Road Trips from Portland, ME
Portland sets you up for a variety of day trips. You've got options that keep you close, like a quick 1.1-hour drive to Wiscasset with its nearby parks, or longer excursions that go further into Maine. Several routes offer a higher drive score, indicating more engaging driving, and many include access to parks, like the Frances Perkins National Monument, or even Acadia National Park on the longer hauls. Whether you want a short loop or a full day's adventure, Portland's surrounding routes offer choices.
Total Routes
3
Shortest
4.4h
With Parks Nearby
3
Weekend trip
East Machias, ME
4h 26m203.8 mi one way
Calais, ME
4h 34m224.1 mi one way
Calais is a significant journey at 4.6 hours and 224.1 miles, primarily on highways with a drive score of 8. It's notable for offering access to both Acadia National Park and the Frances Perkins National Monument.
Madawaska, ME
5h 54m303.5 mi one way
This is your longest route, a 5.9-hour drive covering 303.5 miles on mostly highway. It boasts a drive score of 8 and provides access to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and the Frances Perkins National Monument.
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives can take advantage of routes with nearby parks like Frances Perkins National Monument, offering a good drive score as the landscape awakens.
Summer
Summer is ideal for the longer drives to places like Addison or Calais, which include access to Acadia National Park, offering high drive scores.
Fall
The mixed highway and surface drives, like the one to Rockport, are great for fall colors, with parks nearby for exploration.
Winter
While no specific winter routes are highlighted, the shorter, highway-focused drives to places like Wiscasset or Berwick are feasible for day trips.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Portland, ME city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.