New England Coast Road Trip With Kids: Cape Cod to Acadia
- E2M on the road
- Nov 17
- 23 min read
A family-friendly New England road trip through Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Maine
The wild coastline of the Northeastern United States offers one of the most unique and unforgettable road trips in America. With coastal forests and rocky shores, seaside towns, scenic drives, colorful harbors, refreshing lakes to swim in, and charming lobster shacks — this route takes you through the heart of New England’s maritime magic.
Starting from the breezy coastal charm of Cape Cod and stretching all the way up to Acadia National Park, this journey through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine is rich with scenic drives, family-friendly trails, fresh ocean breezes, and small, soul-filling moments you’ll want to relive again and again.
Whether you have a week or a full month, this road trip is an unforgettable way to explore New England — especially with kids.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts: The Perfect Starting Point for Your Coastal Road Trip
There’s no better place to kick off a coastal New England road trip than Cape Cod. With its gentle ocean breeze, charming towns, and long stretches of sandy beaches, it immediately sets the tone for a laid-back family adventure.
Just 1.5 hours drive south of Boston, the drive down is already a treat, with tree-lined highways and scenic bridges that lead into the curving arm of the Cape. As the land narrows and the Atlantic Ocean surrounds you, the coastal charm kicks in full force.
We only had a weekend here, but you could easily spend a week (or more) exploring all the beaches, lakes, trails, and towns the Cape has to offer. If you're short on time we highly recommend staying in Wellfleet — ideally located in the mid-upper Cape, with relatively easy access to everything north and south.
Scenic Stops on the Way to Wellfleet
On your drive to Wellfleet, there are several beautiful places to stop. If you’re interested in history, Plymouth is just off the route — a coastal town where the Pilgrims first settled in 1620. Today, it’s home to an impressive open-air living history museum recreating early colonial life.
Once you cross the Sagamore Bridge onto the Cape, consider exploring:
Nickerson State Park with its excellent bike trails or Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
After that had to the beach - Marconi Beach, White Crest Beach, and Coast Guard Beach all offer sweeping Atlantic views and a great chance to stretch your legs, play with the kids on the beach and relax.
After the beach you can stop on Nauset Lighthouse – a classic New England icon before heading to Wellfleet.
Those beaches are all on the Atlantic side of the Cape, where the water is colder the waves are stronger, and the atmosphere more wild and rugged. Great for walks and scenic views — less so for long swim days with kids.
For calmer beach time, the bay side is your best bet. We visited Corn Hill Beach in Truro the next day and loved the gentle waves, soft sand, and peaceful vibe.
Colorful Provincetown: Art, Pride & Atmosphere
In the afternoon, we drove all the way to Provincetown — a colorful, joyful town full of art, energy, and character. It has a vibrant LGBTQ+ presence, live music, chocolate shops, bookstores, cafés, and a truly wonderful atmosphere. If you're open to splitting your stay, Provincetown would be an excellent choice for the second night. Either way, it’s a joyful, colorful stop you shouldn’t miss.
Hidden Gems: The Magical Ponds of Wellfleet
Our most delightful discovery in our Cape trip was Wellfleet ponds:
While waiting for takeout at Lobster & Chowder House, a friendly local grandfather started chatting with us. When asked what he does with his grandkids, he smiled and said, “We skip the ocean and go straight to the ponds.” The next morning, we followed his advice and drove to Long Pond — and it turned out to be one of the most magical, peaceful places we've seen on our trip. Calm, warm, crystal-clear water, surrounded by trees, with just a handful of people around.
We spent nearly a whole day there, swimming, relaxing, and feeling like we’d stumbled on a hidden gem.
The next day, we visited Gull Pond, which was also lovely — slightly busier, but still beautiful and family-friendly. If you're visiting Cape Cod with kids, make time for the ponds. You won’t regret it.
Where to Eat in Cape Cod: Our Favorite Family-Friendly Seafood Spots
The Cape has some wonderful places to eat.
Our top 3 can't-miss spots were:
🦞 Mac’s on the Pier (Wellfleet) — casual and delicious, right by the harbor
🍤 Lobster & Chowder House (Wellfleet) — super fresh and tasty
🐟 The Canteen (Provincetown) — vibrant with great energy and food
Cape Cod is easily one of the most fun, interesting, and refreshing places we've visited. Long Pond and Provincetown were among the top highlights of our entire East Coast road trip — and if we ever come back to New England, we’d love to spend a whole summer here.
