New England rewards the curious: windswept shores, historic towns, and trails that lead to ocean views. In Rhode Island, Newport’s Gilded Age mansions whisper stories of the Vanderbilts and a nation in gilded bloom. In Maine, Bar Harbor welcomes families with lobster shacks and a front-row seat to the granite drama of Acadia National Park.

Across six days, you’ll trace a classic coastal route—Newport’s Cliff Walk and harbor, then north to Acadia’s Ocean Path and Jordan Pond. Expect lighthouse vistas, trolley tours, easy-to-moderate hikes, and plenty of time for chowder, popovers, and ice cream. With a mid-range budget in mind, this plan favors memorable, great-value activities and local favorites.

Practical notes: A rental car is highly recommended. Acadia’s timed vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road are required in peak season—book early via the National Park Service. Weather shifts fast along the Atlantic; pack layers, rain shells, and sturdy walking shoes for trails and cobblestones alike.

Newport

Newport pairs deep maritime roots with a head-turning lineup of Gilded Age mansions. The scenic Ten-Mile Ocean Drive unfurls rocky coves and sail-filled horizons, while the renowned Cliff Walk marries seaside bluffs to ornate, storybook estates.

• Top sights: The Breakers, Marble House, Cliff Walk, Fort Adams, Bowen’s Wharf.
• Great for families: Easy segments of the Cliff Walk, trolley tours, harbor cruises, and gelato/taffy stops along Thames Street.
• Local bites: Clam cakes at Flo’s (Middletown, seasonal), chowder at The Black Pearl, lobster rolls at The Mooring, tacos at Diego’s.

Where to stay: Compare family-friendly inns and waterfront hotels on VRBO or Hotels.com.

How to get here: Fly into Providence (PVD; ~40 minutes) or Boston (BOS; ~1.5–2 hours) and rent a car. Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrive in Newport, harborside stroll and seafood

Morning: Travel to Rhode Island. Grab a quick pre-drive breakfast near the airport (think bagels and fruit) and head for the coast.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs on Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street. Pop into Newport Fudgery for samples, browse The Black Dog and local boutiques, and watch the boats come and go.

Evening: Dinner at The Mooring for lobster rolls and the addictive “bag of doughnuts” (savory seafood fritters). Sunset amble along the easiest Cliff Walk segment near First Beach; kids love spotting cormorants and the rolling surf.

Day 2: Trolley tour, The Breakers, and the Cliff Walk

Morning: Breakfast at Belle’s Café inside the Newport Shipyard (fun to watch the yachts). Then enjoy a narrated overview plus mansion entry on this family-friendly favorite:

Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with Breakers Admission

Inside The Breakers, kids usually marvel at the grand staircase, lavish ceilings, and clever servant passageways—history comes alive without feeling like homework.

Afternoon: Walk a scenic portion of the Cliff Walk (start at Ochre Point for ocean views and mansion back lawns). Download this self-guided app to add stories and context as you go:

Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour

Evening: Casual dinner at Brick Alley Pub (crowd-pleasing nachos, chowder, and a kids’ menu). Grab Kilwins fudge or an Awful Awful milkshake at Newport Creamery (nearby in Middletown).

Day 3: Harbor cruise, Fort Adams, and Ocean Drive

Morning: Coffee at Empire Tea & Coffee; pastries at Bread & Butter. Set sail on a narrated cruise—great views of lighthouses, bridges, and the harbor’s storied yachts:

Scenic Bay Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport

Afternoon: Explore Fort Adams (kids love the ramparts and harbor views). Picnic on the lawn or opt for tacos and guacamole at Diego’s on Bowen’s Wharf.

Evening: Drive the Ten-Mile Ocean Drive for golden-hour views, then dinner at The Black Pearl (famous clam chowder) or 22 Bowen’s for a classic steak-and-seafood finale.

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is your gateway to Acadia, where pink granite meets surf, and carriage roads curve through spruce and birch. The town itself is delightfully walkable—with bookstores, ice cream counters, and outfitters lining cottage-era streets.

