# New England city and coastal parks · Short middle stop and a slower finish

[Canonical itinerary](<https://zukio.com/trips/north-america/open-jaw/new-england-city-and-coastal-parks-z0728/>)

Short middle stop and a slower finish

- Region: North America
- Trip format: Open jaw
- Nights: 13
- Interests: Literature, Nature, History, Science, Food & Drink

## Route and nights

- Boston · 5 night(s)
- Portland, Maine · 2 night(s)
- Bar Harbor · 6 night(s)

Tradeoff: Two nights in the middle means one main visit. Keep a substantial final base for the last stretch.

Compare: Drive or rail and road to compare

## Day-by-day agenda

Suggested schedule. Times are local. Check hours and availability for your dates.

### Day 1 · Boston

- 15:30 to 16:15 · Check in and drop your bags · The Godfrey Hotel Boston
- 16:35 to 17:35 · Take a short orientation walk near the hotel · Boston Common. Skip this block if you arrive later.
- 17:50 to 19:15 · Have dinner near the hotel · Downtown Crossing, Boston
Overnight: [The Godfrey Hotel Boston](<https://www.hotels.com/ho497548/the-godfrey-hotel-boston-boston-united-states-of-america/>) · Boston

### Day 2 · Boston

- 08:45 to 09:45 · Breakfast in Back Bay · Back Bay, Boston
- 10:00 to 11:40 · Visit the Boston Public Library's Central Library · Boston Public Library Central Library, Boston. Check public hours before setting out. Start with the McKim Building and Bates Hall if open.
- 11:45 to 12:25 · See the buildings around Copley Square · Copley Square, Boston. Explore the square and see the Trinity Church exterior from the public sidewalk.
- 12:35 to 13:35 · Lunch around Newbury Street · Newbury Street, Boston
- 13:50 to 15:10 · Follow the Boston Literary District through Beacon Hill · Beacon Hill, Boston. Use publicly visible plaques and streetscapes and respect residential entrances.
- 15:25 to 16:20 · Browse a bookstore near Boston Common · Boston Common, Boston
- 17:40 to 19:10 · Dinner around Downtown Crossing · Downtown Crossing, Boston
Overnight: [The Godfrey Hotel Boston](<https://www.hotels.com/ho497548/the-godfrey-hotel-boston-boston-united-states-of-america/>) · Boston

### Day 3 · Boston

- 08:45 to 09:30 · Breakfast near the Public Garden · Boston Public Garden, Boston
- 09:35 to 10:45 · Walk the Public Garden paths and lagoon · Boston Public Garden, Boston. Treat seasonal boat service as an optional add-on.
- 11:00 to 12:15 · Follow Commonwealth Avenue Mall · Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston. Choose a stretch that leaves time for a slow lunch.
- 12:30 to 13:30 · Lunch in Back Bay · Back Bay, Boston
- 13:50 to 15:35 · Walk a west-side Esplanade section · Charles River Esplanade, Boston. Use a marked pedestrian bridge and keep the walk short in poor weather.
- 16:00 to 17:00 · Browse shops or bookstores around Newbury Street · Newbury Street, Boston
- 18:00 to 19:30 · Dinner in Back Bay · Back Bay, Boston
Overnight: [The Godfrey Hotel Boston](<https://www.hotels.com/ho497548/the-godfrey-hotel-boston-boston-united-states-of-america/>) · Boston

### Day 4 · Boston

- 08:30 to 09:10 · Breakfast near Boston Common · Boston Common, Boston
- 09:15 to 10:00 · Start the Freedom Trail at Boston Common · Boston Common, Boston. Follow the trail markers toward the Massachusetts State House and Park Street.
- 10:10 to 11:00 · Visit Granary Burying Ground and see King's Chapel · Granary Burying Ground, Boston. Use posted access and opening times for interiors.
- 11:10 to 12:10 · Explore Old South Meeting House · Old South Meeting House, Boston. Check admission and opening hours. Keep the Old State House as an alternative if needed.
- 12:25 to 13:20 · Lunch around Faneuil Hall · Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
- 13:35 to 14:45 · Follow the trail into the North End · North End, Boston. Pick Paul Revere House or Old North Church if you want one more interior visit. Confirm hours before committing.
- 15:00 to 16:00 · Walk to Copp's Hill and the waterfront · Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Boston
- 17:30 to 19:00 · Dinner in the North End · North End, Boston
Overnight: [The Godfrey Hotel Boston](<https://www.hotels.com/ho497548/the-godfrey-hotel-boston-boston-united-states-of-america/>) · Boston

