Extended 5-Day Maine Exploration with Relaxed Return Drive to South Carolina

Day 1: Arrival & Portland Stroll

Portland, Maine, USA on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Becky’s Diner

Welcome to Maine with homestyle breakfast classics in a friendly local diner, open daily starting 6am.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Eastern Promenade

Take a morning walk along Portland's scenic waterfront park for coastal views and local vibe.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Portland Museum of Art

View impressive collections of American and Maine artists; open 10am–5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Duckfat

Try their famous hand-cut fries and gourmet sandwiches in casual setting; open 11:30am–9pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Port

Wander cobblestone streets with unique shops, street art, and harbor views.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Coffee break at Bard Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee with a local ambiance before resting up.
USD5, 0h30m

5:00pm

Relax at East End Beach

Unwind with a sunset stroll at this city beach.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Street & Co.

Treat yourself to fresh seafood with Mediterranean influences, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café This Way

Hearty breakfast with local favorites to start your adventure; open 7am–2pm.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Portland to Bar Harbor

Travel approximately 3h30m northeast (160 miles).
Fuel variable, 3h30m

11:30am

Explore Jordan Pond and Bubble Mountains

Enjoy easy hikes and stunning views in Acadia Park; park open all day, entrance fee applies.
USD30, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Jordan Pond House

Popular spot for their signature popovers and tea overlooking Jordan Pond; open 11am–5pm.
USD20, 1h

4:00pm

Cadillac Mountain Summit

Late afternoon visit to the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, perfect for panoramic photographs.
Included in park pass, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound

Casual waterside dining with fresh lobster and seafood, open until 8pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bar Harbor & Kayaking

Bar Harbor, Maine, USA on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant

Known for creative, fresh breakfast dishes; open from 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Sea Kayaking Tour on Frenchman Bay

A 3-4 hour guided kayak experience highlighting coastal ecosystems and wildlife; booking recommended.
USD65, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Side Street Café

Popular for casual lobster and sandwich fare; open 11am onwards.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Abbe Museum

Explore the history and culture of Maine's Wabanaki people; open 10am–5pm.
USD12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Sand Beach

Enjoy quiet beach time before sunset; open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Havana

Latin-inspired cuisine and lively atmosphere, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Mid-Coast Maine

Camden & Rockland, Maine, USA on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Two Cats Restaurant - Camden

Freshly prepared dishes in welcoming setting; opens at 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Camden Hills State Park

Hike to Mount Battie for breathtaking vistas of Camden Harbor and beyond; park open 7am–10pm.
USD4 parking fee, 2h

11:00am

Explore Camden Town

Visit local shops, art galleries, and stroll harbor-side docks.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fresh & Co.

Casual, fresh Maine cuisine focusing on local seafood and produce; open 11:30am onwards.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Farnsworth Art Museum - Rockland

Explore renowned works of American and Maine artists including Wyeth family; open 10am–5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Scenic walk along the iconic breakwater with historic lighthouse views and harbor scenes.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Camden

Check into lodging or enjoy an early evening at leisure in charming Camden.
Varies, Rest of evening

6:30pm

Dinner at Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn

Elegant dining with panoramic harbor views emphasizing regional flavors; opens 5pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax & Light Exploration

Camden, Maine, USA on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Boynton-McKay Food Co.

Freshly baked pastries and gourmet coffee at this popular Camden bakery; opens at 7am.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Sail or Cruise on Penobscot Bay

Take a 2-hour schooner sail or narrated cruise to experience Maine's coastline from the water; bookings required.
USD50, 2h

11:30am

Visit Camden Public Library & Park

Relax with a stroll around the beautifully kept park and visit charming local library.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Long Grain

Asian-inspired dishes featuring fresh local ingredients; open 11:30am–2:30pm.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Belfast, Maine

Short 30-minute drive to explore this charming coastal town known for arts and food.
Free, 0h30m

3:00pm

Explore Belfast Waterfront & Downtown

Discover galleries, local shops and waterfront parks in this quaint town.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Early Dinner at The Good Table

Enjoy refined farm-to-table cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere; open until 7pm.
USD40, 1h30m

7:00pm

Return to Camden

Unwind and prepare for departure the next day.
Free, Evening
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Day 6: Final Maine Day & Departure Prep

Camden, Maine, USA on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shepherd’s Pie

Cozy spot offering hearty breakfast and coffee; opens at 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive and Explore Owls Head Lighthouse

Short 20-minute drive to this picturesque lighthouse with walking paths; free entry, open daytime.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Owls Head Transportation Museum

Discover a remarkable collection of vintage cars, planes, and steam engines; open 10am–4pm.
USD15, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Phillips Dining Room

Enjoy refined local seafood and seasonal dishes in scenic Owls Head; open 12pm–8pm.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Camden for final stroll & packing

Leisurely afternoon for packing and relaxing before the drive south begins.
Free, Rest of day

6:30pm

Dinner at Primo Restaurant

Celebrate your Maine trip with upscale dining emphasizing local farms and sea; open until 9pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Depart Maine - Day 1 Drive

Portland, Maine to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a quick breakfast in Camden or Portland before departure.
USD10, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive from Camden/Portland to Harrisburg, PA

Long driving day of approx. 550 miles taking roughly 9 hours with short breaks.
Fuel cost variable, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in at Hilton Garden Inn Harrisburg

Rest overnight after a long day on the road.
Varies, overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at The Millworks

Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine with local craft beer in Harrisburg; open until 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Drive Back to South Carolina

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Hartsville, South Carolina, USA on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Get an early meal before embarking on final drive home.
Included or approx. USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Harrisburg to Hartsville

Approximate 8-9 hour drive covering 550 miles with breaks to rest and eat.
Fuel cost variable, 9h

5:30pm

Arrive home

Conclude your memorable road trip from Maine back to South Carolina.
Free, End of trip
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