Scenic 5-Day Road Trip from Hartsville, SC to Bar Harbor, ME via U.S. Route 1

Day 1: Southern Charm Start

Hartsville, SC to Richmond, VA on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at City Smokehouse BBQ

Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast with smoked meats and classic sides to fuel up for the day’s drive.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Depart Hartsville

Begin the road trip heading north on U.S. Route 1, passing through scenic towns in North Carolina.
USD0, 6h0m

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Rocky Mount, NC at Dos Amigos

Taste fresh Mexican dishes for a flavorful lunch break along the route.
USD12, 1h

3:00pm

Rest and quick coffee break at Amber Coffee Co., Emporia, VA

Take a short break to enjoy a locally brewed coffee and stretch your legs.
USD5, 30m

5:00pm

Arrive in Richmond, VA

Check into hotel and relax before dinner.
USD0, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at The Roosevelt

Dine on Southern-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy historic setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mid-Atlantic Exploration

Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Perly's

Enjoy a Jewish deli style breakfast with a modern twist in Richmond's historic district.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Depart Richmond northbound on U.S. Route 1

Continue the journey passing through Washington, D.C. suburbs heading toward Pennsylvania.
USD0, 5h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Federal Donuts, Philadelphia, PA

Grab iconic Philly fried chicken and fresh donuts for a quick and delicious lunch.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Philadelphia Historic District

Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, key symbols of American history, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD0, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to hotel near Center City Philadelphia

Check in and rest before evening activities.
USD0, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Zahav

Indulge in modern Israeli cuisine with vibrant flavors and excellent wine selection.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: New England Arrival

Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sabrina's Cafe

Start the day with hearty breakfast options including stuffed French toast and omelets.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive north on U.S. Route 1 through New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut

Enjoy varied landscapes as you progress into New England, making brief stops to stretch.
USD0, 7h

12:00pm

Quick lunch at a roadside diner in Mystic, CT

Quickly refuel with classic diner fare in this charming maritime town.
USD15, 45m

3:00pm

Arrive in Portland, ME

Check into your hotel and relax before dinner by the waterfront.
USD0, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Savor fresh seafood and award-winning oysters in a stylish setting, open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Coastal Maine Experience

Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Enjoy unique Maine potato donuts made fresh daily to start your coastal adventure.
USD10, 45m

8:30am

Drive along U.S. Route 1 north to Bar Harbor

Take a scenic drive through coastal towns with opportunities to admire the Atlantic Ocean views, approximately 3.5 hours drive.
USD0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Ellsworth, ME at R.O. Coffee

Indulge in light sandwiches and great coffee in a friendly town known as the gateway to Bar Harbor.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Arrive and check-in at Bar Harbor

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for afternoon activities.
USD0, N/A

2:00pm

Explore Acadia National Park

Start with Jordan Pond House for a stroll and famous popovers, the park is open year-round and offers stunning coastal scenery and hiking trails.
USD30, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Havana

Enjoy upscale Latin-inspired dishes with fresh seafood right in downtown Bar Harbor, open until 9:30pm.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Bar Harbor Highlights

Bar Harbor, ME on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant

Relax with a popular breakfast spot offering plentiful portions and ocean views.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Morning Whale Watching Tour

Depart from Bar Harbor harbor for a 3-hour guided whale watching adventure to see humpbacks and puffins (tours available from 9am to noon).
USD60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Side Street Cafe

Enjoy casual dining with a focus on local seafood and comfort food favorites.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Bar Harbor Shore Path

Take leisurely walk along the scenic shoreline path with stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Downtown Bar Harbor

Shop at local boutiques, art galleries, and grab a coffee at Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast, open all day.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Galyn's

Cap off the trip with a refined dining experience showcasing lobster and local fare in a cozy atmosphere.
USD50, 1h30m
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