The ultimate road trip from New York to Maine

Trace the magnificent New England coastline from New York to Maine. It’s a spellbinding journey with cute seaside towns, dutiful lighthouses and jaw-dropping vistas. As you work your way north, there’s certainly a lot to write home about.

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1. New York City, NY

We get it: You’re ready to travel up along New England’s stunning coastline. But keep in mind that there’s a never-ending selection of iconic New York City attractions to enjoy before taking off.

Stroll through Central Park

You sweet little oasis in the heart of New York City. Manhattan’s Central Park has since its first opening in 1858 provided a peaceful domain in the otherwise busy city.

In summer, it’s a great spot to soak up the sun. In winter, the park offers a unique venue for ice skating. Around the year, Central Park is the perfect spot for a quiet stroll.

Take a photo from Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge famously spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The symbolic bridge, one of 21 that connect Manhattan with the rest of the city, invites visitors to a celebrated perspective.

From Brooklyn Bridge, you not only get a close-up view of a fascinating construction. The bridge also gives you an unmatched view of New York City’s skyline.

Additional stop: Mystic, Connecticut, is a pleasant early addition to the itinerary. In the town, which is located right on the way from NYC to Newport, you’ll find a cozy waterfront area and the extensive Mystic Seaport Museum.

2. Newport, RI

• Driving distance: 180 mi / 290 km
• Driving time: 4 h

It’s just a few hours into the road trip, but New England’s charm is already evident. Newport is a seaside Rhode Island city home to alluring mansions.

Learn a mansion story

Newport’s signature mansions were built between the 1850s and early 1900s. The historic structures demonstrate a wide range of architectural styles.

Such progressive facades make you impressed. However, it’s when you go inside the Newport mansions that they really come to life.

On a guided mansion tour, you indulge in colorful stories of previous times and owners. It’s an activity for the history buff or anyone who likes a good story.

So which Newport mansion tour should you include on your itinerary? The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House are constantly ranked as top Newport mansions to visit.

Stretch your legs on Newport Cliff Walk

A stone’s throw from the enchanting mansions, you’ll find Newport Cliff Walk. The salty pathway gorgeously extends for 3.5 miles (6 km) along Newport’s coastline.

With both Atlantic views and lovely homes to rest your eyes on, the Newport Cliff Walk is a celebrated attraction. Some of the best things in life are free, and Newport’s cliff walk is one of them.

More info: Best hotels in Newport, RI

3. Cape Cod, MA

• Driving distance: 76 mi / 122 km
• Driving time: 1.5 h

Sure, Cape Cod is a slight detour. But if you want to capture all the most beautiful spots along New England’s coastline (or, at least, as many as possible), the Cape is a must to include.

Take advantage of Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod is blessed with mile after mile of unspoiled shoreline. The area of the peninsula that best showcases its untouchedness is Cape Cod National Seashore.

Cape Cod National Seashore is 43,607 acres big. Within the huge seashore, you’ll find everything from deer to turtles.

It’s a paradise for hikers, bikers and beachgoers alike. In summer, its beaches peaks, but year round Cape Cod National Seashore makes a superb destination.

Catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is its own little peaceful bubble. Located off Cape Cod, just 35 minutes by ferry away, it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.

The island is home to six Martha’s Vineyard towns to get to know: Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah.

Oak Bluffs is famous for its colorful gingerbread cottages, while Edgartown radiates elegancy like no other place. Every town on the island offers that sought-after vacation ambience. 

More info: Best areas on Cape Cod

4. Boston, MA

• Driving distance: 71 mi / 114 km
• Driving time: 1.5 h

On the way from New York to Maine, the streets of Boston inevitably draw your attention. Massachusetts‘ biggest city is just filled with history to explore.

Walk back in time on the Freedom Trail

In the heart of Boston, the 2.5 miles (4 km) long Freedom Trail takes you back in time. The trail, which starts at Boston Common and ends at Bunker Hill Monument, shows you one historic monument after another.

Highlights as you walk the Freedom Trail include Massachusetts State House and Old State House. Another outstanding building to keep your eyes open for is the Old Corner Bookstore.

Hear Harvard tales

Boston’s Harvard University is one of the most reputable institutions of higher learning in the US. Its alumni includes former presidents and Nobel Prize winners.

So wouldn’t it be nice to enter the doors of Harvard, if so only for a few hours?

On a guided Harvard University tour that’s exactly what you get to do.

Not only are the grounds interesting to see, but there are also many amusing tales to be told. You don’t have to be into history to appreciate a Harvard tour.

More info: Where to stay in Boston

Additional stop: Another beach stop makes a lot of sense, especially in summer. New Hampshire’s appreciated Hampton Beach State Park showcases a pristine beach that just adds minutes to the itinerary.

