Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road Trip is a great way to experience the beauty of Maine. Starting in Ellsworth and ending in Eastport, this 267km route will take you through some of Maine’s most stunning landscapes, including Winter Harbor, Columbia Falls, Jonesport, and East Machias. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the lush green scenery is at its most vibrant. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning panoramic views of the Maine coastline, as well as its many quaint towns and villages. The roads are in excellent condition, so the route is suitable for all drivers, no matter their experience. This trip can be managed on a moderate budget, and it provides an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come.
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number of days
267 km
route length
fair
budget
family
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on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Ellsworth
Distance 267 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: fast
80.1 kWh
Airports
BGR
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Ellsworth, Maine is the perfect starting point for your road trip adventure along the Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road. Located in the heart of Maine’s Downeast region, Ellsworth offers easy access to the state’s many attractions and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, take in some local culture, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, Ellsworth is the ideal place to begin your journey.
Start your visit in downtown Ellsworth, where you can stroll the streets and take in the culture of this quaint town. Don’t miss the historic Ellsworth City Hall, built in 1853, the Ellsworth Public Library, and the Great Fire of 1866 Memorial. If you’re looking for a unique experience, visit the nearby Union River Lobster Pot for a delicious seafood dinner.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR). Once you’ve arrived, you can take advantage of the car rental services available at the airport to get you on your way.
No matter what your plans are, Ellsworth is the perfect place to begin your Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road trip. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, Ellsworth is sure to provide you with the perfect start to your adventure.
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Ellsworth
- Winter Harbor
Distance 38 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
11.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Ellsworth - Winter Harbor road trip! Get ready for an exciting journey of 24 miles that will take you less than an hour of driving.
In Ellsworth, visit the historic downtown, where you can find the Ellsworth Public Library, the Grand Theater, and the Maine Coast Mall. Don't miss the Union River Lobster Pot, where you can enjoy delicious seafood.
Once you leave Ellsworth, you'll find yourself in the picturesque town of Winter Harbor, located at the entrance of Frenchman Bay. Here, you can visit the Winter Harbor Lighthouse, the Winter Harbor Marina, and the Schoodic Institute.
To make the most of your road trip, more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Winter Harbor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Winter Harbor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.nps.gov
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Winter Harbor
- Steuben
Distance 27 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
8.1 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Start your journey in Winter Harbor and get ready to explore the beautiful 17 mile route to Steuben. During the drive, you will be able to admire the scenic views of the area. Make sure to take some pictures!
In Winter Harbor, be sure to visit the Schoodic Peninsula, a beautiful area of Acadia National Park. Take a stroll and explore the area. On your way to Steuben, you can also visit the Schoodic Point Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse with spectacular views of the ocean.
Once you arrive in Steuben, you can explore the area’s many attractions. Visit the Steuben Historical Society Museum and learn about the town’s history. Or, take a stroll to the Steuben Town Beach and enjoy the views of the ocean.
This is just one of the many stages of your road trip adventure. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Steuben - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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Steuben
- Columbia Falls
Distance 30 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
9.0 kWh
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Embark on a memorable road trip from Steuben to Columbia Falls! This 19mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places in these two locations.
In Steuben, you can visit the historic Fort Popham State Historic Site, a 19th-century fortification with a unique star-shaped design. It's a great place to learn about the area's military history. You can also check out the Seguin Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in Maine.
When you arrive in Columbia Falls, you can explore the Columbia Falls Historical Society, which is dedicated to preserving the town's history. You can also visit the Tarratine Public Library, which has a great collection of books and other materials.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to explore the other stages for more great places to visit. You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Columbia Falls - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Columbia Falls
- Jonesport
Distance 18 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
5.4 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! We invite you to explore the beautiful route from Columbia Falls to Jonesport. This 11mi stretch of road is full of surprises and takes less than an hour to drive. As you make your way, enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.
Along the way, you'll find plenty of interesting places to visit. In Columbia Falls, you can explore the historic sites and unique shops. Then, take a stroll around the picturesque harbor in Jonesport. Here, you can find a variety of seafood restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Make sure to keep an eye out for other attractions, such as lighthouses, beaches, and parks. You'll never know what incredible sights you might find! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your journey from Columbia Falls to Jonesport. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Jonesport - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Jonesport
- East Machias
Distance 40 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
12.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Jonesport-East Machias stage of your road trip! This 25-mile stretch of highway will take you less than an hour to drive, and there’s plenty to see and do along the way.
