A New York to Maine road trip is not just a journey through miles, but an excursion through the very heart of New England’s charm.
⭐ From impressive cities to jaw-dropping national parks, here are 14 dreamy stops from New York City to Bar Harbor, Maine.
The northeast of the United-States offers an incredible range of landscapes. From the skyscrapers of New York City, the Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt, to national park valleys, there is so much to choose from between NYC to Maine.
The diversity of its geography, added to the number of cool cities and towns, make every road trip pretty different from the previous one. There are many hidden gems in Upstate New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine.
Since we don’t know if you would rather explore big cities, charming small towns or go on nature hikes, we decided to include it all for you to choose your favorite stops along the way.
Whether it’s woodland walkways or big-city avenues, a New York to Maine road trip is a testament to the allure of the American Northeast.
New York to Maine road trip itinerary: the most scenic route
Stop 1: New York City
- Distance: starting point of the road trip
- Type of spot: city
- Where to stay: Arlo Nomad, a skyline hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the best area to stay in New York for first-timers
New York City is the starting point for your road trip to Maine. Iit goes without saying that you cannot leave this epic city without visiting its highlights first.
Since you will likely only spend a day or two in New York, there is a huge chance of you visiting the touristy highlights instead of the secret spots. Here is a great New York one-day itinerary to see the landmarks of Manhattan.
You will immediately notice that New York is very Instagrammable. Make sure to see the most popular places like Times Square, Grand Central Station, Central Park and the Empire State Building.
Another great place to visit in New York is the Highline Park, which takes you above the streets and allows you to get away from the loud traffic for a little while.
🏖️ If you’re not feeling up to spending too much time in the city, you can also drive over to Long Island and enjoy an afternoon at the beach instead. While this might not be on the way to Maine, and you’ll have to retrace your steps later, the area is stunningly beautiful and a great place to escape the crowds.
Stop 2: New Haven
- Distance from New York City: 85 miles
- Type of stop: city
- Where to stay: Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
New Haven isn’t only an iconic university town, you’ll also find plenty of cultural and educational experiences, thanks to its vibrant history.
Begin your adventure by exploring the historic Yale campus, where a guided tour will help you appreciate the architectural beauty and get to know the area as much as possible in such a short amount of time.
Don’t miss the Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum of Natural History for a dose of culture and science.
For foodies, a walk through the city’s Little Italy neighborhood is a must-do to enjoy a wide variety of dining options, including the famous New Haven-style pizza.
If you want to spend some time outside, head to East Rock Park, offering trails, picnic areas, and a summit with stunning views of the city.
If you have time, add Lighthouse Point Park to your itinerary, which is located a quick drive outside of the city and is usually much quieter. The coastline views are beautiful, and it’s a great spot to have a picnic or lunch.
Stop 3: Mystic
- Distance from New Haven: 55 miles
- Type of stop: town
- Where to stay: Taber Inn
Mystic is considered by many one of the seaside villages on the east coast of the United-States. It is a must-stop when doing the NYC to Maine drive.
Located between New Haven and Providence, it offers a breath of fresh air to all who stop here. This picturesque village is split in two by the Mystic River.
Here you’ll find many waterfront homes, restaurants and bars with contemporary architecture. Mystic is a typical American town with traditional wooden cottages painted in pastel colors.
We recommend a stroll through the town center and Olde Mistick Village, after visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum. Delicious seafood is another seatowns highlight! The Mariner serves excellent seafood in a nautical setting.
Stop 4: Providence
- Distance from Mystic: 50 miles
- Type of stop: city
- Where to stay: Christopher Dodge House
Next, you’re headed to Providence and crossing into Rhode Island. Providence is the perfect size of city to explore in a day or two, it would be a shame to skip it on your drive to Maine.
Begin your day with a stroll through the picturesque Brown University campus, where you can admire the intricate architecture and get a feel for Providence’s history.
Art enthusiasts will love a visit to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, boasting an impressive collection spanning various genres and eras.
For a taste of local flavors, venture to Federal Hill, known for its Italian cuisine, cute little restaurants and vibrant street life.
WaterFire, an impressive fire sculpture installation on the three rivers of downtown Providence, is a great spot to see in the evening. It’s not always on, make sure to look up the schedule before you go.
Before leaving Providence, head to Roger Williams Park, home to beautiful gardens, a zoo and several lakes.
Stop 5: Cape Cod
- Distance from Providence: 75 miles
- Type of stop: town, beaches
- Where to stay: Cape Cod Veranda
Cape Cod is a little out of the way on the route from New York City to Maine, but it’s actually one of the most beautiful spots along the way, so it’s worth the extra miles.
