8 Iconic Coastal Drives In Maine That Will Take Your Breath Away
Maine’s rugged coastline stretches for miles, offering some of the most stunning ocean views you’ll ever see.
Driving along these scenic routes feels like stepping into a postcard, with crashing waves, charming lighthouses, and quaint fishing villages around every bend.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets or searching for the perfect lobster roll, these coastal drives deliver unforgettable memories.
Get ready to roll down your windows and breathe in that salty sea air!
1. Acadia National Park Park Loop Road
Rolling through Acadia feels like driving through nature’s masterpiece.
The 27-mile loop wraps around mountains, forests, and coastline, giving you front-row seats to some of the most dramatic scenery on the East Coast.
Stop at Thunder Hole to hear the waves roar, or pull over at Jordan Pond for mirror-like reflections of the peaks.
Every turn reveals something new—whether it’s a hidden beach or a panoramic overlook that makes you want to stay forever.
2. Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Far less crowded than its famous neighbor, this 29-mile byway takes you through the quieter side of Acadia.
You’ll wind past working harbors where lobster boats bob in the water and fishermen mend their traps on weathered docks.
The Schoodic Point section is absolutely wild—waves crash against pink granite slabs with incredible force. Bring a picnic and settle in at one of the pullouts.
The solitude here is pure magic, especially during golden hour when the light paints everything amber.
3. Bold Coast Scenic Byway
Way up in Down East Maine, this 125-mile stretch feels like the edge of the world.
The coastline here is raw and untamed, with jagged cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic.
You’ll pass through tiny villages where time seems to move slower and everyone waves from their porch.
Stop at Quoddy Head State Park to see the candy-striped lighthouse and walk trails that hug the cliffs.
Pack layers—the wind can be fierce, but the views are worth every gust.
4. U.S. Route 1 Coastal Drive
This legendary highway runs the entire Maine coast, connecting every charming town and hidden cove along the way.
It’s not the fastest route, but who cares when there’s a lobster shack around every corner?
You’ll cruise past antique shops, art galleries, and roadside stands selling fresh blueberries.
Camden, Rockland, and Belfast are perfect stops for stretching your legs and exploring downtown.
The drive can take hours or days, depending on how many detours you take—and trust me, you’ll want to take them all.
5. Kennebunkport Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue winds through one of Maine’s most elegant coastal towns, where mansions overlook the sea and sailboats glide across the harbor.
This isn’t a long drive, but it’s absolutely gorgeous from start to finish.
You’ll pass Walker’s Point, the famous Bush family compound, and Spouting Rock where waves shoot up through the rocks.
Park near Dock Square and wander through boutiques and galleries.
Summer brings crowds, but the scenery stays stunning year-round, especially when fall colors frame the coastline.
6. Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse Loop
Just south of Portland, this loop takes you to Maine’s most photographed lighthouse.
Portland Head Light stands proud against the rocks, and the views from Fort Williams Park are absolutely stunning.
Two Lights State Park nearby offers more coastal drama with trails along the bluffs.
Grab a lobster roll at the Lobster Shack and eat it at a picnic table overlooking the water.
The whole loop takes about an hour, but you’ll want to linger—the sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.
7. Harpswell Islands Drive (Route 24)
Route 24 takes you island-hopping without ever leaving your car.
Bridges connect these quiet islands where fishing boats outnumber tourists and seals sun themselves on the rocks.
The road ends at Land’s End, where you can park and walk down to the water’s edge.
Bailey Island’s cribstone bridge is an engineering marvel made entirely of granite blocks stacked without mortar.
Stop at Cook’s Lobster & Ale House for a waterfront meal.
This drive feels like a secret, even though it’s been here all along.
8. Pemaquid Peninsula Drive
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse sits atop some of the most dramatic rock formations on the entire coast.
The layered stone looks like ancient pages of earth’s history, and waves crash against them with mesmerizing rhythm.
The peninsula drive takes you through sleepy villages like New Harbor and Round Pond, where fishing is still a way of life.
Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site offers a glimpse into Maine’s early settlement days.
Bring your camera—the striped lighthouse against those rocks is one of those views that never gets old, no matter how many times you see it.