11 Oct New England Road Trip: Best Places to Visit Along Maine’s Route 1
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With its rugged coastline, plentiful outdoor activities, and — duh — lobster rolls, I think you’ll fall in love with Maine just like I have. If you’re planning a road trip along Maine’s coast, you’ll want to add these stops to your Route 1 itinerary.
For the past three years, Drew and I have enjoyed traveling to Maine in early October to take in the crisp fall air, do some major leaf peeping, and get a break from the Las Vegas heat. If you’re planning your own coastal Maine road trip you may be overwhelmed with all the ground you could cover — but, I’ve got you, friend! Here are my favorite spots along Maine’s Route 1 that you should add to your itinerary.
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Getting There
To start your road trip along Maine’s Route 1, I recommend flying into Portland, Maine, or Manchester, New Hampshire. Along with other major carriers, Southwest Airlines flies into both locations. Both airports offer many rental car agencies to choose from. Check out Expedia.com to find great deals on car rentals in Portland and Manchester.
New Hampshire
If you fly into New Hampshire, you must make a stop at Brown’s Lobster Pound in Seabrook. And yes — I know this isn’t in Maine, but trust me, it’s definitely worth the detour.
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Brown’s has been family owned and operated since 1950 and their location — right on the tidal Blackwater River — allows for some gorgeous sunsets while you dine alfresco. As an added bonus, their informal indoor and outdoor dining rooms and patios are open year round!
To really seal the deal — Brown’s Lobster Pound is BYOB, so grab that cooler and load it up with some local beer or bubbly and have yourself a fantastic evening!
What to Order at Brown’s: Our favorite things to order are lobster, steamers, fried scallops, and their crispy onion rings.
Tips on Ordering at Brown’s: Order at the outside window if you want fried seafood. Head to the inside counter if you want lobsters or steamed seafood. Also, you don’t need to wait in multiple lines if you want steamed and fried seafood; they’ll add a fried or steamed item or two for you at either counter.
Heading Towards Maine
After leaving Brown’s, head down to Hampton Beach and take a walk along the shore. Before you head out, check out Hampton Beach’s souvenir and surf shops, beachy goods, and two famous old-school arcades — Fun-A-Rama and Playland. Don’t forget to try Blink’s Fry Doe, a local institution serving fried bread (think Native American fry bread or Hungarian langos) with sweet and savory toppings such as PB&J, blueberries, cheese and maple syrup.
As you make your way north towards Maine, check out Odiorne Point State Park. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love checking out the location where, in the spring of 1623, the first English pioneers landed. There are also 135 acres of trails along the rocky shoreline, as well as a science center.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is one of our favorite cities in New England! The beautiful 18th-century houses just create such a wonderful vibe — especially on a crisp fall afternoon!
Hit Market Square and Market Street where you’ll be surrounded by charming old buildings. Relax and stroll around the city as you duck into local breweries, coffee shops, and unique stores — like Macro Polo, LIT, and Inside Out.
No trip to Portsmouth is complete without a trip to the Strawberry Banke Museum. Here you’ll find a collection of period houses that make up the oldest European neighborhood in New Hampshire.
From Portsmouth, head on up Route 1 towards Maine.
What to Pack For Maine...
Welcome to Maine!
As you drive up Maine’s Route 1, take your time and admire the lovely New England colonial and shingle-style homes. I think these homes are especially beautiful in the fall with the bright orange and red leaves! The pumpkins around Halloween are really just the cherry on top.
Nubble Lighthouse
The Nubble Lighthouse (or Cape Neddick Light) is one of the most iconic lighthouses in all of Maine.
Side Trip
There are so many amazing breweries in Maine, but if you’re up for an adventure and want something off-the-beaten-path, head over to Corner Point Brewing in Berwick, Maine. From the Nubble Lighthouse, it’s about a 35-minute drive inland. It’s a local favorite — and extremely good! Around the second week in October, Corner Point comes out with their Pumpkin Ale which is made using fresh pumpkins — not canned or extract like other breweries!
Kennebunkport
If you’re into birding and nature — or just want to stretch your legs for a bit, hit the Rachel Carson Nature Preserve outside of Kennebunkport in Wells, Maine. Located on over 9,000 acres, you’ll find many interpretive walking trails with viewing platforms over salt marsh and freshwater wetlands. Just don’t forget your mosquito repellent — they can be quite persistent here!
While Kennebunkport is one of the more popular spots along Route 1 and Maine’s coast, we haven’t spent much time there. It’s always so crowded and touristy but people love, love, love it — and it’s certainly picturesque! We always think that you can find better food and friendlier people if you get out of the tourist hotspots.
Old Orchard Beach Pier
Make a stop at Old Orchard Beach and walk down the pier. This is what beach towns in New England used to be like! No big chain restaurants and plenty of local flavor. Check out the arcade (typically open through the first weekend in October) and walk along the sandy beach. This is a perfect spot for snapping some photos!