Whatever the season, this area always has something going on. One of the best things to do in Cape Cod in winter is to drive along the Cape Code National Seashore. At sunset, the beaches and lighthouses turn into incredibly photogenic spots.
Make sure to visit Provincetown for its art scene and vibrant community and check out the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich for its flower gardens and car collection on the way there.
Whale watching tours from Barnstable or Provincetown are popular for spotting whales if the season is right. The best time for whale watching in the area is between April and October.
Credit : Next Meridian Expedition
Finally, you need to explore the Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking, visit the Pilgrim Monument for history and views, and take a ferry trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a day.
Kayaking and paddleboarding in the numerous bays and inlets is also a fun activity, but you might not have time if you’re only staying in the area for a day or two.
Cape Cod has plenty to do, whether you’re into nature, history, or just enjoying good food, and with so much available, try to spend at least two nights here.
Stop 6: Martha’s Vineyard
- Distance from Cape Cod: 54 miles
- Type of stop: island
- Where to stay: Ashley Inn, in Martha’s Vineyard
You did not see this one coming, right? On your way from New York to Maine, you can live the island life for a day or two! Martha’s Vineyard is a stunning island off the coast of Massachusetts.
It offers a mix of quaint small-town atmosphere, sea views and cool people. Martha’s Vineyard is a melting pot because of its history.
Over the years, the island has been home to diverse communities, including European settlers, enslaved Africans and indigenous Wampanoag. This diversity has contributed to the island’s unique cultural heritage, which is reflected in its architecture, traditions and local cuisine.
After delicious food experiences with locally-grown products, you can enjoy its beautiful beaches all around the island.
Stop 7: Plymouth
- Distance from Martha’s Vineyard: 55 miles
- Type of stop: town
- Where to stay: Best Western Plus Cold Spring
Plymouth holds a unique position in American history, being the landing site of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620. It’s a sad yet important story that has shaped the past of this town.
This coastal town is not only steeped in the early stories of the United States. It offers much more than historical sites. Much of the town is located along the seashore.
Visitors can take in beautiful ocean views from the famous Plymouth Rock. They can also stroll along the picturesque waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.
Stop 8: Boston
- Distance from Plymouth: 40 miles
- Type of stop: city
- Where to stay: The Revolution Hotel
Boston is a large city and of course an unmissable stop on a road trip from New York City to Maine. There is a lot to see and do, so try to focus on seeing the highlights or extend your trip if you can.
Start with the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that takes you past historic sites like the Boston Common and the USS Constitution. The Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium are great for families, offering interactive exhibits and marine life displays.
For sports fans, a tour of Fenway Park is a must, while art lovers should visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a vast collection of incredible artwork.
Foodies will enjoy exploring the North End for its Italian cuisine and Quincy Market for a variety of food stalls. Last but not least, you should check out the panoramic view of the city from the Skywalk Observatory.
Stop 9: Salem
- Distance from Boston: 22 miles
- Type of stop: town
- Where to stay: Hawthorne Hotel
Salem is located just 30 minutes from Boston and is a great place to stop for the day on your way from NY to Maine.
The town is famous for its 1692 witch trials and offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. It’s ideal for a short day visit.
Must-see attractions include the Salem Witch Museum, which provides an overview of the witch trials, and the Peabody Essex Museum, known for its art and cultural exhibits.
You can also visit the House of the Seven Gables, which is the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. For a deeper dive into the witch trials, the Witch House, the former home of trial judge Jonathan Corwin, is a must-see.
Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site to learn about the city’s seafaring history, or take a stroll along the waterfront.
🎃TOP TIP: in October, Salem becomes a hub of Halloween festivities with events, haunted houses, and tours.
Stop 10: Portsmouth
- Distance from Salem: 47 miles
- Type of stop: coastal town
- Where to stay: The Hotel Portsmouth – Downtown
After an hour’s drive from Salem, you’ll arrive in the splendid city of Portsmouth. And when we say splendid, we’re not exaggerating! You can see it for yourself below.
Portsmouth is a port city that could almost be considered an island. Most of its land is actually an island, surrounded by water on all sides. But Portsmouth also stretches out a little on the mainland.
Aside from the obvious beauty of its architecture, and waterfront colorful houses, Portsmouth is home to several maritime museums and famous vessels.
Among them, you can visit the interactive National Museum of the Royal Navy, with the wooden warship HMS Victory, and the Mary Rose Museum.
Portsmouth is really a unique town to visit, on your way to Maine from NYC.
Stop 11: Kennebunkport
- Distance from Portsmouth: 29 miles
- Type of stop: town
- Where to stay: The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek
Kennebunkport is another incredibly charming oceanside town of Maine. Just a 40-minute drive from Portsmouth, this is a great place to stop for an afternoon and night.
