I'm thinking of taking a short trip (4 days) to Maine in the fall. Would love to see fall leaves and the sea coast. What's the best time to go? Where should we fly into? What should we plan to see in four days (meaning, which scenic views of the ocean). Lots of driving is not a problem -- we're not going to rest.

Thanks!

September in Maine is gorgeous but you won't see much color unless you are there mid- to later in the month (although it's impossible to predict for sure). If you intend to be north of Portland (Acadia, etc.), fly into Portland. If you want to be in the Ogunquit, York, Kennebunkport area, fly into Manchester, NH, and drive along the coast. In fact, I would just keep driving up the coast, stopping wherever and whenever you wish.

The Maine coast is beautiful from around Kennebunkport all the way to Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park). Late September to early October is prime for fall foliage, particularly away from the coast.

The color is best inland. Late Sept is a great time to visit. If you want to see the Maine woods, or the Acadia National Park area (which is a beautiful combo of coast, lakes, mountains, and some very cute towns,) fly into Bangor. If you want to see the southern, midcoast area, fly into Portland. You really can't go wrong with either.

I would fly into Manchester and take a car up Route 1A with a stop in Portsmouth NH.

We went at the beginning of the past October. We timed it just perfectly!

Thank you for answering my question perfectly! I'll need more info later, but that gives me some guidelines.

We went in 2001 right around mid-October (the 14-17, I think). Flew into & stayed in Portland with family. Missed the "real" color but saw enough to please us Southerners; spent one day going north, one day going south, one day going inland. Will for sure return and will do Acadia. The "beach" made us laugh since we're used to the Gulf of Mexico beaches. Have fun!

We've been flying to Boston and driving to Maine (1-2 hours drive) for 25 years. We always go over the Columbus Day Weekend to extend our days there. That is around Oct. 10th. Have always lucked out with good foliage. We stay in Kennebunkport, Freeport and Bar Harbor.
8-)

i am planning a one week vacation in maine starting on october 16th
here are a few of the things i would like to indulge in a good coffee shop/fresh pastries, i enjoy a good cocktail or micro brew, antique stores, casual restaurants, would like to take a one day cruise for whale watching sightseeing etc. any info that you have would be most appreciated. chuck