Maine's lighthouses, lobsters, and coastal scenery are just a day trip away from Boston, and this private, full-day excursion explores highlights of the state's southern coast. Inn at English Meadows 2023. I was hoping someone could tell me the best route to take maybe to take in some nice scenery. Hopefully we won't experience much traffic on a Sunday. Thank you jsboston and wpsaukee very much! This is a lovely drive. A scenic drive on the Essex National Heritage Area Scenic Byways takes you north through Salem, site of the famous witch trials in 1694, Marblehead, Ipswich, and Newburyport. Im definitely not saying that Kittery isnt worth a stop because it definitely is (or it wouldnt be on this list! Then you could drive east through the White Mountains of NH before taking 302 into Portland and down to Kennebunkport. If you have the budget, make reservations for dinner at The White Barn Inn. We are from Ireland and fly to Boston and were thinking of hiring a car, travelling up to him and staying somewhere close by. For a Boston to Portland, Maine day trip, I suggest trying to take this day trip in the summer when the days are longer, which will afford you more time to see as much as possible. The next stop, Kennebunkport is a cozy, seaside town home to lobster shacks, beaches, and a quaint downtown called Dock Square. If youre in need of lunch during your visit, Roy Moore Lobster Co. has an awesome lobster roll. From Newburyport, take Rte 1 north (2 lane road, speed limit in most parts) about 5 miles, and you will see signs for the beaches. 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. Will be arriving on the 5th of October (Sunday) into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "image": "https://englishmeadowsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/english_meadows_logo.png", It definitely has its own vibe that is really fun to experience. "telePhone": "207-967-5766", 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! You can easily swing through Salem and visit the most haunted places in town and the spots where Hocus . The tolls once you are away from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Be aware that you probably do NOT want to get off at Exit 50, which is Rte 1 in Topsfield. Cape Elizabeth is a town thats actually part of Portland, but its south of the main city, and youll get to this part before driving into downtown Portland. you might see some as you leave Boston heading north. To avoid the Topsfield traffic . If you are just making a day trip of this, you should probably skip the coastal areas immediately north of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? See a regional production at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse after a day at Ogunquit Beach. Within a 30-minute drive of each other, these beautiful towns are home to a slew of downtown shops and beaches. (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.). Nestled 90 miles north of the bustling streets of Boston is the quaint coastal town of Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport Waterways. Theres no need to get rerouted when you travel north on Route 1the two-lane highway whizzes past most of the coasts iconic sights, including picturesque New England lighthouses and bustling lobstermen at work. Quiet Kennebunkport is just a short eight miles off of Route 1. Its just about half-way between Boston and Portland, and has all the amazing, luxury amenities youd expect like gorgeously appointed rooms with ocean views, incredible on-site restaurants, a spa and every square inch of their property offering dramatic coastline views. Kennebunkport Harbor Kennebunkport Maine Docks Boats Scenic Chrome Postcard . The 110-mile road trip from Boston to Portland takes 1 hour 45 minutes to drive. Most of my online pals call me WP. Take a look at the photo gallery, they have the best Lobster Rolls. Explore the unique shops and art galleries along Bearskin Neck. Walker's Point: We were looking for the water spout and it happened to be beside the Bush Compound. Be aware that you probably do NOT Read More, Right in front of Topsfield Town Hall By the time he got to Interstate 95 / Route 3 split in Massachusetts, the tank was low. ] Click here for an awesome food tour of Portland! 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. Youll find amazing views here, and if you can only see one lighthouse, this is the one to see. Best Scenic Route from Boston to Kennebunkport . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99215856', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston early morning. Driving directions: The Mad River Byway takes you along two of Vermont's most scenic roads, Routes 100 and 100B. All secondary roads. Get up early and head for breakfast at Kennebunkport's Dock Square, where the historic warehouses now comprise a variety of art galleries, boutiques and local cafes. "geo": { U.S. Route 1 parallels I-95 the entire drive from Boston, so hop on whenever youre ready to get away from the fast-paced flow. Kennebunkport. It's very scenic! New Castle has a 'Sconsett ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are 10 towns I suggest you stop in while driving Boston to Portland, Maine. However, staying completely on the I-95 isn't the ideal route to go if you want to make the most out of this road trip. More details Want to keep driving up the coast of Maine? Here are a few suggestions on planning your stop in Portsmouth when heading to Kennebunkport. Phone: (207) 967-5766, { 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. 