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Portland, Maine
Portland Head Light
The Portland Head Light is another iconic lighthouse — and probably one of the most famous lighthouses in the world! And, the pictures just don’t do it justice…so you must go here and experience it. If there is time for just one lighthouse in your Route 1 Maine itinerary, let it be the Portland Head Light.
In Portland, stroll around Market Street. Stop in for some steamers and a dozen raw oysters at J’s Oyster (they’re simply delicious!), head to Liquid Riot and sample their whiskey flight, and duck into some of the cute shops along Commercial Street.
For a trendier foodie atmosphere, head to Eventide where their menu — including oysters, shellfish and the famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll — is a James Beard Award-winning take on classic New England fare. Eventide is included as a location on Maine’s Oyster Trail!
Beer lovers will definitely not be disappointed in Portland, Maine! Conduct your own beer walking tour by heading to Lone Pine and then walking to Belleflower and Rising Tide.
Donuts!
People fecking love The Holy Donut (they line up around the building!) but I just didn’t think it was that great! If you’re up for trying a better donut (or heck, do your own donut showdown because it’s vacation after all) head over to Hifi Donuts. Their donuts are made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, and they have a superb coffee/espresso bar that’s worth going to even if you don’t want donuts. Try their apple cider donuts if you’re in Portland in October!
Where to Stay
We stayed at Canopy by Hilton and I fell in love with this property! It’s located in the Old Port historic area and walking distance to just about everywhere in Portland that you want to be.
LL Bean Flagship Store
LL Bean is a big deal up in Vacationland! You’ll definitely want to add a stop into LL Bean’s flagship store to your Maine Coast Route 1 itinerary. Here you’ll find everything your outdoorsy heart desires — and more! Don’t miss hitting up LL Bean’s home store to dream about your future cabin and taking a picture with the giant duck boot at the main entrance.
Popham Beach
Popham Beach is a popular spot where you can do all sorts of water sports like fishing, swimming, and kayaking; explore tidal pools; and enjoy stunning coastal views. Also, dogs are allowed on all Maine state park beaches from October 1 through March 31!
Fort Popham State Historic Site is also worth a visit. It’s a 19th-century military base with old defensive walls and several walking paths.
This next leg of the trip is all about the eating, because you’ll find four of my five favorite lobster rolls in Maine!
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Bath, Maine
Stroll the streets of Bath, Maine and you’ll find upscale boutiques, local specialty shops, as well as antique and jewelry stores. Bath is also home to the Maine Maritime Museum. They have all kinds of maritime artifacts including a historic shipyard with original 19th-century buildings and a replica of the biggest wooden sailing vessel ever built.
Permaquid Point Lighthouse
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was built in 1827 and is one of the few lighthouses that you can climb! Head to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. When you’re finished taking in the views, head to the attached museum to see maritime instruments as well as a gigantic (taxidermied) lobster. There is also an art gallery on site that features the works of many local artists and is definitely worth a visit.
Mount Battie
Located outside Camden, Maine, in Camden Hills State Park the top of Mount Battie offers amazing views of Camden Harbor and the bay.
Don’t miss stopping by Rockport and Camden – both of which have a very active harbor scene.
Belfast, Maine
Head to Marshall Wharf Brewing Company — a waterfront beer garden — with 20 craft brews to choose from! I’m an IPA gal and I filled my flight with all kinds of delicious bitter beers (I particularly loved “Can’t Dog” and “Bitter Truth”). Check the schedule because sometimes they have live music. When we were there, they had a lively Irish band that was just perfect for enjoying some beer on a fall night in Maine!
For the past few years, we’ve stayed at the Yankee Clipper Motel which is right across the bridge from Marshall Wharf. While it’s not anything to get excited about, the rooms are clean, quiet, and reasonably priced for the area.
Deer Isle & Stonington, Maine
We’ve loved taking the detour off Maine’s Route 1 to Deer Isle each year because the views all along the drive are just gorgeous!
Stonington is a picture-perfect town situated right on the harbor. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, check out Harbor Cafe and order a bowl of the seafood chowder; it was the best we’ve had in Maine!
Consider booking a sea kayak tour around Stonington. The archipelago that is nestled into Stonington’s bay features spruce-topped granite islands and hidden beaches. You can choose from half-day, full-day, evening trips, or multi-day tours — or you can just book a kayak and head out solo.
There are also several short, easy hikes that you can take along this peninsula. This year, we traveled to Maine with my dad (he’s 76-years-old) and finding low-key hikes was a priority. When you first venture off Route 1 towards Deer Isle, you’ll find Lookout Rock. This is an easy hike that’s not very trafficked (we had it to ourselves!) but ends up with breathtaking ocean views. We even got to see two bald eagles scan the water for their lunch.
