Ever have one of those days when all you want to do is hop in the car and hit the open road?

It's an especially tempting feeling this time of year, when the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and adventure is calling.

I know the feeling. Like so many Mainers, I love getting behind the wheel, exploring somewhere new, and seeing where the road takes me. The best part? Living in Maine means I don't have to travel far to find some truly unforgettable road trips.

Is Maine One of the Best States to Drive In?

The state is filled with beautiful roads, unique byways, and historic drives. One of these drives has been gaining considerable national attention after being written about recently.

Acadia East Campground via Facebook
Acadia East Campground via Facebook
Acadia East Campground via Facebook

The popular Afar Magazine recently compiled a list of some of the most beautiful drives in America, highlighting seven amazing routes to showcase the stunning beauty of this country.

According to Afar, that incredible beauty can be found in Maine's own Bold Coast Scenic Byway.

Stretching from Milbridge to Lubec and circling up to Eastport, this 125-mile route showcases the pure beauty of coastal Maine. The road offers drivers a unique view of working waterfronts, lighthouses, coastal villages, state parks, stunning scenery—and perhaps even a few wildlife encounters. It truly is Downeast Maine at its finest.

What is so Unique About the Bold Coast Scenic Byway?

According to Explore Maine, drivers will also pass through historic blueberry barrens, coastal forests, marshlands, and the Passamaquoddy Indian Reservation. Believe me when I say there's a lot packed into this 125-mile trek.

Getty Images
Getty Images
Getty Images

The towns along the way are a great representation of hardworking, authentic Maine—places where you can still experience the true spirit of this incredible state. It’s miles away from the hustle and bustle of the southern coast, and the slower pace and local character are easy to fall in love with.

While the towns and their people are amazing, the true star of this drive is the scenery. Even Afar says it features some of the best landscapes in the entire country. And they’re not wrong—it really is magical. Anyone who’s taken this drive before will absolutely back that up.

READ MOREMaine’s Acadia National Park Ranks 7th in the Nation with Over 4 Million Visits

So, what are you waiting for? It seems like as good a time as any to experience one of the most scenic drives in the country. Sounds like a fun weekend trip to me! You can check out more details and the map here.

The 10 Most Popular Maine State Parks in 2025

Here are the 10 most visited Maine state parks and historic sites in 2025, according to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land.

Note: Baxter State Park has private reservations and numbers. You will not see it on this public list.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

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From towns with more than 1,000 residents to places that have absolutely no one living there, here is the smallest town in each state according to 2023 census data.

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