7 Can’t-Miss Stops on a Maine Coast Road Trip

Maine Coast road trip - Giant's Stairs in Harpswell

Headed Downeast? Although Maine might be considered about as far “up” from most places as it gets, the coast of Maine is known to locals as Downeast. This comes from the ships leaving Boston that would follow tradewinds “downwind” and east. Whether you call it Northeast or Downeast, a road trip up Highway 1 is not to be missed. Quaint seaside towns, historic cities, picturesque ocean views, the only northeastern national park, and all the lobster you can eat await you here. For a quintessential New England experience and some of the best that Maine has to offer, these stops along the Maine Coast should be at the top of your road trip bucket list.

These are seven can’t-miss stops on a road trip up the coast of Maine.

Kennebunkport

The motto of Maine, also known as Vacationland, is “The way life should be.” Towns like Kennebunkport are exactly why. This small, oceanfront town is known for its sandy beaches, surrounding canals, and upscale vacationers. Dock Square is a good place to start to find adorable shops and delicious restaurants. Head to Gooch’s Beach to go for a swim or hunt for sand dollars. If you prefer coastal views over a swim, don’t miss Parson’s Way Trail along Ocean Avenue. A leisurely walk along the path will provide extraordinary ocean views while also passing by Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave.

Portland

Portland is one of the coolest stops on the Maine Coast (or in all of New England for that matter). It’s home to picturesque cobblestone streets, classic New England scenery, and an impressive selection of craft breweries and incredible restaurants. Grab the best frites in town at Duckfat, try a Maine-style lobster roll at The High Roller, and sample potato donuts (sounds funky – tastes amazing) at The Holy Donut. When you’re finished eating your way through the city, take some time to explore the historic Old Port neighborhood and, of course, you can’t miss the famous Portland Head Light.

Maine Beer Company

About 20 minutes outside of Portland, you’ll find Maine Beer Company in Freeport. With a stunning tasting room, wood-fired pizzas, and quality brews, it’s a destination in and of itself.

My favorite thing about this brewery, however, is the commitment to the environment. A percentage of their gross annual sales are donated to environmental nonprofits, the brewery and tasting room are powered using clean energy sources, spent grain is donated to farmers, and the list goes on.

Giant’s Stairs

Many of the best spots along the coast of Maine are situated in harbors, protected from the fierce ocean waves. Giant’s Stairs in Harpswell breaks from that pattern. A short trail will lead you along a rocky coastline where waves roll in and crash on the shore. This lesser-known locale is a gorgeous place to sit and breathe the salty air, and it was one of my favorite stops we made on our Maine Coast road trip. The drive through Harpswell to the trailhead at the tip of Bailey’s Island was pretty picturesque as well.

Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine is one of the best places in the country for a lobster roll

The Best Lobstah Around

If you don’t try a lobster roll, have you even really been to Maine? What makes the perfect lobster roll might be subjective, but Red’s Eats is widely regarded as one of the best in the country! This beloved lobster shack in Wiscasset has quite the following, so you can expect a line on any given day. Avoid the lunch hour when the wait can be up to two hours (yep, it’s that big of a deal).

Camden

Camden might just be the most charming town on the coast of Maine. It’s the kind of place where locals greet each other by name and fishermen sail out before sunrise. Relaxing at Harbor Park, checking out the quaint shops and restaurants downtown, and heading up to Mount Battie for a view overlooking the entire town and harbor are some of the highlights of a day trip to Camden.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor along the coast of Maine is the gateway to Acadia National Park. In addition to the national park, Bar Harbor is worth exploring in its own right. With plenty of restaurants, shops, scenery, and outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bar Harbor!

Acadia National Park

While you’re in Bar Harbor, you’ll definitely be making a stop here as well! Acadia National Park is the crown jewel of New England and an epic way to end your road trip up the coast of Maine. With rocky ocean shores, pristine lakes, granite peaks, and some of the best fall colors in the country, this park has a lot to offer. As one of the best stops on the entire Maine coast, you’ll want to give yourself at least a couple of days to explore.

Any of the numerous lighthouses

Is there anything more symbolic of Maine than a lighthouse? (…I guess maybe a lobster, but I digress). No Maine Coast road trip is complete without seeing at least a few lighthouses. As you plan your Maine Coast trip, Google “Maine lighthouses” (there are tons) and pick a few to stop at as you make your way up the coast of Maine. A few popular ones are Pemaquid Lighthouse in Bristol, Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde, and Nubble Light in York.

Bonus Stop: Bangor

Stephen King fans will want to venture slightly inland to the place the author calls home – Bangor, Maine. Bangor served as the inspiration for the town of Derry in the novel It, and it’s where Stephen King has chosen to make his permanent residence. A visit to his crimson, gothic-style home is a must, but SK Tours will also take you to various areas that influenced the author’s stories. Keep an eye out for the clown hand coming out of the storm drain while you’re out and about!

A road trip up the coast of Maine is one of the best New England experiences throughout the summer and fall months. Whether you’re looking for quiet seaside towns, historic cities, amazing food, or spectacular scenery, the Maine coast has you covered.

Have any questions about the best stops on a Maine coast road trip or anything you would add? Let’s chat in the comments below!