Your Ultimate Guide to Maine: Portland & Bar Harbor
I’ve been on several road trips around the United States…
… and I do mean several.
I’ve driven up and down the East Coast from Maryland to Florida at least half a dozen times, all over California, and across the country…
… twice.
However, driving through New England smack in the middle of fall, has got to be one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken in the U.S.
Exploring near Lake Sebago in Maine; October 2016
One of the many places we hit was Maine.
Maine is…
Driving Towards Sebago Lake in Maine; October 2016
… just…
… stunning, if you’re able to see it during peak foliage season.
Acadia National Park in Maine in October 2016
When is the Prettiest Time of Year to Visit Maine?
Popular places in Maine like Bar Harbor and Portland are packed with tourists in the summer for good reason, I argue that autumn is the best time of year to visit Maine – as tourist season will die down, temperatures will be cooler and more comfortable, and you’ll be able to explore to vivacious colors of Maine more freely.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Maine?
In order to do places like Bar Harbor and Portland justice, you should consider staying 3 to 4 days and nights – which will allow you to enjoy all of the parks, scenery, and seafood both cities in Maine have to offer.
Wondering where to go and what to do on a trip to Maine?
Here’s what my dad and I did in Maine:
Things to See and Do in Maine: Portland & Bar Harbor
1. Visit Portland
Portland is a small, funky downtown – and it’s very walkable.
Walking the streets of Portland; October 2016
We walked down to Fort Allen for a quintessential stroll filled with fall foliage.
Walking through the park nearby Fort Allen in Portland with fiery red trees; October 2016
Fort Allen in Portland, Maine; October 2016
2. Discover the Bakeries In Portland
Portland has a handful of off-beat bakeries to check out, the most popular one being, ‘The Holy Donut’ – where they make donuts out of potatoes.
While that one was closed when I was there, I did go to Two Fat Cats…
Outside Two Fat Cats in Portland; October 2016
… and had a very good latte and cookie.
At Two Fat Cats in Portland; October 2016
3. Sebago Lake
When we were leaving Portland on our way to Bar Harbor, the front desk told us to drive by a lake…
Lake Sebago, Maine; October 2016
… Sebago Lake.
We had never even heard of it, but boy…
Walking through the picnic areas near Sebago Lake; October 2016
… am I sure glad that we eventually did.
Sebago Lake in Maine; October 2016
Where is the Best Secret Spot to Take Pictures of the Fall Foliage in Maine?
If you want to take some stunning photos of the fall foliage in Maine, without a doubt – you need to put Lake Sebago on your list for your road trip in Maine.
This is a true hidden gem. When in Maine, especially in the fall – you need to stop here.
4. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park was the highlight of our time in Maine, and probably one of the most (if not, the most) gorgeous national parks I have ever been to.
The views of the fall foliage at Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine; October 2016
What Should I Do at Acadia National Park?
Be sure to take the path to Jordan’s Pond…
Sign towards Jordan Pond at Acadia National Park; October 2016
so you get the chance to run into this…
Jordan’s Pond in Acadia National Park in October 2016
… it’s an all-around stunning park for out-of-this-world scenery.
Acadia National Park; October 2016
Truly, the perfect place for pictures of the striking fall foliage.
Absolutely unreal, right?!
5. Explore Bar Harbor
Like Portland, Bar Harbor is small – but this is the place to try a lobster roll.
Trying a lobster roll in downtown Bar Harbor; October 2016
They also have tons of little ice cream shops to check out!
Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?
Yes, without a doubt – Bar Harbor is one of New England’s hidden gems and is worth visiting. Acadia National Park is incredibly underrated, and the little shops and award winning restaurants downtown means there is something for everyone in Bar Harbor – making it the perfect place for a family vacation.
What Can I Do in Bar Harbor?
Besides visiting Acadia National Park, in Bar Harbor you can:
Explore downtown Bar Harbor shopping
Visit the Thunder Hole for scenic views
Learn about the culture of the native Wabanaki people at the Abbe Museum
Discover the Bar Harbor Whale Museum
Enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and jet skiing
Want to see more of our trip to Bar Harbor and Portland in Maine in action? Check out my travel vlog below!
If you’re looking for other things to do in New England, click here.
Last updated: June 13, 2025