Your Boston to Acadia National Park Road Trip Itinerary
- Campspotter
Pack the car, it’s time for your New England road trip along the coast! Below is your ultimate Boston to Acadia National Park road trip itinerary, hitting the must-see stops, hidden gems, and camping destinations along the way.
This road trip itinerary spans over 5 to 7 days, but you can stretch or compress as needed to fit your schedule. Whether you’re craving fresh lobster rolls, stunning coastal views, or the gorgeous sights at Acadia National Park, this New England coastal drive is packed with highlights to make your journey as memorable as the destination itself.
How long is the drive from Boston to Acadia National Park?
Without any stops, the 280-mile drive from Boston to Acadia National Park takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. Driving out of Boston during rush hour would add considerably more time.
That said, adding in stops and turning this into a bona fide road trip along the coast will lead to some of the best sights, eats, and experiences that New England has to offer.
How long should my Boston to Acadia National Park road trip be?
For this itinerary, we’re recommending 5 to 7 days to experience the highlights, though you can easily stretch this to 7 to 8 days (or more) if you have the time. If you have less time, it’s still possible to zip through and still hit some top spots within 3 days. Adjust this itinerary to fit your preferences and schedule.
Best Times to Road Trip From Boston to Acadia National Park
You can take a road trip from Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine, during practically any season, though it does get cold and snowy in Maine from December to February.
One of the most popular times to drive from Boston to Maine is autumn to chase the breathtaking fall foliage, generally from September to mid-October. July and August are considered peak season on the New England coastline, with long summer days and quintessential coastal vibes.
Generally, anytime June to September will bear great weather for your Boston to Bar Harbor road trip.
Read Next: The 11 Best New England Leaf Peeping Destinations
How Many Days to Spend in Acadia National Park
Keep in mind the length of your road trip will also depend on how long you plan to explore Acadia National Park, the ultimate destination and “crown jewel of the Atlantic Coast.”
The bare minimum would be to spend at least one full day in the park (though two days would definitely be worth it if you can swing it), and perhaps a half to full day checking out the rest of Bar Harbor.
Road Trip Itinerary From Boston to Acadia National Park
Now, let’s hit the road!
Boston, MA
Your Boston-to-Acadia National Park road trip naturally starts in the great city of Boston. Plan to spend at least one full day here; there are plenty of historic and vibrant stops to experience in this iconic city.
Must-See Hot Spots
- Check out parts of the Freedom Trail, or experience the whole thing
- Explore charming neighborhoods like Beacon Hill (historic charm and boutiques) and North End (considered Boston’s Little Italy)
- Take a leisurely stroll around Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
- Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park
Under-the-Radar Attraction
The Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the United States, boasting a circulating collection of over half a million books. Tucked away near Beacon Hill, this historic institution is known for its stunning architecture, featuring grand staircases, cozy reading rooms, and shelves brimming with rare books and art collections. The Athenæum requires a membership to access, but you can purchase a Day Pass and still see everything available for members.
Salem, MA
After Boston, your first stop is another town steeped in history—Salem, Massachusetts. Famous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this New England town leans into its eerie past while showcasing a coastal charm. It’s one of the biggest Halloween destinations in the world, so don’t pass it up on a fall road trip (though it’s worth stopping by any time of year).
Read Next: 16 Instagram-Worthy Fall Camping Destinations
Walk the cobblestone streets and encounter centuries-old architecture, historic homes, and museums all telling the story of the town’s infamous trials. Beyond the spooky allure, Salem’s vibrant waterfront, eclectic shops, and lively museums offer plenty to explore.
It’s possible to cover Salem in a few hours, so we recommend it as a stop on your way to Portsmouth or Southern Maine.
Must-See Hot Spots
- Visit the Salem Witch Museum or Witch Dungeon Museum
- Check out the House of Seven Gables
- Stop at the Salem Witch House
- See the Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Enjoy the waterfront at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Under-the-Radar Attraction
While it’s not as witchy, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is not to be overlooked. This museum is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the country, with roots dating back to 1799. You’ll find an impressive collection that spans centuries and continents, from maritime art to stunning Asian export pieces and contemporary exhibitions.
The museum’s crown jewel, the Yin Yu Tang house—a 200-year-old Chinese home reconstructed on-site—offers a fascinating glimpse into another culture.
Portsmouth, NH
Once you wrap up at Salem, it’s time to move to your next destination, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This charming seaport town is a must-visit on your Boston to Acadia National Park road trip, with its old-world charm dating back to the 17th century. It’s particularly beautiful in the fall, when it comes alive with color.
This is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, soak up some coastal beauty, and enjoy some shopping before continuing your journey north. Depending on your schedule, you can choose to stay the night around the area, or drive up to the Southern Maine Coast region instead, which is about 40 minutes away.