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). $12.99 . . Take in the views at the Bald Head Cliff. Here are some highlights to check out once you arrive in Portland: Click here to read all about the best day trips to take from Portland, Maine! As we had a late flight, we only arrived in Newburyport at 7 pm. From there, grab 133 through Ipswich back to 1A through Newburyport and up the NH coast and into Portsmouth. At night, cozy upbya gas fireplace underneath your down duvet. Go for a scenic walk or hike at Halibut Point State Park. Interstate 95 Massachusetts Live Traffic, Construction and Accident Report, Driver Killed In Topsfield CrashA driver and rescue exercise in eastern Massachusetts on Monday and Tuesday. $5 - $8. The iconic light is considered the most photographed lighthouse on the East Coast, and for a good reasonCape Neddick is classic New England. "name": "The Inn at English Meadows", The cheapest way to get from Boston to Kennebunkport costs only $18, and the quickest way takes just 1 hours. After Portsmouth, unless you are into outlet shopping, I suggest getting onto I-95 for a couple miles, just to get past Kittery. It's the scenic route and has some terrific ocean views. We will be renting a car and driving up to Kennebunkport the first day. From that point, you could elect to drive along the waterfront, starting at Salisbury, MA through Seabrook, Hampton and Rye in NH. Visit one of the beaches (Goochs and Mothers beaches are my favorites in Kennebunkport). Youll find an old-fashioned pier with vendors selling fried dough, drinks and other street foods. http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/whenandwhere/southern.html. Turn left on the shore road, Route 1A, and follow it to where you can turn right on Route 1B. Kennebunkport Maine Shore Drive Scenic Coastal View Chrome Cancel WOB Postcard . Summer along the coast of Maine is just like anywhere in New England by the water it comes alive. Head over to Motif 1, the most painted building in the country (just off Bearskin Neck). Most of them are on their way somewhere else. A short drive through New Castle takes you right into downtown Portsmouth, one of the loveliest and most interesting small cities you'll find anywhere. 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 detour will add just over an hour of driving time (plus any time you spend in Rockport). this is a nice drive with lots of ocean view. Alternatively, you may use. How do I avoid the toll from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Southern (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Then, pack up the car and head 46 kilometers northeast on Route 1, to Portland, Maine. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99216104', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Portland, make sure to eat and drink all the things--- Coffee (Tandem, Speckled Ax), Beer (some of the best small breweries in America within city limits-- Bissell Brothers, Bunker, Foundation, Lone Pine, Goodfire), food (Fore Street, Eventide, Honeypaw, Duckfat, Central Provisions, Hot Suppaamong many, many more). The restaurant has operated out of Kittery Point, Maine since 1948. The direct drive from Boston to Portland is 107 mi . Walk along the shores of Ogunquit Beach, which has 3 miles of pristine sand. Grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee at one of their five on-site restaurants before hopping back on the road. Each morning,enjoy the inns exclusively brewed coffee andindulge in a decadent three-course, chef-inspiredbreakfast. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. If you have time to break up your drive and really enjoy all these fun places to visit, these are the towns I would recommend you stay the night in based on options for things to do, and great restaurants: Rockport is a really awesome place to spend the night because it has a really cool little shopping district, wonderful restaurants and is overall, a really unique destination. We were hoping to see some fall color on our trip up- never been to Boston or Maine -we're. (If you have a GPS try to stay as close to the shore as possible for it is the most scenic), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Coogan began his tenure as Holaday's chief of Read More, NEWBURYPORT - Matthew Coogan Alan Benson as town administrator of the small bedroom community off Interstate 95 near Topsfield and Middleton. Fall is also a great time to take this drive because of the foliage and the pleasant weather. Coogan began his tenure as Holaday's chief Read More, I-95 Massachusetts News Reports Statewide (90 Reports), The content of this news article doesn't belong to ezeRoad, and we're not responsible for it. Day 6 - Boston - Salem - Kennebunkport 88 miles. Continue by Wells Beach into Kennebunkport. very windy road so be careful. Re: Scenic Route from Boston to Kennebunkport then Portland. "addressRegion": "ME", Swing by Portsmouth Brewery for a glass of beer. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13854443', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Logan Airport. The Inn at English Meadows 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. They serve a nice breakfast. You may have some extra traffic from the annual Topsfield Fair as you cross the border into Massachusetts along I-95 south to Boston. 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. Hope you got a room with an ocean view. 24 Best Things To Do On Cape Cod In The Fall 2023 (Ideas For September, October & November! "@type": "GeoCoordinates", This is also a nice trip done in "reverse', starting at Kennbunkport. "address": { more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. http://www.harraseeketlunchandlobster.com/lobster_pound.html. But really, spring and fall are also a great time to take this trip (especially early spring when the days are also longer). If you happen to be picking your kids up from a New England sleepaway camp at the end of the summer, it's arguably a good time to tack on a family adventure. US Route 1 runs a total of 545 miles in Florida along the state's east coast. Enjoy your trip! I copied a link below to help you - it Includes driving ideas. Your name: Best car for this road trip: Standard SUV. I'm glad you mentioned the Topsfield fair as yes, we will definitely try and avoid thatalso about avoiding the outlet shopping mall (not into that either). Kennebunkport is a coastal town in . Days 2-3: Kennebunkport to Portland. June 23, 2020. Across the road from the ocean, dozens of stately mansions look out across the ocean. Not worth the hassle to avoid paying a few bucks. Early Evening: Decide if you want to stay in Portland for dinner, or drive to Kennebunkport to explore that town for a bit, and grab dinner. (they renumbered a few years ago. With that, lets get into it. 4. It also has the nicely renovated Wentworth-by-the-Sea grand hotel, which is fun for a getaway. "postalCode": "04043" Answered: We would like to visit our son in Orono Maine, he is working at Maine University, we are thinking beginning of June. This is where the 3 Portland lighthouses are, and I highly suggest planning time to see all of them. Walk down to the end of Bearskin Neck to cross the breakwater jetty. Theyre actually very close to one another, which makes it easy to see them all within a couple of hours at most. 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