar Harbor. For short hikes, the coastal trails in Ogunquit, Camden Hills, and Acadia offer great options without being too strenuous. With this plan, you’ll experience Maine’s scenic coast, seafood, and a bit of history while keeping accommodations practical and affordable.