Boston: The Iconic Heart of New England
Boston is an unmissable stop on a New England road trip with kids— a perfect blend of rich history, green spaces, world-class museums, and fun, walkable neighborhoods. It’s one of the most inviting and family-friendly cities we’ve visited: beautiful, relaxed, and full of things to do with children of all ages.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Boston:
Boston Common & Public Garden
Together, these massive city parks offer a few hours —or more—of peace and play.
Boston Common features playgrounds, a shallow splash pond, a carousel, and various statues. The adjacent Public Garden is even more tranquil, with a pond, swans, open lawns, and the famous bench scene from Good Will Hunting (the one with Robin Williams and Matt Damon). If you haven’t seen the film, go watch it—it’s a masterpiece.
New England Aquarium
This aquarium has a unique vertical design: a central 4-story tank surrounded by smaller exhibits, with a floor full of adorable penguins. It’s perfect for a 1.5 to 2-hour visit.
The highlights were the penguins and the two giant sea turtles you can spot from above. There’s also a unique stingray touch pool and some sea lions.
The aquarium emphasizes rescue and marine conservation, and we loved that. We also paid extra ($5) for a 3D movie about the comeback of blue whales, which was both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Talking to our sons afterward about species extinction, human responsibility, and environmental hope was one of the most meaningful moments of the visit.
Harbor Walk
Maybe my favorite “attraction” in the city.
We walked the Children's Wharf Harborwalk, near the Children’s Museum, all the way toward Fan Pier Park. We grabbed lunch at a Greek place and had a picnic by the water. Our kids ran, laughed, and burned off their energy along the pier - This part of Boston, from the waterfront, is simply gorgeous.
Boston Children's Museum- One of the Top Family-Friendly Boston Attractions
Absolutely fantastic. Three floors packed with interactive exhibits, science play, sports zones, and toddler areas. With a half day we barely scratched the surface—there’s a whole Art floor we didn’t even get to.
This was definitely one of the best family-friendly Boston attractions we visited on our New England road trip with our kids.
The Freedom Trail
A walk-through American history. This 2-hour trail covers 23 key historical sites related to Boston’s colonial past and its fight for independence from British rule.
We initially signed up for a free walking tour, but our kids were not on board, so we dropped out and did the walk on our own, which turned out to be excellent.
We used the official NPS (National Park Service) app, which includes an audio guide, maps, and detailed information for each stop. It was well worth it. We walked from the starting point at Boston Common to stop 14 at Quincy Market, which felt like a good place to stop for our kids. Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall is a cute and very touristy food market. You can grab some snacks and watch street performers. The vibe is fun, but the food was average and pricey.
Doing the tour ourselves gave us complete flexibility—something we’ve learned is essential when traveling with little ones. Along the way, we paused to eat and explored the sites at our own pace. The tour was interesting and informative, and a perfect addition to any Boston itinerary with kids — especially if you're curious about American history.
Want to continue the story? Head to Concord
If you're looking to extend your historical journey beyond Boston, consider a short half-day trip to Concord, just 40 minutes away. There, at the North Bridge, the first battle of the American Revolution took place in 1775. It's a peaceful and green spot today — hard to imagine as a battlefield — but it's where local militia fired the “shot heard 'round the world”, standing up to British forces and launching the war for independence.
Visiting Concord tied together the arc of our Freedom Trail walk — from the Boston Massacre (1770), through the Boston Tea Party (1773), and ending with the first open battle in 1775. The place offers a quiet, meaningful experience, and is a wonderful complement to the bustling, urban historical sites of Boston.
Fenway Park – A Legendary Boston Stop
Even if you're not a baseball fan, Fenway Park is a great place to visit in Boston with kids. It’s one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in Major League Baseball. You can join a short guided tour of the stadium to learn about its rich history, walk through the stands, and even step onto the warning track near the field.
The area around the stadium is lively before games — full of energy, music, fans, and food stands. For us, just walking around outside the stadium before a Yankees-Red Sox game was a fun experience in itself. If you manage to get tickets to a game, even better! But even if not, the guided tours (available most days) are highly rated and great for families with children.
