South Portland, Maine: 10 Easy Road Trips for Weekend Escapes

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10 Easy Road Trips From South Portland, Maine (Outside Cumberland County)

Looking for fun, easy road trips from South Portland, Maine that take you beyond your usual spots in Cumberland County? You’re in the right place. All of these ideas are outside Cumberland County, in the nearby counties of York, Androscoggin, Oxford, and Sagadahoc. They’re perfect for day trips or relaxed weekend getaways when you need a change of scenery but don’t want to drive all day.

1. Kennebunkport – Classic Coastal Charm (York County)

If you close your eyes and picture a “classic Maine seaside town,” there’s a good chance you’re imagining Kennebunkport. It’s about a 40–45 minute drive south of South Portland, depending on traffic. Walk around Dock Square and you’ll find:
  • Cozy shops selling everything from local art to funny lobster T‑shirts
  • Waterfront restaurants serving lobster rolls and chowder
  • Sweet little bakeries and ice cream stands
For views, drive out to the Ocean Avenue loop and stop at points where you can watch the waves crash onto the rocks. On a clear day, bring a light jacket and just sit on a bench for a while. The Atlantic can put on quite a show. If you like simple pleasures—walking, window shopping, and eating fresh seafood—Kennebunkport is an easy, low‑stress escape.

2. Old Orchard Beach – Classic Boardwalk Fun (York County)

About 25–30 minutes south of South Portland, Old Orchard Beach feels like stepping into a retro summer postcard. It’s loud, bright, and full of energy—in a good way. Here’s what to do:
  • Walk the long sandy beach and swim if you don’t mind chilly water
  • Hit the Pier for food, drinks, and people‑watching
  • Ride the small amusement park rides and play arcade games
If you grew up going to boardwalks, this place might feel a bit nostalgic. The smell of fried dough and sunscreen, the sound of games and rides—it all adds up to that summer‑vacation feeling, even if you’re just there for a few hours. Tip: Go earlier in the day or on a weekday if you prefer lighter crowds.

3. Ogunquit – The Marginal Way & A Big Sandy Beach (York County)

About an hour south of South Portland, Ogunquit is one of the prettiest small coastal towns in Maine. The big draw here is the Marginal Way, a paved cliffside walking path that’s roughly a mile long. You can:
  • Walk the Marginal Way between Ogunquit and Perkins Cove
  • Stop for photos on benches overlooking the ocean
  • Explore little shops and snack spots in Perkins Cove
Ogunquit Beach itself is wide and sandy, great for walking at low tide. If you’re someone who loves simple, scenic walks and easy access to food and shops, Ogunquit is a perfect day trip. Parking can fill up in peak summer, so arriving earlier in the morning can save some stress.

4. Wells – Tide Pools & Antiques (York County)

About 40–45 minutes south, Wells offers a quieter coastal experience than some of its neighbors. A few favorite stops:
  • Wells Beach – Good for walking and relaxing
  • Drake’s Island Beach – A bit more low‑key and family‑friendly
  • Antique shops along Route 1 – A treasure hunt for old books, furniture, and odd little finds
If you like poking around in antique stores, Wells can easily fill half a day. Pair that with a beach stroll and some fried clams or a lobster roll, and you’ve got a very “Maine” afternoon without much planning.

5. York & Nubble Lighthouse – Maine Postcard Views (York County)

About an hour from South Portland, York is all about views and relaxed coastal vibes. The star of the show is Nubble Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England. What to do:
  • Drive out to Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse and walk around the small park
  • Watch waves crash on the rocks and look for seals offshore
  • Head to Short Sands Beach or Long Sands Beach for a relaxing walk
There’s usually an ice cream stand nearby in season, and on a clear evening the sky over the water can be beautiful. If you want an easy drive with a huge payoff in scenery, this is a solid choice.

6. Lewiston & Auburn – Riverfront, Murals, and Donuts (Androscoggin County)

Head about 40–45 minutes north‑northwest and you’ll reach Lewiston–Auburn, twin cities divided by the Androscoggin River. Things to do that don’t require much planning:
  • Walk the Riverwalk and check out views of old mill buildings and waterfalls
  • Hunt for colorful street murals and public art
  • Try a local donut or coffee shop and just soak up the small‑city vibe
The area has a growing arts scene, plus some interesting restaurants and cafes. It’s a good road trip when you want a mix of city feel and river views without driving into a big metro area.

7. Auburn & Lake Auburn – Easy Lakeside Escape (Androscoggin County)

Just across the river from Lewiston, Auburn makes a nice add‑on or its own simple trip. If you’re craving trees and water instead of ocean, this is a good direction to head. You can:
  • Drive or walk near Lake Auburn and enjoy peaceful water views
  • Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot near the shore areas that are open to the public
  • Explore small local parks and riverside paths
It’s not a big tourist scene, and that’s part of the appeal. Sometimes you just want a calm lake, a sandwich, and an unhurried day.

8. Bethel – Gateway to the Mountains (Oxford County)

If you’re up for a longer drive—about 1 hour 45 minutes from South Portland—Bethel rewards you with mountain scenery and a cozy small‑town feel. This is classic western Maine:
  • Walk around the small village center with its historic buildings
  • Drive local backroads for mountain and river views
  • In fall, enjoy some of the best foliage in the state
Bethel is a good base if you want to move more—hiking, biking, or winter sports—but it also works if you just want to stroll, sip coffee, and look at the hills. Think “mountain town without the rush.”

9. Norway, Maine – Small-Town Stroll & Nearby Lakes (Oxford County)

About 1 hour 20 minutes northwest, Norway offers a classic small‑town Main Street and easy access to lakes and woods. Ideas for a relaxed day:
  • Walk Main Street and pop into local shops and cafes
  • Drive out to nearby lakes for quiet views or a picnic
  • Check out local events or farmers’ markets in season
It’s the kind of place where you can park once and just wander. If you enjoy low‑key towns with a few good food options and plenty of nature nearby, Norway is worth the drive.

10. Bath – Working Waterfront & Shipbuilding History (Sagadahoc County)

About 45–50 minutes northeast of South Portland, Bath sits along the Kennebec River and blends small‑town charm with big history. Here’s what makes Bath special:
  • A real working waterfront with shipyards and river views
  • A walkable downtown with shops, galleries, and restaurants
  • Plenty of places to sit and watch boats glide along the Kennebec
Bath feels like a town that’s still doing the work it’s always done—only now, visitors get to enjoy the scenery too. If you like river views as much as ocean views, this might become one of your favorite short road trips from South Portland.

Tips for Planning Short Road Trips From South Portland

To keep these South Portland day trips simple and stress‑free, a few quick tips help a lot:
  • Leave a little early – Morning departures help you beat traffic and secure easier parking in summer.
  • Pack a small “road bag” – Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and maybe a beach towel can save you time and money.
  • Check hours – Seasonal businesses, especially along the coast, may open later or close earlier in shoulder seasons.
  • Stay flexible – If a beach is crowded, try another one nearby or switch to exploring shops and backroads.

Where Will You Go Next?

Living in or visiting South Portland gives you a huge advantage: you’re within a short drive of beaches, mountains, rivers, and picture‑perfect small towns. And by heading into York, Androscoggin, Oxford, and Sagadahoc counties, you can see a wider slice of Maine without spending hours on the road. Have you done any of these trips already? Which one sounds like your kind of day?
  • Boardwalk fun at Old Orchard Beach?
  • Postcard views at Nubble Light?
  • Riverfront wandering in Bath?
Share your favorite South Portland road trip ideas in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to Maine. The more ideas we swap, the better our next weekend adventure will be.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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