Day Trips from Portland, Maine

Location:

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME

Highlights:

If you’re craving coastal views, forest hikes, and unforgettable sunrise moments, Acadia is your spot. From Portland, it’s a super doable adventure that blends natural beauty with outdoor excitement—we absolutely love it here.

Recommended For:

Hikers, nature lovers, photographers, families, cyclists, and anyone who enjoys national parks or coastal scenery.

What I Love: ♥

Breathtaking views from Cadillac Mountain, over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranger-led activities, and the park’s peaceful mix of forest, sea, and sky.

• Hike through scenic routes with dramatic cliffside views, quiet woodlands, and mountain summits for all skill levels.
• Bike the 45 miles of car-free carriage roads designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., perfect for leisurely exploration.
• Join ranger-led programs like birding tours, starry night sky events, and historical walks to dive deeper into Acadia’s magic.
• Visit Cadillac Mountain to catch one of the first sunrises in the U.S. from the East Coast’s highest point.

Distance from Portland:

The drive takes about 3 hours, covering roughly 170 miles along coastal and inland highways.

How to Get to Acadia National Park:

Take I-295 North to I-95 North. Follow signs for Route 3 East toward Ellsworth and Bar Harbor. Enter the park via the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Mount Desert Island.

Location:

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME

Highlights:

Bar Harbor is that perfect coastal escape where charming streets meet stunning nature. It’s an easy road trip from Portland, and once you're there, you'll feel like you're in a postcard.

Recommended For:

Couples, families, art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a walkable seaside town full of character and access to Acadia.

What I Love: ♥

The sandbar walk at low tide, cozy downtown strolls, Abbe Museum’s Indigenous heritage exhibits, and the seamless blend of town and trail.

• Explore local shops, galleries, and restaurants in a compact downtown that's ideal for walking and browsing.
• Join a guided walking tour with a certified Maine Guide to dive into Bar Harbor’s stories and scenery.
• Visit the Abbe Museum for insightful exhibits on the Wabanaki Nations and the region’s Indigenous culture.
• Enjoy cross-country skiing along scenic carriage roads in winter or biking them in warmer seasons.

Distance from Portland:

Plan for about a 3-hour drive covering approximately 175 miles.

How to Get to Bar Harbor:

Head north on I-295, then I-95 to Bangor. Take Route 1A to Ellsworth and follow Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island, straight into Bar Harbor’s downtown.

Location:

Freeport, ME

Highlights:

Looking for a day trip with charm, deals, and unexpected surprises? Freeport is just up the road from Portland and offers way more than just great shopping.

Recommended For:

Shoppers, families, local history enthusiasts, curious explorers, and those looking for a fun, easy getaway.

What I Love: ♥

Outlet shopping in historic buildings, scenic farmland adventures, and the oddly fascinating Desert of Maine.

• Shop at dozens of outlet stores housed in beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture along Route 1.
• Tour the Desert of Maine, a glacier-formed sand dune with walking trails, historic barns, and a playful, unusual vibe.
• Visit Wolfe’s Neck Center to meet farm animals, explore the grounds by kayak or bike, and enjoy nature programs.
• Learn about local history at the Freeport Historical Society and nearby Historic Pettengill Farm.

Distance from Portland:

It’s just a 25-minute drive north, covering about 20 miles.

How to Get to Freeport:

Take I-295 North from Portland and exit at Route 1 in Freeport. The town center and shops are clearly marked and easy to find from there.

Location:

Bethel, ME

Highlights:

Want that classic mountain town vibe with outdoor adventure all year long? Bethel is your go-to—just a few hours from Portland and packed with scenic charm and things to do.

Recommended For:

Outdoor lovers, skiers, hikers, museum buffs, and anyone craving a cozy Maine mountain escape.

What I Love: ♥

Four-season activities, walkable downtown charm, unique museums, and easy access to the White Mountains and the Appalachian Trail.