Duck Tour – The Quirky Way to See Boston
One of the most fun and unique ways to explore Boston is aboard a Duck Tour — an amphibious WWII-style vehicle that takes you through both the city streets and the Charles River. The tour is guided by lively “conDUCKtors” who mix history, humor, and local trivia in a way that keeps both kids and adults entertained.The highlight? Driving straight into the water and seeing Boston’s skyline from the river. It’s a great activity for your Boston itinerary with kids — giving you a fun overview of the city without too much walking.
Boston is more than just a stop — it's a destination full of character, charm, and discovery.
From museums to markets, playgrounds to parks, it offers a rich variety of family-friendly experiences that make it ideal for any pace of travel. If you're planning a New England road trip with kids, Boston should be high on your list. Whether you're visiting for two days or five, the city offers endless opportunities for learning, leisure, and unforgettable family memories.
Next Stop: Salem
We’re writing this guide in a south-to-north order — from Cape Cod to Boston and then up to Salem. But if you're flying into Boston, it makes perfect sense to start your trip there before heading south to the Cape.
In that case, plan to stop in Salem for the night as you continue north.
But if you’re coming from Boston after visiting Cape Cod, Salem makes a perfect half-day stop — arrive in the morning, explore the town, and continue your journey from there.
Salem — Witchy, Quirky, and Surprisingly Charming
Salem is one of the most unique and atmospheric towns you’ll visit on a New England road trip. Known for its dark past and vibrant present, this famously witchy town is where 19 people — mostly women — were executed in the late 1600s after false accusations of witchcraft.
Today, Salem embraces its history with themed shops, costumed performers, haunted tours, and a downtown packed with quirky charm and spooky vibes. The energy is lively, the streets are full of character, and the whole place has a magnetic, unforgettable feel.
Strolling the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
At the heart of downtown Salem lies the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall — a historic, cobblestoned pedestrian‑only street lined with boutiques, cafés, ice cream parlors, and witchy souvenir shops. We loved wandering this vibrant strip: tasting local treats, pausing for coffee, browsing curiosities, and soaking in the easygoing atmosphere.
Witch Museums, Pirates, and a Walk Through History
If your kids are a bit older, Salem offers a treasure trove of spooky attractions — from the Salem Witch Museum and The Witch House, to the New England Pirate Museum and Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery (a horror-themed wax museum that gets excellent reviews).
We skipped those this time, as our kids (ages 2 and 4) were still a bit young, but these attractions are top-rated and great for older children or adult travelers looking for a theatrical twist.
We did visited the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and The Burying Point — the oldest cemetery in Salem. It was a quiet, powerful and meaningful experience.
We also passed by several guided walking tours — some of which looked fascinating — and we’d definitely consider joining one in the future when our kids are older.
A Memorable Half-Day Stop
Salem makes for a fantastic half-day stop, especially if you enjoy history with a twist and a bit of theatrical flair. Whether you come for the witchy legends or just to wander its cobblestone streets and enjoy the atmosphere, Salem leaves a lasting impression.
Exploring Cape Ann: Gloucester & Rockport
After leaving Salem and continuing north, the coastline opens up again as you enter Cape Ann – a quiet, scenic peninsula that feels like a softer, more local cousin to Cape Cod. Life here moves at a gentler pace: fishing boats heading out at dawn, small beaches framed by rocky shoreline, cozy cafés tucked into side streets, and art studios that seem to glow in the afternoon light.
Your first stop is Gloucester, a real working harbor town and one of the oldest fishing ports in the United States. Families love its stretch of sandy shoreline at Good Harbor Beach, the easy harbor walk, and the boat-watching action along the docks.
Gloucester is also known as one of New England’s best whale-watching departure points in season, making it an exciting option for nature-loving kids.
Continue just a few minutes up the road and the vibe changes completely in Rockport, a small seaside village full of galleries, ice-cream shops, and salty breezes rolling through narrow streets. Stroll down Bearskin Neck, grab a treat, and make your way to Motif No. 1, the little red fishing shack that has inspired generations of artists. If the weather is nice, stop by Halibut Point State Park to explore tide pools and wide-open ocean views.
Cape Ann isn’t big, but it’s soulful. It’s the kind of place where you wander slowly, breathe in the sea air, and let the kids collect shells while fishing boats hum in the distance — a short and worthwhile detour before crossing into New Hampshire and Maine.
