Portland, Maine: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from Portland, Maine (That Take You Out of Cumberland County)

If you’re based in Portland, Maine and itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within just an hour or so, you can reach quaint mill towns, sandy beaches, quiet lakes, and classic New England villages – all outside Cumberland County. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 short out-of-county road trips from Portland, focusing on nearby spots in:
  • Androscoggin County, ME
  • Oxford County, ME
  • Sagadahoc County, ME
  • York County, ME
All of these make great day trips from Portland, Maine or relaxed weekend getaways. Gas up, grab a coffee, and let’s hit the road.

1. Lewiston & Auburn: Mill Town Vibes and River Views (Androscoggin County)

About 40–45 minutes from Portland, the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn sit on the banks of the Androscoggin River. It’s an easy drive straight up I‑95 or Route 202, and it feels like stepping into a different side of Maine. Things to do in Lewiston–Auburn:
  • Walk along the Androscoggin Riverwalk and take in the old brick mill buildings.
  • Check out local shops and cafés in downtown Auburn and Lisbon Street in Lewiston.
  • Catch a show or performance at a local theater or campus venue.
  • Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot near the water.
On my first visit, I expected an industrial town and nothing more. Instead, I found a relaxed riverside walk, street art, and a couple of cozy coffee spots that made it easy to slow down for the day. If you enjoy architecture, those red brick mills are worth the drive alone.

2. Poland & Range Ponds: Easy Lake Day Escape (Androscoggin County)

Craving a swim but don’t want to battle the big beach crowds? Head to Range Ponds State Park in Poland, about 40 minutes from Portland. It’s a peaceful spot for families, couples, or solo travelers who just want to unwind. Why this day trip from Portland works so well:
  • Soft sandy beach and gentle, clear water.
  • Plenty of space for kids to run and build sandcastles.
  • Picnic tables, grills, and shady spots under the trees.
  • Short nature walks and easy trails nearby.
On hot summer days, the water here feels like a reward after the drive. Bring a cooler, beach chairs, and maybe a book. It’s the kind of place where you plan to “stop by for a couple of hours” and end up staying all afternoon.

3. Oxford & Norway: Lakes, Ice Cream, and Small-Town Charm (Oxford County)

Head northwest from Portland, and in under an hour you can be in the Oxford Hills area, exploring the towns of Oxford and Norway. This part of Maine feels a bit more “off the beaten path,” but still close enough for a half-day visit. Highlights in Oxford & Norway:
  • Stroll down Norway’s Main Street with its mix of local shops and cafés.
  • Visit one of the nearby lakes for a quick swim or kayak session.
  • Stop for ice cream at a roadside stand in summer.
  • Catch a local event or festival if your timing is right.
The pace here is slow in the best way. If Portland sometimes feels busy, Oxford and Norway deliver that small-town Maine feeling you might be craving, with quiet streets and friendly locals who are happy to chat.

4. Bethel & the Western Mountains: Scenic Drives and Outdoor Fun (Oxford County)

If you’re up for a longer but still doable day trip from Portland, point your car toward Bethel, about 1.5 to 2 hours away. The ride itself is half the fun, especially as you get closer and the hills rise up around you. What to do in Bethel:
  • Walk around the charming village center with its white-steepled church and historic homes.
  • Explore nearby hiking trails with mountain and river views.
  • In fall, take a foliage drive that feels straight out of a postcard.
  • In winter, use Bethel as a gateway to the ski areas nearby.
If you’ve ever wanted to see what “classic New England mountain town” looks like, this is it. Pack layers – the weather can change quickly in the hills – and don’t forget your camera. Even the gas stations seem to have a good view.

5. Bath: Historic Shipbuilding Town on the Kennebec (Sagadahoc County)

Just under an hour from Portland, Bath sits along the Kennebec River and wears its shipbuilding history with pride. It’s one of those Maine towns where the past and present blend naturally. Top things to do in Bath, Maine:
  • Explore the waterfront and watch boats glide down the Kennebec.
  • Walk Bath’s downtown, lined with brick buildings, shops, and restaurants.
  • Visit maritime and local history sites to learn about the shipbuilding heritage.
  • Grab a riverside bite to eat and linger over the view.
Bath makes a great short road trip from Portland if you enjoy history but still want easy walking and plenty of places to sit with a coffee or ice cream. It’s compact, friendly, and easy to navigate.

