Route 1 hugs Maine's coastline

7/25/2011

Thousands of Americans take off for road trips every year, and Maine is one of the more popular states for vacationers to visit. Driving along Route 1 on the state's southern coast is a fantastic trip with plenty of chances for sightseeing and relaxation.

In fact, Readers Digest named this area of the country as one of America's Most Scenic Drives. The trip starts just north of Portland, with Route 1 branching off of 1-295.

The beginning of the highway starts in Brunswick, which is the home of Bowdoin College. There are a wide variety of museums, shops and restaurants around this community, which are supported by students during the year and tourists in the summer.

Just past Brunswick is the town of Boothbay Harbor, which offers a wide variety things for vacationers to do. This is a great area for fans of lighthouses, as there are a number of them located just off the coast. Boothbay is also a good town to embark on a whalewatching trip.

Continue along Route 1 to the beautiful Camden Hills State Park, which features tons of trails for hikers to explore. This is also a good spot for those who love wildlife, as a diverse array of species calls the park home.