Best Maine Vacation Spots for your Summer Road Trip

Maine Vacation Itinerary: Popular Places to Visit & Where to Stay

These Maine vacation spots are a great choice for your summer road trip. From rocky coastal vistas punctuated by lighthouses and lobster boats to inland freshwater lakes flanked by mountains and evergreens, a road trip through Maine offers something for everyone. From south to north and back again, this ultimate Maine road trip is filled with quirky small towns, beautiful natural wonders, and unique experiences.

Stop #1 - Southern Coastal Region

York is the first of our Maine vacation spots and is one of the oldest towns in Maine. No visit to Maine is complete without visiting a few lighthouses, and the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, arguably one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, is a perfect first stop on any Maine road trip.

While most of Maine’s coastline is known for a craggy, rocky face, just down the road from the lighthouse is Long Sands Beach, a family friendly, mile long white, sandy stretch that is rarely crowded and is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a quiet day watching the waves roll in. If relaxing at the beach isn’t your thing, head for the hiking and biking trails at Mount Agamenticus or experience The Marginal Way, an iconic coastal walkway in the charming town of Ogunquit.

Places to Stay in York and Ogunquit

The Trellis House B&B

Hartwell House Inn

Stop #2 - Maine's Lakes Region

After your day exploring the shops and sites on Maine’s southern coast, change things up and head inland. Head north along the coast to Freeport, home of LL Bean’s flagship store. Spend some time shopping at Freeport's adorable outlets, and make sure to pick up a classic Maine whoopie pie at Wicked Whoopies. After you’ve shopped till you drop, head towards Poland, in the lakes region. Home of countless lakes for kayaking, fishing, and bald eagle spotting, you can enjoy a day on the water and then hit some spots along the Maine Beer Trail, like the Oxbow Beer Garden, located in a rustic, remodeled barn.

Places to Stay in Freeport, and Poland

Wolf Cove Inn

Stop #3 - Boothbay Harbor Region

From the lakes region, head back towards the coast and spend some time in the Boothbay Harbor Region. Visit the town of Wiscasset, fondly known as the “prettiest village in Maine”, and spend the morning exploring their picturesque Main Street, filled with boutiques and eateries. Grab lunch at Red’s Eats for one of the best lobster rolls in Maine. After lunch, drive to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse to scramble around on the rocky beach surrounding one of the prettiest lighthouses in Maine. *Pro-tip: Look carefully and you can find tons of tiny little rock cairns left by previous visitors to the beach. End your day with a sunset Schooner ride around Boothbay.

Places to Stay in Boothbay and New Harbor

Featured Maine Vacation Package

Topside Inn Schooner Sail for Two

At this Maine vacation spot, set sail out of Boothbay Harbor and experience Maine by sea. Enjoy the fresh ocean breezes and get an up close look at our historic lighthouses and wildlife; seals sunning on the rocks and porpoises at play. The Topside Inn package includes two tickets aboard one of two local schooners, Eastwind or the Bay Lady. Wine and cheese picnic to enjoy on the boat or in your room.

Bradley Inn and Restaurant

Stop #4 - Northern Coastal Region

Before leaving the Boothbay region, head to the Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens for a morning of exploring local flora and fauna. After that, the next of your Maine vacation spots, is a trip to Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island, the perfect home base from which to explore Acadia National Park. Whether hiking around Jordan Pond, or birding on the 158 miles of pedestrian trails, Acadia is an ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Be sure not to miss afternoon tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House!

Places to Stay in Bar Harbor

Featured Maine Vacation Package

Balance Rock Inn on the Ocean “Tour of Acadia”

Package Includes: Acadia National Park Pass, Trail & Hiking Guide, $25 Towards Tea & Popovers at the Jordan Pond House, Two Hour Scenic Trolley Ride through Acadia.

Ullikana

Inn at Bay Ledge

Stop #5 - Maine Midcoast Region

Now that you’ve experienced the rugged natural beauty of the northern Maine Coastal region, it’s time to turn back towards the south and explore more quintessential New England summer experiences in the midcoast region. Follow Route 1 back down along the coast to the quaint towns of Rockland, Lincolnville, and Camden to continue the adventure!

Places to Stay in Camden, Rockland, and Lincolnville

Inn at Sunrise Point

Captain Swift Inn

Camden Maine Stay Inn

Stop #6 - Kennebunkport Area

As you wrap up your driving tour of Maine, continue driving down Route 1 to visit Kennebunkport and its many attractions. Head to Cape Porpoise, a working fishing village dating back to the 1600’s, and watch the lobsterman bring in their daily catch. Visit the famous Rococo’s Ice Cream to taste unique savory ice cream flavors like Goat Cheese Blackberry Chambord and Sweet Avocado Cayenne, or opt for something more traditional like Maine Maple Walnut. Work off your ice cream feast with a kayak trip on the Kennebunk River.

Places to stay in Kennebunkport

Inn at English Meadows