June 23, 2020. Re: Scenic Route from Boston to Kennebunkport then Portland. From gorgeous beaches and scenic lighthouses to boat tours and unique shopping boutiques and restaurants, there's something for everyone! Hampton Beach was a late 19th century beach resort that went into decline in the middle of the 20th century, and has just recently started a resurgence. Honestly, Kennebunkport is an amazing coastal destination year-round because they really know how to celebrate what's special about each season. I don't consider Salisbury or Seabrook particulary scenic, though (rather rustic seasonal cottages lining the waterfront, obscuring any view of the ocean). very windy road so be careful. Guess I should have just flown into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Walk along one of the beaches in York (Long Sands Beach is my personal favorite). Re: Scenic route from Boston. The total driving distance from BOS to Kennebunkport, ME is 92 miles or 148 kilometers. It boasts an airy taproom and several seasonal brews available for on-site tastings. Bonus ideas of stops between Boston - Portland. The Best Cape Cod In 3 Days Itinerary (2023), 17 Amazing Things To Do In Marblehead, MA + Nearby (2023), 15 Cape Cod Walking Trails & Hikes With Amazing Views (2023). rt1 is actually a very scenic drive going through a lot of nice small towns and has a nice Main Street America feel to it. But whatever you do south of the NH seacoast or north of Portsmouth, I would urge you to take Route 111 east from I-95 (NH Turnpike) to Little Boar's Head in Rye. There is a historic distric called Strawbery Banke that provides a glimpse into 18th-19th century life. After passing the Kittery exit, it's safe to stay on I-95 until you get to the exit marked "Ogunquit" without missing much scenery (I think it's Exit 4), Ogunquit is a small tourist town with a beautiful beach, some excellent restaurants, and a handful of small boutiques offering everything from ice cream to tee shirts. Bug Light is last, and is located in a small, but really nice, little park. There are 10 towns I suggest you stop in while driving Boston to Portland, Maine. It definitely has its own vibe that is really fun to experience. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13854443', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Logan Airport. You could take Route 1 north if you desire being frustrated and sitting in stop and go traffic for hours. This hotel is a grouping of individual cottages that are uniquely decorated, and youll get to pick which one you want to stay in when you make your reservation. Hi there! I copied a link below to help you - it Includes driving ideas. Boston staying at the beach house inn- any suggestions on good scenic routes ? The bus ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and drops you off at the Park And Ride at Marginal Way in downtown Portland. :). Walk down to the end of Bearskin Neck to cross the breakwater jetty. The plan is to fly into Boston, go up the coast for a bit (Kennebunkport?) Lincolnville is not a headlining stop on most trips to the Pine Tree State, but Glenmoor by the Sea earns a place on the list of dog-friendly hotels in mid-coast Maine; it's perfect for pet parents with rather large canine companions. "latitude": "43.361898", Shore Drive Kennebunkport Maine wooden lobster boats waterfront b1 . ), you can then get a better idea of how long your drive will be in total. Narrated driving tour of downtown Halifax, passing multiple points of interest including: Titanic Cemetery, City Gardens, Pier 21, Halifax Farmers Market and Point Pleasant Park. Thanks so mucheveryone is always so helpful. If you don't think this content is appropriate, or if you're the owner of that article and do not wish to have your content displayed here, please just, what can we do for 2 to 3 hours in Portsmouth, NH - Portsmouth Forum, Fire crews battle persistent Georgetown brush fire, Brush fire stalls traffic near Whittier Bridge, Anti-semitic pamphlets found in West Peabody, Man held on high cash bail following high-speed pursuit, Wellesley Schools Dismiss Early After Parent Diagnosed With Coronavirus, Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras accepting video auditions, NE Massachusetts Youth Orchestras accepting video auditions, Youth Orchestras accepting video auditions, Man sought for Haitian president's death in Turkish custody, MA High School Athletes Don't Need Vaccines - Yet: Patch PM, Alaska man killed when metal flies through windshield on I-95, police say, Best Scenic Route from Boston to Kennebunkport, Topsfield Car Show: Come for the classics, stay for the stories, Newburyport chief of staff named Boxford town administrator, I-95 Massachusetts News Reports Statewide. Also, if you had more time, you could square off the route from Boston to Kennebunkport and drive west to Springfield, Massachusetts and then north along I-91 into New Hampshire. Kittery has a couple of scenic areas that make for a nice moment to get our of the car, stretch your legs and snap a photo, but I think most of the other stops mentioned on this list are more worth your time. While most of these suggestions are directly on the way while driving from Boston to Portland, Maine, it will add some extra time, so youll want to factor that into your driving time. }. We have 12 hours in port and I would like to rent a car and do a scenic drive where we can see a lot of the beautiful countryside. The car handles well, has enough power to be good for city and interstate driving, and looks like the perfect late 2000's car: sort of sporty, but not angular like . Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. I won't disagree with any of it, nor will I add anything for the portions north of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Driving From Boson to Portland, Maine is one of the best road trips to take in New England because theres so much you can see in a very short amount of time. Massachusetts; Topsfield; I-95; source: Bing 1 view; Aug 19, 2021 5:00pm . http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/whenandwhere/southern.html. The ultimate list of road trips from Boston from short drives around Massachusetts to eating lobster in Maine, upstate New York and skiing in Vermont. Without stopping the Boston to Bar Harbor drive time along the I-95N is about five hours total and the distance between Boston and Bar Harbor is about 300 miles (483 kilometres). New Castle has a 'Sconsett ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. May 24, 2019. You can enjoy the view as a driver takes care of the details: try a traditional Maine lobster bake, sample blueberry pie . Rockport is one of the most unique towns in New England, and because it sits right along the water, its incredibly scenic. New Castle has a 'Sconsett ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13863248', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ogunquit) The "Way" runs along the rocky bluff between the "downtown" part of Ogunquit and Perkins Cove a little section of town where you can grab a nice meal and do a little tourist-type shopping (artsy-craftsy-type stuff and typical souvenirs) You could park at either end. My favorite place to stay is the Addison Choate hotel, which is only a 10-minute walk to Bearskin Neck, and offers really beautiful rooms to stay in. Turn left on the shore road, Route 1A, and follow it to where you can turn right on Route 1B. Is The Drive From Boston To Portland, Maine Scenic? Where to stay, eat, and drinkand what to doin Provincetown, Newburyport, Salem, and Kennebunkport. This is a lovely drive. Head over to Motif 1, the most painted building in the country (just off Bearskin Neck). It provides access from . 2. . The Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 101, is one of the most scenic roads anywhere in the world. All secondary roads. If you are traveling from Boston to Bar Harbor, you will want to take at least a week to explore the Maine coast. It is a shame you don't have more time in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I will pick my car up from (Downtown) Congress St.. also, for anyone that read these posts in the future, do not get your rental at the airport! From that point, you could elect to drive along the waterfront, starting at Salisbury, MA through Seabrook, Hampton and Rye in NH. I would concur with the directions with just one change. When in October are you coming? This thriving city bustles with activity. Keyword. Officials in Topsfield would like to Read More, Around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, State Police were alerted by their New Hampshire counterparts about a stolen Hyundai Elantra racing down Interstate 95 south into Massachusetts. For the most part, it's a 2 lane road with varying speed limits between 35 to 50MPH. SOLD DEC 20, 2022. Stops along 2 different routes include Bear Brook and Hampton Beach State Parks, Old Orchard Beach Pier, Canobie Lake Park, Salisbury Beach State Reservation, and Salem. Heres my list of things to check out in York and Cape Neddick during your drive: Looking to do on a lighthouse road trip through Maine?Click here to read about my itinerary for the best Maine lighthouse driving tour! Save. Next, I will head to Portland for 2 days. Hopefully that makes sense! Locals adore the dive because of their BYOB policy and the boat access along the Chauncey Creek River. In the area near Bar Harbor there are three scenic roads (Blackwoods Byway, the Schoodic Scenic Byway and the Acadia All American Road, the last one is in Acadia NP). If I were you, I'd take 95 and get up to Kennebunkport as fast as possible. 17 helpful votes. Also, Route 1 is not scenic. I am not as familiar with the roads north of Ogunquit, though I have driven Rte 1A to Kennebunkport many times to visit family. How long is the walk approximately do you recall? This is a lovely drive. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13863248', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ogunquit) The "Way" runs along the rocky bluff between the "downtown" part of Ogunquit and Perkins Cove a little section of town where you can grab a nice meal and do a little tourist-type shopping (artsy-craftsy-type stuff and typical souvenirs) You could park at either end. after if you are on 95 to avoid kittery, I believe it is exit seven you want. He. Want to keep driving up the coast of Maine?Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park! All secondary roads. If youre searching for Instagrammable photos on your voyage north, youll want to stop atNubble Lighthousein York. Scenic drives to consider in the Kennebunkport, etc area are listed below. Alternatively, you may use, Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center, http://www.meliving.com/marginalway/index.shtml. This is a great route to get acquainted with some of the best of coastal New England, and since its such an easy drive from Boston, its perfect for tailoring to your own schedule. The tolls once you are away from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im definitely not saying that Kittery isnt worth a stop because it definitely is (or it wouldnt be on this list! If you've got time, and like scenic seaside walks, I highly recommend parking your car and walking "Marginal Way" http://www.meliving.com/marginalway/index.shtml. Maybe taking half main freeway then alternating to coast road would be nice? This is an awesome destination to stop in when driving Boston to Portland, Maine, especially if youre hoping to hear the sound of the craving waves. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69168349', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston staying at the beach house inn- any suggestions on good scenic routes ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99216362', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Salem and into Beverly and take 127 through to Gloucester and Rockport. US Route 1 runs a total of 545 miles in Florida along the state's east coast. Then you could drive east through the White Mountains of NH before taking 302 into Portland and down to Kennebunkport. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13854443', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Logan Airport. The next location is 92 miles away ( ~2.25 hours). Take a look at the photo gallery, they have the best Lobster Rolls. Reset. Thank you so much jsboston. 1 hour 35 minutes from Boston (90 miles) . Click here to book your stay at the Terrace By The Sea in Ogunquit! Guest. The venue hosts theatre shows, concerts, on-screen performances, and comedy programs. then head up the shore road to ogunquit-some nice views on the way. . Visit Cape Neddick to see Nubble Lighthouse. For submission information, visit: nmyo.org. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99217124', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Portland. If you are just making a day trip of this, you should probably skip the coastal areas immediately north of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hifirst time to the New England area. Wow thanks for that- sounds like a great route, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Portsmouth, NH and Kittery are also about halfway between the two cities. Ogunquit is such a fun little coastal town in southern Maine, and its one of the destinations I recommend the most if youre looking for a great mix of beach time and small town charm. Get off at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Take a drive to Cape Porpoise for nice views of the water (visit the Farm + Table store while there for unique and fun home decor, candles, etc). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If youre looking for a luxury stay while driving Boston to Portland, Maine, Cliff House in Cape Neddick is the perfect place for you. I would like to have a whole day tour, a 8 to 9 hours drive. ), and is a very short walk to town, or to the ocean. Kennebunkport, ME. $3.71 . Boston to Newburyport road trip - 1-night stay in Newburyport. drive for about 37 minutes. But, I personally suggest about 4-5 days if you have an interest in seeing as much as possible on the drive, and also want a day or two to explore Portland. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99224309', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Click here to book your stay at Cliff House in Cape Neddick! We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. Stretch your legs with astroll along the waterfront,have lunch ordinner at one of the many craft restaurants, or plan accordingly to catch a show on your way up north. Free shipping for many products! The windy road (30MPH) then hugs the shore with plenty of widening areas to pull aside and stretch your legs. You'll experience the east coast food - like lobster and seafood - and take in the beautiful Maine lighthouses that still guide the ships along the rocky coastline. Theres not an overwhelming list, so choose your favorite and then take a few cans with you to enjoy in the Kennebunks. this is a nice drive with lots of ocean view. Newburyport is a small charming coastal town, located on the waterfront. This charming little city is just a short drive from Boston, and definitely feels more like a town than a city. The journey on Highway 1 in Florida commences from Key West, crosses at the St. Marys River and enters into Georgia north of Boulogne and south of Folkston. Beautiful scenic drive up to Peggy's Cove and free time to explore the area. Unpack your bags at The Inn at English Meadows after your long Boston to Kennebunkport trip. Then, pack up the car and head 46 kilometers northeast on Route 1, to Portland, Maine. The restaurant has operated out of Kittery Point, Maine since 1948. This New England road trip