Lowest price. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are also a couple of picnic tables right by the lighthouse, so this is a nice place to stop and have a snack during your road trip. Capt. Hi there! Search for RV campgrounds. But this town also has a really lovely little harbor area thats worth taking a few moments to explore. I think Salem is a great town to explore year-round, but of course, theres something extra fun and special about it in the fall season. At the end of the breakwater sits Breakwater Lighthouse and the attached lightkeepers house. Estimated time needed at this stop: 1-3 hours, depending on how long that line is at Reds! And definitely dont forget to make a reservation for dinner if youre hoping for a special meal out! The drive time will be a little under three and a half hours so there is plenty of time to take in these beautiful coastal cities and towns. Click here to read my travel guide on the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor. Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Marblehead! 854 mi (1375 km) Fastest train. Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chianti Vineyards Escape from Florence with Two Wine Tastings, Drag Show Brunch at Full Up Club in Florence, 1-Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour (Round-trip from Hiroshima), The Original Three Countries in One Day: France, Andorra, Spain from Barcelona, New Orleans City and Cemetery 2- 2 1/2 Hour Bus Tour, Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks, CHACCHOBEN & BACALAR COMBO with transportation from Costa Maya, View all restaurants near Coastal Highway U.S. 1 on Tripadvisor. Take a scenic drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Click here to read my post on the best things to do in New England in the fall! Rockport is small, but feels very special and memorable. If you're sensing a theme among these new hotels, it's that everything old is new again, and the same applies to the Norumbega Inn in Camden, Maine. Estimated time needed at this stop: 1-3 hours, depending on if you stop to eat. Led by a local expert, youll hear stories about the towns history, as well as be able to stop for some awesome photo opportunities. Take the time! One of the best tours in Salem is this Hauntings & History walking tour, and you can select either a day option, or a night option if you want to increase the spooky factor. Click here to book your Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 days prior to the travel date. This tour will start at Portland Head Light, and take you out to Camden, Bangor and some of the best sites in Acadia National Park, including to the top of Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Its always such a peaceful and serene visit, and a beautiful lighthouse to see when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park. Theres actually so much to do in Conway that you probably cant experience it all in a day, but it definitely makes for a great day trip to get some fresh mountain air. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Hello Summer! 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes. Driving coastal Maine where are the best areas to drive Route 1 and where can we save time by driving the interstate highway? This will allow you to stop for a night on your way to Acadia, spend 2 nights in Bar Harbor/Acadia and then stop for another night on your drive back to Portland. Click here to book your Seaplane Tour in Rangeley Lake! stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. Mileage on this alternate route is longer, but driving time may be quicker. Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. I have so much to say about Boothbay, in fact, I have an entire post all about the best things to see and do. Drive to the top of Quill Hill for more amazing birds eye lake views. Click here to book your Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor! Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Casco Bay and its many islands border Portland to the east. Although you won't be able to do everything you should at least stop at Thunder Hole and. How long is the train journey from Portland to Camden? 1591 E. Atlantic Blvd, 2nd Floor Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. Wanderus simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Any issues or advice? Some of the best things to do in Ogunquit on a day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on everything to do in Ogunquit! For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $138. Operated by SEPTA, Amtrak Acela, Amtrak Northeast Regional and others, the Camden to Maine service departs from 2nd St Station - MFL and arrives . There are three towns that I think are the best for overnight stays if youd like to take your time during the drive from Portland to Acadia and really enjoy all the stops along the way. Youll see five movie locations, learn some fun trivia about the movie, and also hear about the towns fascinating history to get the best of both worlds. at one of the towns many bakeries. The lighthouse itself is great to see but also surrounding it is a beautiful park with rolling green hills, a sandy beach, and even a couple of old forts to explore. They seem to feel that there's something to see on every inch of this road--of course, when it runs through certain towns, that's true--but, not every town. Website design and development by 5iveLeaf Design Studio. Or go to Belfast's waterfront for a more laid back atmosphere at the numerous pub restaurants along the waterfront or Main Street. This is especially beautiful at sunset if youre able to time it right! Take a turn to the northeast and continue 32 nautical miles through Casco Bay past Halfway Rock and Sequin Island before rounding the Cuckolds to head north into well-protected Boothbay Harbor. Penobscot Bay to Camden, a harbor at the foot of the Camden Hills. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The smoothness of its paved surface varies; compared to many other Maine roads, its seldom particularly rough. Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Filming Locations Tour in Salem! Brian Warner of the 86-foot, Custom Line Navetta 26 Slainte III has cruised this route multiple times and praises its natural beauty; however, he warns captains that morning fog (which usually lifts but sometimes persists throughout the day), lobster pots and rocks are a few of the challenges, and adds, The most popular anchorages have good holding in a muddy bottom, but you need to be aware of rocks, which can sometimes hang you up., If youre planning to explore on your own, Warner advises that you read as many Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, youre sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor. Shutterstock. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) The producers of the 2023 Maine Boat & Home Show have unveiled the new poster design for the annual event, to be held on the Rockland waterfront August 11-13. Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then rte 129/130 . at your chartplotter all the time., Start your week at DiMillos Marina in the heart of Portlands revitalized warehouse. Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Click here to book your stay at the Marston House in Wiscasset. The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. I felt very safe while there, but if it happens to be a wet, slippery day, just be careful. Wonder if anyone can tell me best detours to see beautiful lighthouses? Click the link below for more fun things to do in Ogunquit! And with e-bikes, youll be able to ride some of the bikes through all of Cape Ann since youll have them for 8 hours, allowing you to see even more of this gorgeous region. Cross the footbridge for views of town and the water. Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. Click here to book your Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals tour in Boothbay Harbor! Glide your kayak around the still morning lake, try your hand at trout or bass fishing, or take a leisurely hike around the lake. You most definitely have to stop and see Owls Head Lighthouse, which sits atop a cliff and offers amazing views of the water. Or What would be the best fall foilage rt from BH going back to Woburn MA? Considering the distance between Portland and Camden, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. One of my favorite small waterfront towns in all of Maine is Boothbay Harbor, and this makes for one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. Rent a jet ski or boat to spend the day on the water. In fact, the entire town of Baileys Island is pretty idyllic. Both are beautiful, but if I had to pick between the two, I would suggest Boothbay Harbor because I think its a more unique town and has more hotel options. Do a little shopping for unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough. Camden is a beautiful coastal town that has a really great Main Street with shops and restaurants, a really lovely waterfront park, lots of opportunities for sailing, an amazing state park with an . Click here to rent your e-bikes in Gloucester! Built in 1885, the inn was originally home to Joseph Barker Stearns, who was known for, among other accomplishments, modernizing the fire alarm and inventing the double telegraph. Where: 280 Belfast Road, Camden, Maine. Drive for about 15 minutes, then stop in Yarmouth (Maine) and stay for about 1 hour. Day 1. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. If youre driving from Portland to Acadia National Park, and want to make stops, I suggest you budget a minimum of 4 nights. How long did it take you to get from Portland to Bar Harbor? The downtown area is bustling with life and plenty to do. Youll also pass by Boon Lighthouse, which can only be seen by boat, and also get a quick taste of nearby Ogunquit by passing through Perkins Cove. I suggest you stop to fill up when you reach a half tank. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Maine is not that big (compared to Texas where I am from) the shoreline is breath-taking and seemingly endless. For the most scenic drive from Boston to Portland, Maine, go part of the way via the highway-free, coastal route. It appears you can stay on 1 until Stockton Springs, then get on 1A and head west, ending in Bangor. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Portland (Maine) to Camden (Maine). Once you get to Boston, I always recommend you park your car for the day and explore on foot, but a trolley tour will allow you to see more sites without having to worry about getting around a historic city in your own car. around Portlands coast! If youre looking to get out on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice. The bus stop in Camden is about 1 mile from our dock. I'm Sam. Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach. Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park! A 720-acre island of 1,000 inhabitants, this is coastal Maine at its most pristine. Click here to book this boat tour out to Nubble & Boon lighthouses! This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. Yes, lobster is served everywhere here. This is a charming little village that sits along the Sheepscot River, and is most known for being the home of Reds Eats, a little seafood shack that always has a line around the corner because its that good. We need to have a lobster lunch halfway between Portland Maine and Bar Harbor Maine. My favorite boat tours in Boothbay are the wildlife and lighthouse tours. The lake community is a perfect retreat for the outdoor adventurer and the quiet nature lover. Want to explore more of the North Shore & Cape Ann, MA? (Call the Camden harbormaster for a dock in town.) Itinerary Start in Portland (Maine). The quaint towns you drive through are comfortable and welcoming. Spend the money to rent a car and drive the state. Peruse its art studios and hike some of its often steep and strenuous trails, which lead through woodlands and up to high cliffs such as Whitehead and Burnt Head. Battie summit, or stop to eat. Along the walkway to the lighthouse from the parking area, keep an eye out for a small path on your right that leads down to the water. Back to Portland What a great road trip! Its an uninhabited island split by a beach. After a Good Six Months, Whats Next? Google Maps First up is Portland. The total straight line flight distance from Portland, ME to Camden, ME is 71 miles. If youd like to break up the stops during your drive from Portland to Acadia National Park, and do half on your way to Acadia, and half on your way back to Portland, these are the suggested routes to evenly break up your driving time. Our homeport is located in Camden, Maine, at the head of the harbor, off Atlantic Avenue. Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout online & on our app. Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park. But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience. There are 10 ways to get from Portland to Camden by plane, taxi, bus, car or train Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. There will also be signs along the way. Then, wander around town, seeking out the perfect dinner and possibly catching a performance at the prestigious Opera House. They even have a large indoor dining space as well if you happen to visit on a rainy day. There's also long stretches of quiet road on Route #1, too--not much to see, and, which may be frustrating to travel if the speed limit is 35mph. Youll also listen to authentic stories from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Definitely visit the Islesford Historical Museum and art galleries. Reply Report inappropriate content Amy H The Park Loop Road will take you around the entire park. Countless smaller roads can get you here from there, and driving times will vary wildly. Explore the shops & restaurants along Dock Square. Recommended Fly to Rockland Fly from Portland (PDX) to Rockland (RKD) 9h 34m $212 - $638 Fly to Augusta, taxi When my children and I made our ten day road trip from Mississippi up the eastern coast to Maine, we ended up in a lot of traffic jams. Then make the most of your remaining Maine moments. However, after reaching as far as Bar Harbor, ME and beginning our journey back down the east coast, we took Route 1. Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. Its hard to go wrong with either choice, though. The great thing is, you can tailor this road trip to your liking, and adjust the itinerary to fit your interests and schedule. Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so its entirely up to you! Pick up some sandwiches and see what else you can find at. The drive up the Maine Coastline was awesome with breathtaking views! Once the holiday season is over, a great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine in the winter is to head just a few minutes north to Freeport and explore the charming town covered in snow, explore the trails at Wolfes Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza. Please purchase tickets online, and arrive at the bus stop 15 minutes prior to departure. What do you think of these coastal cities in Maine? The journey time between Camden and Maine is around 8h 58m and covers a distance of around 438 miles. 1 review 2 helpful votes Best route and itinerary from Portland to Camden area . Friendship is a very small little fishing town, but its also home to probably the most adorable little convenience store & market you ever did see, Wallaces. Our goal was to get from Brunswick, Maine to Bar Harbor. Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. 5. But rest assured, Camden is a picturesque place to finish, evoking a sense of the areas rich maritime history. These coastal destinations can sometime be a bit chillier than youre expecting, so rather than digging around your suitcase if you get cold, its easier to just have it out in the back seat, ready to go. find more stops. Since this is a road trip itinerary with so many gorgeous stops to make along the way, I suggest taking the easy option, and driving to the Mt. Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country. Freeport has the Harraseeket Inn, Nature & Wildlife Tours Kayaking & Canoeing, Historical & Heritage Tours Sightseeing Tours. Freeport is known as the home of the flagship L.L. Click here to book your bike tour in Portsmouth! On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Portland to Camden every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $200. A local taxi (207-594-5000) can take you to and from our dock. Its very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if youre feeling up for it (although, theres so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place). This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. If you have questions about traveling, give us a call at 1-800-469-4635 (toll free) or 207-230-8320 (local) and we can try to help you figure out the details. You can get any kind of fresh seafood here during your stop, including picking your own lobster from their tank. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore. drive for about 7 hours. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. After dinner, if youre still awake, see a show at the 1932 Criterion Theatre. There are 2 ways to get from Portland Airport (PWM) to Camden by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Youngs is also BYOB, so youre more than welcome to bring a bottle of wine or some beer to enhance your meal! A free, self-guided tour route . Whale Watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve thats only 12 miles offshore. Some of the best things to do in Conway on a day trip from Portland: You may also enjoy:The best places to go apple picking in New Hampshire! Find pet-friendly stops. Newburyport in Massachusetts is another one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. My name is Chris Dodge and I love to bring my family along for many adventures. Perfect For: Maine Coastal Road Trips Autumn Foliage Picnics Legendary Views Family Day Trips. Hi there! Train from North Charleston to Washington D.C. Nestled into the Casco Bay region there is plenty to do and see. When using this travel guide to plan your journey, your driving time will vary depending on which stops you choose to make (hopefully all of them! Can you take a train all the way from Portland to Camden? Thank you! There are also a good amount of of kids activities here, including mini golf places, and lots of opportunity to get out onto the lake. The return of the debris to port in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a key piece of the investigation into why the submersible imploded . The museum exhibits an extensive collection of more than 3,000 art pieces, encompassing paintings, sculptures, and photographs.