Start your journey in Jonesport, a picturesque fishing village with a rich maritime heritage. You can take a stroll around the harbor, admire the lobster boats, and visit the historic Seavey Island Lighthouse.
Continue your drive to East Machias, a small town nestled on the banks of the Machias River. Here you can explore the local shops, visit the historic East Machias Congregational Church, or take a hike in the surrounding forests.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
East Machias - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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East Machias
- Eastport
Distance 113 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
34.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the East Machias to Eastport stage of your road trip! This 70 mile stretch of road takes you through some of Maine's most beautiful and historic towns. You'll have plenty of time to explore, as this journey takes less than two hours to complete.
As you drive through East Machias, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the historic buildings and beautiful views. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Your next stop is Eastport, where you can explore the harbor and its unique maritime history. You'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions to visit.
As you drive through this stage, be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic views and historical sites. You'll find plenty of places to take a break and explore.
At the end of this stage, you'll arrive in Eastport, where you can continue your road trip. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage.
Happy travels!
Eastport - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Eastport
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Eastport, a small coastal city in the United States, is the perfect ending point of the Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road. This beautiful and picturesque town is home to a variety of historical sites and attractions, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore.
The Eastport Historic District is a great place to start. Here, visitors can explore the city’s rich maritime history and learn about the local fishing industry. The Quoddy Head State Park and Lighthouse are also popular attractions here, offering stunning views of the harbor and a great chance to observe local wildlife.
For those looking for unique shopping experiences, the Eastport Art Gallery and the Eastport Antique Mall are great places to explore. The city also hosts a weekly farmers’ market, where visitors can find locally grown produce and other items.
Finally, for those looking to further explore the area, the closest international airport is the Bangor International Airport (BGR) which is located just an hour away.
Eastport is the perfect ending point of the Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road, offering a variety of historical sites, attractions, and shopping experiences. Whether it’s the Eastport Historic District, the Quoddy Head State Park, or the Eastport Art Gallery, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque coastal town.
Big Sur in Maine Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Ellsworth
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End:
Eastport
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Distance:
267 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Bangor International Airport (BGR)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Big Sur of Maine Panoramic Road Trip offers a captivating adventure through Maine's stunning landscapes. Commencing in Ellsworth and ending in Eastport, this 267km excursion presents a rich tapestry of Maine's most splendid natural scenes and enchanting small towns.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Winter Harbor: Revel in the tranquil coastal vistas and maritime culture. Don't miss the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park, which offers dramatic ocean views and less crowded hiking trails compared to its Mount Desert Island counterpart.
- Columbia Falls: Step back in time with the town's well-preserved historical ambiance and visit the Ruggles House, an example of classic American Federal-style architecture.
- Jonesport: Experience the authentic lifestyle of a fishing community and enjoy the panoramic views from the Beals Island Bridge.
- East Machias: Witness the pristine nature and rich biodiversity, including opportunities for birdwatching and spotting the occasional beaver or moose.
- Eastport: End your journey in the easternmost city in the United States, known for its vibrant art community and the annual Eastport Pirate Festival, which adds a unique cultural flair.
Best Time to Go:
Summer months are ideal for this Road Trip, when the foliage is dense and green, and the weather is inviting for outdoor activities. However, fall also offers a spectacular display of autumn colors, making late September to October a beautiful alternative time for the drive.
Potential Risks:
While Maine's Roads are typically safe and well-maintained, drivers should be vigilant for wildlife, especially moose, and be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions, especially fog along the coastal regions.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route offers a journey through diverse ecosystems, from coastal environments to dense forests.
- Lodging ranges from quaint bed and breakfasts to rustic camping sites, suiting various travel styles.
- The journey is not just a visual feast but also a culinary one, with fresh seafood readily available, including Maine's famous lobster.
- Artists and photographers will find inspiration around every turn, with the region's natural light and scenery being particularly enchanting during the golden hours.
A good choice for:
The Big Sur of Maine Panoramic Road Trip is an expedition of serene beauty, rich cultural encounters, and peaceful exploration. It's a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the quintessential New England charm and the rugged allure of Maine's coast.
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