Main Itinerary for mid September - Need Feedback

Question

We are a couple in our early 70's planning a trip to Maine in mid September. We have 15-17 days available and enjoy easy hikes, small town charm, wildlife viewing, some museum visits and great ocean and mountain views. Can you please review the itinerary that I've put together for a 1st cut and let me know what you think. What would you change - add or delete days in locations mentioned.

We will be flying into and out of Portland, ME and plan to spend most of our time along the coast.

Days 1-3 - Portland. Visit Old Port and other popular Portland sights and on day 3, drive to Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport & Ogunguit. Return to Portland hotel.

Day 4 - Drive to Freeport to visit the LL Bean store and then maybe take a whale watching tour; then drive to Brunswick & Bath where we plan to spend 2 nights.

Day 5 - Visit the Maritime Museum in Bath and take a cruise around the area

Day 6 - Drive to Wisacasett for lunch and then on to Boothbay Harbor - spend 2 nights in Boothbay Harbor

Day 7 - Look at a Windjammer cruise or whale watching tour, Permaquid Lighthouse Point

Day 8 - Drive to Rockland & visit the Farnsworth Museum then on to Camden for 2 nights

Day 9 - Visit Rockport & Camden Hills State Park

Days 10-14 - Bar Harbor - Arcadia National Park sites (5 nights)

Day 15 - Drive to Moosehead Lake area; book a moose safari for today or tomorrow

Day 16 - Baxter State Park in Millinocket if time

Day 17 - Drive to Portland for late afternoon flight home

I appreciate your feedback and recommendations.

Answer

Your itinerary looks very well thought out and provides a great mix of Maine's coastal charm, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. Based on your interests—easy hikes, small towns, wildlife viewing, and scenic views—this plan seems to align with what you’re looking for. That said, here are a few recommendations and adjustments to consider to enhance your experience and ensure you have enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

Here’s some feedback on your current itinerary:

Days 1-3: Portland Portland is a fantastic place to start your trip. The Old Port and waterfront area are charming, and there's plenty of good food and culture to enjoy. I would also recommend visiting the Portland Head Light, one of the most iconic lighthouses in Maine, if you have time. On Day 3, when you drive to Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit, keep in mind that these areas can get busy, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.
Day 4: Freeport, Brunswick, and Bath Freeport and Brunswick are both nice places to visit, and spending time in Freeport at LL Bean is a classic stop. Whale watching is a great idea if you're visiting in September, as the weather is still nice for that. You might also enjoy visiting Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park (near Freeport), a peaceful area for a short walk by the ocean. Brunswick and Bath are charming as well, and the Maritime Museum is a must-do in Bath. Spending two nights in Bath will give you time to explore the town and nearby sights.
Day 5: Bath - Maritime Museum Your plan for Day 5 looks great. The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is a wonderful museum, especially for anyone interested in the region’s maritime history. The cruise around the area is also a good idea, offering a relaxing way to take in the views. If you’re into lighthouses, there’s also the Doubling Point Lighthouse near Bath if you have extra time.
Day 6: Wiscasset and Boothbay Harbor Wiscasset is a lovely town to stop in, with its historic charm and great food options. Boothbay Harbor is an excellent spot to relax for two nights. The Windjammer cruise is a fantastic experience—consider the Schooner Eastwind for a scenic day sail. Whale watching is also a great option, as Boothbay Harbor is one of the best spots for that. If you enjoy botanical gardens, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is worth a visit in Boothbay.
Day 7: Boothbay Harbor Activities Exploring Pemaquid Lighthouse is a good choice—it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the state. The area around the lighthouse is lovely for a relaxing stroll with amazing coastal views. In addition to a Windjammer cruise or whale watching, you may also want to explore some of the smaller hiking trails around the Boothbay area or visit the nearby nature preserves. Boothbay Region Land Trust has several trails that are easy to walk.
Day 8: Rockland and Camden Rockland is a charming town with a great art scene, and the Farnsworth Art Museum is a wonderful stop, especially for those interested in American art. Camden is another beautiful coastal town with lots to offer, from the scenic Camden Hills State Park to its quaint downtown area. Consider taking a short hike in Camden Hills to see the panoramic views over the bay—this is a great way to experience both nature and beautiful scenery.
Day 9: Camden & Rockport Camden Hills State Park is a highlight, and the Camden Harbor is picturesque. You can also take a boat ride from Camden to explore the coastline. In Rockport, the Andre the Seal statue is a quirky landmark to check out if you have a little extra time. For a short and easy hike, the Mount Battie trail in Camden Hills offers an excellent view of the harbor and nearby islands.
Days 10-14: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park Five nights in Bar Harbor is a good amount of time to explore Acadia National Park and its surroundings. Acadia offers easy to moderate hikes with stunning views, such as the Jordan Pond Path and the Ocean Path. Make sure to visit Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset—it’s the highest point on the East Coast and offers incredible views. You might also enjoy a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road and a visit to Sand Beach or Thunder Hole for dramatic coastal views. If you’re interested in local wildlife, you can visit the Wild Gardens of Acadia or take a nature walk with a park ranger.
Day 15-16: Moosehead Lake & Baxter State Park The drive to Moosehead Lake is worth it if you’re looking for wilderness and wildlife. Moose safaris are a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty. You’ll have the chance to see Maine’s famous moose in their natural habitat. If you have extra time, Baxter State Park is a stunning place for a scenic drive or short hikes. However, depending on how much time you have, I’d recommend considering whether you have enough time to truly enjoy this area given the long drive from Bar Harbor. If you want to relax and enjoy nature, Moosehead Lake will be your best bet.
Day 17: Drive to Portland Driving back to Portland on the last day will give you some time for a final stop or meal before your flight. If you have time, you could take a scenic route along the coast or visit a small town on the way back. If you're interested, Freeport could be a final stop to pick up any last-minute items or enjoy one more stroll around LL Bean's flagship store.

Overall, your itinerary is well-balanced, with plenty of time in each location to take in the sights and enjoy the area. The only thing I might suggest is to think about whether you want to include the drive to Baxter State Park or if you’d prefer to spend more time around Acadia/Bar Harbor. It can be a long drive, and the natural beauty of the area is already well-represented in Acadia and surrounding areas.

Enjoy your trip to Maine! It’s an amazing place with plenty to explore, and mid-September is a perfect time to visit for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Main Itinerary for mid September - Need Feedback

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