Maine Fall recommendations

Question

My daughter and I are visiting Maine for the first time the first weekend in October. We’ll be flying in and out of Portland and have 4 nights to explore.

We’re looking for the cozy, quaint New England towns vibe, with a mix of coastal scenery and fall foliage. We definitely want to spend time in Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor and/or Camden are on the itinerary. I'm wondering if it’s worth adding Ogunquit and Kennebunkport for a night — either before or after heading up the coast. Pictures look adorable. But I'd love recommendations from those who know Maine well.

I already know I’ll want to come back next year, but for this first visit I’d love recommendations.

Thanks so much!

Answer

For your first visit to Maine in early October, you’ll get a beautiful mix of fall foliage and coastal scenery. With four nights to explore, you can enjoy some of Maine’s most charming towns while also experiencing Acadia National Park.

Day 1: Arrival in Portland and Southern Coast

Arrive in Portland and spend a few hours exploring the Old Port district with its cobblestone streets, boutiques, and seafood restaurants.
Drive south to either Ogunquit or Kennebunkport (or both if you’re quick), stopping for scenic coastal views and lighthouses.
Ogunquit: Walk the Marginal Way, a picturesque cliffside path along the ocean, and consider a quick visit to Perkins Cove for shops and waterfront views.
Kennebunkport: Explore Dock Square and perhaps see Walker’s Point for historic summer homes. If time allows, take a sunset stroll along Goose Rocks Beach.

Day 2: Drive up the Coast toward Mid-Coast Maine

Head north along Route 1, enjoying the coastal towns and scenery. Consider stopping in Bath for the Maine Maritime Museum or a short harbor walk.
Camden: This is a great quaint town to spend the afternoon. Walk around the harbor, climb the easy trails at Mount Battie for panoramic views, or just relax in one of the charming cafés.
Overnight in Camden or nearby Rockland for a cozy, small-town vibe.

Day 3: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor

Drive to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in the morning (plan for at least a few hours of travel from Camden).
In Acadia, prioritize easy scenic drives and short walks since you want to maximize views with minimal strenuous hiking. Key spots include Cadillac Mountain summit (drive to the top for sunrise or views), Jordan Pond, and the Park Loop Road.
Lunch in Bar Harbor—plenty of seafood options and casual cafes.
Spend the evening strolling Bar Harbor streets and enjoy the harbor views. Overnight in Bar Harbor.

Day 4: More of Acadia or Coastal Stops

If you didn’t fully explore Acadia the previous day, take the morning to do a short trail, visit Sand Beach, or walk along Ocean Path for scenic coastal views.
Begin driving back toward Portland in the afternoon. Consider a scenic stop in Belfast or Rockport for a quieter harbor town experience.
Overnight near Portland or along the southern coast depending on your flight timing.

Day 5: Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Portland if time allows, maybe grabbing breakfast or a stroll along the Eastern Promenade before heading to the airport.

Additional tips:

Adding Ogunquit and Kennebunkport is definitely worth it for that quintessential coastal New England charm, especially if you enjoy quaint streets, shops, and lighthouses.
Book accommodations early, especially in Bar Harbor and Camden, as October is still a popular fall foliage season.
Fall foliage tends to be best in mid-to-late October up north, but early October should still offer some colorful scenery, especially in southern Maine and along the coast.
Plan for flexible driving times as some coastal routes are scenic but slower due to winding roads and small-town traffic.

This itinerary balances coastal charm, small-town exploration, and Acadia National Park without making the drives overly long, giving you a true Maine fall experience in just four nights.