Come along as we explore the quiet side of Acadia National Park all the way to the easternmost point of the US!
This road trip from Bar Harbor Maine to Lubec Maine will be one of your favorite vacations!
This is personally my favorite part of Maine.
Ben and I often talk about moving here in retirement because we love how serene it feels. When I visit I often wonder if this is what all of Maine was like years ago. Quiet. Simple. Surrounded by nature.
This road trip will take you through multiple state parks, charming towns, and along a series of coastal hikes.
How long does a road trip from Bar Harbor to Lubec Maine take?
Technically it only takes a few hours to get from Bar Harbor to Lubec but give yourself 3 days to complete this road trip.
Let’s go over our recommended stops along this road trip!
Our Favorite Things to do in Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
Since you’ll be starting this road trip from Bar Harbor, we have to include the best things to do while you’re there!
Here’s a few of our favorites:
- Walk around downtown Bar Harbor
- Enjoy the views along the Bar Harbor Shore Path
- Try whale watching!
- Go camping!
- Explore the small towns of Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor
- Explore Acadia National Park – of course!
Stop #1: Lamoine State Park & Lamoine Beach
Spend 1-3 hours exploring.
After leaving Bar Harbor, this is the closest state park to Acadia National Park (about 40 minutes away) but with less crowds. This is a great area if you want to launch a kayak or boat on the coast as it has its own boat launch.
Lamoine state park offer camping for both tent sites and RV sites but there are no hook-ups available.
While Lamoine State Park is okay, Lamoine Beach is a hidden gem. The beach is smaller but is a great escape from the crowds of Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Stop #2: Gouldsboro and Winter Harbor
Spend 1-2 hours driving through the area and stop for lunch. Or decide to spend the night here.
This area is relatively dead in the winter, which is when we visited back in 2020. It was FREEZING so perhaps visit any season other than winter. We spent the day ice fishing on Jones Pond and driving around Winter Harbor. We even dared to walk along the rocky coast before the wind persuaded us to bundle back into the warm car.
You have to stop at The Pickled Winkle for their take on a ham and pineapple pizza, the Banzai Pipeline pizza – delicious!
Stop #3: Millbridge, ME
Stop here for an overnight if needed.
If you’re looking for another option to spend the night from Bar Harbor to Lubec, I highly recommend the unassuming motel called The Red Barn Motel. This place is a hidden gem! For one, when you think of motels in Maine, you usually imagine worn down, off the highway options. But not this place!
Walk along the community garden and relax in the adirondack chairs as you watch the sunset on the Narraguagus River.
It’s not the nicest place but it’s a great value and a perfect option for passing through. You can even walk to a few nearby restaurants or stop at the grocery store near by and pack your own picnic for a sunset dinner.
Stop #4: Roque Bluffs State Park
Spend 1-3 hours exploring.
Although I haven’t been to this state park yet, it is high on my list! Visitor’s love having options to swim in both a pond and the Atlantic ocean (although it may be freezing!), and there’s also a ton of hiking. You may even get to see a bald eagle!
Stop #5: Cutler Bold Coast Trail
Plan to spend most of the day hiking this trail.
This is a bucket list hike for visitors and locals. Featuring breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean and a trail that is relatively easy for all skill levels. It is a 9 mile loop though so if you weren’t feeling quite up for completing the whole thing you could turn back at any time.
When we went with my husband’s family in early spring, I’ll group split off. One continued and finished the loop having to traverse a swampy wet section, and one turned back at the half way mark to repeat the coastal section. I would much prefer to look at the gorgeous views one more time.
Featuring 5 first come, first serve campsites, this is a backpackers dream spot!
When we went there were a few groups of people all heading to the campsites so get there early if you want a spot!
Stop #7: Cobscook Shores Trails
Plan to spend the morning or afternoon exploring this area.
This was my favorite memory from our trip to Lubec.
The Cobscook Shores Trails feature multiple stops including hikes, coves, beaches, and parks.
Check out their amazing website here featuring every stop in detail. www.cobscookshores.org
For directions on how to get to the Cobscook Shores trails, type 65 North Lubec Road, Lubec, ME into your GPS.
From there you should see ample signage for stop. I recommend not planning too much and letting the spontaneity of the day take you around the area.
For a full resource on all of the trails available in the Cobscook Bay area, including Quoddy Head State Park, Shackford State Park, and more on the Cutler Coast Hike you’ll want to check out this amazing resource Trail Map & Guide (cobscooktrails.org) .
Stop #8: Lubec, Maine
Spend 1-3 days exploring and relaxing before heading back to the airport.
You made it to Lubec!
Of all of your stops from Bar Harbor to Lubec, Maine, the beauty and friendly town of Lubec itself is my favorite.
Although this is a small town, you’ll feel at home instantly. If you get a chance to visit their farmer’s market you’ll be treated to homemade treats, jewelry, local artists, and organic
Lubec Farmer’s Market – located on Water Street, Saturday 10am-12pm, May-Oct
(A sweet moment…When we visited the Lubec Farmer’s market this year, my husband quietly bought me a pair of earrings from a local jewelry maker while I was talking to another artist. When we got back in our truck he said, “I bought you something!” I was totally surprised because I somehow missed the whole interaction he had. To this day, I always think of Lubec and my sweet husband when I wear those earrings).
If you are RVing Bar Harbor to Lubec, I highly recommend you stay at Sunset Point RV Park! This park has amazing views and it’s own boat launch. We even got a visit from a seal on a sea kayaking trip. It got so close to our kayaks that we got a bit scared but once we got over the shock we realized how cool the experience was!
If you need to head back to the airport, Lubec is 4 hours from Portland and 2.5 hours from Bangor.
Bonus stops: Give yourself another 1-2 days to complete the stops below.
Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Shackford State Park in Eastport and Roosevelt Campobello International Park in New Brunswick, Canada.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love this road trip from Bar Harbor to Lubec, Maine. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of all of the natural beauty and charming small towns Maine has to offer!
