12 Things You Should Pull Over To See On The Way

Abstract

• Get pleasure from scenic stops like Muscongus Bay and Big’s Stairs alongside the highway journey route from Portland to Bar Harbor.
• Discover cultural and creative sights in Blue Hill and Wiscasset alongside the way in which.
• Do not miss the primary spotlight, Mount Desert Island, house to Acadia Nationwide Park and the city of Bar Harbor.

Taking a drive from Portland, Maine, to the lovely seaside gem of Bar Harbor reveals an alluring mixture of pure wonders and creative achievements. After all, there are many activities and attractions in Portland, so lots of guests may not really feel the necessity to go away and enterprise additional. That is a mistake, although, as there are many issues to see on a highway journey from Portland, Maine, to Bar Harbor, for these keen to take this really beautiful New England scenic drive.

Simply some of the stunning highway journeys in New England, the whole scenic drive from Portland to Bar Harbor lasts about three hours and covers roughly 175 miles through I-295 N and I-95 N. This journey will enchant guests of all ages and journey portfolios, so buckle up and uncover all the pieces vacationers merely should see between these two New England gems.

From the coastal delight of Muscongus Bay to the rugged Mount Desert Island in Acadia Nationwide Park, tucked proper by Bar Harbor, these scenic stops between Portland and Bar Harbor will go away a long-lasting impression when visiting the Northeast.

UPDATE: 2024/01/14 10:46 EST BY NOAH STAATS

The Drive Between These Two Maine Cities Is Effortlessly Gorgeous

This text has been refreshed with two extra issues to do between Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine, on a highway journey. Plus, we have added details about present areas and surroundings. Bear in mind to pack a bag, convey a digicam, and have loads of enjoyable alongside the way in which!

12
Muscongus Bay

With gorgeous coastal views and lobster for days, Muscongus Bay is effectively value seeing

Alongside the east coast of Maine, vacationers will discover Muscongus Bay. That is the place many individuals come to go to when stopping between Penobscot Bay and John’s Bay. Contemplating the state has 5,000 miles of shoreline, this bay is considered one of many.

What makes Muscongus stand out is that it boasts limitless sights, together with Outdated Orchard Seashore, Palace Playland (a enjoyable amusement park), Jap Egg Rock, Allen Island, and numerous others.

The lobster and meals scene right here can be value writing house about, and there are lots of eating places, outlets, and grocers promoting fresh-caught lobster to convey house or again to the resort.

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Big’s Stairs

A fast hike alongside a state landmark makes Big’s Stairs well worth the journey

One other one of many many scenic highway journey stops between Portland and Bar Harbor is Big’s Stairs within the city of Harpswell, which provides nice mountaineering and surroundings for folks within the space.

Big’s Stairs wraps across the shoreline, giving a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail close to Bailey Island Bridge, Maine. It solely takes about quarter-hour to complete, so it is a straightforward route for everybody to take. There additionally should not be an excessive amount of motion throughout the week right here, so to keep away from the crowds, attempt coming between Monday and Friday.

The path can be open year-round, even within the chillier months. Summer season and spring convey the most individuals and creatures to Big’s Stairs, so there may be at all times a time to return right here.

• Tackle: Harpswell, ME 04003
• Hours: Open 24 hours, year-round

10
Wolfe’s Neck State Woods Park

Flora, fauna, and limitless rocky shoreline make Wolfe’s Neck State Woods Park a should

Wolfe’s Neck State Woods Park in Freeport invitations these searching for peace and unspoiled wilderness. This park, an impressive stretch of wooded pathways and seaside panoramas, combines the untamed attraction of Casco Bay with the hushed tones of the forest. Ospreys and deer will be seen on this pure reserve, which is able to delight hikers and birdwatchers.

The enchantment of this cease is finest captured on particular events, like tenting underneath a starry sky or taking in a picturesque picnic whereas rekindling a deep connection to the wonders of nature.

• Tackle: 426 Wolfe’s Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
• Hours: The park is open year-round from 9 am.