itinerary will take you on the scenic route from Boston to Portland then to Maine's Mid Coast and Acadia National Park. Boothbay Harbor is a scenic, waterfront village offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We will be in Portland/Maine on Oct 5th. Warren Fall Foliage Loop. Thank you jsboston and wpsaukee very much! Must visit places along the drive include: California San Diego it does have a lot of traffic. Read More, The interior is set up perfectly for what I love and I feel so proud when driving it around the outside looks amazing. We will be renting a car and driving up to Kennebunkport the first day. Click here to read all about the best New England gifts and things you can buy! Click here for an awesome food tour of Portland! We are from Ireland and fly to Boston and were thinking of hiring a car, travelling up to him and staying somewhere close by. . Kennebunkport. In (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "@type": "BedAndBreakfast", For a drive, we like to go up to Freeport, ME to have lunch at Harrasseket Lunch Lobster Pound that look over the boats in the water. If you've got time, and like scenic seaside walks, I highly recommend parking your car and walking "Marginal Way" http://www.meliving.com/marginalway/index.shtml. You might find out about that option before counting on it being in operation. On average, parking costs about $20 for the day (many lots didnt offer by-the-hour parking when I visited). To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It's right along your route. This detour will add just over an hour of driving time (plus any time you spend in Rockport). New Hampshire police Read More, Dozens Of Crashes Reported On Icy Massachusetts lane of Interstate 95 was closed during the morning commute on Thursday after a van rolled over near the Boxford-Topsfield line. "postalCode": "04043" For ideas on a day trip from Boston to Portland, keep reading later in the post to see my suggested itinerary! If you have time, head over to Willard Beach next. (they renumbered a few years ago. In Portsmouth, youll find lots of charming streets, a great little downtown with truly awesome shops, a wonderful bakery (which Ill list below), and really incredible restaurants. More details Portland Head Light. The concept at Chaunceys is simpleorder the main, bring everything else. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Best Scenic Route from Boston to Kennebunkport. If passing through while driving Boston to Portland, Maine, I suggest seeing these things in Rockport: If you have extra time, you could take your time getting out of Massachusetts, and spend the day driving along the entire North Shore region. All the seafood shacks and ice cream places are open, and theres a lively buzz in the air. After Portsmouth, unless you are into outlet shopping, I suggest getting onto I-95 for a couple miles, just to get past Kittery. 4:55 pm arrive in Portland (Maine) stay at Portland Regency Hotel & Spa. Turn left on the shore road, Route 1A, and follow it to where you can turn right on Route 1B. It also has the nicely renovated Wentworth-by-the-Sea grand hotel, which is fun for a getaway. (Thanks trip advisor for that tip!). White Islandis the home to Isles of Shoals Lighthouse, so dont forget your camera for this trip. I had never heard of that town, and I am always looking for alternatives to the same-old-same-old routes I take when out on a day trip! Nestled 90 miles north of the bustling streets of Boston is the quaint coastal town of Kennebunkport. ] Boston staying at the beach house inn- any suggestions on good scenic routes ? 3:20 pm Kennebunkport (Maine) stay for about 1 hour. This is also a nice trip done in "reverse', starting at Kennbunkport. Want to keep driving up the coast of Maine? Theyre all very easy to spend a few hours in before moving on, and depending on how much time you have, you can either do half of them on your way to Portland, and the other half on your way back, or eliminate any that youve done before, or dont have any interest in. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is next, and this is a fun one because you can walk across the entire breakwater and get right up to the cute little lighthouse. Answer 1 of 13: Hi- we are coming to kennebunkport for 2 days in October - driving up from. For the most part, it's a 2 lane road with varying speed limits between 35 to 50MPH. 2023. The fastest way to get from Boston to Kennebunkport is to drive which takes 1h 36m and costs $15 - $23. (On the way, still on 1A, Odiorne Point State Park is well worth a stop for a picnic lunch or just a walk on the rocks.). driving 3 hours. Day 1: Portland. JSB--Call me whatever you like, within reason, but Winnie sounds female to me, and I'm not. Just keep in mind that Maine tends to be a very seasonal state, as in many seafood shacks, as well as some restaurants and shops, will begin to close after Labor Day (most stay open through Columbus Day weekend, and some stay open year-round). Read More. After so many trips to Maine, I put together this one to two-week Maine coast road trip itinerary from Beantown all the way up to Acadia. Rt.495 north. The next stop, Kennebunkport is a cozy, seaside town home to lobster shacks, beaches, and a quaint