How to plan the perfect road trip in coastal Maine
Cory Lee takes us on an accessible tour of Acadia National Park, Ogunquit, and beyond.
In our Where To series, we tag along as eight fascinating travel influencers jaunt from coast to coast in search of the best meals, experiences, and more, all inspired by our Travelers’ Choice Awards. Browse all of the itineraries on our Where To hub.
Cory Lee (@curbfreecorylee) inspires fellow wheelchair users to break out of their comfort zone with tips on how and where to travel. Here, Lee shares the highlights of his first trip to coastal Maine—from the most accessible trails and wheelchair-friendly beaches to the best spots for freshly caught seafood and blueberry pie.
Day one: Get settled
Getting to the small towns of coastal Maine is part of the adventure. While Portland International Airport is the closest gateway, many travelers opt for the larger and often more budget-friendly Boston Logan International Airport. Rent a car (MobilityWorks is great for wheelchair-accessible van rentals) and enjoy the picturesque three-and-a-half-hour drive to your first destination: Rockland, Maine.
Upon arrival, treat yourself to surf-and-turf fare at the nearby Travelers' Choice Award–winning Franny’s Bistro in Camden. The eclectic menu features everything from shrimp dumplings and cheddar grits to lobster fritters and steak frites. When you’re ready to call it a night, look no further than the Hampton Inn & Suites Rockland, a Travelers' Choice Award winner with spacious rooms, ample parking, and a central location that puts you in a prime position for exploring all the area has to offer.
Day two: Get your fill in Rockland, Rockport, and Camden
Start the day with an oversized cinnamon roll or lobster eggs Benedict at the Travelers' Choice Award–winning Home Kitchen Cafe. Then, spend some time perusing the quaint shops in downtown Camden or, if the weather is nice, drive to the top of Mount Battie for a birds-eye view of the harbor. Farther afield, the Langlais Sculpture Preserve in Cushing, Maine, offers a quarter-mile, ADA-accessible path and a self-guided tour of a dozen sculptures by local artist Bernard Langlais. When it’s time to eat again, the atmosphere at Waterfront can’t be beat. Order a cup of the clam chowder or a “lazy lobster.” The crustacean comes sans shell, courtesy of the kitchen, so all you have to do is sit back, chow down, and watch the boats sail by.
Day three: Hit up Acadia National Park
You’ll want to get an early jump on the day as it’s a two-hour drive from Rockland to Mount Desert Island—pronounced “dessert.” Take advantage of the complimentary continental breakfast at the hotel and then make a beeline for the island’s crown jewel: Acadia National Park.
With miles upon miles of rocky coastline, towering granite mountains, and more than 1,000 species of plants, it’s impossible to experience all of Acadia in a single day, but don’t let that stop you. With some planning, it’s easy to hit up the highlights of the Travelers' Choice award winner. For starters, get outside and enjoy some of the 150-plus miles of hiking trails. The Jesup Path, a boardwalk-meets-gravel trail, winds its way through a boggy, white birch forest and ends at another attraction: the lush Wild Gardens of Acadia. Or travel back in time on one of the old carriage roads. Closed to cars, these routes are a 45-mile playground for pedestrians, bicyclists, horseback riders, and—you guessed it—horse-drawn carriages.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, seek out the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. Whether you decide to lunch on the lawn overlooking Jordan Pond or cozy up to the fireplace inside the rustic dining room, you must order the famous popovers. The restaurant’s attached gift shop also has some of the best souvenirs in the park.
In the afternoon (or if you’re lucky enough to have snagged a reservation at sunset), journey to the top of Cadillac Mountain. The highest point on the eastern seaboard, the panoramic views of the park are truly stunning. End the day with dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in Bar Harbor, located just outside the park limits. The comfort food at the Travelers' Choice Award–winning Thirsty Whale Tavern is quintessential New England.
Day four: Catch a show in Ogunquit
It’s time to head south to the towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. Check out of the hotel, but before you leave, fuel up on one of the truly memorable breakfast sandwiches from Camden Deli.
