Explore New England On Your Boston to Acadia National Park Road Trip

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Looking for a short New England adventure? There are plenty of gorgeous places to take a weekend getaway or day trip from Boston, United States. If you want to really experience the best of Maine, then a Boston to Acadia National Park Road Trip, should be top of your list.

While this trip can be done in one day, as driving time to Bar Harbor, Maine is only about 5 to 6 hours, I’ve split it into two, as there are so many gorgeous places to visit along the way.

More time to wander and visit the places that catch your fancy. No need to rush. No matter the time of year you visit, there will be plenty to see, do and photograph.

So we’ve made your trip planning easier by highlighting our favorite coastal towns and route, driving times, best places to eat, and kid and adult friendly activities, plus wonderful places to stay between Boston & Acadia:

• Day 1: Day 1: Boston to Salem, MA – 20 mi / 32 km
• Day 1: Salem to Portsmouth, NH – 44.3 mi / 71 km
• Day 1: Portsmouth to Kennebunkport, ME – 29.6 mi / 47.6 km
• Day 1: Kennebunkport to Portland, ME – Stay over night in Portland – 28.5 mi / 45.9 km
• Day 2: Portland to Rockland, ME – 79 mi / 127 km
• Day 2: Rockland to Camden, ME – 8 mi / 12 km
• Day 2: Last stretch Camden to Acadia & Bar Harbor, ME – 76 mi / 122 km

We have years of experience planning both adult and kid friendly road trips around Canada & the USA. Plus I’ve spent some time in Boston and road tripping down the East Coast myself.

Ready for a Boston to Acadia road trip adventure, featuring epic coastal views, historic cities, and beautiful parks? Let’s go.

BOSTON TO ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

I’ve highlighted the distance, recommended route, driving times, and all the best things to do at your destinations from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine.

Along with what we think are the not to miss sites, activities, or places you can visit & stay in Maine off the main route if you have extra time, or are interested in taking a detour closer to the coast.

If you only have a day or two, I recommend sticking to the main destinations, or pick and choose those that suite your needs, preferences and Maine bucket list.

Boston Logan International Airport, is the largest airport in the area to fly into.

🚙 Renting a car in Boston is another great way to make your way down to Acadia for a day trip, or a night or two. You’ll pass through Massachusettes and New Hampshire, on your way to Maine.

Without further ado get ready for Boston, Acadia National Park and the lovely New England coastal towns in between.

Boston Things to Do

If you have a couple of extra days, then a stay in Boston is the perfect place for an essential New England getaway. Home to the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park, world famous clam chowder, the Boston Marathon, and the bar from Cheers.

Not to mention the birthplace of the American Revolution (Boston Tea Party folks!). Plus it’s good idea to visit the USS Constitution Museum & walk and reflect on Boston’s history on the Freedom Trail.

I love how there are so many adult and family friendly activities to experience. You don’t want to short change yourself by missing out on this historic east coast city.

Last time I was in Boston, there was a fierce competition between my friends of which old school pizzeria was the better, Santarpio’s Pizza or Ernesto’s Pizza. Both were delicious.

But if you’re hungry I could barely finish the HUGE slice at Ernesto’s. We took ours down to the Rose Kennedy Greenway to eat and enjoy the views, as it there was no seating. The chicken, pepperoni, ricotta was divine.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you want flexibility, then a 2-3 day trip to visit Boston and then a 2 day drive from Boston to Acadia National Park would be perfect. Add on a couple of days for a visit to National Parks.

Boston has more city activities to do with kids, so I like to have at least a few days here to catch the city life, before heading more out into nature & the beach.

BOSTON TO BAR HARBOR MAINE (What not to Miss!)

This is a fun route, with many of the best places to visit, no matter the season.

Day 1: Boston to Salem, MA

🧭 Distance: 20 miles / 32 kms

📍 Route:1A N to 107N or via I-93 N and I-95 N

🚙 Driving Time: 45 minutes

Things to do Salem, ME: Salem Witch House, Salem Witch Museum, Witch Trials Memorial, Hocus Pocus House, Peabody Essex Museum, Winter Island Park, Salem Trolley, Shop at the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Your first stop should be Salem, MA, only a short drive from Boston. This historic, and likely haunted town is most famous for the Salem witch trials of the 1690s.