### Day 5 · Boston

- 08:30 to 09:15 · Breakfast near Downtown Crossing · Downtown Crossing, Boston
- 09:20 to 10:00 · Get to the Museum of Science · Museum of Science, Boston. Allow time for the last walk to Science Park and admission.
- 10:00 to 12:40 · Choose two galleries at the Museum of Science · Museum of Science, Boston. Check show tickets and current exhibits. A timed show can replace part of this block.
- 12:45 to 13:30 · Lunch near Science Park · Science Park, Boston
- 13:45 to 15:45 · Walk part of the Charles River Esplanade · Charles River Esplanade, Boston. Use public access paths and turn back if weather makes the exposed riverfront uncomfortable.
- 16:10 to 17:10 · Walk through Beacon Hill toward Boston Common · Beacon Hill, Boston
- 18:00 to 19:30 · Dinner in Beacon Hill · Beacon Hill, Boston
Overnight: [The Godfrey Hotel Boston](<https://www.hotels.com/ho497548/the-godfrey-hotel-boston-boston-united-states-of-america/>) · Boston

### Day 6 · Portland, Maine

- 08:00 to 08:45 · Have breakfast before checking out · Downtown Crossing, Boston
- 08:45 to 09:35 · Check out and allow time to reach your departure point · The Godfrey Hotel Boston
- 09:35 to 13:45 · Travel from Boston to Portland, Maine · Boston North Station. Check the current Downeaster timetable, departure from North Station, and onward ride from the Portland Transportation Center. Use the departure and arrival times from your booking.
- 13:55 to 14:55 · Have lunch near your new base · Old Port, Portland, Maine
- 15:05 to 16:00 · Drop bags and check in when the room is ready · Portland Harbor Hotel
- 16:15 to 17:05 · Take a short orientation walk if time allows · Commercial Street, Portland, Maine
- 17:45 to 19:00 · Have dinner near your new hotel if time allows · Old Port, Portland, Maine
Overnight: [Portland Harbor Hotel](<https://www.hotels.com/ho29755872/portland-harbor-hotel-portland-united-states-of-america/>) · Portland, Maine

### Day 7 · Portland, Maine

- 08:15 to 09:00 · Breakfast near the hotel · Old Port, Portland, Maine
- 09:20 to 10:45 · Walk the public Old Port streets and wharf approaches · Commercial Street, Portland, Maine
- 10:55 to 12:10 · Choose an open maritime history stop or walk to the waterfront terminals · Portland Waterfront, Maine. Check openings and stay clear of working docks.
- 12:25 to 13:30 · Have lunch near the waterfront · Old Port, Portland, Maine
- 13:50 to 15:20 · Compare older commercial façades around Exchange and Fore streets · Exchange Street, Portland, Maine
- 15:40 to 16:45 · Take a café break in the Old Port · Old Port, Portland, Maine
- 17:45 to 19:15 · Have dinner near the hotel · Old Port, Portland, Maine
Overnight: [Portland Harbor Hotel](<https://www.hotels.com/ho29755872/portland-harbor-hotel-portland-united-states-of-america/>) · Portland, Maine

### Day 8 · Bar Harbor

- 07:50 to 08:35 · Have breakfast before checking out · Old Port, Portland, Maine
- 08:35 to 09:25 · Check out and allow time to reach your departure point · Portland Harbor Hotel
- 09:25 to 15:20 · Travel from Portland, Maine to Bar Harbor · Portland, Maine. Confirm how you will reach Bar Harbor. Driving and coach connections have different schedules. Keep room for lunch, road delays, and parking. Use the departure and arrival times from your booking.
- 15:30 to 16:20 · Check in after reaching the new base · Bar Harbor Inn. Keep dinner flexible if the transfer runs late.
- 17:45 to 19:00 · Have dinner near your new hotel if time allows · West Street, Bar Harbor
Overnight: [Bar Harbor Inn](<https://www.hotels.com/ho237104/bar-harbor-inn-bar-harbor-united-states-of-america/>) · Bar Harbor

### Day 9 · Bar Harbor

- 08:20 to 09:15 · Have a bakery or café breakfast near Main Street · Main Street, Bar Harbor
- 09:40 to 11:15 · Check produce, snacks, and portable lunch options in town · Bar Harbor, Maine. Check seasonal hours and choose supplies that can be stored safely.
- 11:35 to 12:55 · Have seafood for lunch or choose a picnic meal · West Street, Bar Harbor. Compare prices and portions before ordering. Keep a sheltered backup in poor weather.
- 13:20 to 15:05 · Choose a public harbor walk or a sheltered town stop · Agamont Park, Bar Harbor
- 15:20 to 16:30 · Take an afternoon coffee break and plan the next morning · Bar Harbor, Maine
- 17:40 to 19:10 · Dinner near the waterfront hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
Overnight: [Bar Harbor Inn](<https://www.hotels.com/ho237104/bar-harbor-inn-bar-harbor-united-states-of-america/>) · Bar Harbor