Read Next: Fall and Winter Camping—Why and Where to Go
Must-Visit Hot Spots
- Relax at the riverside garden Prescott Park
- Check out the open-air Strawberry Banke Museum to learn about the history of Portsmouth
- Stroll through the downtown area Market Square, and enjoy its shops, museums, and restaurants
- Tour Albacore Park and its maritime museum
Under-the-Radar Attraction
It might be a reach to call it a hidden gem, but if you’re in the mood for barbecue, check out Ore Nell’s Barbecue. Reviews praise the joint for its great service and even greater food, including popular dishes like the ribs, brisket, and Frito Pie.
Where to Stay Near Portsmouth
Flaggs RV Resort
Flaggs RV Resort
Spend the season at Flaggs RV Resort in beautiful southern Maine and you’ll quickly discover why Money magazine rated this area among the top 10 vacation destinations in North America. Just 500 feet from Long Sands Beach, Flaggs is a quiet and friendly camping resort within walking distance to the ocean shore. The resort is close to an array of great outlet shopping, a variety of restaurants, and
- Internet Access
- Garbage
This RV campground is about 12 miles northeast, located right by Long Sands Beach. Enjoy fantastic outlet shopping and restaurants nearby, as well as York’s Wild Kingdom, the largest zoo and amusement park in the area. Note that this campground closes mid-October.
Winding River Campground
Winding River Campground
Winding River Campground is a family campground where you will be welcomed with a smile, treated with respect, and able to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Exeter River!
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Waterfront
- Pool
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Arcade
- Playground
- Jumping Pillow
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
This campground is about 17 miles south of Portsmouth, if you wanted to set up camp on your way up before hitting up the town. Choose from RV sites, tent sites, or cabins, and enjoy a peaceful stay by the Exeter River. Note that this campground closes mid-October.
Southern Maine Coast
The Southern Maine Coast area is a stunning region encompassing several quaint coastal towns like Biddeford, Kittery, York, Wells, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport. You can spend a couple hours each in Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, and even post up for the night in the area too.
Must-Visit Hot Spots
- Charming town of Ogunquit: Check out the downtown area with its shops and dining, the beautiful Ogunquit Beach, and the Marginal Way, a mile-long walking path on the rugged coastline connecting Ogunquit with Perkins Cove harbor
- Kennebunk and Kennebunkport: Enjoy the downtown area Dock Square, drive to Cape Porpoise, and catch sights of the cove from Kennebunkport Bridge
- Adorable coastal town of Wells: Walk along Wells Beach and enjoy the signature lobster pie and seafood chowder at the famous Maine Diner
Under-the-Radar Attraction
At the edge of Wells is the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, home to a variety of animals and a preservation effort for the local salt marshes. The reserve spans about 50 miles up the coast, and you can also hike the one-mile Rachel Carson Trail.
Where to Stay Near Southern Maine
Sea-Vu West RV Resort
Sea-Vu West RV Resort
Take your family on the ultimate getaway to Sea-Vu West RV Resort, where you'll experience nothing but beauty and beaches. This lush and gated Resort offers a peaceful and safe atmosphere in Wells, Maine. With this prime location in the heart of Sandy Wells Beach, you'll be offered a convenient trolley service to breathtaking shores, great restaurants, and fan-favorite coastal towns like Kennebun
- Pool
- Hiking
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Arcade
- Playground
- Basketball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Laundry
- Special Events
Located in Wells, this lush, gated resort campground is the perfect base camp in Southern Maine. It even offers a convenient trolley service to beautiful beaches, restaurants, and the towns of Kennebunkport and Ogunquit.
Sun Outdoors Wells Beach
Sun Outdoors Wells Beach
There is something for everyone at Sun Outdoors Wells Beach! Located just one mile from the resort, Wells Beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy dunes and sea grass and offers opportunities for recreation and exploration for the whole family. Miles of walking trails and endless water-sports combined with beautiful historic sites, antique shops, and fine restaurants is why Wells continues to be on
- Pool
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Golf Cart Rental
- Playground
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Garbage
- Laundry
This campground is located just a mile from Wells Beach, where you can walk along sandy dunes and sea grass. Relax at the pool or play a round of mini-golf to unwind from your day’s explorations. Note this campground closes mid-October.
Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, is the next stop on your road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park, less than an hour drive from Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, and just over half an hour from Wells.
Known for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque waterfront, Portland is home to the iconic Old Port district, where cobblestone streets are lined with quaint shops, galleries, and some of the best seafood restaurants around.
Consider exploring the town for a few hours before getting back on the road to Camden, but if you have the extra time, you can also stay the night in Portland too.
