From start to finish, you can expect about three hours of driving time over 168 miles. It's about 7 miles by taxi to the hotel form there. Theres no need to get rerouted when you travel north on Route 1the two-lane highway whizzes past most of the coasts iconic sights, including picturesque New England lighthouses and bustling lobstermen at work. Two of the main towns along the North Shore, Salem and Rockport, are suggested above. Distance From Boston: 1 hour and 25 minutes. Start Your Trip. After passing the Kittery exit, it's safe to stay on I-95 until you get to the exit marked "Ogunquit" without missing much scenery (I think it's Exit 4), Ogunquit is a small tourist town with a beautiful beach, some excellent restaurants, and a handful of small boutiques offering everything from ice cream to tee shirts. This drive can take anywhere from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes without any stops, and it all depends on traffic. Use our Scenic Drive Finder and Road Trip Planner to easily create custom road trips. If youre coming from outside of New England, youll definitely want to spend a day or two in Boston before taking this road trip, but if you already live in Boston, the payoff along this is really rewarding. Interstate 95 Massachusetts Live Traffic, Construction and Accident Report, Driver Killed In Topsfield CrashA driver and rescue exercise in eastern Massachusetts on Monday and Tuesday. Walk along one of the beaches in York (Long Sands Beach is my personal favorite). Warren Fall Foliage Loop. then inland (Woodstock/ White / Green mountains), then back to the coast (Newport) then Cape Cod. Read More, Two Injured In I-95 Crash In TopsfieldTwo people were hurt as part of a full-scale search and rescue exercise in eastern Massachusetts on Monday and Tuesday. Want to keep driving up the coast of Maine? Nestled 90 miles north of the bustling streets of Boston is the quaint coastal town of Kennebunkport. drive for about 12 minutes. Instead, getting off the interstate once you . Portsmouth is another old seaport, similar in style to newburyport, but on a larger scale, with a vibrant tourist center and many restaurants and shops. For a Boston to Portland, Maine day trip, I suggest trying to take this day trip in the summer when the days are longer, which will afford you more time to see as much as possible. Day 1, part 1: Boston to Salem, MA (20.2 miles via US-1N) Okay, so we know Salem is only about 45-mins up the road from Boston, but you really can't just drive past this historic (and quite possibly haunted) little town without stopping! Walk by the Witch House (especially if you visit in the fall). Ill do a more detailed breakdown of each destination and the best things to do later on, but for now, heres a breakdown of all the stops youll making, including how far they are from one another: Okay, so now that you know the general route, heres a detailed breakdown of all the towns youll pass through, why theyre worth stopping in, and the best things to do in each one. NMYO's Gold Benefactor and Conductors Circle sponsors are the Institution for Savings, Massachusetts Read More, Baker's bill (S 2542) would enter Massachusetts into a series of interstate compacts that aim one more legislative seat from Republicans as Topsfield's Jamie Belsito defeated Rowley Republican Read More, A two-year wait for the return of the Topsfield killed on Route 95 north Friday morning when a piece of metal crashed through the windshield of his vehicle, according to Massachusetts State Read More, Massachusetts State Police said a 69-year-old Alaska man was killed Friday when he was hit by a piece of metal that had pierced the windshield of the car he was driving on Interstate 95 in Danvers. Kennebunkport is a coastal town in . Southern (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? http://www.harraseeketlunchandlobster.com/lobster_pound.html. You could also just drive straight to Portland and spend all your time there. Also in suggesting a route if you wouldn't mind estimating how long it should take us not knowing if it's a major freeway or two lane road for example. Day 6 - Boston - Salem - Kennebunkport 88 miles. You . Looking to do on a lighthouse road trip through Maine? }. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to Newburyport from Boston Airport. This fall driving tour that begins and ends in Warren, Maine, on the St. Georges River, takes in lakes, mountains, and more as it travels across the Appleton Ridge and into Camden via back roads. "longitude": "-70.487446" Many people assume it is a coastal route but that is far, far from the truth. Also, walk along the beach to see it from a distance, and walk under it for some cool photo opportunities. Drive time from Boston to Bar Harbor: approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The concept at Chaunceys is simpleorder the main, bring everything else. I had never heard of that town, and I am always looking for alternatives to the same-old-same-old routes I take when out on a day trip! The village of Kennbunkport is quaint and has a few