Time your first stop with a matinee at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse, a Travelers' Choice Award winner. Since 1933, the community theater has been entertaining audiences with everything from Broadway musicals to original productions. The white shiplap building is grand enough to have been included on the National Register of Historic Places but cozy enough that no matter where you sit, you have a great view of the stage.
After the final curtain call, wander around downtown Ogunquit or Ogunquit Beach (beach wheelchairs are available at the visitor center free of charge). When it’s time to check in, the Travelers' Choice Award–winning Boathouse Waterfront checks all the boxes: stylish decor, a rooftop deck, and an on-site restaurant with a raw bar. Splurge on a suite in the main building for a balcony overlooking the harbor and interiors that nod to the local surroundings, like a rocking chair made from upcycled lobster traps.
Day five: Make the most of Ogunquit’s trails and museums
If you arrive at the Cove Cafe and get a table right away, count yourself lucky. Even on weekdays, there’s often a line out the door at this Travelers' Choice Award winner but rest assured, the Belgian blueberry waffles are worth the wait.
Less than a five-minute walk from the restaurant, you’ll find an access point for the Marginal Way Scenic Cliff Stroll. The paved, 1.5-mile path takes you along the coastline, so have your camera ready and be prepared to stop at the many lookout points—the spectacular scenery changes with the tide. For an up-close view of another ecosystem, hit up the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, where two wheelchair-accessible trails highlight the flora and fauna of Maine’s saltwater marshlands.
Now that you’ve experienced Ogunquit’s natural beauty, you’ll understand why the area has been a draw for artists since the late 1800s. Today, one of the best places to learn about the town’s storied arts scene is the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Open May through October, the Travelers' Choice Award–winning museum houses prominent works by the likes of Marsden Hartley and Yasua Kunyioshi, and features classes led by local artists and a three-acre sculpture garden overlooking the ocean.
End the day at Mabel’s Lobster Claw with a culinary masterpiece called “The Duchess,” a savory seafood medley cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.
Day six: See the highlights in Kennebunkport
Kick off your last full day in Maine with a classic breakfast at a spot beloved by locals and tourists alike: Mike’s All Day Breakfast. Then, go for a drive along scenic Ocean Avenue. Travelers' Choice Award–winning points of interest include St. Ann’s Church, a stone sanctuary built in 1892, and Walker’s Point, where an overlook provides a glimpse of former president George H.W. Bush’s “Summer White House.”
Make your way back to town and then journey on to Kennebunkport Beach. When the sun is shining, it’s the best place to while away a few hours. Watch surfers bob in the waves or take in the tidepools.
With tomorrow being a travel day, opt for an early dinner at Arundel Wharf Restaurant, a Travelers' Choice Award winner. The service is superb and the menu is extensive—think everything from sashimi to sandwiches. Lastly, you can’t leave Maine without trying a slice of wild blueberry pie, served a la mode.
Cory’s picks:
One thing you wish you’d known before the trip: I didn’t know how many cool cities coastal Maine has and how close they are to one another. It was wonderful to be able to see so much without spending a ton of time driving.
Best bite of food: I would fly back to Maine again just to eat “The Duchess” at Mabel’s Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport. The dish is a mouthwatering combo of lobster, scallops, and shrimp in a garlic wine sauce, topped with breadcrumbs.
Place you’re already eager to return to: I only spent a couple hours in Bar Harbor, but the downtown area was so vibrant with tons of shops and restaurants. I’m already itching to see more of it.
Touristy thing that’s worth braving the crowds for: The Marginal Way Scenic Cliff Walk in Ogunquit was quite crowded when I visited on a Monday afternoon. Still, I loved rolling on the paved path and was impressed with how wheelchair accessible it was.
Favorite souvenir: Maine’s state berry is the blueberry and I ate my fair share of blueberry pie. I couldn’t pack a whole pie in my suitcase, so opted for some blueberry jam instead. Every time I eat it, I reminisce about my time in Maine.
