The 5 Most Stunning Road Trips in Maine

Road trips are a hallmark of American travel, and there's no better way to experience the natural beauty of the U.S. than by driving through the enchanting state of Maine.

The Pine Tree State boasts picturesque views and activities for everyone, ranging from rugged coastlines and sandy shores to towering granite peaks and diverse wildlife.

Located in the northeast corner of the continental U.S., many of the nation's iconic scenic routes begin here. You can easily kick off your Maine road trip from the vibrant city of Portland, nearby Boston, or even Canada.

Given that this mostly rural state lacks a strong public transportation system, a road trip is the best way to experience its many offerings. While Subarus and pickup trucks dominate the roads, you don’t necessarily need a four-wheel drive to explore most of Maine—unless you’re venturing out in winter for some fresh powder in the mountains.

As Mainers often humorously say, “You can’t get here from there,” so take your time and embrace the adventure of getting lost on winding back roads. You might just stumble upon a moose, the ideal lobster roll, or a breathtaking view of nature.

1. Coastal Route 1 in Maine

Top road trip for stunning views of the Maine coastline Kittery to Calais; 273 miles

US Route 1 stretches along the Eastern Seaboard from Fort Kent, Maine, all the way to Key West, Florida, covering a total of 2,390 miles. This historic route originated as the Atlantic Highway, established in 1911, linking Calais, Maine, to Miami.

Currently, Route 1 provides one of Maine’s most picturesque drives during the summer and fall. Beginning in Kittery, this two-lane highway traces the coastline up to Calais before veering inland towards the Canadian border in Fort Kent. Most travelers take Route 1 from Kittery to Ellsworth and then head to Acadia National Park.

A road trip along Coastal Maine can make for an adventurous day trip from Portland, though many prefer to take a relaxing weekend to explore the area’s charming coastal towns, beaches, seafood restaurants, and family attractions.

Spend a night in Portland, Maine’s largest city and a culinary hotspot. Drive north through Freeport and the Midcoast, stopping to shop for flannel and duck boots at LL Bean and visiting the Farnsworth Museum of Art in Rockland. Enjoy a waterfront lunch in Kennebunkport.

Continue your journey north towards Ellsworth, where you can take a detour to the stunning Acadia National Park for a couple of days. Beyond Acadia lies one of the state’s most beautiful regions: the Bold Coast. A drive through Downeast Maine reveals what locals refer to as “real Maine,” featuring small towns and active waterfronts. Be sure to stop at Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec before heading to the quaint town of Calais.

From this point, you can either continue your journey north to Fort Kent and cross into Canada or head back south.

Optional Stop: If time allows, consider spending an extra day or two exploring the numerous islands off the coast of Rockland and immersing yourself in New England's classic seafaring culture.

2. Route 302 in Maine

Top road trip for autumn foliage Portland to Fryeburg; 53 miles

Ideal for a day trip, the scenic drive from Portland to Fryeburg on Route 302 is particularly stunning in the fall when the leaves start to change color.

Begin your day with breakfast in Portland. Enjoy coffee and donuts at HiFi Donuts, then stroll along the city’s bustling waterfront, one of the few remaining places in the U.S. where you can watch lobsters and fish being brought in throughout the day. The historic Old Port district is filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, and eateries perfect for those who prefer a sit-down breakfast.

After spending a few hours in Portland, jump in your car and head west on Route 302. You’ll travel through Windham and the Lake Region, where you’ll encounter more pine trees and farmland than people.

If you’re visiting during the hot summer months, consider stopping at Sebago Lake State Park or one of the few public beaches along the route for a refreshing swim in Maine’s deepest and second-largest lake.

In Naples, you’ll traverse the Causeway over Long Lake. If you’re feeling hungry, stop for lunch at Rick’s Cafe (open from late May to early September) or take a tour of Long Lake on the Songo River Queen II, a replica of a Mississippi River paddle wheeler.

Continue your journey north toward Bridgton. In winter, Pleasant Mountain offers both day and night skiing, while summer hiking is equally rewarding. Less than 45 minutes from Bridgton, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Fryeburg.

Tip for planning: A quick drive from Fryeburg takes you to North Conway, the gateway to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, perfect if you want to extend your weekend adventure.

3. Route 2 in Maine

Top road trip for farmland and mountains Bar Harbor to Gilead; 192 miles

Route 2 is part of a transcontinental highway stretching from Washington to Maine, crossing into Canada. Whether you’re embarking on the full 3,600-mile Great Northern Road Trip or enjoying a scenic day trip from the coast, Route 2 offers stunning views as you meander through farmland, quaint towns, and mountains.

Begin your journey in Bar Harbor, where you can easily spend a few days exploring Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. From the Atlantic Ocean, head inland to Bangor, Maine’s third-largest city and the hometown of the renowned author Stephen King. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at King’s house and in front of the Paul Bunyan statue before continuing east through charming former mill towns and fields.

Pause in the college town of Farmington for lunch before continuing your adventure through the western mountains of Maine. Picturesque towns like Newry, Bethel, and Gilead offer views of forested granite peaks in the distance. In the summer and fall, take advantage of the nearby hiking trails in the White Mountains, or hit the slopes at Sunday River during the winter months.

4. Schoodic National Scenic Byway

Top road trip for serene coastal views Hancock to Birch Harbor; 315 miles

Many don’t realize that Acadia National Park extends beyond Mount Desert Island. A portion of the park is located on Schoodic Peninsula, offering acres of untouched and peaceful nature. If you wish to escape the crowds at Cadillac Mountain or in Bar Harbor, take the Schoodic National Scenic Byway to explore this tranquil part of the national park.

The Scenic Byway follows Route 1 from Hancock to Gouldsboro, where you’ll turn right onto Route 186, continuing along Schoodic Peninsula and through charming fishing villages like Winter Harbor and Birch Harbor.

The Schoodic District of Acadia National Park features 7 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Schoodic Head Trail, which reaches the peninsula's highest peak. The area is also home to numerous other hiking and walking paths in the Frenchman Bay Conservancy and the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Local advice: The peninsula and its surrounding islands offer fantastic opportunities for exploration by kayak or canoe.

5. Maine Island Trail

Best “road” trip ... by boat Kittery to Eastport; 294 miles

The joys of road trips in Maine extend beyond just cars. For a truly unique Maine experience, consider purchasing or renting a boat to navigate the 375-mile recreational waterway trail that traces the coast from York County to Washington County.

Established in 1988, the Maine Island Trail links over 200 wild islands with camping sites on both public and private lands along the mainland. The trail and many of these wild islands are preserved thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers and the Maine Island Trail Association.

In the greater Portland area, many of Casco Bay's islands are easily reachable by sea kayak, making for an ideal weekend escape. For longer journeys, a motorboat or sailboat is recommended, as Maine’s open waters can be treacherous for inexperienced mariners. Portland Paddle offers guided excursions throughout the summer from Portland.