8-Day Scenic Road Trip from Orlando to Maine with Nature Stops in Vermont and Maine

Day 1: Departure and Savannah

Orlando, FL to Savannah, GA on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Keke's Breakfast Cafe, Orlando

Enjoy a hearty Southern-style breakfast to kickstart your road trip with their famous waffles and omelets.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Orlando to Savannah

Begin your drive heading north towards Savannah, GA, approximately an 8-hour scenic drive through the southeastern U.S.
0, 8h

4:30pm

Evening stroll at Forsyth Park

Relax in this iconic Savannah park known for its beautiful fountains and moss-draped oak trees, perfect for a nature walk after the drive.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

Savor authentic Southern homestyle cooking in a communal dining setting, a Savannah landmark open until around 8 PM.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 2: Savannah to Raleigh

Savannah, GA to Raleigh, NC on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Collins Quarter, Savannah

Start with a coffee and brunch-inspired breakfast featuring locally roasted beans and freshly baked goods.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Raleigh, NC

Continue your journey north, driving approximately 8 hours through scenic highways crossing South Carolina and North Carolina.
0, 8h

5:00pm

Visit William B. Umstead State Park

Stretch your legs with easy hiking trails and several lakes, offering a quiet escape close to the city.
USD5 parking, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh

Enjoy modern dim sum paired with craft beers in a stylish brewpub open until 10 PM.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 3: To Shenandoah

Raleigh, NC to Shenandoah National Park, VA on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

Featuring homestyle Southern breakfast specialties to fuel your drive.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Shenandoah National Park

Journey about 5 hours north to Shenandoah, preparing for scenic mountain views and nature hikes.
0, 5h

1:30pm

Explore Skyline Drive

Drive the 105-mile Skyline Drive, spotting overlooks with panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views; park is open dawn to dusk and costs $30 per vehicle for entry.
USD30, 3h

4:30pm

Hike at Stony Man Trail

A moderate 1.6-mile loop hike leading to stunning overlooks, ideal for late afternoon exploration.
Free with park entry, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Big Meadows Lodge dining room

Enjoy cozy dining with local cuisine inside the park lodge, serving until 8:30 PM.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 4: Vermont Nature Visit

Shenandoah National Park, VA to Stowe, VT on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at Big Meadows Lodge

Quick and hearty breakfast to start the long drive north into Vermont.
USD12, 45m

7:30am

Drive to Stowe, Vermont

Long 8-hour drive heading northeast through Pennsylvania and New York, entering Vermont for the scenic nature stop.
0, 8h

4:00pm

Visit Stowe Recreation Path

A beautiful 5.3-mile scenic trail along rivers and through forests, perfect to stretch legs and enjoy Vermont’s green beauty, open dawn to dusk.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Alchemist's Brews and Bites

Try locally brewed beers with fresh casual bites at this microbrewery known for its vibrant atmosphere.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 5: White Mountains to Maine

Stowe, VT to White Mountains, NH then to Acadia, ME on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Butler's Pantry, Stowe

Enjoy fresh pastries and a warm coffee to start your day in Vermont’s charming town.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to White Mountains, NH

Short 2-hour drive exploring scenic byways on the way for mountain views.
0, 2h

10:30am

Visit Mount Washington Auto Road

Scenic drive up the highest peak in the Northeast, offering unparalleled panoramic views; open seasonally from May, costs $30 per car, allow 2 hours.
USD30, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Common Man Restaurant, Lincoln NH

Enjoy hearty New England cuisine in a cozy setting just outside the White Mountains.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Acadia National Park, ME

Scenic 4-hour drive to the stunning coastal park renowned for its nature and ocean views.
0, 4h

5:30pm

Sunset at Cadillac Mountain

Take in one of the earliest sunsets in the U.S. from the highest point on the East Coast, a must-see in Acadia.
USD30 park entry per vehicle, valid for 7 days, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jordan Pond House

Savor popovers and fine dining with a view of Jordan Pond, open until 8 PM in late spring.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Acadia Park Day

Acadia National Park, ME on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café This Way, Bar Harbor

Popular local cafe with fresh baked goods and creative breakfast options, open 7 AM - 3 PM.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Hiking Jordan Pond Path

Easy 3.5-mile loop trail around the pond with mountain views, great for birdwatching and relaxation.
Included in park pass, 2h

11:00am

Drive Park Loop Road

A 27-mile scenic drive through Acadia with ocean vistas, forest, and mountain views, stopping at spots like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.
Included in park pass, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Beal’s Lobster Pier

Enjoy fresh lobster rolls and seafood right on Frenchman Bay, open for lunch until 4 PM.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Kayaking in Frenchman Bay

Rent a kayak and explore the tranquil waters with views of the coastline and wildlife, rental shops open 9 AM - 5 PM.
USD40, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Havana, Bar Harbor

Upscale dining with creative regional dishes featuring local ingredients, open until 9 PM.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Acadia to Portland

Acadia National Park, ME to Portland, ME on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jeannie's Breakfast

Classic American breakfasts with great coffee, a local favorite in Bar Harbor.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Portland, ME

Approximate 3-hour coastal drive south, perfect for ocean views and photo stops.
0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Famous for fresh oysters and seafood in a trendy setting, open 11:30 AM - 9 PM.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Walk the Eastern Promenade Trail

Enjoy a scenic walking path with views of Casco Bay and islands, open dawn to dusk.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Portland Head Light

Iconic lighthouse with coastal trails and panoramic ocean views, open to park visitors all day, free admission.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Fore Street

Experience farm-to-table dining with local ingredients in an upscale rustic environment, open until 9 PM.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 8: Return to Orlando

Portland, ME to Orlando, FL on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Tandem Coffee + Bakery

Artisan coffee and fresh pastries to fuel the long drive home, opening at 7 AM.
USD12, 45m

7:45am

Begin return drive to Orlando

Estimated 21-hour long drive, plan to make appropriate stops roughly every 4-5 hours to rest and eat during the trip south.
0, 21h
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