If you have a bit of time, then we think this guided Salem history and sightseeing tour is a popular must.

It’s perfect for people who want to learn all about the witch trials, & Salem’s history in the American Revolution. You’ll get to tour iconic sites like the Witch Trials Memorial, the Pickering House, and the Ropes Mansion and Gardens.

FUN FACT: Ropes Mansion is where part of the movie Hocus Pocus was filmed. I swear my daughter has made me watch that film 20 times, and she was super excited to know we could actually visit that house.

Visit the Salem Witch House, once home to Jonathan Corwin, a judge of the witchcraft trials of 1692. It’s the only building still standing linked directly to the witch trials. So no wonder it’s believed to be haunted.

Stop by Gulu Gulu Cafe for your morning coffee & a light snack. They also offer hard-to-come-by craft beer if you visit later in the day.

Just remember it’s a prime Hallowee’en destination which is super fun. But if you’re looking to avoid crowds, avoid going in fall.

LOCAL TIP: Save time to buy some Sweet Sloops at Harbor Sweets. It’s a sailboat-shaped chocolate with a buttercrunch toffee center, white chocolate exterior, dipped in dark chocolate and crushed pecans.

Day 1: Salem to Portsmouth, NH

🧭 Distance: 44.3 miles / 71 kms

📍 Route: I-95 N

🚙 Driving Time: 1 hour

Sites along the way: Detours to Cape Anne Peninsula (Gloucester & Rockport fishing villages), Hampton Beach State Park, Granite State Whale Watch

Things to do Portsmouth, New Hampsire: Tax free shopping, Strawberry Banke Museum, Labrie Ice Skating Rink, Prescott Park, Portsmouth Lighthouse, Peirce Island and Four Tree Island

Portsmouth is a little piece of coastal heaven, and tax free shopping (no sales tax). Our family is always up for some tax free shopping, & we like to pop into Portsmouth, whenever we happen to be in the area.

Explore historic downtown, and the cute shops and small local businesses lining the boulevards.

Favorite Portsmouth shops & restaurants include:

• Visit Inside Out for unique Portsmouth souvenirs and fashionable women’s and men’s clothing, gifts, crafts, homeware, and kids toys and books.
• Give Sault New England a try, for menswear & those hard to buy for men’s gifts.
• Portsmouth Book and Bar for you guessed it books and a bar (or coffee).
• Portsmouth Brewery – for a pint of local brew.
• Flat Bread Pizza – for delicious wood-fired pizza using locally sourced ingredients.

LOCAL TIP: If you’re a coffee lover then I recommend you stop at Kaffee Vonsolln for that morning cup of superb coffee, and German pastries. Small batch roasted coffee…sign me up every time!

Only a 10 minute walk from dowtown is the 10 acre outdoor history museum of Strawberry Banke. They’re dedicated to bringing 300+ years of local American history to life. 

Explore their eight heritage gardens, historic buildings, traditional crafts, and hands-on activities, and stories told by costumed role players.

Wander the ten-acre waterfront Prescott Park, located on the banks of the Piscataqua River. A short jaunt from downtown. Enjoy music, movie nights, and plays in the summer months during the Prescott Park Summer Festival. Other seasonal festivals happen year round.

When in coastal New England…….. Portsmouth Lighthouse can be seen from afar, or up close every Sunday from late May (Memorial Day weekend) through mid-October (Columbus Day weekend). Tours are available first-come, first serve and no reservations are necessary.

LOCAL TIP: A quick jaunt over to Peirce Island and Four Tree Island is a must in warmer weather. I find their scenic walking trails, waterfront park, and picnic spots with views of the Piscataqua River and the city’s skyline are spectacular on sunny days.

During the winter months ice skating at the Labrie Family Skating Rink (open December to February) is fun for the whole family.

Heading to Portsmouth over Christmas? I think the Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth is a famous month-long holiday celebration (starting December 1st), not to be missed.

