This Atlantic Coast Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

If you wish to witness up close the sometimes rugged scenery of America's Atlantic coastline, there are a number of highway routes you can explore, ranging from the sun-baked sands of Florida to the wildernesses of New England.

At nearly 147 miles in total length, the Bold Coast Scenic Byway in Maine covers one of the most incredible northern stretches, where cold waves crash against the area's towering cliffs, old-growth forests, and old-timey fishing towns year-round. See below what other gems this cool road trip destination holds in store, whether for a quiet winter escape or your next summer vacation.

A History of this Longstanding Highway

This historic route traces a section of U.S. Route 1 through Washington County, showcasing centuries of settlement along Maine’s Atlantic edge. Long before modern roads were laid down here, the Passamaquoddy people traveled this coastline by water and forest paths, using it for fishing, trade, and setting up seasonal camps along the way. Extensive European settlement later on in the 1700s then reshaped the region forever, with port towns developing around timber, shipbuilding, and commercial fishing industries.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the local economy moved heavily towards sardine canneries, granite quarries, and logging camps deeper inland, making the need to link isolated towns by already existing rough roads and coastal trails more important.

As automobiles became commonplace in America, Route 1 was improved and paved, creating the much-needed and dependable overland connection between a plethora of New England communities and the rest of Maine. The roadway helped stabilize year-round settlement and also supported tourism tied to the region's many attractions, including lighthouses, parks, and, of course, lots of dramatic coastal scenery.

In 2011, the corridor was officially recognized as the Bold Coast Scenic Byway by the state of Maine, and later upgraded to a National Scenic Byway in 2020 to highlight and preserve its cultural history, working waterfronts, and pristine natural landscapes.

Top Stops Along the Way

Perhaps the most popular way to traverse the Bold Coast byway is to commence from the town of Milbridge and head east, ultimately landing at Eastport, a cozy community sitting on a narrow archipelago jutting out into the ocean. Although this trip could potentially be done in under a day, here are some of the most popular pull-offs that will hopefully have you sticking around a little longer.

Milbridge

Milbridge makes for a charming start that does an excellent job of revealing the working character of Maine’s Downeast region. Long tied to fishing and boatbuilding (as with much of the rest of the area), this town remains centered on its harbor, where lobster boats can often be seen coming in and out on a regular basis and fresh catches can be purchased.

And visitors driving the byway today do often stop for fresh seafood, along with waterfront views and access to other scenic coastal drives and boating routes as well. Many opt to grab a bite at Chipman's Wharf (renowned for its lobster rolls), fill up on gas downtown, and if you need to spend the night, drop by local accommodations like The Red Barn Motel.

In more recent times, Milbridge gained wider recognition as the gateway to cool locales like nearby Petit Manan Point and the greater Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, among the most important seabird nesting areas on the East Coast. The nearby Petit Manan Lighthouse adds another touch of historical context to the area, accessible only by boat, however.

Wild Blueberry Heritage Center of Maine

The Wild Blueberry Heritage Center of Maine offers a focused look at one of the state’s most important agricultural exports. Located near Columbia Falls, this roadside stop explains how wild blueberries differ from cultivated varieties and why Maine’s climate and glacial soils are ideal for their growth.

Exhibits here cover harvesting methods and the science behind crop cycles and field management. Furthermore, a working blueberry barren surrounds the building, allowing you to see the type of landscape where this hardy little fruit is best grown. Seasonal events, demonstrations, and tastings can also be part of the experience, although please note that it is only open seasonally from late June to mid-October.

Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land

Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land protects an undeveloped slice of shoreline that is an ideal pit stop for nature lovers and landscape photographers alike. Unlike sandy beaches farther south, this piece of wild coastline is defined by its often harsh conditions and pebble-covered beaches.

Established during the 1990s, the area spans over 12,230 acres of windwept coastal forest, peatlands, and high granite cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy, and its trail system leads through spruce and fir woods to numerous different viewpoints where sheer cliffs often drop to the ocean below. Be sure to also check out the nearby Eastern Knubble Preserve Trail, the Western Head Preserve Trail, or the Bog Brook Preserve at Moose Cove for other outdoor activity options close by.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse stands at the easternmost point of the United States, marking the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay near Lubec. First lit in 1808, it is also Maine’s oldest surviving lighthouse, remaining an active aid to navigation to this day. The current tower, rebuilt in 1858, is known for its distinctive red-and-white striped exterior, a rare pattern among American lighthouses for those who are interested in the subject.

For everyone else, the surrounding West Quoddy Head State Park offers a nice selection of coastal trails, picturesque headlands, and numerous spots for expansive ocean views.

Lubec

Like the West Quoddy Lighthouse, Lubec sits at the far eastern edge of Maine, directly across the water from Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada. Historically a major sardine-canning center, the town thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when fishing and processing dominated the local economy.

The collapse of the sardine industry, however, led to a long-term decline in population, but Lubec retained much of its maritime identity, serving as a hotspot for whale-watching and offering nearby hiking areas along the Bold Coast. Moreover, colorful waterfront buildings and restored old-timey structures dot the downtown core, with destinations like the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum and the Lost Fisherman's Memorial offering a couple of other bits of historical interest.

If you did want to cross the Canadian border, Roosevelt Campobello International Park is another fantastic historic destination. But if you intend to stay on the American side, at least take a break at the Lubec Brewing Company to enjoy a drink or two with views looking right across the water to the neighboring nation.

Reversing Falls Park

Reversing Falls Park boasts what may be the Bold Coast’s most unusual natural phenomenon, where strong tides from Cobscook Bay force water to reverse direction through a narrow channel. Located near Pembroke, the park has viewing platforms that conveniently allow you to watch the currents shift with the tidal cycle. This effect is caused by the adjacent Bay of Fundy’s extreme tidal range, which pushes incoming water against the river’s natural flow.

The surrounding area also includes short walking paths and picnic space, making it an easy stop along the route to stretch your legs. Just be sure to time your arrival in accordance with the tidal schedule, when the water transitions from high to low tide (known as "slack tide"), to see the falls "reverse."

Eastport

To visit another geographic point of interest, Eastport is the easternmost city in the contiguous United States. An idyllic end to any trip along the Bold Coast Scenic Byway, it features an array of historic brick buildings downtown that once housed a variety of establishments, from canneries to military outposts, but now serve as galleries, small museums, and local businesses.

Drop by the Tides Institute & Museum of Art, then head over to the Horn Run Brewing and enjoy its oceanside patio with some locally caught/prepared seafood and drinks. Eastport’s location near Passamaquoddy Bay also supports whale watching tours, boating, and access to nearby islands for those aiming to explore the area more in depth.

Better yet, Eastport is one of the only towns in the area with a variety of places to book an overnight stay if you are not quite ready to make the journey back west, whether you want to choose a quiet bed and breakfast like the Milliken House or a more conventional hotel or motel, namely the Motel East.

Experience this Peaceful Stretch of the Atlantic Seaboard

The eastern seaboard of the United States spans nearly 2,000 miles, offering a treasure trove of sights and sounds, from the tropical beaches of Florida to the metropolitan areas of New York, Boston, and beyond. On the other hand, we suggest the Bold Coast for its solitude and off-the-beaten-path allure, making it a perfect road trip idea for anyone looking to escape the crowds, regardless of the season.