Coastal Maine

Freeport for shopping
Boothbay Harbor is neat but not sure you want to venture that far off Hwy 1.
Camden is the coolest town on Hwy 1 between Portland and Bar Harbor.

Damariscotta and Wiscasset are other quaint small towns on Hwy 1. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is about 25 minutes off Hwy 1.

It’s been several years since I’ve been but Red’s Eats for a lobster roll in Wiscasset. Sea Basket in Wiscasset for fresh fried seafood.

Lobster at Five Islands is great. It is about an hour from Portland. Great area for photos. Boothbay Harbor is also interesting but as BengalBen said you will have to venture off Hwy 1. Traffic on Hwy 1 can also be backed up sometimes.

I love Kennebunkport. Nice little harbor area to walk around in. A pint of scallops from the Clam Shack, maybe a couple of steamed lobsters from Port Lobster, or closer to Kennnebunk proper a fresh whoopie pie from The Landing Store. Later on if you want a short little drive head over to Wells and get ice cream from Big Daddy's or pizza or vinegar fries from one of the stands at Old Orchard Beach.

If you can't tell I like to eat

Bath is worth stopping in. Pretty town like a step back in time.

Just returned from this exact trip. Stayed 2 nights in Rockland and did 2 hour ride on the Schooner Olad in Camden. Highly recommend this group. The drive up Mount Battie is worth the views. Then drove up to Mt Desert Island and stayed 2 nights in NE Harbor (Colonel Suites above their bakery/restaurant). It's a sleepy little town 15 min outside Bar Harbor. I actually enjoyed the quiet area. Hiked Flying Mountain Trail in Southwest Harbor which was great. We also spent time in Acadia National park of course. Then drove back to Portland and spent a day there while visiting some breweries and Portland Head Lighthouse. We ate at Duckfat which i recommend just getting it To Go and grabbing an open table in the takeout area. There was a 1hr wait to be seated in the restaurant area. Overall great trip and beautiful area to visit. Can provide additional details if needed

Acadia National Park will be really crowded June/July
At times parts of the park are closed off depending on crowds
Hit it midweek if possible because the weekends are really busy

Kennebunkport is a great day trip. Such a quaint Nd picturesque little town.

Peaks Island is laid back and very neat place if you’re going this summer or at least before the weather gets cold in early October. Hop on the ferry from Portland, rent bikes, and ride around the island. Then hop back on the ferry to Portland a few hours later.

That's exactly what we're looking for.

Thanks for tip!

Some food & drink ideas for Portland:

Scales (best sea food and experience in the city, worth the money)
Fore Street
Blythe & Burrow (great cocktails)
Eventide (get the lobster rolls)
Duckfat (get the fries and all the dipping sauces)
Holy Donut
Hot Suppa (great breakfast/brunch)

If you’re in Portland on a Thursday, they just started doing sunset concerts by Thompson’s Point after being on hiatus for a year bc of COVID. Great setup.

Planning a September trip. Fly into Portland, drive to Damariscotta for 3 nights, then Acadia NP area for 2-3 days. Return to Bath for 2 nights or stop at Camden/Rockland area 1 night and Bath 1 night. Is 2 nights in NE Harbor enough time on Mt. Desert Island? Suggestions for "must see" places or "don't miss" restaurants would be appreciated. LL Bean, Pemaquid Pt and Boothbay Harbor are already on the list.