From Boston’s historic streets to Maine’s rugged coastline, this three-day New England road trip is a classic long-weekend escape. It combines a scenic coastal drive with time to experience Acadia National Park’s granite peaks, ocean overlooks, carriage roads, and charming nearby towns. And it’s a dreamy autumn escape when the fall foliage is second to none. With three nights of safari-inspired glamping at Under Canvas Acadia, you can settle into comfort while staying close to nature.
Here’s your guide to planning the perfect three-day New England road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park.
About the 3-Day New England Road Trip
This itinerary begins in Boston, where Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) makes it easy to fly in, pick up a rental car, and hit the road. The drive to Acadia National Park takes just over five hours without stops, though there are plenty of worthy stops along the way. To make the most of your time and avoid backtracking, this trip is best done as an open-jaw route: arrive in Boston and depart from Bangor International Airport (BGR). With Under Canvas Acadia as your waterfront base, you can enjoy a scenic coastal drive and explore the best of Acadia over three memorable days.
3-Day New England Road Trip Snapshot
| Day | Route | Where to Stay | Top Sight |
| 1 | Boston to Acadia | Under Canvas Acadia | Salem
Portsmouth Portland Head Light |
| 2 | Acadia National Park | Under Canvas Acadia | Cadillac Mountain sunrise
Park Loop Road Bar Harbor |
| 3 | Acadia National Park | Under Canvas Acadia | Jordan Pond
Carriage Roads Sunset Cruise |
Total distance: 342 miles
Start/end point: Boston, Massachusetts/Bangor, Maine
Best time to go: Late spring through early fall (May through October)
Day 1: Arrive in Boston and Drive to Acadia
Drive time: 5 hours | Distance: 290 miles
Fly into Boston, pick up a rental car, and head north into coastal New England. While the drive takes about five hours without stops, it’s worth slowing down and enjoying the journey. Make the road trip your own with as many or as few stops as you like. These are a few popular places to pause along the route:
Before you hit the road, take some time to explore Boston’s Freedom Trail and its many Revolutionary War-era landmarks.
Stop in Salem, MA, for dark history and autumn magic. Wander the charming streets and learn about the Salem Witch Trials. Keep an eye out for filming locations from the movie Hocus Pocus.
Make your next stop Portsmouth, NH, a quintessential New England city with buildings from the 1700s. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the waterfront.
As you approach Portland, ME, you may want to treat yourself to a lobster roll and visit the historic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, just a 15-minute drive from downtown.
From there, it’s a two-hour drive to your accommodations. Check in at Under Canvas Acadia for upscale glamping along 100 acres of waterfront property near Acadia National Park. After a long travel day, this is the perfect place to settle in, enjoy al fresco dining, and rest up before your park adventures.
Day 2: Explore Acadia National Park: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road & Bar Harbor
Drive time: 4 hours | Distance: 70 miles
Start early for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, one of Acadia’s must-do experiences. Reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October from sunrise to sunset. You can visit without a vehicle reservation by arriving before sunrise, hiking the 2.2-mile one-way North Ridge Trail, or biking to the top. From the summit, take in sweeping views over the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay before beginning the rest of your day in the park.
Continue onto Acadia’s Park Loop Road, the park’s scenic 27-mile driving route that links many of its most memorable locations, including Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. For a classic coastal stop, pull over at Sand Beach for a swim and walk part of Ocean Path, a scenic shoreline trail that runs toward Otter Point. Stop at overlooks like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff as you make your way around the loop.
Pro tip: The best time to check out Thunder Hole is 1–2 hours before high tide, when the splashes and thunderous booms are at their peak.
Pack a picnic lunch from Under Canvas Acadia to enjoy by the shore. Food options inside Acadia National Park are limited unless you leave the park for Bar Harbor, so bringing lunch will help you make the most of your time.
When you’re ready to leave the park, head to Bar Harbor for a dose of coastal charm, whether that means a waterfront stroll or browsing the shops and village center for a souvenir before returning to camp.
By late afternoon or evening, settle back in at Under Canvas Acadia for live acoustic music, fresh Maine seafood, and s’mores around the campfire beneath the stars.
Day 3: Explore Acadia National Park: Jordan Pond, Carriage Roads, & Sunset Cruise
Drive time: 2 hours | Distance: 45 miles
Start at Jordan Pond, one of the park’s most photographed spots, reached from the Park Loop Road. Enjoy a famous popover on the lawn of the historic Jordan Pond House with stunning views. Reservations recommended.
After lunch, hike the easy 3.5-mile round-trip Jordan Pond Loop Trail around the entire pond to admire the surrounding hills known as “The Bubbles.”
From there, continue onto Acadia’s historic carriage roads, a 45-mile network of motor-free roads that weave through mountains, forests, and lakes. Whether you choose to bike or walk a scenic stretch, this part of Acadia offers a completely different feel from the coastal overlooks of the day before.
Round out the day with a sunset cruise on Acadia’s waters, where breathtaking coastal views, local history, and the chance to release a wish lantern make for a memorable evening. Enjoy fresh lobster rolls as the sun dips toward the horizon, then return to camp for one last night on the Maine coast.
The next morning, begin the drive to Bangor International Airport (BGR), just 35 miles (45 minutes) from Under Canvas Acadia, to return home. Even with just three full days, this New England road trip itinerary offers a rewarding experience.
Tips for a New England Road Trip
- America the Beautiful Pass: If you visit multiple national parks in a year, the annual pass quickly pays for itself.
- Park Day Essentials: Pack snacks, plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection to stay comfortable.
- Timed Entry Requirements: Check the National Park Service website for reservation, timed-entry, and permit requirements.
- Fuel & Cell Service: Fill up when you can, and download offline maps if cell service is limited.
- Stay & Save: Staying at two or more Under Canvas camps gets you 20% off your multi-camp stay. Contact the reservations team at 888-496-1148 or reservations@undercanvas.com.
Where to Stay on a New England Road Trip
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with upscale, safari-inspired glamping at Under Canvas camps in New England. Each camp blends comfort and adventure through thoughtfully designed canvas tents, upscale amenities, optional en suite bathrooms, cozy king-size beds, dining, and campfire traditions. Enjoy daily camp programming for all ages, nightly s’mores, and adventures for an unparalleled experience in nature.
Explore our 5-day and 7-day New England road trip itineraries to experience even more.