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This Scenic Road Trip Along Maine's Coast Is Packed With Lobster Shacks, Boutique Hotels, and Classic New England Charm
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, July 27th 2025 at 7:06 GMT by Travel + Leisure🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Take a ride along Route One for the best of Maine's stunning coastline.
Embarking on the Ultimate Maine Road Trip Along Route 1: A Coastal Odyssey
Maine's U.S. Route 1 is more than just a highway—it's a ribbon of asphalt that weaves through the heart of New England's most rugged and enchanting coastline, offering travelers an unparalleled journey of natural beauty, historic charm, and culinary delights. Stretching over 500 miles from the New Hampshire border in Kittery all the way to the Canadian frontier in Fort Kent, this iconic road trip beckons adventurers with its promise of lobster shacks, lighthouses perched on rocky cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and vast stretches of pine-scented wilderness. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, driving Route 1 provides a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery, allowing you to immerse yourself in Maine's unique culture and landscapes at your own pace. The route is best tackled over a week or more, giving ample time to detour off the main path for hidden gems. Late spring through early fall is ideal, when the weather is mild and the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, though summer crowds can be thick in popular spots.
Begin your adventure in the southernmost reaches, where Route 1 crosses into Maine from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, via the Memorial Bridge over the Piscataqua River. Kittery serves as the gateway, a town renowned for its outlet shopping and naval history. Here, the Kittery Trading Post stands as a must-visit emporium for outdoor gear, perfect for stocking up on essentials like rain jackets or hiking boots before delving deeper into the state. Just a short drive north, the town of York unfolds with its colonial heritage. Nubble Light, one of Maine's most photographed lighthouses, sits dramatically on a rocky islet, offering stunning views especially at sunset. For a taste of local flavor, stop at York's Wild Kingdom, a family-friendly zoo and amusement park that combines wildlife encounters with classic carnival rides. As you continue, the beaches of Ogunquit come into view, where the Marginal Way—a scenic cliffside walking path—provides breathtaking ocean vistas and access to Perkins Cove, a picturesque harbor dotted with art galleries and seafood eateries. Don't miss a meal at Barnacle Billy's, where fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder embody the essence of coastal dining.
Pushing northward, the route leads to Kennebunkport, a quintessential Maine seaside town that's gained fame as the summer retreat of the Bush family. The area's beaches, like Gooch's Beach, invite leisurely strolls, while the Seashore Trolley Museum offers a nostalgic ride through transportation history. For a luxurious interlude, consider staying at the historic Colony Hotel, with its oceanfront views and elegant amenities. As Route 1 meanders toward Portland, the state's largest city, the landscape shifts from rural charm to urban vibrancy. Portland is a foodie's paradise, boasting a thriving culinary scene influenced by its working waterfront. The Old Port district, with its cobblestone streets and boutique shops, is ideal for wandering. Sample craft beers at Allagash Brewing Company or indulge in innovative dishes at Fore Street, where farm-to-table ethos meets fresh seafood. No visit is complete without a ferry ride to Peaks Island for a day of biking and picnicking, or a tour of the Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington himself. The city's museums, like the Portland Museum of Art, add a cultural layer, showcasing works by Winslow Homer and other American masters.
Beyond Portland, Route 1 enters the Midcoast region, where the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with jagged peninsulas and hidden coves. Freeport is the next highlight, home to the flagship L.L. Bean store—a 24-hour retail haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Stock up on flannel shirts or join a discovery school class on fly-fishing. Continuing on, Brunswick offers a college-town vibe courtesy of Bowdoin College, with its impressive museum of art and the nearby Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum honoring the Civil War hero. Bath, known as the "City of Ships," celebrates its shipbuilding legacy at the Maine Maritime Museum, where you can explore historic vessels and learn about the region's nautical past. A detour to Popham Beach State Park rewards with sandy shores and the ruins of Fort Popham, a Civil War-era structure.
As the road twists toward Wiscasset, proclaimed the "Prettiest Village in Maine," time seems to slow. Red's Eats, a legendary roadside stand, serves up what many claim are the best lobster rolls in the state—be prepared for lines, but the buttery, overflowing sandwiches are worth it. Nearby, Boothbay Harbor buzzes with whale-watching tours and botanical gardens. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, spanning 300 acres, feature whimsical troll sculptures and vibrant floral displays, making it a serene escape. Further along, Rockland emerges as the lobster capital, hosting the annual Maine Lobster Festival each summer. The Farnsworth Art Museum here pays homage to the Wyeth family and American art, while a sail on a historic windjammer from the harbor provides an authentic taste of seafaring life. Camden, just up the road, is a postcard-perfect town nestled at the foot of Mount Battie. Hike or drive to the summit for panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, immortalized in Edna St. Vincent Millay's poetry. Accommodations like the Camden Harbour Inn offer boutique luxury with harbor views.
The journey intensifies as Route 1 ventures into the Downeast region, where the crowds thin and the wilderness expands. Ellsworth serves as a gateway to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. Bar Harbor, the island's main hub, pulses with energy—think lobster bakes, kayak rentals, and carriage road biking through Acadia's forested trails. Must-dos include summiting Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, for sunrise views, and exploring Thunder Hole, where waves crash dramatically into rocky crevices. Wildlife spotting abounds, from puffins on offshore islands to moose in the park's interior. For a unique stay, book a cottage at the Bar Harbor Inn, overlooking Frenchman Bay.
Continuing north, the route hugs the coast through smaller towns like Machias, famous for its wild blueberry harvest and the annual Blueberry Festival. Lubec, the easternmost town in the contiguous U.S., offers a bridge to Campobello Island in Canada, once home to Franklin D. Roosevelt's summer retreat. The West Quoddy Head Light, with its candy-striped tower, marks the spot for stunning coastal hikes. Finally, Route 1 concludes in Calais or extends to Fort Kent, bordering New Brunswick. This northern stretch reveals Maine's Acadian influences, with French-Canadian heritage evident in local cuisine like ployes (buckwheat pancakes).
Throughout the drive, practical considerations enhance the experience. Gas stations and rest areas are plentiful, but cell service can be spotty in remote areas—download maps offline. Wildlife crossings are common, so drive cautiously, especially at dusk. Budget for tolls on sections like the Maine Turnpike, and pack layers for unpredictable weather. Side trips, such as to the LL Bean Bootmobile events or puffin cruises, add spontaneity. Ultimately, a Route 1 road trip isn't just about the destinations; it's about the serendipitous moments—the fog rolling in over a quiet bay, the tang of salt air, or a impromptu stop at a roadside farm stand for fresh whoopie pies. This coastal odyssey captures the soul of Maine, inviting travelers to slow down, savor, and connect with a place where the land meets the sea in timeless harmony. (Word count: 1,048)
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