This week long itinerary in Maine offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and local charm, making for an unforgettable trip. From the rugged coastlines and picturesque lighthouses to the serene lakes and vibrant towns, every day brings a new experience!
Day 1: Arrival in Bangor
- Upon arrival in Bangor Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Bar Harbor.
- Accommodation: We stayed at Best Western Acadia and it’s a convenient location for the town and Acadia Park.
Day 2: Discovering Acadia National Park
- Morning:
- Start your day with a drive along Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. This 27-mile loop offers breathtaking coastal and mountain views, perfect for a scenic drive.
- Begin your adventure at Sand Beach, tackling the thrilling Beehive Trail with iron rungs and cliff walks for stunning views.
- Afternoon:
- Take a leisurely walk along Ocean Path, which begins in the upper Sand Beach parking lot for a 4-mile round trip along rocky coastline, and stop at Thunder Hole to witness the power of the waves.
- Head over to Jordan Pond House for a late lunch or a tea break. Hike the trails around Jordan Pond, with an optional climb to South Bubble for views over the pond and beyond. The round trip hike along the shore line is a little over 3 miles.
- Evening:
- End the day with a serene sunset at Eagle Lake Overlook before heading back to Bar Harbor.
Day 3: Western Acadia’s Hidden Gems
- Morning:
- Start today with a drive to the west side of the park to Echo Lake, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, surrounded by forested hills.
- Hike the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail, offering challenging climbs up the cliffs and rewarding vistas of the nearby peaks and Echo Lake directly below.
- Afternoon:
- Rent a kayak and paddle through the tranquil waters of Long Pond, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains.
- Evening:
- Explore the natural Seawall formed by cobblestones and wait for the sunset at the picturesque Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of Maine’s most photographed spots.
Day 4: Schoodic Peninsula Exploration
- Morning:
- Start the day early at Otter Cliffs to catch a stunning sunrise, followed by a visit to the unique Boulder Beach.
- Then head over to Schoodic Peninsula, which is over an hour drive from the visitor center, offering fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Desert Island.
- Discover the dramatic coastline at Schoodic Point and explore the quaint village of Winter Harbor.
- Afternoon:
- Hike the Schoodic Head Trail which is the highest point on the peninsula with panoramic ocean views over Frenchman Bay and Cadillac Mountain.
- If you have more time for short trails in the area, combine it with Alder Trail and East Trail which are both around half a mile long.
- Evening:
- Capture the sunset at the picturesque Ravens Nest, offering dramatic cliffside views.
Day 5: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain & Bar Harbor Delights
- Early Morning:
- Cadillac Summit Sunrise: Witness the first rays of sunlight from Cadillac Mountain (4:30-6:30 AM entry), the highest point on the East Coast, providing a breathtaking start to the day. Reserve 2 days in advance at Recreation.gov for entry. We had a very cold and cloudy morning on a late September day but the sun peaked out for a very memorable view.
- Morning:
- Enjoy a scenic ride along the Sargent Drive, offering stunning views of Somes Sound, and explore the charming village of Northeast Harbor.
- Afternoon:
- Savor a delicious lunch at Travelin Lobster, a popular roadside eatery, known for its fresh, local lobster. (2:30-6:30 PM only)
- Head back to Bar Harbor and stroll along the Shore Path in Frenchman’s Bay, learning about Bar Harbor’s history through self-guided signs, and relax in Agamont Park with beautiful harbor views.
- Time your visit to see the natural land bridge connecting Bar Harbor to Bar Island at low tide, perfect for a short hike and exploration. (You can do this after the cruise if low tide time is later.)
- Evening:
- Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise with Acadian Boat Tours or Bass Harbor Cruises, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
Day 6: Journey to Portland
- Depart from Bar Harbor on a 3.5-hour drive to Portland.
- Stop in the charming towns of Camden and Wiscasset along the way for picturesque harbors, quaint shops, and delicious seafood. Wiscasset is home to Red’s Eats, one of Maine’s famous lobster shacks. There will most likely be a long line but it’s so worth it!
- If you have more time, stop by Freeport, Brunswick & Bath towns on the way.
Day 7: Exploring Portland
- Morning:
- Visit the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse and explore the historic Fort Williams Park with its scenic walking trails.
- Afternoon:
- Head back to Portland Downtown for lunch and explore the area.
- Do some shopping on Exchange Street.
- Evening:
- Stroll along the Eastern Promenade, offering panoramic views of Casco Bay, and explore the vibrant Old Port district with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and lively restaurants.
Day 8: Departure
- It’s your last day. Before departing Portland to your hometown, head over to Bug Light Park to see Portland Breakwater Light. It’s a nice park with wonderful panoramic view of the Portland Harbor and the city skyline.
Enjoy your travels!
