A 7-Day New England Adventure
Our itinerary spends 1-week cruising around the picturesque scenery of this historic region of America. From the rugged Atlantic coast to eye-popping foliage, driving around New England is an unforgettable adventure.
Our roadbook
- Boston
- Portland
- Bangor
- Burlington
- Pittsfield
Highlight
- Walk in the shadows of those who ignited the American Revolution
- Explore the wild Atlantic coast and discover the beauty of Acadia National Park
- Admire the snow-capped peaks of New Hampshire
- Drive through the enchanting forests in Vermont
- Embrace the rich heritage of The Berkshires in Massachusetts
Day 1: From Boston to Portland
Distance: Boston to Portland = 108 Miles (approx. 2 hrs)
Your adventure begins at the epicenter of the American Revolution where colonial charm still resonates with visitors. Before renting your vehicle, spend at least a couple of days delving into Boston’s rich history. We recommend you begin the road trip at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston – Downtown due to its proximity to major roadways.
Follow the Freedom Trail to find many of the city’s memorials and historic sites such as the Old South Meeting House and Bunker Hill Monument. Learn why Faneuil Hall is considered the “cradle of liberty” and stroll around the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill.
The blooming flowers and soothing breezes of spring make this a splendid time venture up the New England coast. Snow begins to melt, temperatures gradually rise, and crowds are calmer compared to the summer. Get an early start to beat the mad rush of traffic and hit I-93 North to leave Boston. After turning onto I-95 North, ride through verdant forests and wildlife sanctuaries that draw nature-loving Bostoners.
EV Summary – Since this section is just over 100 miles, a fully charged EV should get
you to your destination without the need for charging along the way. Depending on your EV, you may want to grab a quick charge from the hotel’s charging station or a nearby public station.
Recommended Stations:
Our recommended hotels for Boston and Portland each have Tesla charging stations on the property. If you rent an EV that’s not chargeable at your hotel, we have some suggestions below for public charging stations.
Day 2: Portland to Bangor
Distance: Portland to Bangor = 132 Miles (approx. 2 hrs)
The drive up the jagged Maine coast from Portland to Bangor is nothing short of spectacular. Take I-295 North to leave Portland but ditch the interstate at U.S. Route 1 to witness the Maine’s unbelievable coastal scenery. The fierce Atlantic waves crash against the rocky shoreline as picturesque lighthouses tower above the landscape.
Your route passes several charming towns that nourish wandering travelers with warm hospitality and scrumptious seafood. Wiscasset draws foodies across the region for their mouthwatering lobster rolls, and you can stretch your legs while enjoying stunning views of the Sheepscot River.
Nestled against West Penobscot Bay, Camden is another beautiful stop along Route 1. Radiant foliage surrounds the harbor and the cliffs of Camden Hills State Park offer remarkable seaside vistas. The final stretch of the drive is less than 60 miles to the town of Bangor. Close to Bangor Mall and Cascade Park, Hampton Inn Bangor provides a comfy place to rest your head for the evening.
EV Summary – Due to the long drive of more than 130 miles, ensure you have a full charge before departing Portland. It’s difficult to find an EV that won’t get you to Bangor on a full charge, but there are available stations on your route in the towns of Freeport, Brunswick, Augusta, and Waterville.
Recommended Stations:
Augusta Supercharger (Tesla Only) – 197 Civic Center Drive, Augusta – Supercharger 120 kW – $0.28 kWh – Open 24/7
Brewer Supercharger(Tesla Only) – 5 Walton Dr., Brewer – Supercharger 120 kW I-395 exit 6A. The Superchargers are in Ruby Tuesday’s rear/southwest parking lot.
Day 3 – Acadia National Park
Distance: Around Acadia National Park = 125 – 175 Miles (time will vary based on time spent inside the park)
Spending the night in Bangor gives you the perfect launching pad to discover the star attraction of Maine’s rocky coastline. A 50-mile drive on U.S. 1A transports you to Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park. With its serrated cliffs, sandy beaches, lush woodlands, and diverse wildlife, Acadia is a nature lover’s paradise.