6. Phippsburg & Popham Beach Area: Wild Coastline and Salt Air (Sagadahoc County)

Ready for wide-open skies and crashing waves? Head to Phippsburg, just past Bath. The drive takes about an hour and rewards you with a rugged stretch of Maine coastline that feels worlds away from the city. Why Phippsburg is worth the drive:
  • Long sandy beaches backed by dunes and marshes.
  • Rocky outcrops you can climb for sweeping ocean views.
  • Plenty of spots to walk, beachcomb, or just listen to the surf.
  • Nearby historic sites and quiet side roads to explore.
On windy days, the waves can be impressive. I’ve stood there more than once, jacket zipped up, just watching the surf roll in and thinking, “This is why people fall in love with Maine.” Bring layers – even in summer, the breeze can feel cool by the water.

7. Kennebunk & Kennebunkport: Classic Coastal Villages (York County)

If you’ve seen photos of Maine’s rocky shoreline and big old seaside homes, there’s a good chance they were taken in or near Kennebunk or Kennebunkport. These two towns sit side by side, about 35–45 minutes south of Portland. Things to do in Kennebunk & Kennebunkport:
  • Stroll through the village centers with their shops, galleries, and cafés.
  • Walk along the harbor and watch the fishing boats come and go.
  • Drive the scenic oceanside roads for lighthouse and coastline views.
  • Try fresh seafood – from lobster rolls to clam chowder – at a local spot.
Yes, it can get busy in peak season. But even with the crowds, these coastal towns make a great day trip from Portland, Maine if you want that “vacationland” feeling without a long drive.

8. Ogunquit: Beach Town with a Scenic Cliff Walk (York County)

Head a little farther south (about an hour from Portland), and you’ll hit Ogunquit, a lively seaside town known for its wide sandy beach and the famous Marginal Way, a paved walkway along the cliffs. Why Ogunquit is such a favorite:
  • Ogunquit Beach: long, clean, and perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
  • Marginal Way: an easy, scenic walk above the rocks with ocean views.
  • Shops and restaurants clustered close to the shore.
  • Small, cozy side streets that are fun to wander.
If you like mixing a beach day with a good walk and plenty of people-watching, this is your spot. Parking can be tight in the height of summer, so aim to arrive early or plan a shoulder-season visit in late spring or early fall.

9. York: Beaches, Views, and a Storybook Lighthouse (York County)

The town of York, about an hour from Portland, offers just about every kind of coastal experience you could want, from family-friendly beaches to dramatic cliffs. Highlights in York, Maine:
  • Relax on one of the town’s sandy beaches.
  • Explore the rocky shoreline and tidal pools at low tide.
  • Drive or walk to one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses for postcard‑worthy views.
  • Enjoy classic seaside treats like fried clams and saltwater taffy.
One of my favorite things to do here is simply park, grab a coffee, and sit facing the water. You can watch surfers on a good day, kids chasing waves, and the forever-changing Atlantic all at once.

10. Sanford & the Southern Maine Backroads (York County)

If you prefer quiet to crowds, try heading inland to Sanford, about an hour from Portland. This small city and the surrounding backroads show a softer side of York County, away from the busy beach scene. What to do around Sanford:
  • Stroll through the downtown area and local parks.
  • Drive the backroads to find small ponds and peaceful viewpoints.
  • Look for local diners and mom‑and‑pop shops for lunch.
  • Use Sanford as a starting point to explore nearby towns and country roads.
This is a good choice when everything on the coast feels packed. You still get that “on the road in Maine” feeling, but with less traffic and more space to breathe.

Planning Your Road Trips from Portland, Maine

To make the most of these out-of-county day trips near Portland, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most places on this list are within about 45–90 minutes of Portland.
  • Arrive early in summer: Beach and coastal towns in York and Sagadahoc counties can get busy.
  • Pack layers: Even on warm days, ocean breezes and mountain evenings can feel cool.
  • Support local: Try the small cafés, farm stands, and family‑run shops you find along the way.
The best part? You don’t need to plan a huge vacation to feel like you got away. A tank of gas, a loose idea of where you’re headed, and a flexible schedule can turn a regular day into a little adventure.

Where Will You Drive Next?

From Androscoggin’s river towns to Oxford County’s lakes and York County’s beaches, there’s a whole world just beyond Portland and Cumberland County waiting to be explored. Which of these short road trips from Portland, Maine would you try first? Have you discovered a hidden gem in Androscoggin, Oxford, Sagadahoc, or York County that deserves a shout‑out? Share your favorite nearby Maine road trip in the comments and tell us what made it special. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are planning their own getaway from Portland – your next mini‑adventure might be just one drive away.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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