First time Maine visitor with itinerary question.

Question

We are planning to fly to Portland on September 28th. I would appreciate comments on our itinerary and anything major I am missing. Any lodging advice?

Day 1 arrive in Portland and drive to Greenville. Lunch and then Moose watching tour at 3pm.

Day 2 check out Greenville and Moosehead lake. Maybe Kayak check out Kokadjo.

Day 3 drive to Acadia. Stopping to check in to hotel in Bar Harbor and lunch. Either E bike the Carriage roads in Acadia in afternoon or hang out in Bar Harbor

Day 4 Do the park loop starting early and seeing Sand Beach, maybe Beehive, Otter Cliffs, Thunder hole.

Day 5 Jordan pond and Bass harbor lighthouse and anything else we missed

Day 6 drive to Boothbay harbor. Visit Botanical Gardens and hang out it town.

Day 7 check out Kennebunkport and maybe Ogunquit

Day 8 fly out of Portland home.

Answer

Your itinerary for Maine looks ambitious but doable, with a nice balance of nature, small towns, and classic Maine experiences. Here’s a detailed look and some suggestions for improvement, plus lodging tips.

Day 1: Portland to Greenville

This is a long drive (around 3.5-4 hours). Lunch en route is smart. Moose watching tours around 3pm are well-timed; moose are more active in the late afternoon. Consider staying overnight in Greenville—there are lodges and inns near Moosehead Lake that offer good views and easy access to tours.

Day 2: Moosehead Lake/Kokadjo

Exploring Greenville and Moosehead Lake is perfect for a slow morning. Kayaking near Kokadjo is excellent if the weather is good. Make sure to have a plan for lunch/dinner as options are limited in the area.

Day 3: Drive to Acadia

Driving from Greenville to Bar Harbor is about 4-4.5 hours. Stopping for lunch is wise. E-biking the Carriage Roads in the afternoon is a great option for light activity without hiking, or you can explore Bar Harbor’s shops and waterfront. If you start late, you may prefer a relaxed afternoon in town instead of biking.

Day 4: Acadia Park Loop

Starting early is crucial for popular spots like Sand Beach, Beehive, Otter Cliffs, and Thunder Hole. If your group is comfortable, Beehive is fun but a bit challenging; otherwise, skip it and focus on easier viewpoints. Expect crowds at Thunder Hole mid-day.

Day 5: Jordan Pond and Bass Harbor Lighthouse

Jordan Pond is best in the morning for fewer crowds and a walk around the pond. Popovers at the Jordan Pond House are a must-try. Bass Harbor Lighthouse is beautiful, especially in late afternoon light. If time allows, consider a short hike at Ship Harbor Trail for coastal views.

Day 6: Boothbay Harbor

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are excellent, especially in late September with fall blooms beginning. Explore the town afterward. Dinner options are limited after dark, so plan ahead.

Day 7: Kennebunkport and Ogunquit

Kennebunkport is charming with shops and a waterfront walk. Ogunquit’s Marginal Way trail is scenic, especially at sunset. Consider timing to avoid feeling rushed.

Day 8: Portland and flight home

If you have extra time, Old Port in Portland is a great spot for breakfast and last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.

Lodging Recommendations:

Greenville: Moosehead Lake region lodges like The Greenville Inn or Kineo View Motel offer comfortable stays near nature.
Bar Harbor: For a central location, consider the Bar Harbor Inn or Atlantic Oceanside Hotel for easy access to shops and the shuttle bus to Acadia.
Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor Inn or Spruce Point Inn for cozy accommodations with scenic views.

Additional Tips:

September weather is usually mild, but bring layers and a rain jacket for coastal and inland excursions.
Reserve any moose tours and Jordan Pond House popovers in advance, if possible.
Consider time flexibility; some days may feel long with driving and activities.

Overall, your itinerary covers Maine’s highlights from inland wildlife to coastal beauty. With careful timing, it should be a memorable trip!