Must-Visit Hot Spots
- Visit Portland Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and likely the most iconic one in New England
- Walk along Commercial Street along Portland’s waterfront, filled with boutiques and restaurants
- Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Port for shopping, art, restaurants, and bars
- Do one of the many available tours (food tour, trolley tour, brewery and pub tour, sightseeing cruise tour, and more)
- Check out Freeport, home of the L.L. Bean Flagship Campus
Under-the-Radar Attraction
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine offers a hands-on experience perfect for families visiting Portland. With interactive exhibits that encourage play, creativity, and learning, the museum is a haven for imaginative exploration and young adventurers.
Camden, ME
Arrive in Camden, a coastal town that captures that quintessential New England charm and promises to be a memorable stop on your Boston to Acadia National Park road trip itinerary.
Note that many restaurants close around 9 p.m. in Camden, so make sure to plan your meals accordingly.
Must-Visit Hot Spots
- Do a sailing or boat tour, as Camden is a top place in Maine to do so
- Stroll around the Camden Harbor to catch sights of classic windjammers
- Visit Camden Hills State Park, and hike or drive up to Mt. Battie
- Head to the Curtis Lighthouse Overlook, a short drive from downtown Camden
- Enjoy shopping at Main Street and Bay View
Under-the-Radar Attraction
While the Curtis Lighthouse Overlook is on the main island, you can head out to Curtis Island by boat (kayak, charter, private boat, or rentable row boat). Once you’re on the island, you can check out the caretaker’s grounds, the lighthouse (though you cannot enter), a swing, and a great view of the harbor.
Where to Stay Near Camden
Sea Swell Campgrounds
Located in neighboring Rockport, a visit-worthy fishing village, this 2024 Campspot Award winner sets you by Penobscot Bay, where you can enjoy watching the sailers, porpoises, and other sea life. Set up camp and enjoy the community events like the famous Lobster Festival and North Atlantic Blues Festival. Note this campground closes mid-October.
Bar Harbor, ME, and Acadia National Park
Finally, you’ve made it to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park! You can head straight into the park, or explore the town for a lobster roll, ice cream, shopping, and lots of other good eats.
We highly recommend spending at least one full day just in the park, and maybe a half day to a full day exploring Bar Harbor and the surrounding area.
Explore Top Campgrounds by Acadia National Park
Must-Visit Hot Spots
- Catch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Vehicle passes are required from late May to late October. If you can’t make it for sunrise, try catching sunset.
- Drive the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile one-way scenic drive with many great overlooks and stops, including Sand Beach, Ocean Path, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs
- Hike trails like Jordan Pond Loop (easy 3.3-mile hike), Bubbles Trail (one of the park’s most popular moderate hikes), Gorham Mountain Trail (moderate 3-mile hike), and Beehive Loop Trail (one of the most popular challenging hikes)
- Rent bikes in Bar Harbor and ride them on the Carriage Roads in the park
- See tide pools at Bar Island
- Do a Bar Harbor boat tour or whale-watching tour
Where to Stay Near Bar Harbor
Wild Acadia Camping Resort
Wild Acadia Camping Resort, Trenton, Maine
Located in the beautiful Downeast Maine region, Wild Acadia Camping Resort is just minutes from Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park. Enjoy a variety of camping options from simple tent sites to full big rig pull throughs with full hookups. During peak season (mid-June to Labor Day) attractions include two 300' waterslides, a brand new wading pool with spray ground and dumping bucket, W
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Mini-Golf
- Golf Cart Rental
- Restaurant
- Ice Cream
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Zip Line
This campground is just about 11 miles from Acadia National Park. Choose from tent sites to full big rig pull-throughs with full hookups. From mid-June to Labor Day, guests can enjoy a ton of amenities including 300-foot waterslides, a brand new wading pool, a climbing wall, trampolines, a zip line, and more. Note this campground closes mid-October.
Your Road Trip From Boston to Acadia National Park
No matter what season you go, your Boston-to-Acadia National Park road trip will be filled with gorgeous sights, fantastic eats, and unforgettable memories. Adjust this itinerary to fit your preferences and schedule, and hit the road!
Image Credit: Adobe Stock – ODell Outside, Adobe Stock – SeanPavonePhoto, Adobe Stock – aicandy, Adobe Stock – thomas, Adobe Stock – Deyan, Adobe Stock – Wangkun Jia, Adobe Stock – thomas, Adobe Stock – SeanPavonePhoto, Adobe Stock – fudio, Flaggs RV Resort, Winding River Campground, Adobe Stock – Dakota, Adobe Stock – haveseen, Adobe Stock – Jill Clardy, Sea-Vu West RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Wells Beach, Adobe Stock – Tamme, Adobe Stock – jgorzynik, Adobe Stock – Monkey Business, Adobe Stock – Josh-Lehew, Adobe Stock – Sergey + Marina, Adobe Stock – thomas, Sea Swell Campgrounds, Adobe Stock – mandritoiu, Adobe Stock – Wangkun Jia, Wild Acadia Camping Resort