Road Trip: Portland & Bar Harbor, Maine
Come see the Maine event!
Hit the road for an easy and affordable retreat. Our new Road Trip vacations are designed to keep you in the driver's seat as you set off to discover the US from the comfort of your own car. Buckle up! Your much-needed getaway just got closer than ever.
Spend 6 nights in two of Maine's most divine destinations: Portland and Bar Harbor. Refresh on the rocky coast with unbelievable coastal views, a spectrum of outdoor activities, and - of course - a famous Maine lobster or two! Use your own car to pack your trip with experiences from roaming the used bookstores of Portland to bicycling the coastline in Bar Harbor.
What's Included
- 3 nights in Portland at the Holiday Inn Portland By The Bay, or similar
- 3 nights in Bar Harbor at The Bluenose Inn, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps, and daily driving instructions
Please note: This trip is seasonal and available for travel from May through October only.
Great Ways to Explore
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Dive into the arts culture of Portland.
Check out a few of the breweries at the Old Port.Â
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Indulge in a delicious local tradition: french fries from Portland's favorite sandwich shop, Duckfat.
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Visit Acadia National Park and its stunning rocky shoreline.
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Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path for spectacular views of the area.
Find out why everyone is buzzing about Maine. The perfect place to find idyllic beauty, wide-open natural spaces, and charming harbor towns, America's 23rd state is about to become #1 on your travel wishlist!
Your getaway starts in Portland. Three nights in this city will give you a taste of the dynamic local art scene, the outstanding culinary culture, and the history that still thrives in the Old Port.
Bar Harbor is your next stop. This town is the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most-visited parks in the United States. Hike, bike, kayak, and explore Bar Harbor's most beloved sights and charming hidden gems.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- 3 nights in Portland at the Holiday Inn Portland By The Bay, or similar
- 3 nights in Bar Harbor at The Bluenose Inn, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps, and daily driving instructions
Please note: This trip is seasonal and available for travel from May through October only.
-
Dive into the arts culture of Portland.
Check out a few of the breweries at the Old Port.Â
-
Indulge in a delicious local tradition: french fries from Portland's favorite sandwich shop, Duckfat.
-
Visit Acadia National Park and its stunning rocky shoreline.
-
Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path for spectacular views of the area.
Find out why everyone is buzzing about Maine. The perfect place to find idyllic beauty, wide-open natural spaces, and charming harbor towns, America's 23rd state is about to become #1 on your travel wishlist!
Your getaway starts in Portland. Three nights in this city will give you a taste of the dynamic local art scene, the outstanding culinary culture, and the history that still thrives in the Old Port.
Bar Harbor is your next stop. This town is the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most-visited parks in the United States. Hike, bike, kayak, and explore Bar Harbor's most beloved sights and charming hidden gems.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Portland!
Celebrate your first night with some delicious fresh seafood. You're in New England now, why not grab a "lobstah" roll and a cold beer from one of the area's many microbreweries?
Check-in - Holiday Inn Portland - By The Bay
Get ready for the Portland experience of a lifetime at Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay. Nestled near the shores of the beautiful Casco Bay, this hotel gives you access to the best of Portland's offerings. Soak up the waterfront views and Portland's funky, artsy vibes. Enjoy close proximity to the Old Port District, take a quick trip out to the Portland Head Light, or meander through town to visit a few breweries!Â
Day 2. Portland
Spend today exploring the Old Port and Downtown areas, the heart of the city. Old Port is a quaint and historic district boasting tons of great restaurants, unique shops, and local boutiques. This also happens to be a very photogenic area of the city with its cobblestone streets and brick facades, so be sure to have your camera ready. Relax in one of the many fantastic restaurants or cocktail bars and admire the waterfront views. Stick around after sunset, this area draws the nightlife crowds too.
Day 3. Portland
When you think "Maine," you probably think of lighthouses, lobster, and all things quintessentially New England. Hopefully, you've eaten a lobster (or two!) by this point, so today you may want to head out to Cape Elizabeth to visit Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in the state, first lit in 1791. There are an award-winning museum and seasonal shop on site as well. Spend some time in surrounding Fort Williams Park for a picnic, a hike, or just to enjoy the spectacular ocean views.Â
Tonight, enjoy the sunset while strolling the waterfront park promenade in the lovely West End neighborhood.
Day 4. Portland - Bar Harbor
Hop into your car for the ride to Bar Harbor. This will take about three hours, so plan your day accordingly. Perhaps a pit stop in historic Wiscasset for Maine's best lobster roll is in the cards.Â
Check-in - The Bluenose Inn
Take in the ocean views and cozy amenities at this 4-star hotel! Stay in one of the 53 rooms here. You can enjoy swimming in indoor/outdoor pools, relax in the hot tub, or work out in the fitness center. Dine at The Looking Glass Restaurant, where you’ll have a deckside view and can warm up by the firepit! The Bluenose Inn has an elevator, free shuttle service, and free on-site parking.
Day 5. Bar Harbor
Wake up before the sun and head to Acadia National Park. Cadillac Mountain is the park's most popular spot to watch the sunrise, but you can get equally stunning views with fewer crowds in different spots. Rangers recommend trying Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Otter Point, and Thunder Hole. If you want a REALLY secluded place to watch, try Thompson Island or Schooner Head Overlook.
Spend the day in the park enjoying Maine's natural beauty.Â
A Tip For Your Trip: Book well in advance to have "popovers in the park" at Jordan Pond House, a popular tradition in Acadia National Park.
Day 6. Bar Harbor
Consider a stroll along Bar Harbor Shore Path today. This picturesque walk is about half a mile long and runs along the town's eastern shore. Directly north of the town pier is Bar Island, which is accessible by foot at low tide and provides gorgeous views of Bar Harbor framed by the mountains beyond.Â
Toast to your last night at one of Bar Harbor's many fantastic restaurants.
Day 7. Depart Bar Harbor
Say goodbye to Maine as you make your way home.Â