Looking to spend a week outdoors enjoying panoramic views while avoiding the typical crowds found on the west coast? Set Acadia National Park as your next destination! In my opinion, this park is the best way to experience the northeast coast. You can drive the entire coast of the U.S. and enjoy stunning views just about anywhere, but there’s something about this island of untouched wilderness that sets it apart. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, surf, dine, or simply relax, Acadia has it all. This guide to Acadia National Park includes the top most things to do on the island.
Want to follow my step-by-step guide to Acadia? Download my itinerary for a complete outline. It covers all details from lodging, dining, activities, costs, drive time between locations, and of course, tips on all things travel. (Not to mention addresses, phone numbers, hours of operations, and more!) You’ll have everything you need for your trip to the island.
Acadia is located on Mount Desert Island, off the southeast coast of Maine.
Roughly half of the island is made up of national park land. The town of Bar Harbor sits on the northeast coast of the island, and is the primary hub for visitors. I highly recommend choosing a hotel near downtown Bar Harbor. Having a fifteen minute drive into the park, and a short walk to dinner each night made for an enjoyable stay.
Maine tourism typically falls into two categories: food and sights.
Hopefully you’re here to enjoy both. Take in the sights during the day, and enjoy all things seafood by nightfall.
If you’re a lobster lover, this is your city!
Bar Harbor restaurants are sure to fulfill your seafood cravings. No matter where you choose to eat, you’re likely to find a lobster roll (or three), on the menu. Our favorite was Testa’s Bar & Grill on Main Street. With both indoor and outdoor seating, space heaters for chilly nights, and of course four types of lobster rolls, you can’t go wrong here! Feeling adventurous? Try a scoop of lobster flavored ice cream at a nearby shop for dessert!
Make the most of your daylight in Acadia by exploring the many trails and hikes that the park offers.
Challenge yourself to hike the beehive summit! Be aware this is a 1.4 mile iron rung hike. With multiple sections of near-vertical climbs, it’s not for those with a fear of heights. However, if you take your time, (and don’t look down), the view when you reach the top makes the climb worthwhile!
If you’re looking for something less challenging but just as rewarding, drive up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Once you reach the parking lot, it’s just a short walk over the summit. This is great for all ages. The view can be seen from the flat pavement if you aren’t up for making your way down on the rocky ground. We found ourselves a nice place to sit and take in the sights for a couple of hours.
Cadillac Mountain offers great views at all times of day, (even after dark for stargazing), however, sunrise is most popular.
Check the weather and find a clear day to watch the sunrise in this exact spot. This is a highly popular attraction, as it’s the first place to see sunrise in the U.S., from October to March. You’ll want to arrive an hour prior, to secure a parking spot. (Note: Check the park’s website regarding Cadillac Mountain, as they will soon be requiring reservations to the summit).
Travel Tip #1: Try to park in the lower overflow parking section, to avoid the main parking lot traffic on the way out!
It’s important to base your itinerary off the weather at Acadia, so plan on being flexible. Certain weather conditions make for a better experience at different viewpoints. Find the most windy day to make a stop at Thunder Hole, to watch the waves crash into the shore. As soon as you arrive, you’ll see how it got its name! Even if it’s raining, grab an umbrella and head here—you won’t be disappointed! We got “lucky” to have a hurricane off the coast briefly affecting our weather. These rainy, windy conditions made for one of the highlights of our trip!
Plan a day to spend at Jordan Pond.
Located just a short drive from downtown Bar Harbor, the Jordan Pond trail is relatively flat. Walk the whole loop to enjoy views from every angle.
If you’re up for the climb, take a detour up The Bubbles trails located near the northeast corner of the Jordan Pond loop.
This was my favorite hike in the park! After a steep climb up the rocky cliff, you’ll be rewarded with views of the entire pond in the distance. After taking in the sights at the top, continue the trail down the backside of the bubble, for a much easier route back down. As you complete the loop, be sure to stop at the Jordan Pond House for lunch and a signature popover! Don’t let the line intimidate you—it moves fairly quick, and the popovers are worth the wait.
Travel Tip #2: Hiking the loop counter-clockwise will allow you arrive at the Jordan Pond House for lunch after completing The Bubbles climb, rather than before.
The pastel colors of sunset can be enjoyed anywhere along Mount Desert Island’s coast, however, it’s best observed at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (a photographer’s dream!).
You will need to be capable of climbing down a steep rocky coast to enjoy these views. (“Climb” and “steep” may even be an understatement here!) Be cautious while doing so, as some areas can be wet after high tide. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to to snag a spot in the small parking lot. Make your way toward the back of the parking lot and down the path for the perfect view.
Travel Tip #3: If the lot is full, head back down the road until you find a gravel pull-off area, large enough for a handful of cars.
Spend your last day with a nice stroll down the Ocean Path trail, which stretches from Sand Beach to Otter Point. Start in the morning, so you have time to stop at multiple viewpoints. At any point along the trail, there are places to relax and watch the waves. We even saw fishing boats reeling in lobster! If the weather is warm enough, make your way down the rocky coast and walk along the shore. Bring your water shoes—your feet will thank you!
No matter what brought you to Acadia National Park, you will surely leave having enjoyed every last thing the island has to offer. If you came here for the views, you’ll have fallen in love with the food, and vice versa.
Don’t forget to download my complete itinerary for a step-by-step outline and additional information. You can also check out out more photographs from Acadia and surrounding Maine cities in our shop.
If you enjoyed my guide to Acadia National park, check out my Phoenix to Vegas travel guide, for a journey on the west side!