This little town is quite small, with less than 2,000 people living here year-round, but it becomes more crowded and lively in spring and summer.
Many consider it an ideal vacation spot, and we can see why… It could easily become a favorite of your New York to Maine road trip.
The Kennebunk river, and surrounding forest, make it a very scenic seaside town. It is home to incredible mansions, with big windows facing the river.
You can also go on a lobster boat tour from Kennebunkport, or eat delicious lobster rolls at local restaurants. We especially recommend Allyson’s Restaurant.
Stop 12: Portland
- Distance from Kennebunkport: 28 miles
- Type of stop: city
- Where to stay: Hilton Portland Downtown
You’ve finally made it to Maine! One obvious spot is the most populous city of Maine, Portland. It’s a compact city that’s big on experience, perfect for a quick getaway.
Start by exploring the Old Port district, where cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, galleries, and eateries, offering a glimpse into the city’s maritime history.
A must-visit is the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in America, located in nearby Cape Elizabeth.
For art enthusiasts, the Portland Museum of Art boasts a collection of over 18,000 artworks, while the Maine Historical Society provides insights into the state’s past.
Definitely don’t miss out on the chance to try some of Maine’s famous lobster if you’re a seafood enthusiast. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with options for kayaking, biking, and hiking along the scenic coastline or nearby islands accessible by ferry.
The Eastern Promenade offers beautiful ocean views and green spaces for relaxation. Portland’s thriving craft brewery scene is worth exploring, with many breweries offering tours and tastings, the perfect way to cheer a successful road trip.
Stop 13: Camden
- Distance from Portland: 81 miles
- Type of stop: Town
- Where to stay: Blackberry Inn
Now that you completed a unique NYC to Portland Maine drive, maybe you’re starting to get that bitter end-of-stay feeling… But we are not done yet!
Because Maine has such a unique collection of picturesque coastal towns, we couldn’t fail to mention Camden. It’s a stunning fishing town, surrounded by forested hills.
You can start your tour with Camden’s incredible harbor. If you want to see the coast from the sea at some point of your trip, we recommend going on a sailing day trip from Camden. 👇
Sailing trips offer an unparalleled view of Maine’s rugged coastlines and lighthouses. Camden is especially incredible in autumn, when the hills surrounding the towns become a painting of autumn colors!
On land, Camden Hills State Park provides miles of trails for hiking and biking, with the summit of Mount Battie offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding waters.
Because Camden is so picturesque, it inspired artists and art galleries bloomed in the city center!
The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Camden International Film Festival, Camden Arts and Book Fair, Jazz in June…
Stop 14: Acadia National Park
- Distance from Camden: 72 miles
- Type of stop: national park
- Where to stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
Driving from NYC to Acadia National Park is a great achievement, it’s where most people end their New York to Maine road trip. And what an epic last stop!
Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
This picturesque park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include rocky beaches, lush forests, and sparkling lakes.
It boasts over 158 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. For instance, the Jordan Pond Path is an easy 3-mile looping around a lake. It is ideal for Sunday hikers, or families looking for leisurely walks with stunning views.
Additionally, the park’s loop road offers spectacular driving routes. They provide access to places like the iconic Cadillac Mountain. It is the highest point on the East Coast of the USA.
📍How to access: most people are driving from NYC to Bar Harbor Maine, and then explore the Acadia National Park.
💲Park entrance fee: $20 USD on foot, $30 USD for a motorcycle, $35 USD for a vehicle
New York to Maine map and itineraries
Here is a map of all the best stops on a New York to Maine road trip. You can click on the map to open the Google Maps version. If you wish to visit them all, it would take around 2 weeks.
But we know that not everyone can afford a two-week trip. That’s why we’ve created different itineraries for different lengths of trip below.
New York to Maine in 4 days
Trying to find a New York to Portland 4-day itinerary? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!
After spending your first day discovering the main landmarks of New York City, drive to your first spot: Mystic for a night and morning stroll.
Then, head to Salem, a cool city right after Boston, where you will be spending your next 24 hours.
After that, it’s time to head north again to the enchanting Portsmouth, before driving to your final destination, Portland.
New York to Maine 1 week itinerary
Our New York to Maine 1 week road trip includes a first day in New York and a second day in the fabulous and beautiful town of Mystic.
Then it’s on to Salem and Portsmouth, which are very different but truly represent the East Coast of the USA, each in its own way.
After a day in Portland, back to nature. Head to Camden for a day and Acadia National Park for another!