New Hampshire Coast Road Trip: Charming Portsmouth & Hampton Beach with Kids
Continue north into New Hampshire, where the coastline may be short — just 18 scenic miles — but it offers a lovely change of pace.
The highlights along this stretch are Hampton Beach, known for its wide sandy shoreline and relaxed boardwalk vibe, and the historic port town of Portsmouth.
New Hampshire is also famously tax-free on most purchases, which makes this a great stop if you’re in the mood for a little shopping along the way. Whether it's outdoor gear, kids’ clothes, or local goods, this is a smart place to browse and pick up a few things.
Half a Day in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a compact, walkable town full of old brick buildings, cozy cafés, independent boutiques, and friendly maritime energy. Start near the harbor and make your way toward Market Square, the lively heart of town. The square centers around the town church and often hosts impromptu music performances, street musicians, and little clusters of happy people enjoying the atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you sit for a moment and just soak it in.
From here, wander the surrounding streets — they branch out in every direction and are filled with small restaurants, bookstores, toy shops, craft boutiques, and coffee spots. This area has a fun, creative pulse and is one of the most pleasant downtowns on the New England coast for strolling with kids.
A standout stop for families is Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream, where you can watch candy being made and pick up a sweet treat before continuing your walk.
For a unique and immersive peek into the region’s past, visit the Strawbery Banke Museum — not a typical museum, but an outdoor historic neighborhood you walk through, stepping into restored homes from different eras. Some houses include costumed interpreters who bring daily life from centuries past into vivid, engaging reality. It feels like a little time-travel village, and it’s a truly special experience you don’t find elsewhere.
Portsmouth offers the perfect blend of gentle history, charming streets, and a laid-back coastal vibe — an easy and meaningful stop before crossing into Maine and meeting the wilder Atlantic coastline ahead.
Kennebunkport, Maine: Family-Friendly Coastal Town & Seafood Gem
Just a minute north of Portsmouth, and you’ve officially crossed into Maine. Your first recommended stop along this stretch of coast is the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport, centered around the walkable Dock Square. This little cluster of historic buildings and former fishing-village storefronts now hosts galleries, independent boutiques, and cozy cafés around a peaceful harbor. It's the kind of place made for slow wandering, browsing small shops, and watching the soft evening light settle over the water — especially lovely around sunset.
We arrived in the evening when the streets were quiet and most shops had already closed, but we came for one thing: dinner at Alisson’s Restaurant in the heart of Dock Square. This warm, relaxed spot has been serving classic Maine seafood since 1973, and it absolutely delivered. The haddock was fresh and delicate, the mussels were outstanding, and the clam chowder was rich and comforting. Dessert was a traditional Maine blueberry pie, buttery and packed with wild blueberries — a local staple and one of those simple things that stays with you. This was hands-down the best meal we had on our East Coast road trip — generous plates, beautiful flavors, and a real sense of place.
Kennebunkport is a lovely evening stop, and if the night before was in Salem, this makes an ideal overnight break. The flow feels natural: Gloucester or Rockport in the morning, Hampton Beach for lunch, an afternoon in Portsmouth, and then arrive here for a relaxed dinner and a gentle evening walk by the water. Spend the night, enjoy a quiet morning stroll through Dock Square, pick up breakfast in town, and then continue north toward Portland feeling refreshed.
Portland, Maine with Kids: Old Port Charm & Waterfront Walks
Continue north and you’ll reach Portland, the largest city in Maine and one of the most enjoyable stops along the coast. Portland blends historic red-brick streets, working harbor life, independent shops, cozy cafés, and more seafood spots than you could possibly try in one visit.
We spent a few hours here and loved wandering through the Old Port district, popping into boutiques, browsing local stores, and enjoying the relaxed harbor atmosphere. We made our way down to the docks, peeked inside the local fish market, and sat down for the essentials: a lobster roll and fish and chips at one of the wharf restaurants. Simple, fresh, and perfect for this stretch of the coast.
From Old Port, it’s an easy fifteen-minute walk to the Eastern Promenade, a beautiful waterfront path with open ocean views, wide grassy lawns, and plenty of space for kids to run and explore. Along the trail you’ll find the charming Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, a vintage train that runs right along the shoreline. It’s a simple one-hour round-trip ride, and our train-loving kids couldn’t get enough of it.
