When people talk about taking a day trip, they’re looking for excitement or adventure that they can get to, enjoy, and return from all in one day. With its convenient location, York, Maine, is central to some of the best day trips on the East Coast.
Best Day Trips from York, Maine, to Take Today
When you need a little break but can’t leave home for more than a day, take any of these eight day trips from York, Maine, to refresh and restore:
Lincoln, New Hampshire
One of the best destinations for day trips from York, Maine, is Lincoln, New Hampshire, especially if you travel from York to Lincoln via the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
The most picturesque time of year for this day trip is the fall. On this little journey, you’ll pass mountain streams, the Swift River, Rocky Gorge, and the White Mountains. If you love shopping and eating — and who doesn’t — you’ll be thrilled to learn that there are plenty of unique shops and restaurants along the way.
The travel time to get from Lincoln and York is about two hours.
Boston, Massachusetts
Needing no introduction is the beautiful city of Boston, a historic metropolitan hub instrumental in the path to the United States securing independence from Great Britain centuries ago.
Just a one-hour drive from York, Boston is well-connected to other cities and towns, so you can continue day-tripping once you’ve spent some time there. Enjoy delicious food, fascinating history, and unique architecture while you’re in Beantown.
Providence, Rhode Island
Less than a two-hour drive from York is Providence, RI, well-known for its distinctive neighborhoods, Brown University, and a vibrant big-city feel with great accessibility.
Providence is a great choice for day trips from York, Maine, for many reasons, including the fact that it’s the capital of Rhode Island and the home of some of the best unique cuisine in America.
The Carrabassett Valley
If you’d like to drive a little further, go north for three hours to the Carrabassett Valley. This unbelievably beautiful area is in the northwestern mountains, and on your way there, you’ll witness incredible waterfalls and scenic byways like you’ve never seen before.
If you’ve been searching for a place where the autumn colors and scenery are unlike anywhere else, the Carrabassett Valley is your destination.
Newport, Rhode Island
Two and a half hours from York, Newport is a fascinating seaside city sprawling with jaw-dropping Gilded Age mansions you must see to believe.
When it comes to the best day trips from York, Maine, this one tops the list for anyone who enjoys perusing massively luxurious summer homes that once belonged to families like the Astors, Kennedys, and Vanderbilts. Newport also offers exciting activities, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of seafood fare to enjoy.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from York, is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park and Desert Island. It’s surrounded by valleys, beaches, lakes, and ocean cliffs, all part of the famous Bar Harbor landscape that has attracted many famous artists.
Shopping, nightlife, and dining await you at Bar Harbor, and you can fill up the day by participating in water sports, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and more activities. The area is especially popular during the summer, with locals and tourists enjoying walks with scenic backdrops from early morning to night.
The Rugged Coast of Camden
Every good list of the best day trips from York, Maine, includes mention of the coastal town of Camden. Take in the 360-degree views of Mount Megunticook and Penobscot Bay, dine in nearby Wiscasset, and enjoy all kinds of unique shopping and entertainment in this town.
And don’t forget to hike to the summit of Mount Battie and visit Camden Hills State Park. A visit to Camden is surely a bucket list item you don’t want to miss. This trip has a one-way drive time of about two hours following I-95.
A Tour of Some of Maine’s Famous Lighthouses
Every lighthouse in the state of Maine could make for wonderful day trips from York, Maine, but if you want to string a few of them together for a trip in one day, that’s even better.
Some lighthouses that are very close to York include the Nubble Lighthouse and Lobster Point Lighthouse. Boon Island Light is an interesting one that is six miles off the coast on an extremely tiny island.
If you’d like to travel a bit further from York, head north along the coast to Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. You can see many additional lighthouses along this 50-minute drive.
Experience Maine with Unforgettable Day Trips
A day trip is a quick, fun way to give yourself a well-deserved break from daily worries. And if you’re staying in York, Maine, these eight day trip ideas can give you a great start in experiencing the most memorable sights in New England.
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