8-Day Scenic Road Trip from Hartsville, SC to Maine's Coastal Gems with Acadia National Park Adventure

Day 1: Drive to Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Depart Hartsville, SC

Begin your journey with a drive north towards Harrisburg, PA, covering approximately 600 miles. Prepare for the road with snacks and playlists.
Free, 8h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Stay overnight at the charming Hilton Harrisburg or Hotel Indigo Harrisburg, both noted for comfort and excellent amenities.
USD150, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at The Millworks

Savor a farm-to-table experience featuring Pennsylvania produce and local seafood in a lively setting.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Drive to Portland

Portland, ME on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sleepy Hollow Diner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with classic American dishes before the day's drive.
USD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Portland, ME

Embark on a 7-hour scenic drive northeast to Portland, Maine through picturesque states like New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Free, 7h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at The Francis

Stay in this quaint boutique hotel located in the Old Port area, known for its historic charm and modern amenities.
USD180, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Relish fresh seafood and some of the best oysters in Portland in a cozy, contemporary setting.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Exploring Portland

Portland, ME on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Standard Baking Co.

Start your day with fresh pastries and artisanal coffee at this beloved bakery.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit LL Bean Flagship Store

Explore the famous LL Bean flagship store open 24/7, offering outdoor gear and unique souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at J's Oyster

Enjoy classic Maine lobster rolls and clam chowder in a casual, welcoming environment.
USD30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Scenic Drive to Cape Elizabeth and Portland Head Light

Drive 15 minutes south to visit the iconic Portland Head Light lighthouse and nearby coastal trails.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Old Port

Stroll through Portland’s historic district with quaint shops, galleries, and waterfront views.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fore Street

Dine on locally sourced seafood and seasonal fare in a rustic yet refined atmosphere.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 4: Portland to Camden

Camden, ME on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Becky’s Diner

Grab a classic hearty breakfast featuring Maine specialties to fuel your day.
USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Camden

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Maine coast to the charming town of Camden.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Hike Camden Hills State Park

Take the scenic trail up to Mount Battie for panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay; park open dawn to dusk.
USD4, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Long Grain

Savor modern Asian-inspired dishes with fresh seafood in a sleek setting downtown Camden.
USD40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Camden Harbor and Local Shops

Stroll the harbor, visit local artisan shops, and soak in the seaside atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Lord Camden Inn

Rest in this cozy waterfront inn known for excellent hospitality and charming rooms.
USD150, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Tobias Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience with fresh local seafood and New England classics.
USD55, 1h30m
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Day 5: Camden to Bar Harbor / Acadia

Bar Harbor, ME on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Boynton-McKay Food Co.

Grab fresh baked goods and local coffee before your drive to Bar Harbor.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Bar Harbor

Enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic coastal drive to Bar Harbor, gateway to Acadia National Park.
Free, 1h30m

9:30am

Acadia National Park Visit

Explore iconic spots such as Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain summit (early to catch views), and carriage roads; park open 24 hours but visitor center 8am-5pm.
USD35 (vehicle pass), 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Jordan Pond House

Famous for its popovers and tea with scenic views of the Bubbles mountains.
USD35, 1h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Bar Harbor Inn

Stay at this waterfront hotel offering beautiful views and convenient access to downtown Bar Harbor.
USD220, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Stewman's Lobster Pound

Experience a classic Maine lobster boil and lobster roll in a rustic waterfront setting.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Bar Harbor & Acadia

Bar Harbor, ME on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at 2 Cats

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh Maine ingredients in a cozy cafe.
USD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Scenic Drive Park Loop Road

Drive the 27-mile loop for spectacular coastal views, sand beaches (Sand Beach), and stops at Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.
Incl. park pass, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Havana Bar & Grill

A favorite for seafood dishes and waterfront dining in Bar Harbor town center.
USD45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Bar Harbor Shore Path

Walk the peaceful shore path for beautiful views of Frenchman Bay.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café This Way

Enjoy an eclectic menu with fresh sustainable seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport, ME on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast

Start with a hearty breakfast in Bar Harbor before heading to Kennebunkport.
USD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kennebunkport

Enjoy a 2.5-hour coastal drive south to Kennebunkport, a picturesque seaside town.
Free, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Goose Rocks Beach and Kennebunkport Lighthouses

Relax at the sandy Goose Rocks Beach and visit local lighthouses such as Cape Porpoise Light.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Clam Shack

Famous for classic lobster rolls and fried clams in a casual setting near the waterfront.
USD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at Captain Lord Mansion

Stay at this historic, charming inn with beautiful gardens and a welcoming ambiance.
USD200, Overnight

5:30pm

Explore Dock Square

Spend the evening browsing boutique shops, galleries, and waterfront views in Kennebunkport’s town center.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Earth at Hidden Pond

Enjoy upscale farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients.
USD65, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure and Southern Drive

Kennebunkport, ME to SC on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mornings in Paris

Grab a quick and delicious breakfast pastry and coffee before the journey south.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Begin Drive South

Depart Kennebunkport for the long road home, planning for a comfortable overnight stop halfway in Virginia or nearby.
Free, 7h0m

4:00pm

Overnight Stop

Book a restful night stay at a hotel like Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville, VA to break up the trip.
USD130, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Virginia Restaurant

Try regional southern cuisine with some light seafood options.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Final Drive Home

Charlottesville, VA to Hartsville, SC on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast at the hotel before the final leg of the trip.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Hartsville, SC

Complete your road trip with a 6-7 hour drive south, arriving home refreshed with wonderful memories of New England.
Free, 7h0m
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