Down East Adventure: Boston to Acadia National Park
Starts from
Boston
Duration
4 Days
Transportation
By Car
Length
1061 km
Hotels
2
Guidance
Self-Guided
Maine has 3,478 miles of tidal coastline with a multitude of craggy coves and picturesque peninsulas to explore. This scenic journey up the seaboard will visit some of Maine’s most stunning coastal locales, working its way north to a crescendo of views at Acadia National Park.
This road trip visits the traditional lands of the Abenaki, Wabanaki, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Nanrantsouak, Arosaguntacook, Aucocisco, Pequawket, and Pennacook peoples. For the best weather, and for the best access to Acadia National Park, beaches, and seasonal businesses, we recommend taking this trip in the summer, late spring, or early fall.
This road trip visits the traditional lands of the Abenaki, Wabanaki, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Nanrantsouak, Arosaguntacook, Aucocisco, Pequawket, and Pennacook peoples. For the best weather, and for the best access to Acadia National Park, beaches, and seasonal businesses, we recommend taking this trip in the summer, late spring, or early fall.
Kelsey Perrett
Travel Expert
- Experience art, culture, and donuts in downtown Portland.
- Sink your teeth into Maine’s favorite lobster roll.
- Take a hike in the coastal scenery of Acadia National Park.
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Travel Itinerary
Day 1297 km736 m
Boston to Boothbay
Begin your journey by crossing through New Hampshire and into Maine. After a stop in hip downtown Portland, you’ll continue up the coast to spend the night near Boothbay Harbor.
19:30
Open Itinerary
Day 2219 km
Boothbay to Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park
Today, you’ll continue winding up beautiful Highway 1 through Rockland and Camden. Take your time wandering the waterfront to Mount Desert Island, but aim to settle in early — tomorrow brings a big day of exploring Acadia National Park.
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Day 3321 km
Acadia National Park to Brunswick
Acadia National Park is one of the first places in the U.S. to greet the morning sunlight, so wake up early enough for a full day of adventure before returning south to Brunswick.
Note: Vehicle passes are required to enter Acadia National Park. Passes are $30 and can be purchased in advance. You'll also need to purchase a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Mountain.
20:30
Open Itinerary
Day 4224 km
Brunswick to Boston
On this final day of driving, pick your way back down the coast, making sure to leave enough time for treats and souvenirs in the beach towns of southern Maine.
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