On the way back from Deer Isle, check out Harriman Point Trail. It’s around 3 miles — very flat — and takes you to stunning rocky beaches with tidal pools.
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Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of my favorite national parks … for views alone. There are a lot of hassles when you visit Acadia because a lot of people are crammed into a relatively tiny area.
To get away from the crowds, we enjoy taking hikes out on the Schoodic Peninsula. While it’s still a part of Acadia National Park (you’ll still need to buy a park pass), you’ll have the Schoodic Peninsula area mostly to yourself! Check out the Anvil & Alder Trails, which are fantastic and offer sweeping views of Frenchman’s Bay, Bar Harbor, and Winter Harbor.
While you’re hanging out in the Schoodic Peninsula, don’t miss the Ravens Nest, which has some of the most gorgeous views in all of Acadia — and we’ve always had it to ourselves. Access it via Schoodic Loop Road, which is a one-way road. Don’t miss the pull off to Ravens Nest (3rd on the left hand side). If you do, you’ll have to do the loop all over again.
As for what to do in Acadia, everyone recommends getting popovers at Jordan Pond tea house. Every time we’ve been to this place it has been an absolute cluster. For us, it simply hasn’t been worth the wait.
For an Easy Stroll:
If you’re not an avid hiker or just want a quick, pretty hike, consider the Jordan Pond loop trail, the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, South Bubble Loop, and the Sundew Trail.
For a Harder Hike:
Try Beehive Loop, Precipice Loop, and Beech Cliff Ladder.
If you want a quintessential Maine hike — without all the crowds — try hiking Caribou Mountain in the Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land area. It’s one of the most memorable hikes I’ve ever taken!
Grab lunch or dinner at Rose Eden Lobster. This is a little lobster shack behind a home off Bar Harbor Road. They don’t serve lobster rolls, but their lobster is the best we’ve ever had!
Where to Stay in Acadia
The best place to stay for Acadia National Park is in Bar Harbor. We like to stay out on the Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor because it’s not too far, much quieter, and cheaper.
We stayed at this cute cottage-style apartment in Winter Harbor.
Bar Harbor, Maine
No Maine coast Route 1 itinerary is complete without mentioning Bar Harbor. And while you should definitely pop in for a visit to this charming, but touristy, harbor town, I don’t recommend spending much time here. Everything is overpriced and made for tourists. Head elsewhere to get a more authentic experience in Maine.
Tidal Falls Preserve
Tidal Falls Preserve is an interesting phenomenon that you should see if you’re around two hours before or after low tide (check the daily schedule). Come around low tide to hunt for starfish and other sea creatures. Seals are often spotted here!
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
This lighthouse is known for its red and white, candy cane stripes. It’s also famous because it is the Easternmost point on the U.S. mainland! I think it’s my favorite lighthouse in Maine!
For a truly unique experience, stay — yup, spend the night! — at the Little River Lighthouse! You can book the keeper’s cottage on the 15-acre island that houses Little River Lighthouse. Enjoy the peace and solitude while wandering trails that meander through tall pines and rocky outcrops surrounded by the ocean breeze.
Lubec, Maine
Watch the sunset as you fill up on delicious local seafood at the Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant. Their small dining room has windows all around overlooking the bay. Sit on the patio for an even better view! We ordered the Seafood Chowder and split the Captain’s Platter. Finish off your delicious meal with a slice of homemade blueberry pie!
Grab a pint at Lubec Brewing Company. There are also good food options — including vegetarian and vegan fare.
Head over to the Lost Fisherman’s Memorial.This is where we had the best luck spotting seals. We saw around 30 seals close to sunset! We also witnessed a very dramatic battle between three seagulls over a freshly caught fish!
This ocean-front home outside of Lubec is absolute perfection. The views are just amazing!
45th Parallel Marker
Head up towards Perry, Maine and stop at the roadside marker indicating the halfway point between the equator and North Pole.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
The Saint Croix Island Historic Site commemorates the first French attempt to colonize the area in 1604. This makes it one of the earliest European settlements in North America! Against the advice of the native tribe, the expedition set up their fort on the island just off the coast. That first winter was historically cold and they quickly became iced-in and cut off from fresh water and food. When spring finally came, 35 of the 79 men in the expedition had died.
This is definitely worth a stop on your Maine coast Route 1 road trip! We took the short interpretive trail down to the viewing area (you can’t visit the island except by private boat) and were met by a wonderful ranger who explained the harrowing tale of the French explorers. He pointed out interesting sights on the island with his spotting scope and helped us better understand the history of the area.
Maine’s rugged coastline, plentiful outdoor activities, and ahhh-mazing seafood will make you fall in love as soon as you land.
Tell me in the comments which of my favorite places to visit along Maine’s Route 1 you want to stop at!
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