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07 Jun 2026Updated last time

Maine To Vermont Road Trip Itinerary

Maine to Vermont Road Trip Overview

This road trip is a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful parts of New England, blending coastal charm, outdoor adventure, small-town character, and vibrant city life. Begin in Portland, Maine, where you can enjoy a lively waterfront, historic streets, and excellent seafood before heading to Boothbay Harbor for a quieter seaside atmosphere. Continue north to Acadia National Park, one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in the region, with rugged shorelines, mountain views, and memorable hikes.

After exploring Maine’s coast and national park landscapes, travel west to Camden and Bar Harbor for more classic New England scenery, harbor views, and relaxed local culture. From there, cross into Vermont and experience Burlington’s energetic lakefront, then head to Stowe for mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. Waterbury adds a fun stop for local food and craft beverages, while Grafton offers a peaceful, historic village setting to end the trip on a calm note. Together, these destinations create a balanced itinerary filled with nature, charm, and memorable stops along the way.


Recommended Activities

  • Portland is a vibrant coastal city in Maine known for its charming waterfront, historic Old Port district, and lively arts scene. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood, explore boutique shops, visit art galleries, and experience the city's buzzing nightlife.
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    Boothbay Harbor

    Boothbay Harbor is a picturesque seaside town in Maine that offers a serene coastal experience. It is famous for its scenic harbor, charming downtown area, and beautiful botanical gardens. Visitors can enjoy sailing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the waterfront.
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    Acadia National Park

    Acadia National Park is a stunning national park located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It offers breathtaking coastal landscapes, rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike scenic trails, enjoy scenic drives, go camping, wildlife watching, and experience the park's natural beauty.
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  • Camden is a charming coastal town in Maine known for its picturesque harbor, stunning views of Penobscot Bay, and well-preserved historic buildings. Visitors can explore Camden Hills State Park, go sailing or boating, enjoy local seafood, and appreciate the town's quaint New England charm.
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  • Bar Harbor is a popular tourist destination located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The town also features cozy shops, delicious seafood restaurants, and scenic waterfront views.
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  • Burlington is a vibrant city in Vermont, known for its beautiful Lake Champlain waterfront, eclectic arts scene, and pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace. Visitors can explore the city's unique shops and galleries, enjoy outdoor activities on the lake, discover the local food and craft beer scene, and experience the city's lively culture.
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  • Stowe is a charming town in Vermont that is famous for its majestic mountain landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding during winter, and offers hiking, mountain biking, and leaf peeping during the warmer months. The town also features quaint shops, cozy lodging options, and a friendly small-town atmosphere.
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  • Waterbury is a town in Vermont known for its vibrant food and beer scene. Visitors can explore local craft breweries, such as the renowned Alchemist Brewery, and enjoy beer tastings and tours. Waterbury is also home to the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, where visitors can take factory tours and enjoy delicious ice cream treats.
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  • Grafton is a picturesque village in Vermont known for its historic charm and natural beauty. It offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can explore the village's beautifully preserved historic buildings, enjoy scenic walks along Main Street, and experience the tranquility of the surrounding countryside.
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Restaurants

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    The Great Lost Bear

    The Great Lost Bear

    Located in Portland, Maine, The Great Lost Bear is a unique restaurant known for its extensive beer selection, with over 69 taps and hundreds of bottled beers. It's a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
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    Eventide Oyster Co.

    Eventide Oyster Co.

    In Portland, Maine, Eventide Oyster Co. offers a modern take on seafood with its famous brown butter lobster roll and selection of oysters. It's a trendy and innovative seafood spot.
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    The Blue Spoon

    The Blue Spoon

    Tucked away in a historic building in Portland, Maine, The Blue Spoon offers a farm-to-table experience with a rotating menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and creative dishes.
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    Hen of the Wood

    Hen of the Wood

    Located in Waterbury, Vermont, Hen of the Wood is an exceptional farm-to-table restaurant known for its inventive dishes and focus on locally sourced ingredients. It offers a cozy and rustic dining atmosphere.
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    The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

    The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

    In Burlington, Vermont, The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is a popular restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients and craft beer. It has an extensive beer selection and offers a farm-to-table dining experience.
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    The Kitchen Table Bistro

    The Kitchen Table Bistro

    Located in Richmond, Vermont, The Kitchen Table Bistro is a hidden gem that offers a refined dining experience featuring New American cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients and a seasonally changing menu.
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    The Norwich Inn

    The Norwich Inn

    In Norwich, Vermont, The Norwich Inn is a historic inn with a brewery and pub. It's worth a visit to experience their award-winning craft beers and enjoy classic pub dishes in a charming setting.
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    SoLo Farm & Table

    SoLo Farm & Table

    Nestled in South Londonderry, Vermont, SoLo Farm & Table offers an intimate and rustic dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. They provide a unique farm-to-table tasting menu that changes regularly.
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Hotels

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    The Press Hotel

    The Press Hotel

    Located in the historic Portland Press Herald building in Portland, Maine, The Press Hotel is a unique boutique hotel that celebrates its newspaper past with elegant decor and charming details.
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  • The Francis

    In Portland, Maine, The Francis is a stylish boutique hotel housed in a former 19th-century Victorian mansion. It offers a blend of modern amenities and historic charm, with tastefully decorated rooms.
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    The Pitcher Inn

    The Pitcher Inn

    Situated in Warren, Vermont, The Pitcher Inn is a luxurious and intimate hotel that features individually decorated rooms inspired by different themes. It offers a delightful combination of elegance and comfort.
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    Hotel Vermont

    Hotel Vermont

    Located in Burlington, Vermont, Hotel Vermont is a locally owned and eco-friendly hotel that reflects the charm and character of the region. It offers comfortable rooms, local farm-to-table dining, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views.
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    Inn at Manchester

