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BoothBay Harbor & Spruce Point Resort & Lodge | Glamping in Acadia | Best Hikes in Acadia

Do you dream of a summer vacation in the northeast, perhaps visiting a place like the Mountain Lake Lodge from Dirty Dancing or staying in one of those recreated cabins featured on Maine Cabin Masters? How about jumping off a dock into one of the many bays or spending your days hiking in Acadia National Park? That’s exactly how we spent the last week of July.

Traveling with family, especially when you have two kids, 4 adults and grandparents along, brings a special kind of joy and alot of coordination. Maine, with its breathtaking coastline, charming towns, and outdoor adventures, is the perfect destination for a multi-generational trip.

Here’s a guide to enjoying a family-friendly journey through a few of Maine’s most picturesque ocean-front spots.

The Drive from Boston to Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Starting your adventure with a drive from Boston Logan International Airport can either be scenic and peaceful (if you fly in at an off-hour and go up Route 1) or it can be a bit like being poked by a needle…a little painful but tolerable. If you choose to fly in on a Saturday, good chances you will also be traveling with many east coasters traveling up to Maine. You pick your path!  Either way, be sure to find your first lobster roll lunch along the way. We sure did in the town of Kennebunkport. 

A Stop in Kennebunkport on our way to Acadia

On your way from Boston to Boothbay Harbor, take a break in the quaint town of Kennebunkport. This stop is perfect for everyone—kids can stretch their legs while checking out the food truck, Ocean Roll. With 4.5 stars on Yelp, we gave it a go…and we absolutely loved our first taste of Lobster on the coast! Great food, quick service, and horse trailer bathrooms! Don’t be fooled though, lobster is still expensive, even in Maine. After lunch, we continued up the coast to our first stop, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 

First Stop: Best Family Friendly Resort town in Maine

Boothbay, Maine, is an ideal first stop on your Maine adventure, especially those 80’s babies wanting that Dirty Dancing resort vibe and off-the-beaten-path spots. The town is not only beautiful but also packed with activities that the whole family can enjoy. The picturesque harbor, lined with boats and bustling with activity, is a sight to behold.

Spruce Point Resort & Spa

This resort is perfect for families (including multi-generational stays!). With spacious rooms and plenty of amenities, the kids can enjoy the two outdoor pools and game room, while the adults can relax on the porch, soaking in the ocean views. The resort also offers easy access to the harbor, via shuttle, town trolley or 6-seater water taxi. The most enjoyable things the kids did to fill their three nights at Spruce Point Inn Resort was fishing, swimming and hot tubbing on the bay side pool area. Some of us also enjoyed the bay kayaking, bike riding, shuffleboard and hiking the on-property 1 mile trail.

In the evenings, we enjoyed dinner at The Salty Stag on property before crashing in our Oceanfront guestroom made up with two queen beds and a full size sleeper sofa.  

What to do on the Coast of Maine

• Whale Watching (aka 3 hours of watching people vomit) - We booked a Monday morning tour with Cap'n Fish's Cruises. The boat and crew were fantastic. The weather NOT SO MUCH. Just a warning, buy your tickets the same day and only go out with perfect weather. The water was rough and made for a long 90 min out to where the Whales hang out (and 90 minutes back) and we didn't even see the whales. Not that most people cared (as they had their heads in the garbage cans).

• Shopping in the town of Boothbay is perfect way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. We browsed the bookstore, antique store and a few souvenir shops (kids have to spend their vacation money!).

• Swimming! Jumping off the dock was a highlight of the trip! The brisk Atlantic Ocean was no match for the kids (and the adults!). What an epic spot to do a trendy cold plunge!

Restaurants in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

• Breakfast: Mama D's Cafe Mercantile - A favorite for breakfast, Mama D's offers hearty meals that will satisfy everyone before a day of exploring. Be sure to get there early, as it’s a popular spot, especially with families.

• Lunch: Marcel’s Submarine Shop - OMG! Maybe the best sub I have ever had! I loved this spot so much I had it twice! They steam their hoagie bread….yes please!

• Dinner: 

• Boothbay Lobster Wharf: For a classic Maine experience, head to Boothbay Lobster Wharf. The kids can pick out their own lobster (which is always exciting), and the whole family can enjoy a delicious, fresh seafood meal with stunning harbor views.

• HarborSide 1901 Bar and Grill: A slightly more upscale but family-friendly restaurant with a variety of options including seafood,sushi to more traditional fare.