• Explore hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and paddling in warmer months—or hit the slopes and trails once snow arrives.
• Visit the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, home to a stunning collection of rare stones and meteorites, plus The Ski Museum of Maine for winter sports history.
• Wander Maggie Ring’s Nature Park or bike the scenic Bethel Recreational Pathway.
• Stroll the downtown area for small-town shopping, local eats, and après ski spots with mountain town character.

Distance from Portland:

The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering roughly 75 miles northwest.

How to Get to Bethel:

Take Route 26 North from Portland through Norway and Paris until you reach Bethel. The scenic drive offers views of foothills and forests as you approach the mountains.

Location:

Boothbay Harbor, ME

Highlights:

Need a breezy seaside escape with art, gardens, and fresh ocean air? Boothbay Harbor is just over an hour from Portland and feels like a summer postcard brought to life.

Recommended For:

Art lovers, families, coastal hikers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing, scenic retreat.

What I Love: ♥

Vibrant local art, oceanfront charm, hands-on marine experiences, and the stunning beauty of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

• Discover the work of over 200 artists in town galleries, the Boothbay Region Art Foundation, and seasonal art and craft shows.
• Explore marine life at the Maine State Aquarium through interactive exhibits and a lobster touch tank.
• Wander over 35 miles of trails maintained by the Boothbay Region Land Trust, perfect for peaceful hikes.
• Relax in the expansive Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, featuring themed landscapes, sculptures, and blooms from spring to fall.

Distance from Portland:

The drive is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering roughly 60 miles along coastal Route 1 and scenic byways.

How to Get to Boothbay Harbor:

Take I-295 North to Route 1 toward Brunswick. Follow signs for Route 27 South in Wiscasset, and continue to Boothbay Harbor’s waterfront downtown area.

Romantic Day Trips from Portland:

Location:

Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal, ME

Highlights:

Looking for a quick nature fix without going far? Bradbury Mountain is just up the road from Portland and offers year-round fun for hikers, bikers, and campers alike.

Recommended For:

Day hikers, families, mountain bikers, horseback riders, campers, and winter adventurers looking for a local escape into nature.

What I Love: ♥

Wide variety of multi-use trails, beautiful summit views with minimal effort, and easy access for spontaneous day trips.

• Hike a range of scenic trails from easy loops to more challenging routes, all leading to rewarding summit views.
• Ride mountain bikes or horses on select trails—great for varied outdoor experiences in one place.
• Camp overnight with tent and RV sites available, plus picnic areas and clean restroom facilities for comfort.
• Play year-round with snowmobiling permitted on designated trails in winter and skiing throughout the park when snow covers the terrain.

Distance from Portland:

The park is just a 30-minute drive from Portland, located about 20 miles north in Pownal.

How to Get to Bradbury Mountain:

Take I-295 North from Portland to Exit 22 in Freeport. Follow Route 125 to Route 9 North and continue to the park entrance in Pownal.

Location:

Brunswick, ME

Highlights:

If you’re in the mood for a cultured and historic New England town with small-city charm, Brunswick is an easy and enriching trip from Portland. It’s the kind of place where every corner has a story—and plenty of good coffee.

Recommended For:

History lovers, museum-goers, college town fans, literary buffs, and anyone seeking a walkable downtown full of character.

What I Love: ♥

The deep history tied to Bowdoin College, literary landmarks like Harriet Beecher Stowe’s home, and the fantastic Bowdoin College Museum of Art.

• Tour Harriet Beecher Stowe’s historic home, where monthly “Tea with Harriet” events offer literary insights and personal stories.
• Explore the Skolfield-Whittier House, preserved as it was in the 1850s, offering a rare glimpse into 19th-century upper-middle-class life.
• Admire over 20,000 works at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, with everything from classical sculptures to modern pieces.
• Enjoy year-round cultural events hosted by Bowdoin College—concerts, lectures, exhibits, and more.

Distance from Portland:

About a 30-minute drive northeast, roughly 25 miles via I-295.

