The Best Places to See When Driving from Andover, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine
Looking for a scenic and fun road trip with your friends or family? A trip from Andover, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine is a perfect choice. There are plenty of picturesque sights between these two towns. You can find incredible beaches, breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and beautiful historic landmarks. Hop into your car, roll down the windows, and start your journey.
In this blog post, we'll show you the best places to visit when driving from Andover to Portland and why they're worth the trip.
The Best Places to Visit
1 - Hampton Beach, NH
Located approximately one hour from Andover, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire is a hidden gem. Hampton Beach is a perfect fun-filled vacation destination for anyone seeking sun, sea, and sand. The beach has miles and miles of soft sand, and crystal clear waters, where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim.
In addition to the beach itself, there are many beachside attractions, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and arcades. There are free concerts and fireworks at the beach that are perfect for a fun summer night with the entire family. Experience the classic American beach town scene at Hampton Beach, a must-visit destination.
2 - The Kittery Outlets, ME
After you have spent a sunny day at Hampton Beach, the journey continues to Kittery Outlets, Maine. Kittery Outlets is a premium shopping destination where you can buy designer clothes, accessories, and footwear at a fraction of their original price. The Kittery Outlets, once known as "The Kittery Trading Post," is an extensive collection of outlet stores with items ranging from casual wear, office wear, and athletic wear.
There are nearly 120 stores in the Kittery Outlets, including Nike, L.L. Bean, Adidas, Puma, and many others. You can fuel up at the food court, and there are plenty of restrooms and parking spaces for shoppers. If you're a shopaholic, make sure to include Kittery Outlets in your itinerary.
3 - Old Orchard Beach, ME
Old Orchard Beach is a fantastic destination that people of all ages will love. It's just a 20-minute drive from Kittery Outlets and an hour away from Portland. Old Orchard Beach is a beautiful seven-mile-long beach with soft golden sand and cool waters. It's also home to many beachside shops and restaurants.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the famous Old Orchard Beach Pier which features attractions, games, and restaurants. Join the locals and ride, the Ferris wheel at Palace Playland, the only beachfront amusement park in Maine. Old Orchard Beach is an amazing destination and a must-visit when driving from Andover to Portland.
4 - Portland Head Light, ME
The Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse that was built in 1791 to be used as a guide for sailors navigating the dangerous roads along Maine's coast. Today, it's a popular tourist destination, and a photogenic spot located only a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Portland.
The lighthouse is perched on the cliffs of Portland Head, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring islands. Take a tour of the lighthouse and its surrounding grounds, wander around the rocky coast, and see many wildlife species. The Portland Head Light is an iconic symbol of Maine and an incredible destination to visit.
5 - Eastern Promenade, ME
The Eastern Promenade is a beautiful park located in the heart of Portland. It's perfect for visitors who want to witness a gorgeous sunrise or sunset. The park is popular for its waterfront views, picnicking, and biking experiences.
The Eastern Promenade is home to many events that showcase Maine's music, arts, and culture. As you stroll through the park, you can see many historic and stunningly unique Victorian mansions along the scenic street. At the edge of the park, kayakers can paddle off into the calm waters, and the adventurous can even rent a paddleboard. If you want to have a relaxing, scenic tour of Portland, there's no better place than the Eastern Promenade.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the most exciting places to see when driving from Andover, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine. A drive from Andover to Portland takes approximately two hours, offering plenty of opportunities to make stops and enjoy the attractions on the way.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, luxury shopping, historic landmarks, or stunning coastal views, these five destinations have everything you need to make your journey unforgettable. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let's hit the road!