Maine Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Maine is one of the most incredible states in the country, which means adventuring through it should definitely be on your bucket list. With a coast longer than that of California (that’s a true fact!) and forested mountain peaks towering over the landscape, it can be hard to choose where to go. That’s why we love the idea of a road trip through Maine. From one point to another, there’s so much to see! But, for those unsure of where to start we’ve compiled a few of the best Maine road trip ideas. The next time you want to take a beautiful adventure through one of the most picturesque states in America, choose from this list.

1-Day Road Trip In Maine

SarahPrince09 / Flickr

• Route: Valley View Orchards Pies, Inc. > Wicked Whoopies > Cape Whoopies > Ocean Park Subs & Grocery > Auntie’s House Bakery & Chocolatier
• Distance: 98 Miles
• Trip Time: 2 hours driving time

We all know Maine is known for lobster, but there are quite a few other things that make this state unique. You can’t deny that we have some of the best lobster rolls in New England, but what about desserts? If you have a sweet tooth a visit north might be just the thing to satiate it. And, this road trip to the best whoopie pies shops in the state is the best way to do it! Just a few hours from Boston lies the best treat in the region. The best part is that this route not only includes great food, but it also features stops in Kennebunkport, views of coastal Maine and even some fun small towns.

3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Maine

National Park Trips / TripAdvisor

• Route: Two Lights State Park > The Lobster Shack at Two Lights > Portland Head Light > Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse > Bug Light Park > The Highroller Lobster Co. > Burnt Island Light > Marshall Point Lighthouse > Owls Head Lighthouse > Claws > Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse > Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse > Bass Harbor Head Light Station > The Travelin Lobster > West Quoddy Head > The Lobstah Buoy > Ladies Delight Lighthouse > Cameron's Lobster House
• Distance: 608 Miles
• Trip Time: 15 hours driving time

This three-day getaway would be special if it just included the best lobster shacks in the state. But, the fact that it also includes incredible lighthouses makes this a standout adventure! You’ll be starting in Cape Elizabeth, located in southern Maine. From there you’ll make your way north to Portland, including the Old Port and views over Casco Bay. Then it’s on to beautiful Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island and the rest of the coastal waters. Be sure to take advantage of some of the state parks and hiking trails along the way.

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Rangeley Lakes Road Trip

Cappi Thompson / Moment Collection via Getty Images

• Route: Route 4 > Route 16 > Route 17 > The Height of Land > Mooselookmeguntic Lake
• Distance: 35 Miles
• Trip Time: 2.5 hours driving time

This road trip is an easy one because it’s simply one long scenic byway. But, don’t let the fact that it’s one dedicated route dissuade you from giving it a try. This might be one of the most gorgeous road trips you can take in the state of Maine. You’ll begin in the high peaks of western Maine, exploring the wooded forests that make up much of the area. Stops include the Height of Land with some of the most magnificent views over Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

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The Bold Coast Road Trip

cnewtoncom / Flickr

• Route: Millbridge Pharmacy > Columbia Falls > Jonesport > Jonesboro > Roque Bluffs State Park > East Machias > Cutler > South Trescott > Eastport
• Distance: 125 Miles
• Trip Time: 3 hours driving time

Considered one of the most beautiful areas in the entire USA, the Bold Coast offers sweeping views of the water with the quintessential coast of Maine we’ve all come to expect here. This route is big on views, so be ready with your camera. Or, you can choose to stay in the moment and simply take the memories away in your mind. Either way, be prepared for some epic scenery. The journey begins with a stop at the Milbridge House Restaurant for breakfast. From here you’ll jump on the road! Head north on Route 1 along the Narraguagus River to begin the journey and then get ready for more!

Best Maine Road Trip For Spring

Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook

• Route: Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room > Mackworth Island > Sebago Lake State Park > Auburn Riverwalk > Schooner Landing > The Norumbega > Deer Isle Stonington Historical Society > Asticou Azalea Garden Parking > Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden > Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park
• Distance: 283 Miles
• Trip Time: 7 hours driving time

One of the best times of year in Maine is when the leaves come back to the trees and birds begin chirping. Ice out is here and summer is so close we can taste it. This is a great time to get back out into the world to remember just how much we love it here. This road trip offers a variety of things to do and see, making it perfect for those who like a little bit of everything. Take some extra time to enjoy kayaking in Sebago Lake State Park. Or, grab some ice cream along the way. This trip offers a scenic drive, along with lots of chances for outdoor fun and food in some of the state’s most magical places.

