Top Places to See When Driving From Boston, Massachusetts to Biddeford, Maine
If you're planning a vacation to Maine, the drive from Boston, Massachusetts to Biddeford, Maine, is a beautiful road trip. This scenic route promises the picturesque beauty of small towns, sea, and nature. The drive may take three hours, but there are plenty of pit stops to break the monotony of the journey. Here are the top places to see when driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Biddeford, Maine.
Historic Salem
When driving from Boston, it would be a miss not to stop in Salem, Massachusetts, situated 26 miles north of Boston. Salem is a small town known for its 1692 witch trials, which you can learn more about at the Salem Witch Museum. Visitors can also visit the Peabody Essex Museum, famous for its collection of historical and contemporary art and culture. Salem's architecture is something to admire. The House of Seven Gables, where Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name was set, is among the town's celebrated attractions.
Rockport Harbor
Rockport is an idyllic fishing village with Georgian architecture and an active art scene. Stop at Rockport Harbor, also known as Bearskin Neck, to appreciate unique galleries and artisan shops. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Long Beach or discover the town's rocky shoreline in Halibut Point State Park.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is a captivating coastal town located about two hours north of Portland, Maine. The town is famous for its numerous boating and fishing opportunities, giving visitors plenty of options for ocean activities. Visitors can take a boat tour to the nearby islands or spot harbor seals, dolphins, puffins, and whales on a marine wildlife adventure. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are also a must-visit destination in Boothbay Harbor. The gardens are among the best botanical gardens in the United States and offer a variety of outdoor activities combined with exquisite flower and plant displays.
Wiscasset
Wiscasset is a small town in Maine, but it has plenty of things to offer visitors. Wiscasset is famous for its historic district, lined with 18th and 19th-century homes and architecture. Visitors can stop at the Maine Crafter's Market to appreciate the work of Maine-based artisans or take a tour of the musical instruments at the Musical Wonder House. Wiscasset's most notable attraction, though, is Red's Eats, known for the best lobster roll in Maine.
Victoria Mansion
Portland is a coastal city in Maine and about an hour drive from Biddeford. The city has several notable places, including the Victoria Mansion. The mansion is a National Historic Landmark and has some of the best examples of pre-Civil War buildings in the region. Visitors can take guided tours, marvel at the detailed woodwork, grand chandeliers, and centuries-old furniture that the mansion is renowned for. The mansion also has special seasonal events and a cafe with sweet and savory snacks.
Conclusion
The journey from Boston, Massachusetts, to Biddeford, Maine, is full of scenic stops and historical places that visitors will enjoy. While it's possible to drive from Boston to Biddeford without making any stops, we recommend that you take the time to visit these top sites along the way. Salem's history, the charm of Rockport's fishing village, Boothbay Harbor's coastal seafaring past, Wiscasset's quaint houses and Red's Eats' lobster rolls and Portland's lavish Victoria Mansion are all worth a detour. These stopovers will break up the journey and add an extra layer of excitement to your whole Maine road trip.