restaurants, galleries and gift shops, but is actually quite peaceful and shuts down rather early. It provides access from . Bug Light is last, and is located in a small, but really nice, little park. There are 10 towns I suggest you stop in while driving Boston to Portland, Maine. If you decide to head to Kennebunkport, the drive is only about 30-40 . If youre looking for a luxury stay while driving Boston to Portland, Maine, Cliff House in Cape Neddick is the perfect place for you. I have a hard time not staying here when I visit Kennebunkport. There is a historic distric called Strawbery Banke that provides a glimpse into 18th-19th century life. It's amazing how . The coastal town of Portsmouth is buzzing with activities. Rte 1 in Kittery is lined on both side with retail outlet stores for about a mile, and the traffic on a nice Sunday can erase the tranquility achieved on the previous leg of your drive. Cruise down the tree-lined streets, meet with local vendors, learn about the rich history of Salem, and grab a bite to eat at one of the malls unique restaurants. If you have time to break up your drive and really enjoy all these fun places to visit, these are the towns I would recommend you stay the night in based on options for things to do, and great restaurants: Rockport is a really awesome place to spend the night because it has a really cool little shopping district, wonderful restaurants and is overall, a really unique destination. The plan is to fly into Boston, go up the coast for a bit (Kennebunkport?) (On the way, still on 1A, Odiorne Point State Park is well worth a stop for a picnic lunch or just a walk on the rocks.). Kennebunkport Waterways. Check our availability today! Be aware that you probably do NOT want to get off at Exit 50, which is Rte 1 in Topsfield. September 21, 2022. Take Route 1B through New Castle, a very beautiful little town on an island tucked into Portsmouth harbor. Read More, Weekly rehearsals are held in Topsfield / Boxford conveniently located near Route 1 and just off Interstate 95. $3.71 . Kennebunkport's town center is near Dock Square, just 1 mile from the Kennebunk River. I don't consider Salisbury or Seabrook particulary scenic, though (rather rustic seasonal cottages lining the waterfront, obscuring any view of the ocean). They have two menus, fried and lobster. As mentioned above, York and Cape Neddick are about halfway between Boston and Portland, Maine. So whats the rush? Jsboston has good thoughts on all of this stuff. You may have some extra traffic from the annual Topsfield Fair as you cross the border into Massachusetts along I-95 south to Boston. At night, cozy upbya gas fireplace underneath your down duvet. Walk through downtown to visit the shops (. "sameAs": [ If youre feeling like taking some amusement park few rides, head over to Palace Playland. Boothbay Harbor is a scenic, waterfront village offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You could take Route 1 north if you desire being frustrated and sitting in stop and go traffic for hours. York, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach are all scenic places to make a pit stop and walk around. Kennebunkport, Maine. The fastest way to get from Boston to Kennebunkport is to drive which takes 1h 36m and costs $15 - $23. I was hoping for a semicolon drive to Kennebunkport, but it looks like that will not occur. Maybe taking half main freeway then alternating to coast road would be nice? June 23, 2020. The car handles well, has enough power to be good for city and interstate driving, and looks like the perfect late 2000's car: sort of sporty, but not angular like Read More, you should probably skip the coastal areas immediately north of Boston and stick to the highway (I-95) at least as far as Newburyport, where you could catch Rte 1. With performances nearly nightly, theyre likely to have something going on when you come through. It's right along your route. I labeled Rockport as optional because to get there, youll have to veer a bit off-course from your drive to Portland. The cheapest way to get from Boston to Kennebunkport costs only $18, and the quickest way takes just 1 hours. Weather School Closings Read More, Rollover Crash Closes Part Of I-95 During Morning CommuteOne lane of Interstate 95 was closed during the morning commute on Thursday after a van rolled over near the Boxford-Topsfield line. 2023. "latitude": "43.361898", 4 Best Day Trips From Boston. In the area near Bar Harbor there are three scenic roads (Blackwoods Byway, the Schoodic Scenic Byway and the Acadia All American Road, the last one is in Acadia NP). To avoid the Topsfield traffic . To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. (I'm sure the exact length is either on the website or just about any site related to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Click here for an awesome food tour of Portland! Its the perfect place to find some new beach gear. When in October are you coming? Save. There is a historic distric called Strawbery Banke that provides a glimpse into 18th-19th century life. The only things I would