downtown called Dock Square. The cheapest way to get from Boston to Kennebunkport costs only $18, and the quickest way takes just 1 hours. Thanks so mucheveryone is always so helpful. When you leave Portland, head north on Old Route 1 for one of New England's most scenic coastal drives. With that, lets get into it. NEREN, Closed. $5 - $8. Sample the local craft brews in Portsmouth. "telePhone": "207-967-5766", See Boston for a day or two; Stop at Kennebunkport or Ogunquit in Maine - these are two small seaside towns on the coastline. Southern (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (On the way, still on 1A, Odiorne Point State Park is well worth a stop for a picnic lunch or just a walk on the rocks.). Many people assume it is a coastal route but that is far, far from the truth.". Best as a day trip from: Portland, Massachusetts North Shore, Boston. The windy road (30MPH) then hugs the shore with plenty of widening areas to pull aside and stretch your legs. I was hoping someone could tell me the best route to take maybe. Freeport. We will be renting a car and driving up to Kennebunkport the first day. $4.95 + $0.75 shipping . Walk through downtown to visit the shops (. and leave at 4:20 pm. ), but if youre looking to cut out a few stops, I think places like Ogunquit, Portsmouth, Rockport, etc. If you like your visit enough and decide to go to Maine again, you should go up to Bar Harbor and visit Acadia National Park (unfortunately its about 3 and 1/2 hours from Kennebunkport). This is one of the most unique lighthouses in New England, as its very ornate in its design. From the airport is much easier to avoid tolls! Featuring classic New England architecture and elegantly appointed decor, the hotel offers views of lively Dock Square and Lower Village. Hi- we are coming to kennebunkport for 2 days in October - driving up from. Ax Flies Off Truck Into Car's Windshield On I-95 In TopsfieldA motorist is lucky Read More, DANVERS - A woman was seriously injured in a rollover accident early Tuesday morning on Interstate 95 north. Get off at Salisbury beach Rt.110 to Rt.1A. The iconic light is considered the most photographed lighthouse on the East Coast, and for a good reasonCape Neddick is classic New England. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13859902', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston and stick to the highway (I-95) at least as far as Newburyport, where you could catch Rte 1. Two of the main towns along the North Shore, Salem and Rockport, are suggested above. Portsmouth is another old seaport, similar in style to newburyport, but on a larger scale, with a vibrant tourist center and many restaurants and shops. The car handles well, has enough power to be good for city and interstate driving, and looks like the perfect late 2000's car: sort of sporty, but not angular like Read More, you should probably skip the coastal areas immediately north of Boston and stick to the highway (I-95) at least as far as Newburyport, where you could catch Rte 1. Florida. Instead, getting off the interstate once you . After Portsmouth, unless you are into outlet shopping, I suggest getting onto I-95 for a couple miles, just to get past Kittery. Follow 1A as much as possible, or side roads that drive by the coast, pass by Salisbury and pass Hampton Beach, pass Rye Beach, then by New Castle Route 1 B (go pass Wentworth-by-the-Sea and, Odiorne Point State Park) and go visit Portsmouth, NH. Reviews on Scenic Drive in Kennebunkport, ME 04046 - Wiggly Bridge, Kennebunkport Town of, Mount Agamenticus Trail, Nubble Lighthouse, Ogunquit Town of, Fort McClary, Portland Head Light, Marginal Way Preservation Fund, Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, Crescent Beach State Park Alternatively, you may use, Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Crosstown Center, http://www.meliving.com/marginalway/index.shtml. From there, you'll be travelling the Coastal Byway to Hampton Beach and Portsmouth on your way to Kennebunkport. Some beautiful fall scenery in that area. Now that you know how to plan the perfect road trip driving Boston to Portland, Maine, I hope youve begun to plan your own adventure! 24 Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall 2023 (Ideas For September, October & November! You can either visit them all before getting into Portland, or depending on your schedule, plan to take a quick drive out to see them during your stay in Portland (if youre staying overnight). "addressRegion": "ME", In york beach, stop by the goldenrod for taffy and ice cream etc. On this drive, youll pass through charming small towns in Massachusetts, visit the best coastal town in New Hampshire, and then begin your drive up the coast of Maine, stopping in some amazing seaside destinations with lots of character and fun things to do. It's very scenic! NMYO's Gold Benefactor and Conductors Circle sponsors are the Institution for Savings, Read More, Weekly rehearsals are held in Topsfield / Boxford near Route 1 and just off Interstate 95. You'll want to take I-95 north. . If you do one thing during your time in Ogunquit, I would say this is it. We were hoping to see some fall color on our trip up- never been to Boston or Maine -we're.
scenic drive from boston to kennebunkport