“See-It-All” 3 Day Maine Itinerary

So you are coming to Maine and have three days to spend here. What do you do? What tops the list? While Maine offers a lot of things to do, most people will focus on the coastal areas, which are well-known and well-populated with plenty of things to do. This “See-It-All” 3 day Maine itinerary will help you plan an epic weekend get-way.

While some of these areas are definitely more touristy and crowded, they are still well worth the visit.

Below is a three-day itinerary, with a few extra adventures you can squeeze in or replace at the end.

Day 1: Portland, Maine Itinerary

Morning

• Start your day by exploring the historic town of Portland. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district and enjoy the quaint shops and art galleries. Grab a cup of coffee, and don’t forget to meander down the side streets that head towards the water. Many of them have small stores that are hidden gems, and many people miss them simply because they aren’t on the main drag.

Late Morning

• Visit Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth to see the iconic Portland Head Light. Take a walk along the rugged coastline and enjoy the stunning views. There is a large park around the lighthouse, so you can even take lunch with you for a picnic. It’s also a great place to fly a kite.

Lunch

• If you won’t be picnicking, head back to the Old Port area and grab a quick bite at a local café or food truck. Portland is well known for its restaurants. I’ll give you a few suggestions for those below as well.

Afternoon

• Head to Casco Bay and take a casual cruise to explore the islands and coastline. You can also try your hand at sea kayaking for a more adventurous experience.

Evening

• Relax at Higgins Beach in Scarborough. It’s a great place for a beach bonfire, stargazing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Pack a picnic dinner, or head back to Old Port for dinner at one of their many amazing restaurants.

Day 2: Acadia and Bar Harbor, Maine Itinerary

Next, if you leave early the next morning, you can make it up to Bar Harbor in three hours, and yes, it’s totally worth the drive.

Mid Morning

• Drive over to Acadia National Park. Hike the Precipice Trail for a thrilling climb with breathtaking views. Bring a picnic for lunch.

Lunch

• Have a picnic at Sand Beach within the park, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.

Afternoon

• Explore Thunder Hole, where waves crash dramatically against the rocks. It’s a natural spectacle worth witnessing.

Evening

• Head to Bar Harbor for some evening entertainment. You can catch a live performance at the Abbe Museum or stroll along the picturesque Shore Path. If you don’t arrive too late in the evening, you’ll still be able to peruse the shops before they close for the day.

Day 3: Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, Maine Itinerary

You’ll be coming back down to just below Portland now. This will allow you to get back to the airport more easily the next morning. So give yourself some time for the commute. It will be a 3 1/2 hour drive from Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport.

Late Morning

• Start your day in Kennebunkport, a picturesque coastal town. Enjoy breakfast or brunch at a local cafe like Mornings in Paris. Then, stroll through the lovely streets of Kennebunkport, filled with boutique shops and art galleries. Don’t forget to take a look at the iconic Walker’s Point (the summer residence of the Bush family).

Lunch

• Savor a delicious lunch at The Clam Shack, known for its classic Maine lobster rolls and clam chowder.

Mid Afternoon

• Drive south to Ogunquit, a charming seaside village. Spend your afternoon at Ogunquit Beach, known for its soft sand and scenic beauty. You can also explore the picturesque Marginal Way, a coastal path that offers breathtaking ocean views.

Evening

• Head back to Kennebunkport for dinner at The Ramp Bar & Grill, a waterfront restaurant offering seafood and stunning sunset views.

Extras Or Replacements

Here are some things you can do in addition to, or in place of, some of the things mentioned above.

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – See the legendary giant trolls in Boothbay Harbor.
• Belfast – A cute little day-trip town if you don’t want to drive all the way up to Bar Harbor.
• Camden – Another cute and fun town to enjoy for the day if Bar Harbor is too far.

Restaurant Recommendations

Portland

If you have a car, drive away from the tourist areas of Portland and head for Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. No, you won’t be doing any grocery shopping. Instead, you’ll be enjoying breakfast or lunch at Miss Portland’s Diner across the street. Their food is to die for, and the staff is incredibly welcoming.

Belfast

About halfway down the coast is a town called Belfast. If you don’t mind the detour, Delvino’s has some of the best Italian food for miles. Possibly even in the entire state.

Kennebunkport

Wander over to Allisson’s in downtown Kennebunkport for a delicious bowl of chowder.

Additional Reading

Coming to Maine to look around for a place to live? If you are thinking of retiring, here are the best places in Maine to retire.