The park’s 47,000 acres are packed with adventurous hiking trails and miraculous viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic coast. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in the park that treats visitors to unforgettable images during sunset. Sand Beach beckons swimmers looking to escape the summer heat and Thunder Hole reveals the power of crashing waves.
Park Loop Road offers the best driving route around the island and the 27-mile thoroughfare takes you to many of Acadia’s best sights. Stop at designated pull-offs for photo opportunities, park the car to go for a hike, or visit iconic places such as Otter Cliff. Most of Park Loop Road is closed during the winter and it’s best to wait until the temperatures rise before driving the route. After a fun day of exploration inside Acadia National Park, drive back to Hampton Inn Bangor for the second night.
EV Summary – The amount of driving you do on this day will vary based on how much you wish to see inside Acadia National Park. It’s a 100 miles round trip from Bangor but expect to drive at least 25-50 miles inside the park. You want to make sure your EV is fully charged before taking off for the day. In case you need a charge, there are some charging stations adjacent to the park.
Recommended Stations:
Acadia Park Headquarters – 20 McFarland Hill Drive, Bar Harbor – J-1772 – 2 Stations – $2/hour Donation Payment – 8-4:30 M-F
Seal Cove Auto Museum – 1414 Tremont Rd, Seal Cove – Tesla 8kW/NEMA 240V – 3 Statons – Free – 10am – 5pm May – Oct
Day 4 – Bangor to Portland
Distance: Bangor to Portland = 132 Miles (approx. 2 hrs)
After an incredible time exploring the crown jewel of Maine’s rocky coast, it’s time to venture back toward Portland. Don’t rush the drive since these will be some of your final images of this rugged shoreline.
If you prefer a faster journey, stick to I-95 S and I-295 S to get back to Portland. For the scenic route, head towards U.S. Route 1 to ride along the Atlantic Ocean on your way to Portland. The ocean vistas are incredible, and you’ll likely make a few stops to snap photos.
As the route veers inland, you’ll cross the waterways that course through the rocky headlands. Be on the lookout for fantastic places to eat in the small towns dotting the Maine coast. The state is famous for lobster rolls, and you absolutely must try one before reaching your next destination.
EV Summary – Whether you stick to the interstate or use Highway 1, it would be wise to charge your EV before leaving Bangor. The ride is around 130-150 miles and vehicles with a shorter mileage will need a full charge to get you there.
Recommended Stations:
See our previously recommended charging stations for the Portland and Bangor areas
Day 5 – Portland to Burlington
Distance: Portland to Burlington = 208 Miles (approx. 4.5 hrs)
From the sea to the mountains, this part of your itinerary whisks you away towards the gorgeous White Mountains of New Hampshire. Once you connect onto US-302 W, you’ll drive into the heart of White Mountain National Forest. Admire the craggy peaks looming above the woodlands that are the highest in New England.
Standing at 6,288 ft, Mount Washington’s snowy roof attracts thousands of mountaineers to reach its summit. Although the height doesn’t compare to mountains west of the Mississippi River, Mount Washington is one of America’s most dangerous climbs. It’s infamous for producing terrifying wind gusts of more than 200 mph.
To treat yourself to one of nature’s magical wonders, make this drive in the fall to stare at the radiant foliage. People from all over the world flock to New England in the fall to gaze at its colorful forests. The tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves adorning the trees will make you clutch onto your camera.
After winding through the White Mountains, you’ll cross the state line to enter Vermont. The foliage here is equally incredible, and the route traverses along numerous peaceful waterways. When you reach the Hilton Burlington, sensational views of the sparkling Lake Champlain will be outside your window.
EV Summary – This will be the longest day of driving on your road trip and it’s crucial to make sure you get a full charge the night before. If your EV doesn’t have great mileage, we’ve recommended a couple of places to recharge on the way.