emphasize would be to avoid the traffic created by the Topsfield Fair and the outlet traffic at Kittery, ME. If you have the budget, make reservations for dinner at The White Barn Inn. TheCape Ann Museumdowntown blends art and history allowing visitors to dive into its coastal culture. Late Morning: Leave Ogunquit and drive to Cape Elizabeth to see Portlands lighthouses (Portland Head Light, Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light). Walker's Point: We were looking for the water spout and it happened to be beside the Bush Compound. Grab an order of fish bites if youre hungry enough, but save room for lobster. The train ride typically takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you have time, head over to Willard Beach next. Unlimited stops, edit, share, find recommended places of interest and campgrounds, manage budgets, print or export directions and more. On Sunday morning, Newburyport first responders sent out an alert Read More, A man was killed late Monday night when his car, which was stopped along Interstate 95 in New Hampshire A 33-year-old Massachusetts man was fatally shot during a police shooting at the Read More, NEWBURYPORT - Firefighters extinguished a brush fire Sunday about 3:18 p.m. along Interstate 95 near the Whittier put out the blaze along with help from Massachusetts Environmental Police Read More, Jun. . This is another great little area that you can easily see in just a few hours, and is also the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, or pick up a snack for your drive from Boston to Portland. Once you make it through Portsmouth, its smooth sailing to your home away from home in the Kennebunks. It is about a 2-hour drive from Boston and is a mecca for outdoor recreation, offering an impressive array of fun-filled possibilities for every season. The Topsfield Fair will be in full swing off that exit, and the traffic usually backs up for miles. I'm glad you mentioned the Topsfield fair as yes, we will definitely try and avoid thatalso about avoiding the outlet shopping mall (not into that either). The next stop, Kennebunkport is a cozy, seaside town home to lobster shacks, beaches, and a quaint downtown called Dock Square. Late spring and early-mid summer (so, June, July and August) are the best times to drive from Boston to Portland, Maine, simply because the weather is typically the nicest, and the days are the longest. Ogunquit is further away, and likely not a place youve visited as often (or at all). Turn left on the shore road, Route 1A, and follow it to where you can turn right on Route 1B. If you make this stop while driving Boston to Portland, Maine, you dont need to spend a lot of time here, but getting out in Newburyport to stretch your legs, explore the charming Market Square and waterfront park is absolutely worth it. It's very scenic! Definitely walk around the actual pier, and plan to get a few fun fair foods, for sure! . After Portsmouth, unless you are into outlet shopping, I suggest getting onto I-95 for a couple miles, just to get past Kittery. Not far is LLBean and other shops along a cute street. All secondary roads. Jsboston has good thoughts on all of this stuff. Find the travel option that best suits you. US Route 1 runs a total of 545 miles in Florida along the state's east coast. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-99217124', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Portland. Freeport. I'm Sam. Read More, The interior is set up perfectly for what I love and I feel so proud when driving it around the outside looks amazing. If you've got time, and like scenic seaside walks, I highly recommend parking your car and walking "Marginal Way" http://www.meliving.com/marginalway/index.shtml. On this drive, youll pass through charming small towns in Massachusetts, visit the best coastal town in New Hampshire, and then begin your drive up the coast of Maine, stopping in some amazing seaside destinations with lots of character and fun things to do. Kennebunkport Maine Postcard View Along . My favorite place to stay is the Addison Choate hotel, which is only a 10-minute walk to Bearskin Neck, and offers really beautiful rooms to stay in. Re: Best Scenic Route from Boston to Kennebunkport. '?I'm cruising on [Route] 128' and I notice I'm almost Read More, Coogan was also working at Newburyport City Hall as Mayor Donna a small bedroom community off Interstate 95 near Topsfield and Middleton. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13859902', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston and stick to the highway (I-95) at least as far as Newburyport, where you could catch Rte 1. The museum features exhibits from local artists, as well as a large collection of 19th-century local artist Fitz Henry Lanes paintings and lithographs. Im definitely not saying that Kittery isnt worth a stop because it definitely is (or it wouldnt be on this list! Could also just drive straight to Portland really nice, little park / Boxford conveniently located near Route 1 if... 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