9
The Maine Maritime Museum

Maine has a wealthy maritime historical past, which this interactive museum with classic ships encapsulates

Maybe some of the fascinating issues to see from Portland to Bar Harbor is the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, which provides an interactive journey via maritime historical past whereas celebrating the state’s illustrious maritime heritage. Vacationers can discover interactive exhibitions, absorb the fantastic thing about classic ships, and uncover the importance of the ocean to Maine’s historical past.

This cease, which is tucked away alongside the beautiful Kennebec River, serves as an academic tribute to the world’s maritime previous and fosters a deeper appreciation for the marine customs which have molded Maine’s character.

A free parking facility is obtainable for guests on-site.

8
Popham Seashore State Park

The seashore goes on eternally on this state park

At Popham Beach State Park, a spotless haven with miles of sandy beachfront and fascinating sandbars, nature’s coastal splendor takes heart stage.

The park is house to a number of the hottest seashores in Maine; right here, vacationers can benefit from the heat of the solar, cool themselves within the Atlantic, or take within the uncommon geological formations made seen throughout low tide. The park additionally has bathhouses, fresh-water photo voltaic rinse-off showers, and charcoal grills.

7
Wiscasset

Lobster, colonial buildings, and strollable streets make Wiscasset value it

Getting into Wiscasset is like going again in time to a special decade; this charming village is house to a historic quarter that has been meticulously restored and is teeming with colonial buildings that bear witness to its illustrious previous.

Guests can get pleasure from engaging vintage shops, nice cafes, and artwork galleries as they stroll the streets. The must-visit Red’s Eats is the place vacationers can tuck into a number of the best Maine lobster rolls within the state, which provides this historic tour a savory twist.

The attraction of Wiscasset resides in its quaint environment, which captures the spirit of small-town Maine and gives an exquisite break from which to savor the world’s fascinating historical past.

Purple Eats has no set hours for Monday; the meals joint closes when it sells out, so head there earlier if visiting on a Monday. Additionally, Purple’s Eat serves clients between mid-April and mid-October.

6
Boothbay’s Maine Botanical Gardens

Flowers, critters, and surroundings galore; convey a digicam for this scenic cease!

On the Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, guests can get pleasure from a symphony of nature’s most creative composition. This alluring retreat welcomes guests to walk via a stupendous tapestry of colourful blossoms, winding pathways, and peaceable water options. Wander via themed gardens that give a pleasing sensory expertise, from tranquil rose gardens to fascinating woodland shows.

With cherry blossoms asserting spring and vivid leaves lighting up the panorama in autumn, these gardens’ attraction transcends every season. This cease, a real refuge for horticulture, is a dreamy getaway to soak up the majesty and serenity of nature.

• Tackle: 105 Botanical Gdns Dr, Boothbay, ME 04537
• Hours: The backyard is accessible between 9-5 from May 1 to October 22
• Value: Tickets are required to visit, with adults costing $24; college students ages 18+ with a scholar ID – $15; kids between 3 and 17 – $10; kids under 3: free; households comprising 2 adults and a pair of kids – $56

5
Pemaquid Level Lighthouse

Perched completely on rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic is that this historic lighthouse

The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in New Harbor is perched gently on rocky cliffs overlooking the good Atlantic and stands as a guardian of nautical historical past. This is without doubt one of the well-known landmarks from Portland to Bar Harbor, and its picturesque magnificence, contrasted with the wild shoreline, creates an excellent scene supreme for images and absorbing the views.

Take sluggish strolls alongside the promontory to get gorgeous vistas of the lighthouse silhouetted towards the sky. At this cease, the rugged magnificence and maritime custom come collectively, providing a singular alternative to see Maine’s coastal attraction and mirror on the nautical historical past that molded this space.

