If you are traveling alone, write down the places you most want to see; if you're traveling with someone, have them do the same. What are the things you want to do: shopping, sampling as many lobster rolls as you can, hiking in Acadia National Park, sunbathing on the beach, bird or whale watching? Write it all down and compare lists. Hopefully you can compromise and see many of your "most-wanted."The only really sandy beaches in Maine are along the southern coast, Old Orchard Beach and south. If you didn't already know, the water of the Atlantic along the Maine coast is COLD. Old Orchard Beach is famous for its boardwalk and hoards of people. If you're looking for shopping opportunities, the Old Port section of Portland offers plenty of opportunity with its quaint and off-beat boutiques and great restaurants.
Route 1 is the official coastal route (from Eastport to Key West, Florida), but you will find that there are many areas where other routes take you more closely along the water. A good map is key to finding you way into some of the bays or out to the points of land. I recommend highlighting your route ahead of time, but don't be afraid to be flexible on a beautiful sunny day!There are ferries that, for a fee, take you and your car out to many of the Islands, which are also noted on Maine maps. It's an inexpensive way to see a part of Maine that many visitors don't take the time to see.
From Portland to the Camden/Rockland area, Route 1 is by far the quickest way, but not scenic. Popham State Park is worth the trip; it's a lovely beach that manages to be quiet most of the time, and when the tide is low, you can walk out to an island. Watch carefully for the tide turning; it happens fast in Maine!In Rockland, the ferry service offers transportation out to many islands, including Matinicus Island and Vinalhaven. Camden offers a picturesque downtown park, a vibrant downtown community, a beautiful harbor with many sailboats drifting by, Camden Hills State Park and many choices of good restaurants. If you can manage it, sunset is a don't miss from atop the stone tower at Camden Hill State Park. It overlooks the harbor and the sunset colors make for perfect picture opportunities.
From Camden to Acadia National Park is quite a drive to go around Penobscot Bay. Belfast is a quiet town offering shopping and restaurants; the New Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory in Bucksport/Verona is a great stopping off spot. Take a break and visit Ft. Knox and take the elevator to the top of the observation tower to see a grand view of Penobscot Bay.Follow Route 1 through Ellsworth and take Route 3 to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, one of the most visited National Parks in the country. Carriage roads throughout the park provide for hiking or biking, Sand Beach is one of the rare sand beaches in the part of Maine, and take the road to the top of Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking views of the open ocean. You will see the beautiful Porcupine Islands, among others, and perhaps a cruise ship.
Now, as you continue on your journey, it will seem like an entirely different place. You're back on Route 1; take Route 186 out to Winter Harbor and Schoodic Point. The crowds have thinned out considerably, as have choices for lodging and restaurants. The best bet now are the numerous Bed & Breakfast Inns, and you won't be dissappointed with the hospitality you will receive.Many of the restaurants don't look nearly as fancy; they are just local restaurants serving local people local food and it is deliciously simple and less expensive.
From Winter Harbor to Eastport is a series of small towns and villages, like Steuben, Jonesport and Machias. Stop and visit the docks and investigate the hidden roads. Roque Bluff State Park is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon. Watch the tide come in and quickly retreat. This part of Maine has some of the highest and lowest tides in the continental US.The Moosehorn National Wildlife area is a wonderful place to photograph migrating birds in their natural surroundings. Venture into Eastport and spend the night at one of the inns just to say you saw the sun's first rays on the country.
