Road trips are one of the best ways to get to know a place. We think they’re especially wonderful in Maine, where the roads wind through forest and weave along the coast. There are countless reasons to hop in the car to see the state, but one of our favorite reasons is no reason at all. The trip we’re laying out today takes you from town to town to simply enjoy the sights. There’s no real destination — just the simple pleasure of this perfect scenic drive in Maine.
Google Maps
- Kennebunkport, York County
Leslie Stormes / Flickr You can take this trip starting north or south, but we’re opting for the southern start this time around. That means your first stop will be Kennebunport, one of the most beloved tourist towns in the state. But being a tourist town doesn’t mean it’s not worth the visit. People love it for a reason! Check out Dock Square for some local shopping and be sure to grab tea, coffee, or a snack before heading off.
- Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County
pmillera4 / Flickr From Kennebunkport, your journey will be relatively short heading to Cape Elizabeth. Home to the most photographed lighthouse in the state, this is a beautiful town that hugs the coast. In the summer you’ll find plenty of ice cream options, and throughout the year, there are tons of great restaurants and cafes. Just be sure to see the Portland Head Light before you go!
- Bath, Sagadahoc County
pavdw / Flickr Next it’s on to one of Maine’s most notable maritime towns. Located on the banks of the Kennebec River, this town is also known as “the City of Ships” for its huge ship building history. There are plenty of historic things to see, plus it’s home to Bath Iron Works. Be sure to check out the Main Street for coffee shops and local shopping.
- Damariscotta-Newcastle, Lincoln County
JR P / Flickr Referred to as the “Twin Villages,” these two towns are on either side of the Damariscotta River. Both arae beautifully quaint. Plus, oyster lovers will appreciate that this is considered the “Oyster Capital of New England!”
- Camden, Knox County
pavdw / Flickr The Historic District of this lovely town dates back to the 18th century, making it great for sightseeing. The town offers the best of both worlds as it sits on Camden Harbor and is home to the forested Camden Hills State Park.
- Castine, Hancock County
smilla4 / Flickr To reach Castine you’ll be turning off of Route 1 and heading closer to the Penobscot River. This town has lots of history. Enjoy the sights, but also consider visiting Castine Historical and Scientific Societies. This is also where you’ll find Castine Maritime Academy for further proof that this town is all about the water.
- Stonington, Hancock County
Peter Rintels / Flickr A beautiful lobster town, Stonington offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle. To get here you’ll be turning off of Route 1 again to find the craggy coast that most people think of when they imagine spending time in Maine.
- Bar Harbor, Hancock County
collins_family / Flickr Next it’s on to the place that many consider to be “base camp” for trips to Acadia National Park. But we think this place is fabulous even if you never set foot in the park. With tons of restaurants along with plenty of natural beauty, you might want to stop and spend a few days in Bar Harbor.
- Lubec, Washington County
hunky_punk / Flickr Home to Atlantic Puffins and people who prefer life off the beaten path, Lubec is a great example of life in Downeast Maine. It sits close to the border to Canada and, while remote, there’s plenty to do. We recommend checking out Quoddy Head Lighthouse with its views across the Bay of Fundy.
What are some of your favorite coastal towns in Maine? Let our readers know in the comments so they can check them out too!
Google Maps
Leslie Stormes / Flickr
You can take this trip starting north or south, but we’re opting for the southern start this time around. That means your first stop will be Kennebunport, one of the most beloved tourist towns in the state. But being a tourist town doesn’t mean it’s not worth the visit. People love it for a reason! Check out Dock Square for some local shopping and be sure to grab tea, coffee, or a snack before heading off.
pmillera4 / Flickr
From Kennebunkport, your journey will be relatively short heading to Cape Elizabeth. Home to the most photographed lighthouse in the state, this is a beautiful town that hugs the coast. In the summer you’ll find plenty of ice cream options, and throughout the year, there are tons of great restaurants and cafes. Just be sure to see the Portland Head Light before you go!
pavdw / Flickr
Next it’s on to one of Maine’s most notable maritime towns. Located on the banks of the Kennebec River, this town is also known as “the City of Ships” for its huge ship building history. There are plenty of historic things to see, plus it’s home to Bath Iron Works. Be sure to check out the Main Street for coffee shops and local shopping.
JR P / Flickr
Referred to as the “Twin Villages,” these two towns are on either side of the Damariscotta River. Both arae beautifully quaint. Plus, oyster lovers will appreciate that this is considered the “Oyster Capital of New England!”
The Historic District of this lovely town dates back to the 18th century, making it great for sightseeing. The town offers the best of both worlds as it sits on Camden Harbor and is home to the forested Camden Hills State Park.
smilla4 / Flickr
To reach Castine you’ll be turning off of Route 1 and heading closer to the Penobscot River. This town has lots of history. Enjoy the sights, but also consider visiting Castine Historical and Scientific Societies. This is also where you’ll find Castine Maritime Academy for further proof that this town is all about the water.
Peter Rintels / Flickr
A beautiful lobster town, Stonington offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle. To get here you’ll be turning off of Route 1 again to find the craggy coast that most people think of when they imagine spending time in Maine.
collins_family / Flickr
Next it’s on to the place that many consider to be “base camp” for trips to Acadia National Park. But we think this place is fabulous even if you never set foot in the park. With tons of restaurants along with plenty of natural beauty, you might want to stop and spend a few days in Bar Harbor.
hunky_punk / Flickr
Home to Atlantic Puffins and people who prefer life off the beaten path, Lubec is a great example of life in Downeast Maine. It sits close to the border to Canada and, while remote, there’s plenty to do. We recommend checking out Quoddy Head Lighthouse with its views across the Bay of Fundy.
Now that we’ve got you looking forward to driving through the best parts of the state, we have a few more options for you! Here are the best road trips you can take in Maine.
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Address: Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USAAddress: Cape Elizabeth, ME, USAAddress: Bath, ME 04530, USAAddress: Damariscotta-Newcastle, ME, USAAddress: Camden, ME, USAAddress: Castine, ME, USAAddress: Stonington, ME 04681, USAAddress: Bar Harbor, ME, USAAddress: Lubec, ME, USA
