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The ULTIMATE Maine Road Trip on Route 1 | Scenic Coastal & Northern Adventure

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Sep 25, 2025
  • 5 min read

The ULTIMATE Maine Road Trip on Route 1 | Scenic Coastal & Northern Adventure

The ULTIMATE Maine Road Trip on U.S. Route 1 in Maine | Scenic Road Trip Adventure

Few road trips in America can rival the charm, history, and coastal beauty of U.S. Route 1 in Maine. From the sandy shores of Kittery to the rugged northern landscapes of Fort Kent, this legendary highway is more than just a drive – it’s a journey through time, culture, and some of the most breathtaking scenery New England has to offer.


Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended Maine road trip, buckle up: Route 1 is waiting with historic lighthouses, lobster shacks, sandy beaches, quaint villages, and endless ocean views.


Why Route 1 in Maine Is a Bucket-List Drive

Stretching more than 2,300 miles from Key West, Florida, to Fort Kent, Maine, U.S. Route 1 connects travelers to the heart of the East Coast. But here in Maine, this iconic highway transforms into something special — a scenic byway that blends salty sea breezes with northern wilderness and Acadian culture.


📍 Quick Facts:

  • Maine’s stretch of U.S. Route 1 takes about 11.5 hours to drive straight through (but you won’t want to rush).

  • It passes through Southern Maine Coast, Greater Portland & Casco Bay, MidCoast Maine, Downeast & Acadia, and Aroostook County.

  • Expect a mix of coastal towns, working harbors, state parks, historic sites, and foodie favorites.


Driving Tips for the Ultimate Route 1 Adventure

  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for mild weather and festivals; mid-September to October for Maine fall foliage road trips.

  • Traffic Watch: Expect heavier traffic in summer (July–August), especially in Southern Maine and MidCoast. For fewer crowds, plan a trip after Labor Day.

  • Travel Pace: Don’t try to power through in a day — give yourself at least 5–7 days to soak in the stops along the way.


Must-Stop Highlights Along U.S. Route 1 in Maine


🚗 Southern Maine Coast | Kittery to Wells

  • Kittery – Shop at the famous Kittery Outlets, explore Fort McClary, or picnic at Fort Foster Park.

  • York – Visit the Nubble Lighthouse, stroll York Beach, and taste homemade taffy at The Goldenrod.

  • Wells – Relax on Wells Beach, explore Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and browse the town’s many antique shops.


Top Restaurants:

🎭 Greater Portland & Casco Bay

  • Ogunquit – Walk the iconic Marginal Way or catch a Broadway-caliber show at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

  • Old Orchard Beach – Ride the Ferris wheel at Palace Playland and stroll The Pier for nightlife.

  • Portland – Explore cobblestone streets, foodie-famous restaurants, and Casco Bay island ferries. Don’t miss the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in America.


Top Restaurants:

⚓ MidCoast Maine | Bath to Rockland

  • Bath – Known as the “City of Ships,” visit the Maine Maritime Museum.

  • Boothbay Harbor – Whale-watching cruises, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and charming downtown shops.

  • Rockland & Camden – Explore Penobscot Bay, hike Camden Hills State Park, and enjoy art at the Farnsworth Museum.


Top Restaurants:

🌲 Downeast & Acadia | Bar Harbor to Lubec

  • Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park – Hike Cadillac Mountain, explore Jordan Pond, and savor coastal views.

  • Machias – Visit Roque Bluffs State Park or taste Maine’s famous wild blueberries.

  • Lubec & Eastport – Stand at the easternmost point of the U.S. at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.


Top Restaurants:

🌄 Aroostook County | The Northern Route

  • Houlton – Historic downtown, Temple Theatre, and outdoor adventures on the Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail.

  • Presque Isle – See the Maine Solar System Model and hike Aroostook State Park.

  • Caribou – Explore the Caribou Historical Center and enjoy winter sports.

  • Van Buren & Madawaska – Celebrate Acadian culture at Acadian Village and Madawaska Acadian Festival.

  • Fort Kent – Walk “America’s First Mile” and ski at Lonesome Pine Trails.


Top Restaurants:

  • Presque Isle: Teresa’s Corner Café & Bakery

  • Caribou: The Par & Grill

  • Fort Kent: Swamp Buck Restaurant & Lounge


Final Thoughts: Maine Route 1 Road Trip Magic

Driving U.S. Route 1 in Maine is more than just a road trip — it’s an immersive journey into coastal charm, Acadian heritage, foodie adventures, and outdoor beauty. Every mile reveals something new, from sandy beaches and lobster shacks to rolling farmlands and northern wilderness.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









👉 Whether you’re planning a romantic coastal escape, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Maine’s Route 1 promises a road trip you’ll never forget.

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