Throughout the month of December enjoy the Portsmouth Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade, vintage trolley rides in a downtown loop and candle light strolls through the Strawberry Banke museum, to name a few activities.

Day 1: Portsmouth to Kennebunkport, ME

🧭 Distance: 29.6 miles 

📍 Route: I-95 N

🚙 Driving Time: 30-45 minutes

Sites along the way: Kittery shopping outlets, York (Nubble Lighthouse, 4 sandy beaches), Ogunquit – Marginal Way cliff walk

Things to do Kennebunkport, ME: Goose Rocks Beach, Lobster Rolls at The Clam Shack, Kennebuck Beach, Shopping, Art Galleries

Kennebunkport is a gorgeous coastal town known for having some of the best beaches in Maine. As well as being home to former President Bush’ summer house.

Downtown lives up to the quaint New England vibe, with delightful eateries, boutique shopping and numerous art galleries.

Seafood is the name of Maine’s game, and Kennebunkport delivers with fresh clam chowder & infamous locally caught lobster & lobster rolls at the seaside The Clam Shack. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

You’ll definitely want to stop and take advantage of the Southern Maine beaches, even if it’s too cold to dip your toes. Or be brave and dip them anyway!

• Goose Rocks Beach is the largest beach in Kennebunkport, ME and super popular in the summer. Grab your paid parking pass info from the Goose Rocks General Store. Protected white sand beach with gentle waves are perfect for a relaxing, summer swim, especially with young kids.

• Kennebuck Beach is split into three areas. Mother’s Beach is a small, narrow beach, with a lifeguard, perfect for families. Middle Beach is a quieter, small pebbled beach good for getting away from the crowds. Gooch’s Beach, the most popular white sand beach that has good surf, and a jetty you can fish for bass from, in the beautiful Kennebunk River.

👉 Does it snow in Maine? Find out about weather & winter in Maine here

Day 1: Kennebunkport to Portland, ME – Stay over night in Portland

🧭 Distance: 28.5 miles / 45.9 kms

📍Route: via US-1 N and I-95 N

🚙 Driving Time: 30 – 40 minutes

Sites along the way: Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth

Things to do Portland, ME: Portland Head Lighthouse, local craft brews, Fort Williams Park, Foodies delight, Shopping, Art, Museums

On the road again…. This time for only about 30-40 minutes, heading to Maine’s oldest and arguably coolest city, Portland, ME.

Portland how I love thee…..let me count the ways.

From historic lighthouses, to mouth watering restuarants and an enviable local craft brew scene, it embodies the hipster to historical in one vibrant mix. We stayed 2 nights & wished we had longer, to soak in all the day and night life.

This guided Portland and lighthouse tour is a popular, relaxing way to see all the sites and 3 famous lighthouses in the area.

Ramble through Portland’s Old Port cobblestone roads, stopping in at charming boutiques, hip restaurants & bars & even a fishing pier or two. Many people also head here in June for the Old Port Festival or in December for Merry Madness.

A foodie’s delight, you’ll want to check out at least one or two iconic restaurants and snack shacks in Portland, Maine.

Not to miss eats in Portland, Maine:

• Eat a Holy Donut – Maine’s potato & flour donuts. Try one of their 18 flavours. Fan favorites include the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt, Maple Bacon, and Fresh Lemon.

• Try authentic down-home cooking at Becky’s Diner – Featured on Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives. Inhale the Lobster Benedict for a true Maine inspired breakfast.

• Book a seat at Duck Fat – For cones of hot, golden, crispy duck fat-fried Belgian frites (french fries).

• Enjoy a craft beer – Nova Res Bier Cafe, Bunker Brewing Company, Rising Tides, and Allagash Brewery are popular places.

• Eat lots of lobster – Get your lobster fest on in Porthole, Luke’s , High Roller Lobster (get the Lobster Cheese Crisp taco with jalapeño mayo).

• Drink Coffee & eat pastries – Tandem is downtown Portland’s vintage gas station turned coffee shop & bakery.

