Crisp mornings, golden foliage, and the charm of coastal towns and mountain escapes — fall in New England is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re seeking scenic drives or cozy getaways, this seasonal adventure is for you. In fact, here’s a road trip itinerary featuring some of the best stops from Lafayette Hotels across Maine and New Hampshire.
Stop 1: Portland, Maine
To kick off your journey, start in Portland, one of New England’s most vibrant small cities. During September and October, the crisp air brings perfect sweater weather, making it easy to stroll the cobblestone streets of the Old Port. Here, you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and, moreover, some of the best restaurants in Maine.
Take in the ocean views from the Eastern Promenade, tour the Portland Museum of Art, or spend the day lighthouse-hopping to spots like Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. Moreover, Portland is a foodie’s paradise — from fresh lobster rolls to craft breweries and bakeries, it’s the ideal place to start your trip.
Where to Stay?
- Holiday Inn By The Bay – 88 Spring St, Portland
innbythebay.com - Best Western Merry Manor Inn – 700 Main St, South Portland merrymanorinn.com
Stop 2: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Next, head up the coast to the Midcoast gem of Boothbay Harbor. In the fall, this town slows down beautifully; meanwhile, the summer crowds are gone. However, the rocky shores and fishing docks still capture Maine’s classic coastal charm.
Take a foliage cruise, wander through the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, or enjoy a quiet lobster roll overlooking the harbor. In September and October, the season is perfect for peaceful walks along the shoreline. Additionally, it’s an ideal time to explore the quaint downtown shops and galleries.
Where to Stay?
- Tugboat Inn – 80 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor
tugboatinn.com - Fisherman’s Wharf Inn – 22 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor fishermanswharfinn.com
- Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Inn – 35 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor boothbayharboroceansideinn.com
- Boothbay Harbor Inn – 31 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor boothbayharborinn.com
Stop 3: Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
No fall road trip in Maine is complete without a stop in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. This classic coastal town is surrounded by some of the most stunning foliage in New England. For instance, you can hike up Cadillac Mountain to catch the sunrise, take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road, or walk the carriage trails as they wind through forests of red, gold, and orange.
Meanwhile, Bar Harbor itself is perfect for strolling, with its shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh local seafood.
Where to Stay?
- Bluenose Inn – 90 Eden St, Bar Harbor
barharborhotel.com/bluenose-inn - Wonder View Inn – 50 Eden St, Bar Harbor
barharborhotel.com/wonder-view-inn
Stop 4: Augusta
From the coast, make your way inland toward New Hampshire. Along the way, you can break up the drive with a stop in Augusta, Maine’s capital. There, you can explore historic landmarks, walk along the Kennebec River, or, alternatively, simply relax at a full-service spa before continuing further west.
Where to Stay?
- Senator Inn & Spa – 284 Western Ave, Augusta
senatorinn.com
Stop 5: The White Mountains
Next, your journey takes you to North Conway and the White Mountains — one of the top fall foliage destinations in New England. The scenic drives here are legendary, from the Kancamagus Highway to Mount Washington Auto Road.
Jackson’s “Pumpkin People” displays, the Conway Scenic Railroad, and countless hiking trails make this area a must for autumn adventurers.
Where to Stay?
- Nordic Village Resort – Route 16, Jackson, NH
nordicvillage.com
Stop 6: Southern Maine Coast – Kennebunkport & Ogunquit
Finally, wrap up your fall road trip by heading back to the coast for a quieter seaside escape. In the fall, Kennebunkport is cozy and charming, with crisp ocean air, local shops, and seafood restaurants tucked along the water. You can enjoy a quiet beach walk or, in addition, take a scenic drive through the town’s historic neighborhoods.
Furthermore, just down the coast, Ogunquit offers even more oceanfront beauty with its sandy beaches and the iconic Marginal Way cliff walk. As a result, sunrises and sunsets here are simply unforgettable in the fall.
Where to Stay?
- The Beach House Inn – 211 Beach Ave, Kennebunk
beachhouseinnkennebunk.com - Norseman Resort – 135 Beach St, Ogunquit ogunquitbeach.com/norseman
- Aspinquid Resort – 57 Beach Street, Ogunquit
ogunquitbeach.com/aspinquid - Seacastles Resort – 104 Shore Road, Ogunquit
ogunquitbeach.com/seacastles - Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort – 85 Shore Road, Ogunquit
thesparhawk.com