We finished our visit back in Old Port with coffee and a stop at The Holy Donut, a beloved local bakery known for its potato-based doughnuts. Dense, rich, and surprisingly special, it was the perfect sweet finish before getting back on the road.
Portland is the ideal long morning-to-lunch stop — tasty, walkable, relaxed, and a lovely introduction to Maine’s mix of ocean light, salty air, and small-city charm.
Family-Friendly Stops Between Portland & Acadia: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens & Camden
On the drive north from Portland toward Acadia, there are two lovely places that are well worth considering as stops — especially if you're traveling with kids and want to break up the drive with some nature, magic, and fresh air.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: Trolls, Forest Magic & Kids’ Wonderland
While the gardens are beautiful, the highlight here wasn’t the flowers — it was the enchanted forest trail and the five giant wooden troll sculptures created by a Danish artist. Each troll has its own personality and story, and together they create a hidden-world adventure that our kids absolutely loved.
There’s also a wonderful children’s garden and a whimsical fairy village, all tucked into a gorgeous woodland setting. We spent about three hours exploring, and honestly could have stayed longer — the staff gently asked us to head out at 5pm when the gardens closed!
A huge bonus: friendly staff ride around in golf carts, and you can hop on and off at stops throughout the gardens to shorten walking time if little legs get tired. We used it twice and it was perfect.
This stop was peaceful, playful, and truly magical — one of the best kid-friendly nature experiences on our whole route.
Camden, Maine: A Charming Seaside Resort Town (If You Have More Time)
A bit farther north sits Camden, known as one of Maine’s most picturesque coastal towns — think sailboats, historic homes, boutique shops, and a scenic harbor backed by rolling forested hills.
We didn’t stop here due to timing, but it’s a beautiful place to stretch your legs. The town has a lovely waterfront park, a small waterfall right by the harbor, and a nearby viewpoint overlooking the bay. If you’re arriving in this area toward late afternoon or early evening, Camden makes a great place for a relaxed stroll and dinner before continuing toward Acadia
Acadia National Park: Rugged, Wild, and Beautiful
The farther north you drive, the more Maine leans into its full character: a little rugged, a little raw, endlessly beautiful, and incredibly easy to fall in love with.
Acadia National Park is probably the highlight of a New England road trip with kids. The nature here is wild and unbelievably beautiful, quiet and powerful all at once. Driving into Acadia feels like the world slows down: tall pines, granite cliffs, still lakes, salty ocean wind, and that calm, wild Maine magic that settles into you.
There’s a sense of strength and peace here that’s hard to explain until you feel it for yourself.
For anyone traveling in fall, this area becomes even more magical — the colors here in October are unreal
Where to Stay
You can camp or park an RV inside Acadia (book well in advance), or stay in one of the small towns nearby. We based ourselves in Franklin, about 45 minutes from the park, in a simple lakeside cabin surrounded by tall pines, quiet water, and soft morning mist.
It was peaceful, grounding, and the perfect contrast to long, active days in the park — especially with kids. Slow mornings by the lake, space to breathe, nature right outside the door.
We spent four nights there and explored Acadia over three days, but you could easily spend a week in the area and never run out of places to explore, rest, and return to.
Understanding Acadia’s Layout:
Acadia National Park is divided into three main areas:
Mount Desert Island — East Side:
The most visited part of the park, home to the Park Loop Road, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
Mount Desert Island — West Side:
Quieter, more relaxed, and less crowded. The highlight here is Echo Lake, one of the best spots in the park for families.
Schoodic Peninsula:
The wildest and least visited part of Acadia. Rugged coastline, dramatic views, and far fewer people.(We didn’t make it here on this trip).
Entrance Pass Info:
To enter Acadia, you’ll need a park pass- $35 per vehicle — valid for 7 days.
If you plan to visit three or more national parks this year then buying the America the Beautiful Pass – $80 is a better option, it gives unlimited access to all U.S. national parks for 12 months.
You can purchase passes at the visitor center — no need to pre-book.
Best Things to Do in Acadia With Kids:
🛣️ Park Loop Road - A stunning scenic drive with dramatic overlooks, ocean views, and trailheads. Don’t rush it — stop often, step out, explore, and let the views sink in.
