NEW ENGLAND COAST

10 or 13 days

This itinerary visits historic Boston, the seaside town of Newport and gorgeous Block Island, Rhode Island, trendy Portland, Maine and Acadia National Park.

It is one of the oldest settled parts of the US. It retains a rural charm and known for its seacoast fishing villages, wooded and remote interior, and stunning vistas. Fall Foliage in autumn is a gorgeous time to visit. New England is famous for foods like clam chowder, Maine lobsters, Vermont maple syrup and apple pie.

DAY 1

• Arrive in Boston, and transfer to your hotel.

  • Transportation options at Logan airport.

• Save time using the Boston subway system, known as “ the T “

• Boston is a very walkable city. Many popular sights are no more than a 10 minute walk away. <Walking route>

• If time allows, take a stroll along the Boston waterfront.

• North End (Little Italy) is well known for excellent restaurants.

  • Boston’s Little Italy is a maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings. 

  • Dessert Delight: “Not to be missed” — Modern Pastry or Mike’s Pastry.

• Travel Guide: Fodor’s New England and Frommer’s New England.

• FAQ’s

• Where should I stay in Boston to walk everywhere?

  —Back Bay is the best area to stay for first-time visitors. Downtown is a great alternative.

• Overnight: Boston (3 nights)

DAY 5

• Depart anytime from Newport to Port Judith, RI, where you catch the Block Island ferry.

  Leave your rental car at Port Judith ferry parking. A car is not necessary on Block Island.

• Overnight: Block Island (2 or 3 nights) <Where to stay>

• Driving/Ferry time:

  Newport --car--> Port Judith ferry port, 35 min.

  Ferry to ---> Block Island ~ 1 hour.

DAY 6

Block Island highlights:

• A picturesque island with beautiful Atlantic beaches and vistas, soaring cliffs, miles of hiking trails and historic lighthouses along with graceful inns, quaint specialty shops, art galleries, delicious restaurants and lively bars.

• No traffic lights, no highways, no chain restaurants.

• Best time to visit is June through end of September.

• Activities include: biking, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and sailing.

• Dining experiences on Block Island are as diverse as they are delicious.

• Overnight: Block Island

DAY 7

• Option: add a extra day at Block Island.

• There's no better way to see the sights of Block Island than by biking. <bike rental>

  • There is a 7.5 mile (13 km) loop along the major sights at the southern end of the island, plus a 8.5 mile route that winds through some of the northern landscape of the island.

• Overnight: Block Island

DAY 8

• Depart Block Island to Portland Maine.

  • Ferry + driving = 5 hrs. / 200 miles.

• Portland is a historic seacoast town with a funky vibe, loads of galleries and hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops. Visitors relax and enjoy the scenic vistas on Casco Bay, gazing at boats that come and go from the waterfront.

• <Visitor map>

• Because the city is so compact, many Portland hotels are within walking distance of the touristy Old Port waterfront.

• Overnight: Portland (2 nights)

DAY 9

• Explore and relax in Portland.

  • The city brims with coastal scenery, city living, and small-town charm.

• The Old Port waterfront features working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and boutique shops. The waterfront is a nightlife hot spot where pubs, breweries and cocktail bars draw young crowds and a lively dining scene.

• If time permits, visit the pictorial Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse. <Learn more>

• Plus Maine has many great bike trails.

• Overnight: Portland

DAY 10

• Depart Portland to Acadia National Park. or return home.

• Acadia’s landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and popular Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. Among the wildlife within the park are moose, bear and seabirds.

• Stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center off Route 3 to plan your activities. The Park Rangers are very helpful. <FAQ’s>

• Further down is Bar Harbor, the seaside resort with restaurants and shops.

• Overnight: Bar Harbor (3 nights)

• Distance: Portland --> Acadia Park, 4 hrs. / 162 miles

DAYS 11 and 12

• Enjoy two (2) days exploring Acadia Park.

• Points of Interest.

• Park Loop Road is the main road. This 27-mile road begins at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and connects the Park's lakes, mountains, forests, and rocky coast.

  • Park Loop Road is mostly one way and passes Jordan Pond and the entrance to the Cadillac Mountain summit road.

• Most of Acadia’s beaches are located along the main Park Loop Rd. There are not many sandy beaches. One exception is the picturesque 290-yard long Sand Beach.

• Other activities include horseback riding and kayaking.

  Hiking highlights:

• Hiking info: a popular hiking app to download is: <All Trails>

• Cadillac North Trail - has awesome Bar Harbor views. You climb 1530 ft. to the peak.

  —The trail head is located on the one-way section of the Park Loop Road ~ 3.5 miles south of the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. —Rated: moderate. Length: 4 mile RT. Time: 2.5 hrs.

  —Car park at the North Ridge Cadillac Mountain parking area.

  —Vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road during peak season.

• Jordan Pond Path - a pleasant forest and pond setting. Peaceful scenic walk suitable for all ages. Go early to avoid the crowds.

  • Rated: easy. Length: 1 mile loop.

• Ocean Trail - the trail begins near <Sand Beach> and runs all the way to Otter Cliff.

  • Rated: easy. Length: 4.5 miles out & back.

  • Directions—car park at the Sand Beach or Otter Point parking lots.

• Gorham Mountain Trail - it begins as an easy steady climb, gradually becoming more rugged leading to a granite ascent.

  • Rated: easy-moderate. Length: 3.5 mile loop.

• Beehive Trail - a steep climb with views of Frenchman Bay, and the bold coast of Maine. Located just north of Sand Beach.

  • Rated: moderate. Length: 1.4 miles loop.

    - - - - - - - - -

• The best time to visit the park is September through early-October after the summer crowds have left but before winter season. Plus it’s prime time for foliage viewing.

• Visiting in March, April and May can be soggy — fog and rain are common — so you'll need to pack your waterproof gear.

• Overnight: Bar Harbor.

DAY 13

• Depart Bar Harbor for your flight home from Bangor or Portland, Maine.

• Distance to airport:

  Acadia ---> Bangor airport 75 min. / 52 miles. Airlines serving Bangor.

  Acadia ---> Portland airport 3 hrs. / 178 miles Airlines serving Portland.

• Historical Weather Data - click here.

• During the months of June through September you will experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.

• Most rainfall (rainy season) and snow ( snowy season) is seen in late November through early March.

• The warmest month is July. The coolest month is January.

• Peak Fall Foliage(Map) is usually late September to mid October.

• Sunrise/Sunset time.