• Tackle: 3115 Bristol Rd, New Harbor, ME 04554
• Hours: Visiting hours are between 8 am and 4 pm, The lighthouse is accessible between Mid-Might to Mid/Finish-October
• Cost: Kids 4 and underneath are free; Kids 5-11 price $1; Adults and kids over 12 price $4

The Lighthouse Tower solely operates throughout sure hours and in sure climate circumstances. Earlier than arriving to ascend the tower, name to verify availability. Additionally, there is a 46-inch peak requirement to climb the tower when it is open.

4
Camden

A “sailor’s paradise”, this seaside city provides a quaint foremost avenue and Camden Hills State Park

Camden will attraction vacationers with its picture-perfect views, nestled between imposing mountains and calm harbor waters. This seaside neighborhood is a sailor’s paradise, providing leisurely sailboat sails and exploration of the gorgeous panoramas of Camden Hills State Park, which is house to the scenic Mount Battie and boasts a lot of pretty trails.

Within the city of Camden, vacationers can discover the nice Foremost Road, lined with quaint outlets and eating places the place vacationers can bask in delectable regional delicacies. A must-visit vacation spot, the charming city’s enchantment to unwind and unwind amid breathtaking environment combines pure magnificence and small-town attraction to depart a permanent impression.

3
Deer Isle

Uncover rugged coasts, sandy seashores, secret coves, and quaint villages

Deer Isle is without doubt one of the hidden gems between Portland and Maine, fascinating guests with its pristine magnificence and inventive neighborhood. Discover outlets displaying regional craftsmanship or discover rugged coasts and secret coves and embrace the creative character of the island.

Guests can even savor positive seafood on the many charming eating places right here whereas sampling the native delicacies, particularly within the city of Stonington, which has been known as the prettiest village in Maine. In the meantime, the Opera House Arts provides leisure for all ages, and the isle’s nice sandy seashores draw kayakers, swimmers, and sunbathers.

This complete cease, away from the lots, exudes peace and welcomes guests to soak up the leisurely tempo of island life, guaranteeing genuine connections to Maine’s coastal heritage.

Cease by the Penobscot Narrows Observatory Bridge for some unbelievable views!

2
Blue Hill

This small city by Blue Hill Bay is wealthy in tradition and surroundings, with galleries, museums, and mountain hikes

Blue Hill, a small city in Hancock County by the Blue Hill Bay, stands out for its creative enchantment and maritime historical past that offers this space its character. Discover this bustling cultural neighborhood that gives galleries and dwell occasions; in the meantime, for out of doors followers, hiking in and around Blue Hill abounds, particularly at Blue Hill Mountain, which provides a number of mountaineering alternatives and gorgeous views.

This vacation spot, perched atop the Blue Hill Peninsula, completely combines cultural enrichment with alluring pure environment, with artwork galleries and historic museums blended with a number of the most scenic hikes in Maine.

1
Mount Desert Island

Residence to Acadia Nationwide Park, this island is one for the books

The crown jewel of the journey, Mt Desert Island in Bar Harbor is house to the famend Acadia National Park. As soon as vacationers arrive in Bar Harbor (via car or ferry), there are tons of things to do in Bar Harbor, which simply earns its place among the many finest cities in Maine to go to. Nonetheless, earlier than getting immersed within the outlets and restaurants in Bar Harbor (suppose a number of seafood!), exploring Acadia Nationwide Park must be first on the to-do listing!

On this park, guests can embark on invigorating hikes to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the place sunrises paint the sky with breathtaking hues and lakes shimmer underneath the sky (Cadillac North Ridge Trail is without doubt one of the hottest hikes right here). One other sight to see is Bass Harbor Head Gentle Station for much more views. After exploring the incredible hikes in Acadia, guests can get pleasure from the remainder of their time on Mount Desert Island and the city of Bar Harbor; do not miss out on Asticou Azalea Garden

With so many issues to do between Portland, Maine, and Bar Harbor, from quaint small cities teeming with maritime historical past to mountain communities surrounded by trails, road-trippers would possibly take twice as lengthy to achieve their vacation spot. Nonetheless, all of the superb stops between Bar Harbor and Portland on a highway journey are value the additional time and mileage!