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Best Road Trip Ever: DC to Maine
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items We'll never forget our Summer 2021 roadtrip from D.C. to Maine. Here's the route we took: DC → Newport, RI (1 night) → Portland, ME (1 night) → Acadia National Park (3 nights) → Salem, MA (1 night) → New Haven, CT (1 night) → D.C.
Map
Sections
7
Washington, DC
Newport, Rhode Island
Portland, Maine
Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park
Salem, Massachusetts
Washington, DC
DC is a great starting point for an east coast road trip. Multiple airports to fly into and TONS of great food options. Spend a day or two in DC before you start the trek north!
The National Mall is an excellent, free, attraction. Get your steps in or rent a bike and explore!
The National Mall
Can't agree on what to eat? Stop by Union Market so no one has to compromise! This upscale food hall has great bites and the vibiest of vibes.
Union Market
Stay at this historic inn that opened in 1922. Don't miss brunch.
The Tabard Inn
Get your fill of Tex-Mex from this cute neighborhood spot.
Republic Cantina
Visit the world's ONLY major art museum solely dedicated to championing women artists.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Eat delicious pasta at this cozy Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The Red Hen
Newport, Rhode Island
Home of Taylor Swift, Newport Rhode Island exudes luxury. On this road trip, you're on your way to the wilderness, so spend a posh night or two in Newport.
Centrally located and oh-so-cute.
Pelham Court Hotel
The oldest tavern in the U.S. The building dates back to 1673! Plus, the food is delicious.
White Horse Tavern - Newport, Rhode Island
Want to glimpse a piece of gilded history? Check out The Breakers - the SUMMER “cottage” of the Vanderbilt family. You will be in awe. Or it will reinforce your desire to eat the rich.
The Breakers
Why not just see allllll the mansions that Newport has to offer?
Newport Mansions
Get a feel for New England flavors and design at Bannister's Wharf. It's a great way to spend an evening and the views of the marina at sunset are gorgeous.
Bannister's Wharf
The sound of the waves crashing aginst the cliffs is magnetic - you're drawn to it. Something about the wind and the waves makes you feel powerful.
The Rocky Shores of Newport
Portland, Maine
Portland Maine is everything we wanted it to be and more. So charming. And very dog friendly!
Boutique hotel in Portland, ME where you can tell the owners put time and care into your stay.
The Inn at Saint John
You can't go to Portland, ME and not go here. Stunning views.
Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park
Great local brewery
Maine Craft Distilling
Eat a delicious lobster roll while enjoying the views at Cape Elizabeth.
Bite into Maine
Rich and decadent, these donuts will have your mouth watering. And the line is worth it. Gluten free options, too!!
The Holy Donut
Enjoy pizza, beer, and dessert (gluten free options all around), at this Portland spot right on the water.
Flatbread Company
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is the town right outside the national park. So if you're not staying in Acadia, Bar Harbor is your home base! The food is good, the people are friendly, and almost everything is in walking distance.
Stunning waterfront inn near Acadia National Park.
Moorings Inn
Schitt's Creek in real life - this family-owned and operated motel is adorable.
Gallagher's Travels Motel and Cottages
You can't go to Maine and not get lobster. In fact, it may actually be against the law. (We jest, but not really). Stop by this local cafe to get some of the best, fresh from the sea. Oh, and they had gluten free lobster mac & cheese. You're welc...
Side Street Cafe
Bar Harbor has some lovely art galleries. Check out this list for some of the best ones to stop by.
The Ultimate Bar Harbor Itinerary for Art Lovers
Acadia National Park
THIS is why you road trip up the east coast. The summer was the PERFECT time to be at the park. The weather was stunning. And the sun barely sets, so you have a lot of daylight to explore.
Lovely trail around Jordan Pond. Note: it's longer than it seems.
Jordan Pond Path
Outside Acadia - in Ellsworth, ME - this cheesecake store is run completely by honor system. Take some cheesecake, leave some money. Oh, and they have gluten-free options too!
Momo's Cheesecakes
Be the first person in the U.S. to see the sunrise at the highest point on the eastern seaboard. But be warned, you have to get up before 4am to make it to the mountain in time for sunrise in the summer. But it is SO worth it. You'll also need a perm...
Cadillac Mountain
Be warned, the water is FRIGID, even in the summer. But who doesn't love to get the blood pumping with a good cold plunge?
Sand Beach
Although still chilly in the summer, Echo Lake temps are much more comfortable than the ocean. Take a dip and then lay out on the beach with a good book.
Echo Lake Beach
Want to add a little adventure, maybe even a hint of danger, to your Acadia trip? The Beehive trail is exactly what you need. Be warned, there are several scrambles on the way to the summit, but boy was this trail a blast. It felt like nature's jungl...
Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
Salem, Massachusetts
We desperately wish we had more time to spend in Salem because we feel like we barely scratched the surface! A bewitched historical tour is an absolute MUST when you visit.
Supposedly haunted, but absolutely gorgeous.
Hawthorne Hotel
Our tour was led by a woman getting her PhD in history, so it was highly informative AND enertaining.
Bewitched Historical Tours
Red's was suggested to us by a local, so we stopped in for breakfast and the food was absolutely delicious. Very old school diner, which we love.
Red's Sandwich Shop
Want to step into a bit of movie magic? Stop by the Hocus Pocus house! The gardens are beautiful (and a bit spooky at night).
Hocus Pocus House
New Haven, Connecticut
Live your Gilmore Girls dreams.
New Haven is known for their pizza. Now we understand why. And they have gluten free options!!
Modern Apizza
You're already in the area, so you might as well live out your Rory Gilmore dreams.
Take a Tour | Yale Visitor Center