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Best Summer Road Trip In Maine

Management / TripAdvisor

• Route: Captain Jefferds Inn > Brewster House Bed & Breakfast > Newcastle Inn > Moose Crossing Garden Center > Berry Manor Inn > LimeRock Inn > Granite Inn > Hawthorn Inn
• Distance: 116 Miles
• Trip Time: 2.5 hours driving time

When summer hits we always look forward to the wildflowers and plants that are blooming all over the state. And, undoubtedly, one of the best of those is the Lupines. Beautiful but brief, these stunning purple flowers offer a fun pop of color all over the state for just a few weeks. We especially love when they can be found along the highway. For those who want to make a day of finding the best examples, follow this road trip to a few unexpected spots where they grow. This Maine road trip itinerary is certainly one of the most beautiful.

Best Maine Road Trip For Fall

smilla4 / Flickr

• Route: Skowhegan > Athens > Hartland > Newport > Peaks-Kenny State Park > Guilford > Greenville > Jackman > Moxie Falls > Bingham
• Distance: 210 Miles
• Trip Time: 4.5 hours driving time

Spring and summer are certainly special in Maine, but there’s something about fall that can’t be beaten by any other state in New England! From Kennebunk to Downeast, there’s a beautiful view waiting around every corner. On this road trip, you’ll be leaving the coastal towns and heading inland for the forest and mountains. A coastal Maine road trip is always great, but this time of year there’s nothing quite as stunning as the woods. Start your trip in Skowhegan with a trip to Alice’s Restaurant for breakfast. Then, you’ll be on your way to impressive fall foliage.

Best Winter Road Trip In Maine

coreytempleton / Flickr

• Route: Nubble Lighthouse > Ogunquit > Kennebunkport > Victoria Mansion > Portland Regency Hotel & Spa > Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument > L.L.Bean > Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens > Camden
• Distance: 150 Miles
• Trip Time: 4 hours driving time

The most magical time of year is extra-special in Maine when you consider how festive things can get throughout the state. From the mid-coast to the mountains, everything is decked out in lights and merriment ready to bring joy to all those who seek it. If you’re the type that seeks it via car we’ve got the perfect road trip for you! Follow the directions to some of the most gorgeous and festive bed and breakfasts, art galleries, main streets, inns and lighthouses.

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Family Friendly Maine Road Trip

Wild Blueberry Land / Facebook

• Route: York > Len Libby Candies > Desert of Maine > Kenneth E. Stoddard Shell Museum > Maine State Prison Showroom > The Norumbega > Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies > Paul Bunyan Statue > Wild Blueberry Land
• Distance: 350 Miles
• Trip Time: 7.5 hours driving time

Visit Maine for the lobster, but be sure to make time for some of these unique and unforgettable attractions. Kids of all ages (even the grown-up variety!) will enjoy seeing some of the quirkiest sites in the state. At 350 miles, this makes for a long day trip, but it’s well worth it. Especially if you consider breaking it up into two slow days of driving. Giant statues, unexpected museums and even a totally off-the-wall boutique await those who choose to take this journey.

Road Trip to Maine Landmarks & Natural Wonders

cdk / Flickr

• Route: Desert of Maine > Tumbledown Mountain > Height of Land > Flagstaff Lake > Gulf Hagas > Gather Inn > Mt Katahdin > Appalachian Trail Cafe > Reversing Falls > The Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant > Bubble Rock at Jordan Pond > Thunder Hole >
• Distance: 586 Miles
• Trip Time: 15 hours driving time

One of the longest road trips on this list is certainly worth every mile. From Freeport to Boothbay Harbor and all the way up to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Island, there’s something for everyone on this journey. It’s best to make this into two or even three days to give yourself enough time to enjoy all the sights. This route also includes an overnight option, but consider booking that in advance.

Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Maine

smilla4 / Flickr

• Route: Kennebunkport > Bath > Port Clyde > Rockport > Belfast > Searsport > Castine > Brooklin > Stonington
• Distance: 260 Miles
• Trip Time: 6 hours driving time

Maine comes to life in each and every one of its small towns. This road trip takes travelers to some of the most charming spots located across the entire state. Pick up some donuts in Kennebunkport before setting off for the historic maritime town of Bath. Many of these towns are located on the water, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a windjammer in the water. Check out local breweries and dip your toes in the water at one of the sandy beaches along the way. Take time to stroll the cobblestone streets, too. These towns are some of the loveliest on the east coast, so take this one nice and slow to soak them all up.

Whether you’re coming from New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Canada or somewhere even further, each and every one of these journeys is worth the gas. The time spent on the road showcases all Maine has to offer, from Penobscot Bay to Portland Harbor and everything in between. What are some of your favorite road trip destinations?

Once you’ve enjoyed a few of the Maine road trip ideas included here, you might also want to consider heading out to see some of Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses. And, of course, we’ve got a dreamily beautiful road trip for that, too!