Route Overview
A coastal New England loop from Boston to Cape Cod and Acadia, timed for sunrise, tides, and classic seaside light.
Itinerary
Logan International Airport - arrival + supplies
Land in Boston and pick up your rental car.
Grab snacks and a cooler before heading to the Cape.
Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitor Center
Get oriented with trails, tides, and beach access.
Check tide charts for the best beach and lighthouse timing.
Nauset Light Beach sunset
Visit Nauset Light and learn more about lighthouse history!
Classic Cape Cod beach light with cliffs and lighthouse views.
Arrive early for parking; dunes protect the cliffs from erosion.
Province Lands Dunes Trail
Dune loop with big Atlantic views and coastal scrubland.
Bring sun protection and water; shade is limited.
Coast Guard Beach
Iconic National Seashore beach with wide views and surf.
Parking can be limited; consider the shuttle when in season.
Drive to Bar Harbor
Arrive in Bar Harbor and prep for an early Acadia start.
Allow 5-6 hours of driving from the Cape.
Cadillac Mountain sunrise
Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. The short, paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, interpretive waysides, restrooms, and gift shop are located at the summit. In the summer, reservations are required to drive to the summit.
Sunrise on the highest point on the eastern seaboard.
Reservations required in peak season. Arrive early for parking and the best light.
Jordan Pond Loop
If looking for a way to relax, to take in some magnificent views, or to just burn some of the calories from the popovers consumed at the Jordan Pond house, the Jordan Pond Path is a great choice. Even just walking along the eastern shoreline is a certain way to enjoy some scenic vistas of one of Acadia’s iconic locations.
Classic pond loop with views of the Bubbles.
Go clockwise for the best views. Waterproof shoes help on the eastern shore.
Park Loop Road + Otter Cliff
Wind your way through forests, past lakes and mountains, and along the shoreline on scenic Park Loop Road. The 27-mile (43 km) road also provides access to popular areas such as Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
One-way coastal loop with the best rocky shoreline viewpoints.
Plan for short walks and pullouts; the loop is one-way in sections.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse sunset
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is located in Tremont, Maine, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island.
Classic lighthouse views at golden hour.
Arrive 45+ minutes early for parking and photo position.
Schoodic Peninsula morning
The quiet side of Acadia with fewer crowds and dramatic wave action.
Allow 1-1.5 hours to drive from Bar Harbor. Pack snacks; services are limited.
Drive back to Boston
Return to Boston for your final night.
Allow 4.5-5 hours from Bar Harbor.
Logan International Airport - departure
Return the rental car and fly home.
Traffic can be heavy; aim to arrive early.
Creates a copy you can customize
5
Days
13
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
May-October. September brings fewer crowds and fall color.
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