Road trip

Question

Hi,

We are visiting from the UK later this year undertaking a fly drive and would like some advice on places to base ourselves.

From Boston we are heading into New Hampshire before returning to Boston via the Maine coast.

I’m thinking 3/4 nights Mount Desert Island, 3 nights Mid Maine to take in Boothbay/Rockland and then a final 2 nights near Kennebunkport. Does that sound like the ‘best’ places to be based?

If we do 3 night MDI we could add 1 night in Portland but I think we are likely to want/need more time in MDI? I’m aware we can’t get it all in! Thanks!

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for the Maine/New Hampshire road trip sounds like a great plan! You’ve chosen some of the most beautiful and popular areas, and your suggested durations seem reasonable for a first-time visit. Here’s some more detailed advice on your base locations and some additional thoughts for your trip:

Mount Desert Island (MDI) – 3/4 nights MDI is definitely worth the time, and 3–4 nights will allow you to explore Acadia National Park and the surrounding area in more depth. Acadia is one of the highlights of Maine, with its stunning coastline, mountain trails, and scenic drives like the Park Loop Road. If you enjoy hiking, take the time to explore some of the park’s popular trails, such as the Jordan Pond Path, Cadillac Mountain, and the famous Precipice Trail. You can also visit Bar Harbor, a charming town full of restaurants, shops, and waterfront views. If you're a fan of fresh lobster, make sure to try it in Bar Harbor! You might even want to squeeze in a boat tour or a visit to the nearby Bass Harbor Head Light for picturesque lighthouse views.

Overall, I would recommend 3 nights at MDI, but if you really love nature and outdoor activities, you could easily spend an extra day here, especially if you enjoy scenic drives, wildlife watching, or just soaking in the views. If you love sailing, a day trip or half-day cruise around the island would also be a great option.

Mid-Maine (Boothbay Harbor/Rockland) – 3 nights This is a great choice for a more laid-back experience. Boothbay Harbor is a quintessential Maine coastal town with picturesque views, charming shops, and seafood restaurants. You can also explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens or take a boat tour for a scenic view of the coast. Rockland, which is just a short drive away, is a great base for exploring the mid-coast region. It has a nice art scene (check out the Farnsworth Art Museum) and is a good spot for lobster lovers. Nearby, the scenic town of Camden offers more hiking, scenic views, and shops to explore, so it’s a great place for a day trip. The mid-coast is perfect for a relaxing break after your time in the more popular MDI area. Three nights will give you a nice balance of exploration without feeling rushed.

Kennebunkport – 2 nights Kennebunkport is a great choice to finish your trip. It’s a charming seaside village that is known for its beautiful beaches, historic homes, and excellent seafood. This area also has plenty of boutique shops and great restaurants. Kennebunkport is a bit more upscale than other towns, so it’s a lovely place to spend your final two nights, especially if you want to relax after your adventures. You could also visit the nearby Goose Rocks Beach or take a short drive to Cape Porpoise for scenic views and a lobster roll at a local eatery.

If you have time and are interested in seeing more of the coast, I would suggest adding a short stop at the Portland area before heading back to Boston. While you’ve mentioned that you may not need to do it, Portland is known for its vibrant arts scene, excellent craft breweries, and historic Old Port district. If you have time to spare and enjoy seafood, it's worth at least a half-day visit before leaving Maine.

Overall, your plan looks great, and if you feel like you’re missing something, you can always adapt your time based on your interests—there’s no shortage of things to see along the way!

Extra recommendations: - If you have an extra day or two, consider adding a scenic drive along the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park. It’s less crowded than the main park but equally stunning. - In Boothbay Harbor, check out the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for a relaxing and beautiful experience. - In Kennebunkport, stop by the historic Seashore Trolley Museum for a bit of local history.

It’s true you can’t do it all, but it sounds like you’ll be seeing the best of Maine and New Hampshire, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each place without feeling rushed. Enjoy your trip!

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