New York to Maine in 10 days
For a New York to Maine 10-day itinerary, we recommend spending the first two days in New York City to explore all of its highlights.
Then, head to Mystic and Cape Cod for quaint town atmosphere, where you can spend 1 day each.
Drive to Boston, and plan a one-day tour in the city. After that, you will spend the next 4 days in the charming towns and cities of Salem, Portsmouth, Portland and Camden.
Round off your trip with a hike in the marvelous Acadia National Park!
New York to Maine drive: FAQ
How far is Maine from New York?
You’ll cover a total of 482 miles on a road trip from NYC to Acadia National Park, if you don’t take any detours. It means 8 hours and a half of driving.
However, we all know that if you are trying to put together the best road trip through Maine, it means you WILL take detours! You can see different itinerary options above.
How many days for a road trip to Maine from NYC?
A road trip from NYC to Maine can take from 1 to 15 days, depending on the kind of road trip you are hoping for and time available. If you just want to go to Maine, you can reach it in one day.
For visits to major cities, such as New Haven, Providence, Boston and Portland, one week should be enough. If you wish to add picturesque towns or natural sites to your itinerary, allow an extra day per site.
What are the best stops from New York to Maine?
The prettiest seaside quaint towns are Camden, Portsmouth and Kennebunkport. Salem, Boston and Providence are very entertaining cities, with lots to do. For beaches, Cape Cod is the place to be. Finally, Acadia National Park is the natural jewel of the northeastern USA.
What is the best time for a New York to Maine road trip?
Autumn is the best time for a NY to Maine road trip, for its incredible autumn foliage along roadsides and around towns, cooler temperatures, fall festivals and fewer tourist crowds.
The diversity of tree species in this region, including maples, birches and oaks, makes for a rich and varied color palette that is truly impressive. Drive along the East Coast, from New York to Maine, and you’ll discover a dazzling display of red, orange and yellow leaves.
If you can’t make an autumn road trip work, September is also ideal, with pleasant temperatures and no crowds. You will be able to enjoy serene nature spots and quaint towns even more!
☀️ TOP TIP: Here are the coolest things to do in Brooklyn in September!
How to get from New York to Maine?
New York to Maine by Car 🚗
Renting a car is the best way to go from New York City to Maine. It will give you the freedom to stop everywhere you would like to on the road. Not all nature spots and small towns are accessible by public transport.
Furthermore, even if there are buses from New York City to Boston for instance, it takes much longer than a road trip by car. To find the best car deals, we can’t recommend enough Discover Cars.
It basically compares all international and local car companies to find the best cars and prices. This way, you don’t have to look at 10 different websites. They also offer great insurance deals with all cars. You can see it for yourself!
New York to Portland by Train 🚂
You can go to Portland from New York City by train in one day. Most of the trains take around 9 hours, because there is usually a change in Boston.
You can find tickets for around $100 USD, even cheaper if you book in advance. This is a great option if you don’t drive and just want to get to Portland without stopping on the road.
New York to Portland by bus 🚌
If you are on a budget, and don’t want to do a road trip with different stops, the bus is your best bet.
You can find cheap buses at around $30 USD that go from New York City to Boston, and then to Portland. They are not even this long, as most of them take around 8 hours to complete the full journey.
However, if you wish to do an actual road trip, you would need to take buses from New York to New Haven, etc. This is absolutely doable for most spots on this itinerary.
You just need to be patient as your road trill will depend on the hours of the buses.
New York to Portland by plane ✈️
Direct flights connect New York to Portland, several times a day. Flight time is an hour and a half. If you want to get to Portland as quickly as possible, without a car trip and without a strict budget, this is the best way.
How to prepare for a New York to Maine roadtrip?
1. Define the trip length ⌛
2. Select the best stops according to your favorite things to do: city visit, hike in a national park, beach day…🥾
3. Rent a car on Discover Cars, the best comparator website for both international and local car rental companies 🚗
4. Book your hotels on Booking.com 🏨
5. Have fun and take loads of pictures! 📸
New York to Maine road trip: final thoughts
A road trip from New York City to Maine is a great way to get to know the East Coast, including everything from large cities to small towns, beaches and nature spots along the way.
Whether you only have a few days or a week or more, this road trip perfectly combines outdoor activities, culture and plenty of fun along the way.
You will fall in love with the beauty of Cape Cod, Salem or Portland and enjoy all the highlights of Boston and New York City. We mean, the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view is a good place to start an epic road trip with stars in your eyes!
After visiting the north east coast of the United-States, you can also visit the south coast and do a New York City to Florida road trip. On that road, we highly recommend stopping at Washington DC and exploring the coolest things to do in Georgetown DC at night.
