It’s easy to head to a specific destination we’ve recommended for you, but hopping in the car to explore without a destination is the best way to find the hidden corners of Maine. In fact, driving through the state is one of the best ways to make new discoveries. The best road trip in Maine features some of the most magical spots we’ve uncovered, and some of these may surprise you. Go ahead and plan a weekend for this unique excursion, and you won’t regret it. You can follow this link to get full driving directions through Google maps.

Google Maps
1. Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room, Portland
Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room, 86 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room/Facebook
Every good road trip needs fuel and the best kind is food! If you choose to make this trip on a weekend day, you'll want to enjoy the brunch at Boone's Fish House. Choose from many delicious options on their menu and enjoy the view of the working waterfront while you talk about all that's in store for you on your road adventure. And here's a tip: their oysters are top-tier!
2. The Fairy Village at Mackworth Island, Falmouth
Mackworth Island, Falmouth, ME, USA
The Bywaters/Flickr
Your first magical stop after fueling up is Mackworth Island. It's not an actual island so you can drive down Andrews Avenue connecting the mainland to this piece of land. Park at the first lot on the left once you arrive on the island. Then walk the Mackworth Island Trail which leads around the island until you come to this very special village where fairies have made their homes! You’ll quickly learn why the Fairy Village is one of the most magical, fairytale places in Maine.
3. Sebago Lake, Cumberland County
Sebago Lake, Maine, USA
Christi/Flickr
Next, it's time to enjoy the water at Sebago Lake State Park. This is a beautiful place to explore when it's warm out, but it's especially gorgeous when the leaves are changing in the fall. Plan on carving out a minimum of one hour to explore the second-largest lake in Maine. You can learn more about Sebago and some of our other favorite Maine lakes here.
4. Auburn River Walk, Auburn
Auburn Riverwalk, 231069000, Auburn, ME 04210, USA
ct-cruisers/TripAdvisor
If you haven't already done too much walking around Sebago Lake, head to Auburn to enjoy the beautiful 1.6-mile stroll through the old mill district of the twin cities of Auburn and Lewiston. This is a great way to see some of Maine's most historic mill towns while getting some fresh air. Read here for more information.

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5. Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, Damariscotta
Schooner Landing, 47 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543, USA
Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina/Facebook
With all that walking and outdoor exploring, you'll soon be hungry again. When that time comes, you’ll adore this stop on the water in Damariscotta, one of Maine's most picturesque river towns. Enjoy great seafood with a magical breeze. But remember that this spot is seasonal, so you'll need to leave it off your list if you choose to do this trip between October and April. While you're at it, venture out and discover more of our favorite outdoor dining spots.
6. The Norumbega, Camden
The Norumbega, 63 High St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
The Norumbega/Facebook
Next, you'll be driving north to discover one of the most magical places in Maine. Built in 1886, this castle-like inn sits overlooking Penobscot Bay and makes for a breathtaking and whimsical place to seek refuge for a night. If you'd rather continue on, simply grab a snack and enjoy the view before resuming your journey.
7. Deer Isle, Stonington
Deer Isle, ME, USA
Chris Ford/Flickr
If you chose to spend the night in Camden, your first stop the next morning should be this beautiful locale. If you chose to press onward to see it all in one day, you'll still love what comes next. Deer Isle is a lovely little town on the water that offers some of the most quintessential Maine views you can find. Many scenic spots here will appear as though you've stepped into a dream.
8. The Asticou Azalea Garden, Northeast Harbor
Asticou Azalea Garden Parking, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA
Alex Uzlov/Google
The next stop on your journey is a whimsical garden that is among one of the loveliest hidden gems in Maine. Created in 1956 by Northeast Harbor resident Charles K. Savage, the entire place is modeled after a Japanese garden. You will find that both the lush scenery and the rejuvenating atmosphere are calming, relaxing, and beautiful.
9. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Seal Harbor
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Peabody Dr, Seal Harbor, ME 04675, USA
JR P/Flickr
The next garden on our trip is just as beautiful as the last. This private garden was built by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand for Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and it's been around since the 1920s. One important thing to keep in mind is that this is a private garden and it's only open to the public for a few days each year. Be sure to check their website for more details before heading over, or read more about this special garden here.
10. The Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden, Southwest Harbor
Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park, 191 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
Last up on this magical Maine tour is this breathtaking butterfly garden. Curated and planted specifically to attract these fluttering creatures, it's fun to walk around and see if any of them land on you. The Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden also hosts special events throughout the season, and if you can time your trip to coincide with them, you'll be in for a treat. Learn more about the history of the garden and what's in store for you by reading this article.

Have you visited any of these amazing spots? If you have any tips to share we’d love to read them in the comments. And, of course, let us know of any special spots you think should be included on the best road trip in Maine.

If you prefer to find magic in just one place where you can spend some time, we’ve got a great option for you. Poplar Hut is a magical waterfall camping experience in Maine!

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More to Explore

Magical Places In Maine

Jessica Moore | November 16, 2022

What are the most beautiful towns in Maine?

The most beautiful towns in Maine are:

 

Each of these towns has its own unique charm, but what they all have in common is the scenic beauty, history, and culture that can only be found in Maine.

What are the best road trips in Maine?

The best road trips in Maine are also some of the most scenic drives you can imagine. Check out this list of 10 Road Trips in Maine that include remarkable scenic byways that meander through magical forests and breathtaking coastlines. If you love to venture a bit more off the beaten path, these seven best backroads will offer just as much beauty as other Maine road trips, with fewer crowds. Lastly, here are eight quick road trips you can take this weekend in Maine. Whichever road trip you embark upon, you're certain to be enamored by the beauty of the Pine Tree State.

Where are the best hidden gems in Maine?

The best hidden gems in Maine are often hidden in plain sight, but it takes local knowledge to know where they are. For starters, here are 11 hidden gems that most people don't know exist. There's a little bit of everything on that list, including hiking trails, restaurants, and other lesser-known activities you'll want to explore. Next, there are 10 hidden places that are Maine's best-kept secrets for a mix of history, hiking, and scenery. Lastly, this is the ultimate hidden gem road trip that takes you to eight little-known spots in Maine that are quite unique and interesting. You're sure to find hidden gems among these lists that speak to your inner adventurer.

 

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