Best for: A relaxed coastal drive with ocean views, small towns, and great food from Maine’s rugged beauty to Rhode Island’s seaside charm.

Suggested Route

Acadia National Park (at least 2 nights) → Camden (overnight or day stop) → Another Maine Stop → Kennebunkport (2 nights) → Cape Cod (at least 3 nights) → Newport, RI (at least 2 nights)

This trip was a perfect mix of coastal scenery, charming towns, and classic New England character. Every stop felt different in the best way, and the drive itself was half the fun. This could easily be a shorter trip or split into two trips!

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor (at least 2 nights)

Acadia was absolutely gorgeous with rocky coastline, ocean views, and scenery that never got old. Even though the park was busy, it didn’t feel overwhelming once inside. We focused on scenic drives and saw so much, even without hiking.

Highlights

• Park Loop Road – incredible ocean views and plenty of overlooks
• Cadillac Mountain – beautiful views; book timed entry in advance if you plan to drive to the summit
• Thunder Hole – one of our favorites, especially near high tide when the waves crash dramatically

Stay

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort, which was lovely. If being in town is a priority, there are many great options right in the heart of Bar Harbor. We also spotted the Asticou Inn, which looked like the perfect “getaway from it all” spot with classic Maine charm and stunning views.

Camden, Maine (overnight or day stop)

The drive from Bar Harbor to Camden was beautiful. Camden itself is a small coastal town that’s easy to love, relaxed, walkable, and filled with locally owned shops that feel authentic rather than touristy. It’s a great overnight or even just a half-day stop, but leave time to explore a few of the small towns along the way.

Highlights

• Lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant with excellent seafood and harbor views
• Camden Harbor for a stroll and people-watching
• US-1 Drive lined with small, picture-perfect towns worth stopping for

Tip
Plan at least a few unstructured hours to wander. The best finds are often the ones you didn’t plan.

Another Maine Stop (choose one)

If you have the time, add another stop along the Maine coast. We didn’t, but I wish we had. There are several great options depending on what you enjoy most.

Options

• Boothbay Harbor – quaint and walkable, with galleries, cafés, and a small-town harbor feel
• Freeport – home to the LL Bean Headquarters, a fun stop for shopping and classic Maine gear
• Provincetown – colorful, artistic, and full of energy, located at the very tip of Cape Cod (best for those extending the trip)

Each has its own charm, and all are worth considering if you can build in an extra day or two.

Kennebunkport, Maine (2 nights)

Kennebunkport was one of our favorite stops. It’s elegant but relaxed, with great views, good restaurants, and plenty of coastal character. Two nights here was just right with enough time to unwind and explore.

Highlights

• Dock Square with great shops and restaurants
• Ocean Avenue with scenic drives and beautiful homes
• Colony Beach, a small but lovely spot to walk and take in the view

Stay
Kennebunkport has several wonderful inns and seaside hotels. We loved the Yachtsman for its location and easy access to everything in town. It was lux for a great price!

Tip
Take your time here. It’s one of those places you’ll want to slow down and savor.

Cape Cod (at least 3 nights)

Cape Cod was a highlight of the trip, quiet, scenic, and full of character. It’s everything you hope for in a coastal destination: gray-shingled homes, dunes, and a relaxed pace.

Highlights

• Cape Cod National Seashore with long stretches of beach and peaceful views. We even spotted a red fox along the dunes.
• Martha’s Vineyard (day trip) where we loved exploring Edgartown and the Gay Head Cliffs. Peaceful, scenic, and a full but rewarding day.
• Providence, RI, where we made a quick stop for a meal and short walk before continuing south.

Stay
We stayed at Chatham Bars Inn, which was a splurge but absolutely worth it. It’s luxurious but welcoming with a great location for exploring the Cape. There are also many wonderful inns and hotels throughout Cape Cod depending on your style and budget.

Tip
Plan at least three nights. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take short drives, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Newport, Rhode Island (at least 2 nights)

We visited Newport briefly, but I’d absolutely plan at least two nights here next time. It’s a wonderful finale to the trip with oceanfront views, history, and a walkable downtown filled with charm.

Highlights

• The Gilded Age Mansions including The Breakers – amazing!
• Cliff Walk for the combination of mansion views and dramatic coastline
• Downtown Newport with unique shops, restaurants, and harborside spots for a drink or meal

Stay
Castle Hill Inn is an ideal splurge. Even if you don’t stay overnight, stop for lunch or a drink to enjoy the views and the grounds.

Tip
Two nights gives you time to explore without rushing, one for the mansions and Cliff Walk, and one just to enjoy the town.

Takeaways

• Acadia is stunning, but if Bar Harbor is a priority, stay in town
• Thunder Hole was one of our favorite stops in Acadia
• Camden can work as a full night or a day stop, but allow time to enjoy the small towns along US-1
• Add an extra Maine stop if you can — Boothbay, Freeport, or Provincetown all have their appeal
• Kennebunkport and Cape Cod were trip highlights
• Newport makes an elegant and memorable finale to a Coastal New England trip