### Day 10 · Bar Harbor

- 07:30 to 08:15 · Have breakfast before leaving Bar Harbor · Bar Harbor, Maine
- 08:30 to 09:45 · Check park access and travel to your first open stop · Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Acadia National Park. Check current roads, shuttle service, and any separate vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road. Confirm before leaving town. [Official information](<https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/index.htm>)
- 10:00 to 11:35 · Choose an open Acadia shore viewpoint or a short marked path · Acadia National Park, Maine. Use current park notices, keep clear of exposed rock and surf, and adjust for closures and weather.
- 11:50 to 12:50 · Take a packed lunch or return to town for lunch · Mount Desert Island, Maine
- 13:10 to 14:45 · Choose one mountain or inland viewpoint if access fits · Acadia National Park, Maine. Use a confirmed reservation where required, or choose a lower inland route. Keep the afternoon open in poor visibility. [Official information](<https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/vehicle_reservations.htm>)
- 15:00 to 16:35 · Return to Bar Harbor and take a break · Bar Harbor, Maine
- 17:40 to 19:10 · Have dinner near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
Overnight: [Bar Harbor Inn](<https://www.hotels.com/ho237104/bar-harbor-inn-bar-harbor-united-states-of-america/>) · Bar Harbor

### Day 11 · Bar Harbor

- 08:15 to 09:00 · Breakfast near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 09:20 to 10:45 · Walk from the harbor through the central streets · Agamont Park, Bar Harbor. Compare the town’s shore-facing and commercial streets.
- 10:55 to 12:10 · Choose a local history or culture stop if open · Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor. Check its current schedule and use downtown public streets as a fallback.
- 12:25 to 13:30 · Have lunch near Main Street · Main Street, Bar Harbor
- 13:50 to 15:25 · Walk an open section of the Shore Path or choose a town loop · Shore Path, Bar Harbor. Check access and keep to the route that is open.
- 15:40 to 16:45 · Take a seated break · Bar Harbor, Maine
- 17:45 to 19:10 · Dinner near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
Overnight: [Bar Harbor Inn](<https://www.hotels.com/ho237104/bar-harbor-inn-bar-harbor-united-states-of-america/>) · Bar Harbor

### Day 12 · Bar Harbor

- 09:00 to 09:50 · Have a later breakfast near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 10:20 to 11:55 · Leave time for a stop you missed or want to revisit · West Street, Bar Harbor. Use this window for a closure, bad weather, or a slower morning.
- 12:10 to 13:15 · Have lunch near the hotel or your chosen stop · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 13:40 to 15:25 · Take a short neighborhood walk if time allows · Agamont Park, Bar Harbor. Use the time for a break if the weather or the next transfer calls for a slower day.
- 15:40 to 16:45 · Take a seated break · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 17:45 to 19:10 · Have dinner near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
Overnight: [Bar Harbor Inn](<https://www.hotels.com/ho237104/bar-harbor-inn-bar-harbor-united-states-of-america/>) · Bar Harbor

### Day 13 · Bar Harbor

- 09:00 to 09:50 · Have a later breakfast near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 10:20 to 11:55 · Leave time for a stop you missed or want to revisit · West Street, Bar Harbor. Use this window for a closure, bad weather, or a slower morning.
- 12:10 to 13:15 · Have lunch near the hotel or your chosen stop · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 13:40 to 15:25 · Take a short neighborhood walk if time allows · Agamont Park, Bar Harbor. Use the time for a break if the weather or the next transfer calls for a slower day.
- 15:40 to 16:45 · Take a seated break · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 17:45 to 19:10 · Have dinner near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
Overnight: [Bar Harbor Inn](<https://www.hotels.com/ho237104/bar-harbor-inn-bar-harbor-united-states-of-america/>) · Bar Harbor

### Day 14 · Bar Harbor

- 08:00 to 08:45 · Have breakfast near the hotel · West Street, Bar Harbor
- 09:00 to 09:45 · Take an optional last walk · Agamont Park, Bar Harbor. Skip the walk if you have an early departure.
- 10:00 to 10:30 · Check out and collect luggage · Bar Harbor Inn
- 10:30 to 11:30 · Allow time for onward travel · West Street, Bar Harbor. Use the confirmed departure and pickup times from your booking.