Many travelers look at a coast-of-Maine trip as their only chance in a lifetime to see this part of the world. They try to race around the region seeing everything from Kittery to Portland to Acadia, plus even (maybe) a moose in the Maine Woods along the way . . . all in less than a week.

Trust me: That’s nothing but a formula for disappointment—you’d end up seeing the inside of your windshield more than anything else. The coast of Maine doesn’t lend itself to snap-a-photo tourism. Instead, it’s best seen by moving slowly—on foot, in a canoe, on a bike, driving the back roads. The happiest visitors to this region tend to be those who stay more or less in one place or region, getting to know that place especially well through a series of carefully crafted day trips.

With that in mind, we've put together a few itineraries to use as a starting point; feel free to mix and match, improvise, or even devise your own.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.