5. Portland, ME

• Driving distance: 112 mi / 180 km
• Driving time: 2 h

Portland welcomes you to Maine in fine style. Maine is well known for its many lighthouses, and Portland certainly sets the lighthouse standard high.

View Portland’s lighthouses

No road trip from New York to Maine is complete without a stop at Portland Head Lighthouse. It’s the lighthouse that’s known as Maine’s most photographed such.

Positioned on majestic cliffs Portland Head Light is the definition of a photo opportunity.

But as you visit Portland Head Lighthouse, don’t miss out on the surrounding lighthouses. From the Portland Head Lighthouse area, you can spot as many as 4 more lighthouses.

Breathe in the Old Port

Overlooking the Fore River, the Old Port in Portland is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area characterized by its cobblestone streets, brick buildings and fishing piers has a rich past as a leading Maine port.

Today, the Old Port is a place where history meets shopping and dining. Portland’s Old Port neighborhood is dotted with popular stores, tasty restaurants, with plenty of seafood, and refreshing watering holes.

Still, you don’t need to spend any money in the Old Port to have a good time. Just walking around in the district, where history and contemporary features intersect, is rewarding.

Additional stop: Why not throw a legendary never-closing store into the mix of fun stops? The L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport is widely known for its large selection of products. But even if you’re not up for a shopping, its gigantic storefront boots make up a quirky photo stop.

6. Camden, ME

• Driving distance: 81 mi / 130 km
• Driving time: 2 h

Welcome to Camden, a heartwarming town sandwiched in between the mountains and Penobscot Bay.

Climb Camden Hills

Camden Hills functions as Camden’s green backdrop. As part of Camden Hills State Park, they flourish like they always have.

The tallest component of Camden Hills is Mount Battie. Its peak shoots up 780 feet (238 m) above the ocean.

From Mount Battie’s heights, the view of Penobscot Bay and Camden is awe-inspiring — an undeniable highlight on the itinerary.

But how do you get to Mount Battie’s remarkable overlooks? A popular 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long trail takes you from the streets of Camden to its top. However, a paved road also lets you travel up the slopes of Mount Battie by car.

7. Acadia National Park, ME

• Driving distance: 72 mi / 116 km
• Driving time: 1.5 h

Acadia National Park is the northernmost and final stop on the itinerary. In New England’s only national park, the mountains spectacularly meet the Atlantic Ocean.

Drive Acadia’s loop road

Acadia’s loop road is often referred to as one of the most scenic drives in America. When you visit, it’s easy to see why.

The bucket list drive takes you around the eastern half of Mount Desert Island. Highlights include spots such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point and Jordan Point.

At its end Cadillac Mountain makes up a jaw-dropping vista. From its 1,530 feet (466 m) high top, which makes it the tallest point along the entire Atlantic coastline, you have an undisturbed view of the wild surroundings.

Tour western Mount Desert Island

Mount Desert Island’s western portion invites you to an experience off the beaten path. This Acadia part is quieter, and gets fewer visitors, than the island’s eastern half.

But quietness is far from western Mount Desert Island’s only ace in the sleeve. The area is home to scenic spots including Echo Lake and Long Pond.

In addition, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is positioned at its southernmost point. Built in 1858, it’s a manmade attraction that beautifully complements the awe-inspiring nature in Acadia National Park.

Where to stay

Bar Harbor is to most visitors the best place to stay at Acadia National Park. The gateway town offers easy park access and the amenities you crave for.

• Bar Villager Motel – In Bar Harbor’s heart.
• BW Acadia Park Inn – Away from the crowds.

The return drive: Acadia National Park to New York City

Driving back to NYC? Skip the slow coastal roads and stick to I-95 South to cut down the journey to an efficient 9 hours (483 mi/777 km).

Here are the best stops to break up the return drive.

Portsmouth, NH (best overnight stop)

Located about halfway down the route on the Maine/New Hampshire border, Portsmouth’s walkable downtown and historic waterfront make it the ideal place to break the drive into two main legs. Take a quick stroll through Strawbery Banke Museum and grab dinner around Market Square before turning in.

Salem, MA (best historic detour)

If you want one last memorable activity just north of Boston, take a brief 15-minute hop off the highway to Salem. It’s a great stop to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and explore witch trial history, as well as grand 19th-century maritime architecture.

New Haven, CT (best quick food stop)

Positioned about 2 hours before arriving back in New York City, New Haven is an excellent pitstop for lunch or dinner. It is home to world-famous Connecticut-style “apizza”—stop by spots like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana or Sally’s Apizza for a legendary coal-fired white clam pie.

You might wonder…

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