NEW ENGLAND COAST: Historic Charms & Coastal Wonders

10 or 13 days

This itinerary highlights 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 areas in the US, known for its rural charm, fishing villages, wooded areas, and beautiful views. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage. New England is famous for foods such as clam chowder, Maine lobster, Vermont maple syrup, and apple pie.

DAY 1

• Arrive in Boston, and transfer to your hotel.

  • Explore your transportation options at Logan Airport.

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

• Boston is easy to walk. Many iconic landmarks are clustered within a 10-minute stroll of the center. <Walking route>

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

• North End(Little Italy) is well known for cobblestone streets and excellent Italian restaurants.

  • Dessert delight: grab a cannoli. Choose between: Mike’s Pastry (famous for variety) or Modern Pastry (the local favorite).

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

• FAQ’s

• Where should I stay in Boston to walk everywhere?

  —For first-time visitors and maximum walkability— stay in Back Bay or Downtown.

• Overnight: Boston (3 nights)

DAY 5

• Depart Newport to Point Judith, RI, where you catch the Block Island ferry.

  Leave your rental car at Point 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--> Point Judith ferry port, 35 min.

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

DAY 6

Block Island highlights:

• A picturesque island with Atlantic beaches, high cliffs, miles of hiking trails, historic lighthouses, cozy inns, small shops,
  art galleries, delicious restaurants, and lively bars.

• No stoplights, no freeways, no fast-food chains.

• The best time to visit is June through the end of September.

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

• <Where to eat>

• Overnight: Block Island

DAY 7

• Option: add an extra day at Block Island.

• Biking is the best way to see Block Island. <bike rental>

  • At the island's south end, there's a 7.5-mile loop, and in the north, an 8.5-mile path.

• Overnight: Block Island

‍ ‍

DAY 8

• Depart Block Island for Portland, Maine.

  • Ferry plus driving takes 5 hours to go 200 miles.

• Portland is a historic seaside town with a distinct charm, many art galleries, and unique shops. Visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Casco Bay and watch boats at 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 picturesque Portland Head Lighthouse located inside Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. <Learn more>
  

• Plus, Maine has many great bike trails.‍ ‍

• Overnight: Portland

DAY 10

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

• Acadia has forests, rocky shores, and Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast. You can see moose, bears, and seabirds there.

• Your first stop should be the Hulls Cove Visitor Center located off Route 3. The Park Rangers provide invaluable advice on trail conditions and weather. FAQ’s

• Minutes from the Park entrance, Bar Harbor is a seaside town of restaurants and shops. It mixes historic coastal charm with a lively downtown. Its best feature is the location: you can hike seaside mountains and go whale watching, then enjoy top dining, boutique shops, and fresh Maine lobster.

  <Eat and drink>

• 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 - this 27-mile road starts at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and links the park’s lakes, forests, and rocky coast.

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

  • ⚠️ If you miss a turn-off (like Sand Beach or Jordan Pond), you may have to drive the full loop again to return.

• Most of Acadia’s beaches along Park Loop Road are rocky. One exception is the picturesque 290-yard-long Sand Beach.

• Learn about horseback riding and kayaking activities.

  Hiking highlights:

• Hiking info: an excellent hiking app to download is: <All Trails>

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

  • The trailhead 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 miles 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. Book well in advance!

• Jordan Pond Path - A peaceful forest with a pond. Calm, easy walk for all ages. Visit early to avoid crowds.‍ ‍

  • Rated: easy. Length: 3.3-mile loop.

  • ⚠️ During the summer and foliage season, parking lots at Jordan Pond and Sand Beach are often full by 8:30 AM.
    Use the free Island Explorer shuttle to avoid the stress of hunting for a spot.

  Iconic "Ocean Path" & Thrilling Peaks:

• Best for: Photography, coastal views, and adventurous hikers.

• All these spots share the same parking area.

• Sand Beach: A rare shell-sand beach tucked between granite mountains and rocky coast.

• The Beehive Trail: Located directly across from Sand Beach.

  • The Experience: a steep climb with views of Frenchman Bay and the bold coast of Maine.
    Not for those with a fear of heights! Rated: strenuous. Length: 1.4-mile loop | 1–2 hours.

• Ocean Path: If you prefer level ground, walk from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole and 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: moderate. Length: 3.5-mile loop.

    - - - - - - - - -

• The best time to visit is late September to early October, when fall colors peak and crowds are gone.

• March, April, & May can be rainy and foggy, so pack your waterproof gear.‍ ‍

• Overnight: Bar Harbor.

DAY 13

• Leave Bar Harbor for your flight back 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.

• From June to September, the weather is pleasant and mild. The absolute best time to visit is late September to early October, when New England’s famous fall foliage turns the forests bright red and gold.

• 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.