🏞️ Echo Lake Beach - One of the most beautiful lakes we've visited — calm, sheltered, surrounded by forested hills. This spot is perfect for a slow family pause, picnic spot, or break after a trail. It’s also one of the only places in Acadia where you can actually swim.
⛰️ Cadillac Mountain - Sweeping views over islands and ocean. Timed entry required — so book ahead. Afternoon light is stunning, but sunrise and sunset are icons for a reason.
🌊 Sand Beach - A beautiful and dramatic cove with soft sand and crashing waves. The water is freezing— but the scenery is incredible and it's a perfect place to rest after a trail.
🚶♀️ Wonderland Trail - Flat, peaceful, and a gentle way to experience Acadia’s coastline. This trail is probably the most kid-friendly option in the entire park.
How to Explore Acadia: A Simple 2–3 Day Family Itinerary:
The beauty of Acadia is that you can shape it to your family’s rhythm.With three full days, you can experience the park at the pace it deserves — slow mornings, meaningful trails, quiet viewpoints, and time to simply be in nature without rushing from stop to stop. Three days let you enjoy both the dramatic East Side and the calmer West Side, and still leave space for rest, play, and unexpected moments.
But if you have only two days, don’t worry — the park still opens up beautifully. Below is a route that works perfectly for both options, with clear suggestions for 2- and 3-day itineraries.
✅ Day 1: East Side — The Classic Acadia Experience
Start your visit at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Pick up a map, chat with a ranger, get updated trail conditions, buy your entrance pass if needed, and get a quick sense of what fits your family best.
Then head out to Acadia’s most iconic drive :
Park Loop Road is Acadia’s signature scenic route — a one-way, 27-mile loop filled with overlooks, trails, dramatic cliffs, and ocean views.
Many visitors complete it in a single day, but if you have the time, splitting it over two days makes the whole experience calmer and much more enjoyable with kids especially if you’re planning to do a long trail that day.
Along the drive there are dozens of stops, but these are the ones we recommend most for a family itinerary:
Gorham Mountain Trail:
This is a challenging, strenuous trail and should only be done by families who are experienced hikers — both adults and kids. It’s steep in parts, rocky, and demanding, but absolutely worth it.
Even though Gorham Mountain trailhead isn’t the first stop along the Park Loop Road, many families (including us) start their loop here, because the trail ends at Sand Beach, which is the perfect place to rest afterward.
If you decide not to do the full trail then try to walk a short section from the trail’s end it is right next to Sand Beach and in fall, this part of the forest is magical — bright leaves and colors everywhere.
Sand Beach :
One of Acadia’s most beautiful spots — a dramatic cove with soft sand, powerful waves, and scenery that feels both wild and calm.
If you didn’t hike Gorham Mountain Trail then this will be your first stop and it is a great place to have a late breakfest so pack out.
The beach is gorgeous and rough, our kids love to run in and out of the waves, and we enjoy the beauty and stare at the view.
Ocean Path + Thunder Hole:
A gentle coastal walk connecting Sand Beach to dramatic viewpoints.
Thunder Hole is iconic, though timing with the tide matters — sometimes it’s calm, sometimes loud and impressive.
If you did the Gorham Mountain Trail, this is a great place to leave your car in the morning - It will shorten your walk back.
Otter Point Overlook:
A beautiful rocky viewpoint with wide-open ocean views. It’s a quiet place to pause, take in the coastline and enjoy a quick snack before continuing.
From Otter Point, your route can naturally split depending on how your day is going:
✅ Option 1: If you did hike Gorham Mountain:
You’ve probably had a full morning already. From here, Route 3 allows you to exit the Park Loop Road easily.
If you have 3 days in Acadia, this is a great moment to take a break from the park, especially after a long and demanding trail.
Our recommendation:
Head to Bar Harbor for a relaxed afternoon. Stroll through town, watch the sunset over the bay, and have dinner. It’s the perfect slow ending to an active day.
✅ Option 2: If you did not hike Gorham Mountain
You should have plenty of time — so continue along the Loop Road and enjoy some of Acadia’s classic spots:
Jordan Pond:
Crystal-clear water, mountains rising gently in the background, and several easy walking trails around the lake.
It’s one of the most iconic and photogenic spots in Acadia.
Jordan Pond House (the famous popovers) - Right next to the pond is Jordan Pond House, a historic restaurant famous for its warm, airy Popovers served with butter and jam.
