Stunning vistas, fresh seafood, charming villagesyou will see it all as you traverse the New England coast. From delightful cities like Bostonand Portland, to countless hidden beaches and small towns, your trip will take you through history and to some of the most beloved destinations in New England, including your journey's endBar Harbors Acadia National Park.
Looking to move to the NewEnglandcoast? ContactGibson Sotheby's International Realty and allow us to assistyou in one of our core markets orput you in touch with Legacy Properties Sotheby'sInternational Realty, our friends serving the coastal New Hampshire and Maine property markets.
Length of Trip: 368 miles
Best Time to Drive: July 4Labor Day, or SeptemberOctober for a peek at the fall foliage.
Did You Know: The Maine coastline is 3,500 miles longeven longer than the California coast!
FIRST LEG
Chatham, Massachusetts
Everywhere along Chatham'sscenic shoreline,the picture-postcard scenery willtake your breath away.The Chatham Fish Pier is also a frequented landmark and home to the Chatham Pier Fish Market, where you cantasteonly the freshest seafood harvested that same day. In Chatham's town center, you willfind nearly one mile of unique shopping to enjoy along Main Street (while you're there, stop in and say hi to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty's associates inside our new Chatham office)!
Chatham, Massachusetts.
Cohasset, Massachusetts
Cohasset has evolved considerably from its fishing village past.A small town of between 7,500 and 8,000 residents, Cohasset covers an area of nine square miles, where dramatic ocean views coupled with Colonial and modern beach homes. From the popular Atlantica Restaurant to the cozy Ava Cucina, residents can savor the tastes of Boston without leaving the village. Be sure to pick up an almond croissant from French Memories Bakery before heading north to Boston. . .
Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for the density of its sights and attractions, meaning one day in Boston goes further than it would in many other cities. Located in Bostons hip Back Bay neighborhood, Copley Square is the perfect starting pointpartly because it is dotted withBostons best hotelsto explore the city'shistory and culture. Fans of architecture and photography will particularly enjoy the Boston Public Library, whose Reading Room and Atrium provide some stunning Instagram-worthy backdrops. After youve snapped some shots, head a few blocks over to Newbury Street, Bostons main boutique shopping thoroughfare, and pick up some last-second gifts for friends and family. Endyour evening withaward-winning cuisine of Top of the Hub, soaring 52 floors above the Back Bay and offeringrenowned 360-degree views from the top of the Prudential Center.
Boston, Massachusetts.
SECOND LEG
Gloucester, Massachusetts
One of Massachusetts' most beautiful seaside communities, Gloucesteroccupies most of the eastern end of Cape Ann, except for the far tip, which is the equally dazzling town of Rockport. Stroll theidyllic waterfront for a perfect for a lazy day of shopping and gasping at the gorgeous ocean views. Or, visit the Fishermans Memorial Monument,also known as The Man at the Wheel. The bronze statuewas completed in 1925 to honor 300 years of local fishermen lost atsea. The six names from 1991 draw special attention, for they were the captain and crew of the Andrea Gail, the fishing boat made famous in the book and film, The Perfect Storm.
Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Abeautifully colorful historic coastal city on the border between New Hampshire and Maine. microbreweries, seafood restaurants and Strawbery Banke, a gorgeous neighborhood of centuries-old colored wooden houses and an open-air museum. After a full day of exploring this cozy city, continue north into Maine.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Artists discovered Ogunquit's (pronounced oh-GUN-kwit) inspirational scenery more than a century ago. Come for the 3.5 miles and sandy beaches, and stay for the galleries, theOgunquit Museum of American Art, and theOgunquit Playhouse, a grand old summer-stock theater.
Ogunquit, Maine.
THIRD LEG
Portland, Maine
A city filled with food, history, opportunity, and the sweet smell of the salty ocean. With safe neighborhoods, year-round recreation and a robust arts district, Portland offers small town charm with the culture of a big city. Thedowntown area of Portland, dubbed The Old Port, is extremely walkable, with restaurants, bars, shops, movie theaters and the Portland Museum of Art within manageable walking distances. Another perk?You will not find better lobster than in Maine. For a classic, no frills lobster roll,head to dive Js Oyster, located right on the waterfront.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbo is the gatewayto Acadia National Park, one of America's most visited national parks. The largest community onMaines Mount Desert Island started as an exclusive resortthe summer home to the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Grab coffee and a bagel at Coffee Houndbefore heading off to Acadiato get there,you can either drive ($20 per vehicle, valid for seven days) or take the Island Explorer shuttle, which leaves regularly from Bar Harbor. Once inside, you'll have endless means of exploring the 47,000 acres of protected parkland.
About 15 minutes by car from Bar Harbor, you'll find Somesville and a little further south, Southwest Harbor, two refreshingly tourist-free areas perfect for leisurely strolling, with galleries and coffee shops perfectly positioned for stops along the way.
Where to stay? The Balance Rock Inn is the quintessence of a charming Victorian B&B in a secluded location a few minutes'walk from downtown. The Bar Harbor Inn & Spaoccupies a gorgeous seaside Victorian house, while the West Street Hotel and the Harborside Hotel offer more modern accommodations in town (the latter is particularly family-friendly).
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine.