• Top sights: Ocean Path, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain.
• Great for families: Easy coastal trails, ranger programs in summer, and tidepooling at low tide.
• Local bites: Popovers at Jordan Pond House, lobster at Side Street Cafe or Stewman’s, MDI Ice Cream for dessert.

Where to stay: Search walk-to-town cottages and family suites on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting here from Newport: Drive ~300 miles/6–6.5 hours via I‑95 (tolls; Boston traffic can add time). Leave early and break in Portland, ME for a quick Old Port lunch. If you prefer to fly home from Maine, compare fares from Bangor (BGR) or Portland (PWM) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 4: Road north, Bar Harbor check-in, Shore Path sunset

Morning: Depart Newport after an early breakfast. Optional Portland lunch: Eventide Oyster Co. for brown-butter lobster rolls or The Highroller Lobster Co. for fun, quick service.

Afternoon: Arrive Bar Harbor and check in. Treat the kids to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, then browse Sherman’s Books & Stationery (a Maine classic).

Evening: Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path for harbor views and islands glowing at dusk. Dinner at Side Street Cafe (great mac & cheese and gluten-free options) or Geddy’s for a lively, family vibe.

Day 5: Signature Acadia day—Ocean Path, Jordan Pond, Cadillac views

Morning: Coffee at Coffee Hound, then head into Acadia. Park at Sand Beach, walk an easy section of Ocean Path to Thunder Hole (best mid-tide for splash). Continue to Jordan Pond for the 3.2-mile flat loop and popovers at Jordan Pond House.

Afternoon: Join a guided small-group experience to weave together the park’s highlights (ideal for first-time visitors and families who prefer a paced day):

Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike

This tour hits scenic overlooks, short trails, and storytelling stops—great value if you’d rather not juggle parking and timing in busy months.

Evening: Dinner at Galyn’s (fresh fish, kids’ choices) or Stewman’s Lobster Pound for waterfront picnic vibes. Grab whoopie pies for dessert at Morning Glory Bakery.

Day 6: Cadillac Mountain, downtown browse, and departure

Morning: If you snagged a timed vehicle reservation, drive up Cadillac Summit Road for sunrise or mid-morning panoramas; otherwise visit nearby overlooks such as Schooner Head. Back in town, stroll the Village Green and pick up local gifts (sea-salt caramels, blueberry jam).

Afternoon: Squeeze in a flexible, self-guided tour that works with departure timing and is kid-friendly:

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Or opt for a short guided outing that includes a Cadillac Mountain visit when available:

Bar Harbor Premium Tour with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia Park

Depart from Bangor (BGR) or Portland (PWM)—check flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Extras for families (swap into any day)

• Newport: Fort Adams beach time; Audrain Auto Museum (rotating vintage cars).
• Acadia: Wonderland and Ship Harbor trails (flat, perfect for young hikers); carriage road biking (rent bikes in Bar Harbor).
• Rain plan: Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor (Wabanaki culture); Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame (interactive exhibits).

Dining short list (budget-conscious favorites):

• Newport: Brick Alley Pub (hearty, good value), The Black Pearl (cup of chowder + shared mains), Mission (casual burgers), Nitro Bar (coffee + pastries).
• Bar Harbor: Side Street Cafe (shareable plates), Thirsty Whale Tavern (lobster rolls at fair prices), Jordan Pond House (popovers—split a pot of tea), Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (unique flavors, kid-approved).

Smart money tips:

• Buy an America the Beautiful pass if you’ll visit more parks this year.
• Time your mansion and trolley combo in Newport to bundle admission and transport.
• Pack a picnic for Acadia—deli sandwiches in town save time and cash between trails.

Last, preserve your Bar Harbor memories with a keepsake family photo session downtown or along the Shore Path:

Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Bar Harbor

In six easygoing days, you’ll sample two classic sides of New England: Newport’s seafaring glamour and Acadia’s wave-carved wilderness. With trolley rides, cliff walks, coastal cruises, and family-friendly hikes, this itinerary balances activity and downtime—leaving just enough magic to bring you back.