If you want to sit on the lawn with the postcard view, make a reservation.
You can also buy Popovers to-go, but the line can be long.
It’s a lovely break in the middle of the day — especially if you’ve been walking around the pond.
Bubble Rock + The Bubbles -Short but steep trails leading to incredible viewpoints.
If the kids (and you!) still have energy left this is a rewarding add-on.
Eagle Lake Overlook- One of the most breathtaking views in Acadia- A peaceful stop that works perfectly toward the end of the day.
Finish your day at the incredible Cadillac Mountain Summit.
Just remember: timed entry is required. You must reserve in advance, and you can only enter during the exact time slot on your permit.
✅Day 2 — West Side of Acadia: Slow, Simple, Family-Friendly
The west side of Mount Desert Island has a different rhythm — quieter, gentler, and perfect for families. It’s a day made for slow trails, lake time, and easy joy.
Wonderland Trail:
Start your morning with this lovely, flat coastal walk. It’s simple enough for toddlers, full of tide pools and rocks to explore, and a perfect warm-up before heading to the lake.
If you’re traveling in fall, the light here is especially soft and beautiful.
Echo Lake Beach:
After the trail, drive to Echo Lake for a long, relaxed stay. This is one of our favorite spots in all of Acadia: calm water, forested hills, and a beach that feels sheltered and peaceful.
Bring what you need for a mini beach day: toys, something to sit on, snacks, and a bit of shade.
You can picnic here, let the kids play, take a swim (one of the few places in Acadia where swimming is actually allowed), and stay as long as the mood fits.
Afternoon Options:
From here you have two great choices, depending on what you did the day before:
Option A: Cadillac Mountain - If you didn’t go yesterday - Don’t forget to reserve your timed entry in advance.
Option B: Bar Harbor - If you already visited Cadillac, end the day in Bar Harbor - Walk the waterfront, explore the small streets, and get ice cream or dinner. If you prefer to dine outside the park (like we did), you’ll find lots of relaxed roadside seafood spots around the nearby towns — family-friendly, simple, and delicious.
✅If You Have a Third Day in Acadia
If you have a third day in Acadia, this is the perfect opportunity to return to the east side and complete the parts of the Park Loop Road you didn’t reach on Day 1. It ties the whole visit together and lets you experience the park in a calmer, more spacious way.
Eagle Lake Overlook, Bubble Rock & The Bubbles, Jordan Pond, Jordan Pond Path, and Jordan Pond House (Popovers).
You already know these stops from earlier in the guide — Day 3 is simply your chance to enjoy them at an easier pace, without rushing or squeezing them into a long day.
Later in the afternoon, you can head to Northeast Harbor — a charming, peaceful, and quieter alternative to Bar Harbor, with fewer tourists, beautiful boats, a pretty marina, and a couple of relaxed cafés and restaurants. Perfect for a calm evening.
Also, if you’re spending several nights in the area, consider taking one slow day between your Acadia days to simply enjoy the cabin. Sit by the lake, take the paddle boat out, play games, and slow down. This time together becomes its own kind of memory — the quiet, in–between moments that stay with you just as much as the big viewpoints.
Acadia is one of those places that stays with you — not just because of the views, but because of the feeling it leaves behind. Strong, calm, and a little wild. If you’re traveling the Northeast with kids, this is a place worth giving both time and space.
The New England Coast, Slow and Sweet
This East Coast route isn’t just a drive. It’s a slow unfolding of landscapes, shifting light, and quiet wonders. A journey through changing colors and gentle moods, where every stop adds a layer and each place leaves its own memory.
Traveling this route with kids reminds you that adventure doesn’t need to rush. Let them stop to watch boats in the harbor, chase waves, gather fall leaves, or sit quietly by the lake.
Enjoy mornings that begin soft, afternoons that stretch, and sunsets that invite you to stay just a little longer. These pauses become the moments that stay with you long after the road fades away. Some trips leave a mark. This one settles into your heart and stays — long after you’ve driven home.
If you’re planning your own New England adventure and want help shaping your route or choosing kid-friendly stops, feel free to reach out through our website. We’d love to help.
And if you'd like to save all the locations from this guide, you can find them here on our shared Google Map:👉 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nwZFPKivxENqgH3q6
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