    Inn at Manchester

    In Manchester, Vermont, the Inn at Manchester is a historic inn that offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It features individually decorated rooms, beautiful gardens, and a complimentary gourmet breakfast.
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  • Grafton Inn

    Located in the scenic village of Grafton, Vermont, the Grafton Inn is a charming historic inn that has been welcoming guests since 1801. It offers comfortable rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    An Evening With Goose

    An Evening With Goose

    Kids three and under are free. $1 per ticket sold will benefit Greenpeace.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Jun 2024
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    An Evening with Goose - Two Day Pass

    An Evening with Goose - Two Day Pass

    Two day pass includes admission for 6/25/24 and 6/26/24. Kids three and under are free. $1 per ticket sold will benefit Greenpeace.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jun 2024
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    Shakey Graves and Trampled by Turtles

    Shakey Graves and Trampled by Turtles

    Kids three and under are free.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
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    The Flaming Lips perform Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

    The Flaming Lips perform Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

    Kids three and under are free.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Jul 2024
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    PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA

    PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA

    Kids three and under are free.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Aug 2024
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    Lake Street Dive: Good Together Tour

    Lake Street Dive: Good Together Tour

    Kids three and under are free.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon17 Aug 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Lake Street Dive - Two Day Pass

    Lake Street Dive - Two Day Pass

    Kids three and under are free.
    Map IconThompson's Point in Portland (39.45 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Aug 2024
    Picture for Lake Street Dive - Two Day Pass

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Portland Maine is also a nice place to park and spend a day walking around town. A very nice foodie city if you're into tasty bites. Duckfat Fries, potato flour donuts, s...

    Road Trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, ideas?

    Portland Maine is also a nice place to park and spend a day walking around town. A very nice foodie city if you're into tasty bites. Duckfat Fries, potato flour donuts, s...

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  • Reddit Icon

    I am planning a 10 day trip to New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine for July 2025. It is for a group of four women in their middle 60s. We will be

    New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine July 2025 itinerary

    I am planning a 10 day trip to New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine for July 2025. It is for a group of four women in their middle 60s. We will be

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey everyone! My partner and I are visiting your beautiful state for the first time, as well as those other two mentioned for our 5th Anniversary

    Road Trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, ideas?

    Hey everyone! My partner and I are visiting your beautiful state for the first time, as well as those other two mentioned for our 5th Anniversary

    /r/newhampshire
  • Reddit Icon

    Portland head light is a lovely park, then West to Conway, the eastern terminus of the kancamangus highway. Take the highway west and then turn North to Francadonia Notch, The...

    Maine and Vermont

    Portland head light is a lovely park, then West to Conway, the eastern terminus of the kancamangus highway. Take the highway west and then turn North to Francadonia Notch, The...

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    /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything re...

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    NEW HAMPSHIRE White Mountains (AMC hut hiking) Kancamagus Highway (mountain scenery) Mount Monadnock region VERMONT Montpelier & Burlington Driving Route 100 (from Wilmington ...

    Northeast Road Trip... Suggestions? VT NH and ME.

    NEW HAMPSHIRE White Mountains (AMC hut hiking) Kancamagus Highway (mountain scenery) Mount Monadnock region VERMONT Montpelier & Burlington Driving Route 100 (from Wilmington ...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    So Im planning a road trip this year for the end of September, travelling from the UK to Boston and I have 2 weeks. Thinking of doing Boston to Maine. Any recommendations alon...

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    So Im planning a road trip this year for the end of September, travelling from the UK to Boston and I have 2 weeks. Thinking of doing Boston to Maine. Any recommendations alon...

    /r/roadtrip
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    142 votes, 323 comments. I would appreciate your feedback on a New England road trip my cousin and I are planning for next fall. Its ambitious but

    Your advice on my planned New England trip

    142 votes, 323 comments. I would appreciate your feedback on a New England road trip my cousin and I are planning for next fall. Its ambitious but

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    NH transplant here. Highly recommend taking NH's scenic byway the Kancamagus Highway that connects the towns of Conway and Lincoln. It's super packed during peak foliage seaso...

    Maine/VT/NH Roadtrip Ideas?

    NH transplant here. Highly recommend taking NH's scenic byway the Kancamagus Highway that connects the towns of Conway and Lincoln. It's super packed during peak foliage seaso...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! ... Planning a roadtrip to Maine What ar...

    Planning a roadtrip to Maine

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! ... Planning a roadtrip to Maine What ar...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    Oh man, got to go to Vermont ! Take route 9 from Manchester NH through Keene into Bennington. Manchester, Grafton, Woodstock, really everywhere. Grafton might be the the arche...

    New England road trip advice

    Oh man, got to go to Vermont ! Take route 9 from Manchester NH through Keene into Bennington. Manchester, Grafton, Woodstock, really everywhere. Grafton might be the the arche...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    First piece of advice is drop the "R" in Acadia. It is about a 4 hour drive from Portland to Bar Harbor. 2,5 to Bangor. Plan accordingly. Maine is bigger than you think. ... B...

    Advice for Maine Trip

    First piece of advice is drop the "R" in Acadia. It is about a 4 hour drive from Portland to Bar Harbor. 2,5 to Bangor. Plan accordingly. Maine is bigger than you think. ... B...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    My wife and I are making our first trip to New England next week (we live in Texas), and are very excited to spend time in the area. We'll be flying

    Local Insight for New England Road Trip

    My wife and I are making our first trip to New England next week (we live in Texas), and are very excited to spend time in the area. We'll be flying

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    Posted by u/Usual-Cartoonist9553 - 4 votes and 28 comments

    Itinerary Help: Boston and Maine

    Posted by u/Usual-Cartoonist9553 - 4 votes and 28 comments

    /r/newengland