Bold Coast National Scenic Byway

The Bold Coast National Scenic Byway provides access
to an authentic Downeast experience
and celebrates the Bold Coast way of life.

Welcome / Bienvenue to the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway recognized as 147 miles of Maine’s premier cultural and scenic destinations.  From the coastal fishing community of Milbridge, through the coastal fishing communities of Lubec and Eastport, to the international border community of Calais, the Bold Coast Scenic Byway provides a path that links visitors with the people, places, and culture of an authentic Down East Maine.  Meet the people, experience the culture, learn the history, and soak in the wild beauty of the region.   Attend our community events and celebrations, and discover a subtly superb quality of life.

The stunning Bold Coast features waves crashing on the rugged granite shore, weathered lobster wharfs, fishing boats plying the sea, and clam diggers working the mudflats at low tide.  The nation’s first sun rise lights up the red and white candy-striped lighthouse at West Quoddy Head, and no where else do wild blueberries grow in such natural abundance.  Blueberry barrens stretch over vast rippling landscapes in ever-changing hues from its white flowers in spring to deep purple berries in August to flaming red foliage in autumn.

Along the Byway, from end to end and at every waypoint in between, you will encounter an honest, “authentic” experience of the Bold Coast through meeting and talking with the people who make their living by harvesting the bounty of the land.  Listen to their stories and follow the Bold Coast Scenic Byway to explore first hand the places and events that shape them.

Quick links:

Byway length: 147 miles (Print Map  | Interactive Map)
Getting here: Bangor International Airport,
US Highway 1 (View all options)
Trip length: A lot to see! If possible, plan for a 2-day trip minimum.
Top Features: 16 Features Not to be Missed!
Weather (View forecast)
Lodging & Dinning (Info | Interactive Map)

Aerial view of Lubec, Maine. Video: Sergey Mishenev

West Quoddy Head light with woman sitting on picnic table in front
McClellan-Park-picnic-view-wide
Commercial-Pier-Eastport-Maine
biking-the-bold-coast-national-scenic-byway

Things to do and places to see
on the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway

Bold Coast National Scenic Byway Map by BC

Show us how you #DiscoverBoldCoast

Post your favorite Bold Coast Moments! Tag #discoverboldcoast or send us your photos.


Visit the Bold Coast
National Scenic Byway!

You CAN get here from there.