Maine lays claim to some of the most scenic driving routes in the USA. For this a place with thousands of miles of coastline, national parks and natural wonders. There are few better areas of the world to take a road trip.

Many US driving laws are similar to the ones you’re used to at home – the most striking difference being that you’ll be driving on the other side of the road and overtaking on the left. It’s also important to note that you can make a right turn on a red light unless a sign tells you not to. It’s the law for the driver and all passengers to use a seat belt, and speed limits will be clearly indicated.

The main highway that cuts through main is the Interstate 95, or I-95. Speed limits on some sections were increased from 65mph to 70mph recently, but there are also some toll sections. Our local teams will be glad to help you with any queries you have about how to pay to use them. The I-95 enters Maine from Massachusetts in the south and, after a coastal stretch, heads north-east through Bangor and on into Canada at New Brunswick.

To see Maine at its very best, however, you’ll want to travel along US route 1. Here you’ll hug the coast and pass through wonderful beach towns like Kennebunkport, Portland, Camden, Bar Harbor and Rockland. You’ll also discover fantastic places to stop and stay, from quaint bed and breakfasts to wonderfully restored mansions. And along the way, there’s no shortage of places to pull up and enjoy the views of the sea.

The rugged coastline of Maine may have been intimidating to the early settlers arriving in boats and ships – there’s a reason for all those lighthouses – but it’s now a place of wild beauty. Waves crash onto pebble beaches and lobster pots bob in the ocean – promising a fresh catch you’ll be hungry for after a day taking in the salty air of Maine’s harbours and bays.

Any Port in a storm

Portland is someone’s serene dream of the perfect seaside city. Stacked with museums, mansions and parks, craft beer high-class restaurants and fresh, local food – it’s a tough place to leave. Cobbled streets angle down towards the serene bay, where you’ll find Victorian architecture on every corner.

Stroll around Eastern Prom Park with its marvellous sea view and nearby coffee-houses, and make sure you’re at the early 19^th century Portland Observatory in time to watch the blissful sunsets over Casco Bay. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to food in Portland. Get shucking at Eventide Oyster Co. – the raw bar is a thing of glistening wonder – or go for the incredible fries cooked in duck fat with truffle ketchup at Duckfat. Got a sweet tooth? Head for one of the three branches of Holy Donut – donuts made from potato are something you need to try, especially in flavours like maple bacon, coffee cake and chai glazed.

Rockland ‘n’ lobster roll

Rockland doesn’t get the crowds and the queues that Camden and other popular towns do, but it’s up there with the best of them. Park up and walk along the one-mile long stone breakwater to its lighthouse. It’s worth the hike for the fantastic views. There’s another impressive 19^th century lighthouse at Owls Park just outside of Rockland.

Here you’ll also find the Center for Maine Contemporary Art – an interesting building with a focus on local artists. If you time your visit right, you may be able to join one of the Puffin Project’s boat tours to nearby puffin colonies. Food-wise you’ll find everything from vintage diners to contemporary Japanese restaurants, but come in early August and it’s all about cracking crustaceans. The annual Maine Lobster festival is five days dedicated to the local favourite, with stalls selling lobster rolls and fresh lobsters for you to crack into. There’s also a vibrant parade.

Beyond the coast

There’s a huge state away from the coast, of course, with lakes, parks and other points of interest for you to find. Aroostook County to the north has a chunk of US Route 1 known fittingly as Million Dollar View. You’ll drive past fish-filled lakes, mountains and may even spot moose, deer, bears, eagles and more. If you want to camp out in the wilderness, or hike through gorgeous woodland, this will be your Maine attraction.

With that long, winding and gorgeous coast to explore, car hire in Maine is the perfect way to see this awe-inspiring state, and to see some of the best drives and road trips that America has to offer.