6-Day Scenic Road Trip from Hartsville, SC to Bar Harbor, ME with Extended Maine Exploration

Day 1: Travel and Rest

Hartsville, SC to Washington, DC, USA on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Big Orange

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at Big Orange in Hartsville, known for their fresh, made-from-scratch meals with Southern flavors.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Washington, DC

Begin the roughly 7-hour drive from Hartsville to the Washington, DC area, with planned stops for refreshments and stretching every 2-3 hours.
USD40 Fuel, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Washington, DC

Rest for the evening at a centrally located hotel to prepare for sightseeing the next day.
USD150, 8h

7:00pm

Dinner at Founding Farmers DC

Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine at Founding Farmers, a popular sustainable eatery open until 10 pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Washington DC Sightseeing

Washington, DC, USA on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start with organic breads and pastries at Le Pain Quotidien, opens at 7:00 am for a light, fresh breakfast.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit National Mall

Explore iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian Museums (open 10 am-5:30 pm).
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab a quick and tasty burger and shakes at the popular Shake Shack near the Mall.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the U.S. Capitol & Library of Congress

Tour the historic Capitol building and see the stunning Library of Congress (tours start on the hour, 9 am-4 pm).
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee break at Compass Coffee

Refuel with coffee and light snacks at Compass Coffee before evening plans.
USD10, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zaytinya

Savor Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails at Zaytinya, open until 10 pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Travel to Maine

Washington, DC to Bar Harbor, ME, USA on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Grab a convenient breakfast at your hotel before a full day of driving to Maine.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive from Washington, DC to Bar Harbor, ME

Long drive approx. 9 hours with stops; plan to arrive by late afternoon in Bar Harbor.
USD60 Fuel, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in at Bar Harbor hotel

Rest and freshen up at your lodging in Bar Harbor to prepare for sightseeing.
USD180, overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe This Way

Enjoy eclectic American bistro-style dishes with fresh local seafood, open until 9 pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 4: Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, ME, USA on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast

Highly rated local breakfast spot specializing in pancakes and lobster eggs Benedict, opens at 7 am.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Explore Acadia National Park

Spend the day hiking trails such as Jordan Pond Path and Cadillac Mountain for stunning views. Park open dawn to dusk.
USD30 Vehicle Pass, 6h

3:30pm

Relax at Sand Beach

Take a rest at this popular beach within Acadia with scenic ocean views.
Free with Park Pass, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Bar Harbor

Head back to town for dinner and relaxation.
Included, 0.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Stewman's Lobster Pound

Experience fresh lobster in a classic Maine lobster shack atmosphere, open until 9 pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 5: Bar Harbor & Nearby Villages

Bar Harbor & Mount Desert Island, ME, USA on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Enjoy a locally loved breakfast with homemade pastries and creative coffee drinks, opens at 7:30 am.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Visit Village of Northeast Harbor

Short drive to this charming village known for art galleries and quiet harbor views.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Watershed Kitchen & Bar

Seasonal farm-to-table dining with emphasis on regional ingredients, open noon to 3 pm.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Drive the Loop Road in Acadia Park

Scenic 27-mile drive featuring fantastic stops like Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole.
Included with Park Pass, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Bar Harbor

Rest and prepare for dinner in town.
Included, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Havana Bar & Grill

Treat yourself to Cuban-inspired cuisine with a Maine twist, lively atmosphere open until 10 pm.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 6: Leisure & Departure Prep

Bar Harbor, ME, USA on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jordan Pond House

Famous for popovers and tea with scenic ponds views, opens at 8 am in Acadia Park.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Final stroll in Bar Harbor

Leisurely walk along Shore Path offering coastal views and quaint shops.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Geddy's

Casual seafood and pub fare with outdoor seating, perfect last meal before heading back.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Pack and check out

Prepare for return journey or onward travel.
Included, 1h
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