• The Salty Stag: This restaurant is on-site at Spruce Point Inn and is a pleasant but casual spot that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a great spot for a meal on the night we arrived or a night-cap for the adults in the group. 

3 Nights Near Acadia National Park

After enjoying the coastal charm of Boothbay, Maine, it was time to head north to Acadia National Park for a few days of outdoor adventure and sleeping under the stars (well kind of). Acadia National Park is nearly 50,000 acres on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean just outside Bar Harbor, Maine. The town is known for its restaurants, shops and coastal luxury. Small cruise ships often port here for the day. But the highlight of this area is Acadia National Park, one of America's smallest parks. 

The drive from Boothbay to the Acadia/Bar Harbor area is about 2 hours. We made a stop for breakfast in Damariscotta, ME at S. Fernald’s Country Store. Transport yourself back into the past with a shelf full of vintage candy, coffee mugs that can be found in your grandma’s cabinets and the best breakfast around! This spot is a local favorite, with the staff knowing most of the customers by name! The kids loved exploring old school candy while we waited for our food (even the candy cigarettes!). Make the stop. You wont regret it.

After a late breakfast, we made the rest of the drive into the Bar Harbor area. We spent a few hours walking around the town, grabbing a slice of pizza and walking across the sand bar, which is only available for 3 hours during low tide. The sand bar leads to Bar Island, which has a mile trail leading to the highest point on the island and a nice view back to Bar Harbor. The town is cute, but there are lots of people. We recommend a few hours around town then head out to your VRBO or glamping/camping spot to really enjoy the beauty of what this area of Maine really has to offer. Which is exactly what we did! About 15 minutes outside of Bar Harbor is Terramor Outdoor Resort….when you are in Maine next time you HAVE to book this resort for a few nights! 

Glamping in Maine

We spent three nights at Terramor Outdoor Resort. This resort offers a unique and comfortable experience that’s great for families. The mix of the outdoors with plumbing is the perfect combination of adventure and basic amenities. But terramor is nothing close to basic. We will write a full summary of this resort but know that this spot is a must-visit! Beautiful tree-lined “camp sites”, a family friendly pool, hot-tub and maine lodge that has AC, good food and a bar with great cocktails. This spot is only 15 minutes from hiking at Acadia National Park.  

Family-Friendly Trails and Stunning Views

• Cadillac Mountain: A trip to Acadia isn’t complete without a visit to Cadillac Mountain but beware that if you book a reservation to enter Cadillac Mountain road (you can find more details here), you might not get a view. Early mornings this highest peak is in the fog and clouds. But if you get lucky, the drive to the summit for breathtaking views is amazing. Be aware that this is the most popular and busy hike/area in the park so get there early! 

• Sand Beach: Start your exploration with a visit to Sand Beach. The kids will love playing in the sand and wading in the waves, while the grandparents can enjoy the beautiful coastal views from the shore.

• Great Head Trail: Our favorite, off-the-beaten-path hike is this trail that will require a 50-minute drive to the far side of the park. But make the trip! This trail offers stunning views and is suitable for older kids who enjoy hiking. Envision a scene out of The Hobbit mixed with the rugged beauty of the Maine coastline—lush, moss-covered forests giving way to dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views. It’s a magical blend of fantasy and natural beauty that makes this 3.5 mile hike a must-do for adventurous families. 

Before your trip, make sure to check out the trail and park maps to plan the best hikes in Acadia that suit your family's needs. And don’t forget to prioritize safety—visit our safety blog for essential tips to ensure a fun and secure adventure for everyone.

Need other ideas for what to do near Acadia National Park and need a guide or some additional ideas? Check out some of the best options on our Viator shop.

Short stay in Portland, Maine.

After our three nights glamping near Acadia National Park, we made the drive back north for a one night stay in Portland, ME. Checking into the Hampton Inn Downtown, we spent the afternoon walking up the coast and enjoying our last lobster roll of the trip! At this point, everyone was tired from the week of adventures so we crashed early that night, with our sites on our morning flight out of Boston International Airport. Portland is a nice city but not one I would plan much time in.

Summary of our trip to Maine and Acadia National Park

Maine is a beautiful option for a family trip, and although it might not be quick to get too, it is well worth the time. Maine offers a mix of relaxation, ocean views, cooler temperatures, adventure, allowing for quality family time together. Whether you’re exploring a charming town, camping (with a luxury tent) or hiking the best trails in Acadia National Park, this trip will create lasting memories for every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest. Remember, you have 18 summers with your kids! Take the trip.