Ten day itinerary

Question

We hope to go this June 4th to 16th or so. Flexible on the return date.

The thing I like the most are rugged coastal scenery and also beaches where you can see and listen to the waves. I plan to visit Bar Harbor and Acadia and would like to know what the best coastal views, experience are.

Is it worth go Lubec and also to see the Bay of Fundy.

I would also like to get out to sea one one time, perhaps a whale watching tour.

Any ideas are appreciated.

We also enjoy small quaint coastal towns.

Thanks

Answer

Your trip sounds fantastic, and Mid Coast Maine is a great destination for rugged coastal scenery, charming small towns, and stunning beaches. June is a perfect time to visit, as the weather will be pleasant and the crowds in places like Bar Harbor will be manageable before the summer rush. Here’s a suggested itinerary that includes the best coastal experiences and views, along with a whale-watching tour and some quaint coastal towns.

Days 1-3: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

Start your trip with a few days in Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. Acadia offers some of the best coastal views in Maine, with rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, and scenic drives. Don’t miss these highlights:

Cadillac Mountain: Drive or hike up to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding islands and coastline. It's especially beautiful at sunrise.
Park Loop Road: This scenic drive offers views of rocky shorelines, secluded beaches, and lush forests. Stop at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole (where waves crash dramatically), and Otter Cliffs for some of the best views of the park.
Jordan Pond: Take a walk around the pond with views of the Bubbles Mountains, or enjoy lunch at Jordan Pond House.

Days 4-6: Schoodic Peninsula

From Bar Harbor, take a day trip to Schoodic Peninsula, a quieter part of Acadia with dramatic coastal views and fewer tourists. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and taking in the rugged beauty of the Maine coastline. The Schoodic Scenic Byway offers several stops with stunning ocean views and rocky shorelines.

Days 7-8: Lubec and the Bay of Fundy

Lubec is a charming coastal town that is worth visiting if you have the time. It’s the easternmost point in the U.S. and offers a more remote, less touristy experience. The town has beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy, famous for its extreme tides. If you're interested in seeing the Bay of Fundy, the area around Lubec offers great opportunities for exploring the tidal flats, watching the tides come in, and visiting historic sites like the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. While you’re there, you might want to visit the nearby Roosevelt Campobello International Park (on the Canadian border) for a glimpse into the history of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s summer home.

In Lubec, you can also take a boat tour into the Bay of Fundy, which will offer an opportunity to see the dramatic tides and possibly some local wildlife, including seals and eagles.

Days 9-10: Whale Watching and Coastal Towns

For your last few days, consider booking a whale-watching tour from Bar Harbor or nearby Southwest Harbor. These tours give you the chance to see humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and puffins. Some of the best whale-watching tours in Maine depart from Bar Harbor, where you’ll get out onto the open sea for a memorable experience.

After the whale-watching tour, spend some time exploring smaller coastal towns along the Mid Coast. Here are a few suggestions:

Camden: A picturesque harbor town with charming shops, cafes, and great views from the top of Mount Battie.
Rockport: Known for its art galleries, coastal views, and small-town charm.
Boothbay Harbor: A quaint, popular town with a lovely harbor and access to several nearby islands.

All in all, your itinerary would allow you to experience the best of Maine’s coastal beauty, from Acadia’s iconic landscapes to the remote charm of Lubec and the Bay of Fundy. You’ll also have time to enjoy small, picturesque towns, unique tidal experiences, and a whale-watching adventure at sea. Enjoy your trip to Maine!