If you have a bit of time then definitely consider a highly rated local food & history tour through the Old Port.

Then consider checking out the oldest lighthouse in Maine, at nearby Portland Head Light next to Fort Williams Park.  Portland Head Light is only about 10 minute drive from Old Port.

Perfect year round for taking a million of those quintessential New England lighthouse photos you’ve been dying to click.

If you just can’t get enough of windswept views, against the back drop of Maine lighthouses, then vist Fort Williams Park next door. Here you’ll find four more lighthouses – Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Halfway Rock Light and Cape Elizabeth Light.

Maine in summer is one of our favorite times to take a road trip to the east coast.

If travelling in fall, then check out our family friendly 3 day Portland, Maine Fall itinerary

Other fun kid friendly things to do in Portland, Maine include:

• Visit the Portland Observatory – This seven-story structure is the only maritime signal tower still standing in America. Each floor has displays related to Portland’s history, and maritime traditions.

• Spend an afternoon at Portland Museum of Art – Become an art critic, and peruse their collection of over 18,000 pieces on rotation, including works by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol.

• Donut Tasting Walking Tour – Get your taste buds dancing with skip the line visits to all three downtown donut shops.

• Take the Ferry to Peaks Island – Hop this 20 minute “mini cruise” ferry to Peaks Island. Eat fresh seafood at a local cafe, relax on the beachfront, or rent a golf cart to tour the entire island attractions.

Heading to Maine in Spring? Check out all our fun ideas for spring activities in Maine (Most can be done almost year round).

Day 2: Portland to Rockland, ME

🧭 Distance: 79 mi / 127 km

📍 Route: I-295 N and I-95 N

🚙 Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Sites along the way: Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Best lobster rolls at Wiscasset, Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, ME, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Things to do Rockland, ME: Lobster festival, Art Galleries, Museums, Lighthouses, Lobster Rolls, Project Puffin Visitors Center

Rockland is a quaint seaside village along Penobscot Bay. Here you’ll find a mix of restaurants, shops and museums in this artsy coastal community. Known for it’s art scene and the Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse.

Check out the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Farnsworth Art Museum or the Muir Garden for Contemporary Sculpture at Harbor Square Gallery.

If your visiting in the summer, check out the Maine Lobster Festival. Derek was sad we missed it, as lobster is his thing.

It’s a four day extravaganza dedicated to celebrating all things lobster, and includes parades, live music, arts, kids activities, crate racing and more. Usually the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday.

Next head out to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a 4,000 feet (1,200 m) walk on granite stones. Then run those kids around the beach area off to the side. I never tire of gorgeous lighthouse views.

Project Puffin Visitors Center celebrates the success of Project Puffin in bringing puffins and other rare Maine seabirds back to their historic nesting islands.

LOCAL TIP: On your way to Rockland stop at Red Eats in the small town of Wiscasset (50 minutes from Portland). Grab a lobster roll from one of the local favorites and best lobster shacks in the area. It wins best Lobster Roll in all of New England year after year.

🏩 Check out our picks for the best oceanfront places to stay on Maine’s Coast

Day 2: Rockland to Camden, ME 

🧭 Distance: 8 mi / 12 km

📍 Route: via I-93 N and I-95 N

🚙 Driving Time: 20 minutes

Things to do: Hike Mount Battie Trail, Camden Hills State Park, Sailing Cruise, Harbor Park festivals & concerts, Skiing,

Camden, Maine is the jewel of the Maine coast, complete with 19th century architecture and a picturesque harbor filled with sail boats.

If you’re tired of sitting in car then take the 1.1 mile, one hour return hike up Mount Battie Trail. We didn’t get a chance to do this hike, but it’s on our bucket list for next time.

This challenging hike will reward you with awesome panoramic views of Penobscot Bay below. Best hiked May through October.

Camden Hills State Park is another great place to hike & camp year round. With 30 miles / 48 kms of trails, there is something to suit everyone’s fitness levels.

Or enjoy Camden, Maine by boat and take a classic Windjammer Sailing Day Cruise. Get a taste for the scenic coastline aboard a historic wooden schooner.  