How to Get to Brunswick:

Take I-295 North from Portland and exit at Route 1 toward Brunswick. Follow signs into downtown, where parking and attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Family Day Trips from Portland:

Location:

Camden, ME

Highlights:

Camden is where the mountains meet the sea—perfect for anyone craving ocean breezes, tall ship sails, and epic coastal views. It’s an unforgettable day trip or weekend escape from Portland.

Recommended For:

Outdoor adventurers, sailors, hikers, seafood lovers, and anyone looking for a classic Maine coastal experience.

What I Love: ♥

Cruises on historic schooners, hiking to sweeping bay views from Mount Battie, and fresh lobster right off the dock downtown.

• Cruise Penobscot Bay aboard a tall ship or schooner offering day sails, sunset tours, and fishing excursions.
• Hike through Camden Hills State Park’s 30+ miles of trails with overlooks like Maiden Cliff and Mount Battie’s iconic summit.
• Swim or relax at Barrett’s Cove on Lake Megunticook or Laite Beach, where grassy parkland meets the rocky coast.
• Stroll downtown for antiques, boutiques, and seafood shacks serving ultra-fresh lobster from Camden Harbor.

Distance from Portland:

Expect a scenic 1 hour and 45 minute drive northeast, about 80 miles along Route 1.

How to Get to Camden:

Take I-295 North from Portland, then Route 1 North through coastal towns like Wiscasset and Rockland. Continue to Camden’s harborfront downtown—well signed and easy to explore.

Location:

Cape Elizabeth, ME

Highlights:

Need a quick coastal escape with postcard views and iconic lighthouses? Cape Elizabeth is just minutes from Portland and feels like a breath of salty ocean air.

Recommended For:

Lighthouse lovers, photographers, history buffs, coastal walkers, and anyone looking for a scenic, low-effort day trip.

What I Love: ♥

The majestic Portland Head Light, peaceful cliffside trails, Edward Hopper history, and lobster rolls with a view at Two Lights.

• Visit Fort Williams Park to explore the grounds around Portland Head Light and stop by the year-round museum in the old keeper’s house.
• Walk or bike the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt trails for inland marsh views, woodland paths, and easy nature access.
• Admire the historic twin lighthouses at Two Lights State Park—one of which inspired Hopper’s famous painting.
• Dine at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights for coastal eats with unbeatable views of the surf and rocks.

Distance from Portland:

Just a 20-minute drive south—only 8.5 miles via ME-77 N.

How to Get to Cape Elizabeth:

Take ME-77 South from downtown Portland. Follow signs for Fort Williams Park or Two Lights State Park depending on your destination. The drive is scenic and well marked.

Location:

Casco Bay Islands, ME

Highlights:

Craving a salty breeze and an island adventure without leaving Portland too far behind? The Casco Bay Islands are just a ferry ride away and offer a perfect mix of history, charm, and coastal fun.

Recommended For:

Day-trippers, cyclists, history buffs, seafood lovers, and anyone looking to explore Maine by land and sea.

What I Love: ♥

Each island has its own vibe—from bikes on Peaks, to lobsters on Bailey, to the peaceful greens of Chebeague—all with beautiful views and easy access from Portland.

• Ferry from Portland to explore the islands, or take the scenic Bailey Island Cruise that ends at Cook’s Lobster House for a true Maine meal.
• Bike around Peaks Island, visit the Civil War Memorial and stop by the Fifth Maine Regiment Hall Museum.
• Relax on Chebeague Island, the largest in the bay, and play a round on the 9-hole island golf course.
• Paddle by canoe or kayak to Fort Gorges on Hog Island, a granite sea fort built in 1858 and only accessible by water.

Distance from Portland:

Just minutes away—easily visible from the Portland waterfront and accessible by ferry or cruise.

How to Get to the Casco Bay Islands:

Head to the Casco Bay Lines terminal in downtown Portland. Hop on a ferry or the mailboat to reach the islands, or take a narrated Bailey Island Cruise to Cook’s Lobster House.