5-Day Ultimate Maine Adventure: From Hartsville to Portland and the Maine Coast

Day 0: Long Drive Stopover

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA on August 29, 2025

8:00pm

Check-in at Hilton Garden Inn Harrisburg

Arrive in Harrisburg after your drive from Hartsville, SC, and check into a Hilton Garden Inn to rest comfortably and prepare for the next day's journey.
Varies, overnight
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Day 1: Drive to Portland

Portland, Maine, USA on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn

Enjoy a convenient and hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out on the drive to Portland, Maine.
Included with stay or approx. USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Harrisburg to Portland

Travel northeast approximately 550 miles to Portland, ME. Plan for stops along the way for fuel and meals, estimated drive time 8.5–9 hours.
Fuel cost variable, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in at Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Arrive and check into a Hilton brand hotel conveniently located in downtown Portland with waterfront views and easy access to local attractions.
Varies, overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at DiMillo's on the Water

Enjoy fresh seafood at this iconic Portland floating restaurant, located just minutes from your hotel and open until 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Portland

Portland, Maine, USA on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Kick off your Maine food journey with locally made potato donuts at this beloved Portland spot; open daily from 7am.
USD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Portland Head Light

Visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of Casco Bay in Fort Williams Park; park open 6am–10pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Old Port Waterfront Walk

Explore historic streets filled with shops, galleries, and cafes along the waterfront area in Portland.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Enjoy fresh oysters and classic New England lobster rolls from 11:30am in this popular seafood restaurant.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Portland Museum of Art

Visit collections of American and Maine artists in a scenic downtown location; open 10am–5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Freeport Shopping

Shop at L.L. Bean flagship store and Factory Outlets, open until 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fore Street

Indulge in farm-to-table cuisine emphasizing local seafood and produce; open 5pm–10pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA on September 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café This Way

Fuel up with hearty breakfast and local coffee before heading out; open 7am–2pm.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Portland to Bar Harbor

Travel approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (160 miles) northeast to Bar Harbor near Acadia National Park.
Fuel cost variable, 3h30m

11:30am

Port Loop Road Scenic Drive, Acadia National Park

Explore iconic sights like Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff along this 27-mile loop; park open 24h.
USD30 park pass, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Jordan Pond House

Try their famous popovers and enjoy the peaceful pond views; open 11am–5pm.
USD20, 1h

4:00pm

Cadillac Mountain Summit

Drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of Mount Desert Island; access dawn to dusk.
Included in park pass, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound

Casual dining with fresh lobster and seafood on the waterfront; open until 8pm in summer months.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Outdoor Activities & Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at 2 Cats

Creative breakfast dishes highlighting local ingredients; open from 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Guided Sea Kayaking, Frenchman Bay

Spend 3–4 hours paddling scenic waters with wildlife sightings and island views; rentals and tours depart from Bar Harbor.
USD65, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Side Street Café

Casual and popular spot for sandwiches and seafood; open from 11am.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Abbe Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Maine’s Native peoples; open 10am–5pm.
USD12, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Sand Beach

Relax with a sunset stroll at this scenic beach inside Acadia; accessible 24 hours.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Havana

Enjoy Latin-inspired cuisine with fresh seafood in Bar Harbor’s vibrant scene; open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Mid-Coast Maine

Camden & Rockland, Maine, USA on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Two Cats Restaurant - Camden

A charming spot offering fresh breakfasts to start your day; open 7am onward.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Camden Hills State Park

Hike or drive to Mount Battie for panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay; park open 7am–10pm.
USD4 parking fee, 2h

11:00am

Explore Camden Downtown

Stroll the quaint streets, visit galleries and shops, and enjoy harbor views.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fresh & Co.

Casual dining focused on local produce and seafood; open from 11:30am.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Rockland and Farnsworth Art Museum

Discover Maine art treasures, including Wyeth masterpieces; museum open 10am–5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Enjoy a scenic walk along the breakwater to the historic lighthouse offering great harbor views.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Primo Restaurant - Rockland

Enjoy an upscale finale meal featuring farm-to-table Maine coastal cuisine; open until 9pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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