Road Trip from Cary, NC to Portland, ME

Are you ready for an adventure? Venture on a road trip from Cary, North Carolina, to Portland, Maine, and discover the beauty of the East Coast. This route will take you through 14 states, covering about 1000 miles and offering an array of museums, parks, and landmarks that are worth a stop.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Route 1, which is the road that connects Cary and Portland, is the longest route in America? It stretches approximately 2,369 miles from Key West, Florida, to Fort Kent, Maine.

Halfway Point: Cherry Hill, NJ

Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is the perfect spot for a mid-road trip break. It's a small town with plenty of options for food and a variety of attractions, including the Garden State Discovery Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits that are perfect for children, but adults will enjoy them, too.

The Length of the Trip

The trip from Cary to Portland covers approximately 1,000 miles and will take approximately 17 hours of driving if you stick to Route 1. However, the trip can take longer if you take side trips and stop frequently to enjoy the attractions.

Top Five Places to Visit

1. Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Connecticut: You can experience life in a 19th-century seaport village at the Mystic Seaport Museum. The museum features over 60 historic buildings, including a shipyard and various exhibits, that showcase maritime history.

Point of interest recommendation: The Charles W. Morgan is the last surviving wooden whaleship, and you can climb aboard to get a sense of what life was like for the sailors who called the ship home.

2. Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine: Acadia National Park is a must-visit destination when traveling to Maine. The park covers over 47,000 acres and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Point of interest recommendation: Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

3. National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.: The National Museum of American History is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., and features a vast collection of artifacts that showcase American history. The museum's exhibits range from the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, to the First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns.

Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the original Kermit the Frog puppet from "The Muppet Show," which is on display in the museum's entertainment section.

4. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts: The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk through historic Boston that takes you to 16 different landmarks that played a significant role in the American Revolution, including the Massachusetts State House and Paul Revere's House.

Point of interest recommendation: Faneuil Hall is a historic market building that played a significant role in the American Revolution. Today, it's filled with shops and restaurants and is the perfect spot to take a break and grab lunch.

5. Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara Falls is one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world and is easily accessible from Route 1. You can take a boat tour, walk along the falls, or even take a helicopter tour to experience the falls from a different perspective.

Point of interest recommendation: The Cave of the Winds allows you to get up close and personal with the falls. You'll be given a poncho and sandals and taken down a series of walkways that get you closer and closer to the falls.

Conclusion

The road trip from Cary to Portland is a unique experience that offers a wide variety of attractions. From historic landmarks and museums to natural wonders and outdoor activities, this route has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. The trip might take you a while, but the memories you make will last a lifetime.