Camden waterfront Harbor Park is lovely for a stroll, or to catch one of the many festivals, picnics and concerts held throughout the year.

Heading out in winter? Go for a ride at the Camden Snow Bowl. A community-owned ski resort and outdoor rec area boastinf the only US ski resort with ocean views. 

You can also ride the chair lift in Fall and enjoy the vibrant fall colors on the mountain. Camden is a must stop on your Boston to Bar Harbor road trip.

Other family friendly Camden, ME activities include:

• Swimming at Laite Memorial Beach
• Christmas by the Sea – 3 day festival of shopping, carols, a live nativity, parade and more
• Camden Windjammer Festival – end your summer with this Labor Day festival full of live music, events, team-based treasure hunt, mini boats, and watch the schooner fleet in the water.
• Merryspring Nature Centre – Birdwatch in this 66 acre park, or head out on one if their trails, including an interpretive trail, a vernal pool, and arboretum.

Day 2: Last stretch Camden to Acadia & Bar Harbor, ME

🧭 Distance: 76 mi / 122 km

📍 Route: US-1 N and ME-3 E

🚙 Driving Time: 2 hours

Stops along the way: Belfast Harbor Walk, Penobscot Narrows Bridge, Downeast scenic railway, Trenton Lobster Pound

Things to do in Bar Harbor, ME: Acadia National Park, restaurants, museums, shopping, Shore Path, Boat Tours, hiking, awesome breakfast spots

The final 2-hour drive along your Boston to Acadia road trip will take you along the coast, winding around and over the bays, rivers, and narrows. You finally made it to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor, Maine, one of my favourite towns on the east coast, USA!

Now I hope you saved a few days to explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Fall is a great time to visit too. There is a lot to see here, starting with driving the scenic route of Park Loop Road. As well as camping, & beach time, hikes along the ocean to Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond House.

The best sunsets atop Cadillac Mountain. Or taking photos of the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Or check out our other lodging recommendations for Bar Habor & area:

• Top 10 Best Bar Harbor Hotels With Pools
• Pet Friendly Bar Harbor Hotels

For all the best things to do, and fun itinerary ideas check out our 4 day kid & adult friendly Acadia & Bar Harbor itinerary. Can easily be adjusted for 1, 2, or 3 day visits as well.

FAQs – Boston to Bar Harbor Maine

What is there to see between Boston and Acadia National Park?

The top stops on your road trip between Boston and Acadia include the Salem Witch House & Museum, Portsmouth Lighthouse, seafood and Kennebuck beaches in Kennebunkport, Portland foodie & craft brew scene, Penobscot Bay & the Maine Lobster Festival, Camden Hills State Park and Camden Snow Bowl and much more.

What is the Boston to Bar Harbor drive time?

If you were to drive straight through, the Boston to Bar Harbor drive time would be about 5 hours along route I-95 N. Beginning in Boston, MA this 285 mi (459 km) trip follows the coastline north, along some of the most beautiful and quaint towns on the New England coast, to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park in Maine.

What is the distance from Bar Harbor to Portland Maine?

The distance from Bar Harbor to Portland Maine is 175.3 mi (282 km) via I-95 S and I-295 S on the quickest route. It will take you about 3 hours to drive if you don’t stop along the way. For a more scenic drive, take the coastal route via I-295 N and US-1 N through Rockland, Camden & Belfast. This route is 163 mi (262km) but will take just under 4 hours to drive non stop.

Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport Distance

The distance from Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport is 202.7 mi (326km) via I-295 S and I-95 S route, and will take you about 3.5 hours to drive straight through. For a more scenic New England coastal route, the drive along US-1 S through Rockland, ME is 190 mi (306 km) or about a 4.5 hour drive.

Final Thoughts: Boston to Acadia National Park Road Trip

So there you have it. A fun way to experience your drive from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. So you don’t miss out on any of the iconic New England coastal sites.

Whether your focus is Boston, Acadia National Park, or the cute oceanfront towns in between, I think you’ll love taking this road trip as much as I we did, no matter what time of year you are there.

Anything else? Check out our Travel Resources page