Portland to Bar Harbor
United States
Maine's rocky Downeaster coast from the peninsula city of Portland north to Bar Harbor, through Bath's shipyards, Rockland's lobster wharves, Camden's perfect harbour, and the spruce-forested headlands of Acadia National Park. The US Northeast's finest short coastal drive.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Portland
Maine's largest city on a Casco Bay peninsula. The Old Port's cobblestone waterfront serves the freshest lobster in America alongside a world-class Winslow Homer collection at the art museum.
- Bath
The City of Ships. Bath Iron Works has built US Navy destroyers since 1884 and the yard is still active. The Maritime Museum chronicles the tradition from the Age of Sail to the present.
- Rockland
Maine's lobster capital, where granite wharves still smell of brine and diesel. The Farnsworth Art Museum holds an extraordinary Andrew Wyeth collection in a working fishing port.
- Camden
The most photogenic harbour on the Maine coast, with schooners moored below wooded hills. Mount Battie's summit road delivers panoramic views across Penobscot Bay.
- Acadia National Park
160 km of carriage roads and Cadillac Mountain, first in the US to receive sunrise from October to March. Rocky headlands and spruce forest form Maine's finest scenery.
- Bar Harbor
The Victorian harbour town at Acadia's edge, with celebrated lobster shacks, whale-watch boats, and the low-tide bar walk to Bar Island. The finest base camp on the Maine coast.
Where to Eat
- HavanaCuban-influenced
An upscale restaurant in Bar Harbor offering Cuban-inspired dishes with a focus on local seafood and produce.
- PrimoFarm-to-table
A renowned restaurant in Rockland serving Italian-inspired cuisine using ingredients from its own farm.
- The Lobster Shack at Two LightsSeafood
A classic Maine seafood spot in Cape Elizabeth known for its fresh lobster rolls and ocean views.
Things to Do
- Maine Maritime MuseumMuseum
Explore Maine's maritime heritage with exhibits on shipbuilding, lobstering, and a historic shipyard.
- Camden Hills State ParkNature
Offers panoramic views of Penobscot Bay from Mount Battie and numerous hiking trails.
- Rockland Breakwater LighthouseHistoric Site
A historic lighthouse accessible via a scenic 7/8-mile granite breakwater walk.