Recommended Stations:
Loon Mountain 39 Loon Brook Rd, Lincoln – J-1772/Tesla 16 kW – 4 Stations – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Green Mountain Coffee Visitors Center – 1 Rotarian Pl, Waterbury – J-1772 – Free – Open 24/7
Day 6 – Burlington to Pittsfield
Distance: Burlington to Pittsfield = 159 Miles (approx. 3.5 hrs )
The drive today cuts through another one of New England’s pristine natural habitats. Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest enchants visitors regardless of the season. Blooming wildflowers, evergreen woodlands, and tumbling waterfalls welcome springtime travelers. The outdoors gets busy during the summer with lots of camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking available.
Fall is when the magic really happens in Vermont due to the piercing colors of its fall foliage. The vibrant hues dotting the forest are perhaps the most spectacular foliage in the United States. Once snowfall hits during winter, ski resorts open for the skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes.
EV Summary – For a nearly 160-mile drive, it would be a smart idea to make sure you have a full charge. Yesterday was the longest drive of the road trip, so you should have to charge the EV before continuing this leg of the journey.
Recommended Stations:
South Burlington Supercharger (Tesla only) – 222 Dorset St., South Burlington – Supercharger 120 kW – Open 24/7
Day 7 – Pittsfield to Boston
Distance: Pittsfield to Boston = 133 Miles (approx. 2 hrs)
To make the final push towards Boston, you’ll drive through one of the most scenic stretches of Massachusetts. The Berkshires form the picturesque countryside of western Massachusetts and serve as a rich cultural hub. Throughout the region, you’ll find charming towns, fascinating museums, entertaining festivals, and farmers’ markets.
Rolling hills, beautiful foliage, and peaceful farmlands fill the landscape, and driving here feels worlds apart from Boston. Winding roads course through the forests and barns sit in colorful backdrops during the fall. The Berkshires hide dozens of waterfalls along its hiking trails and saving time for a picnic makes a wonderful ending to your road trip.
EV Summary – With a full charge, most vehicles should make the full ride back to Boston without having to recharge. However, we would recommend making a quick stop if your EV doesn’t have the best mileage range.
Recommended Stations:
Lee Supercharger (Tesla only) – 10 Pleasant St, Lee – Supercharger 120 kW – Open 24/7
Framingham Supercharger (Tesla only) – 1 Worcester Rd, Framingham – Supercharger 120 kW – Open 24/7
Where to stay
Portland
821 Washington Street, Theatre District
Charging point: 1 x Tesla 8KW at the property
Public charging points: Pilgrim Parking, ChargePoint (Coulomb Technologies) and Whole Foods Market, ChargePoint (Coulomb Technologies)
r3charge’s recommendation: The on-site charging point if you have the appropriate Tesla for your trip. The nearby public charging points for other EVs.
65 Commercial Street, Portland
Charging point: 1 x Tesla 8KW at the property
Public charging points: Fore Street Garage, $4/hour
r3charge’s recommendation: The on-site charging point if you have the appropriate Tesla or J-1772 adaptor for your trip. The nearby public charging points for other EVs.
Bangor
261 Haskell Road, Bangor
Charging point: No charging station on site
r3charge’s recommendation: Drive to one of the nearby public charging stations in the Bangor area that we have listed above.
Burlington
60 Battery Street, Burlington
Charging point: No charging station on site
Public charging points: Lakeview Garage, ChargePoint. Pay for parking after the first 2 hours
r3charge’s recommendation: Find the closest public charging station and ensure you have a full charge after a long day of driving.
Pittsfield
1032 South Street, Pittsfield
Charging point: No charging station on site
r3charge’s recommendation: Drive to one of the nearby public charging stations in the Pittsfield area that we have listed above.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Day highlight | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Depart Boston | Portland |
| Day 2 | Drive the rugged Maine coast | Bangor |
| Day 3 | Explore Acadia National Park | Bangor |
| Day 4 | Head back down the Atlantic coast | Portland |
| Day 5 | Drive through the White Mountains | Burlington |
| Day 6 | Wander through Green Mountain National Forest | Pittsfield |
| Day 7 | Wander through Green Mountain National Forest | Portland |
Recommended stays:
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