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Acadia National Park Tours

(Bus Pictured No Longer In Service)

Experience a wealth of beauty and knowledge

Our fully narrated bus tours will satisfy even the most info-hungry tour-goer! Featuring stops within Acadia National Park, our tours emphasize the history of Bar Harbor and Acadia, the geology, the wildlife, and much more. Tour stops include the summit of Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole (an ocean-side stop), and Sieur De Monts Spring (Wild Gardens of Acadia).

All tours take place on comfortable buses with an amplified PA system. The amount of walking is limited and at the passenger’s discretion. Restrooms are available at our ticket office and each stop within the park.

Experience the wonder and beauty of Acadia National Park from mid-May through October. Book your tour today!

Cruise Ship Passengers – We are located a short walk (less than 300 yards) from the town pier to which you will be tendered.

Park Pass Not Required To Participate!

Tour Options

Classic tour (2.5 hours).

Our tried-and-true tour since 1955! Our Classic Tour is 2.5 hours in duration and features three stops within Acadia National Park. Stops include Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Sieur De Mont’s Spring (Wild Gardens of Acadia). Each stop is 15-20 minutes in duration.

Classic Tour Bus

Premium Tour (3.5 – 4 Hours)

The Premium Tour, an extended version of our Classic Tour, is 3.5 to 4 hours in duration and takes place on an elegant Berkshire Coach. The Premium Tour features an expanded route which includes the entirety of the 27 mile Park Loop Road, with 4 stops within Acadia National Park. Stops include Cadillac Mountain, Sieur De Mont’s Spring, Thunder Hole and The Jordan Pond House. Each stop is 20-30 minutes in duration. Treat yourself to a first-class trip through Acadia National Park!

Premium Tour Bus

All bookings made through this website are fully refundable with 24 hours notice of cancellation.

2023 Tour Schedules

Rain or shine, we have tours departing every day of the week from late May through October.

2024 CLASSIC TOUR SCHEDULE

May 16 – May 24 – 10:00 AM Departure Only

May 25 – October 28 – 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM Departures Daily

2024 PREMIUM TOUR SCHEDULE 

May 16 – October 28 – 11:00 AM Departure Daily (and 12:00 PM on select dates)

This tour is sells out fast so book in advance!

Tour schedules subject to change. Please select the Book Now button for real-time availability.

2023 Ticket Prices

Tour prices include park entry fee for duration of tour. Sorry but we do not offer discounts for passholders.

CLASSIC TOUR PRICE

ADULTS – $60.00 pp

CHILDREN ( 12 and under ) –  $35.00 pp

PREMIUM TOUR PRICE

ADULTS ONLY (13 and over) – $85.00 pp

All tours depart from Testa’s Restaurant 53 Main Street, in downtown Bar Harbor.

What our guests are saying

The view left me speechless. It was great taking a tour instead of navigating the road and trying to admire the scenery at the same time.

This tour covers the entire National Park Tour Loop including Cadillac Mountain. The tour guide was very good. There was plenty of time at the stops. Be sure to reserve your tour online as it often sells out, especially when there are cruise ships in port. When we got our tickets the ticket agent gave us a coupon for Testa's Restaurant and we had an excellent lunch there. This tour is a very good value.

ChuckBrooks

We enjoyed this tour on our first full day and glad we did. We learned many things about the park we wouldn’t have found out otherwise. Our guide was funny and tailored the trip to our group. You will see the highlights of the park and get some great ideas on where you want to return to explore later. We thought it was worth the money.

Greengirl87

New England Wanderlust

Maine  ·  January 7, 2023

The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options!) 2024

Acadia National Park is often referred to as “The Crown Jewel of New England,” and I happen to agree with that. It always tops my list of best places to visit in New England , and while it’s a bit of a drive for most people visiting the northeast, I think it’s so worth it.

If you’re planning your first ever visit, this post is all about the most perfect Acadia National Park itinerary, and I have options ranging from 3-5 days, plus bonus recommendations for day trips and 2-day visits. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning together!

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How Many Days Do You Need In Acadia National Park?

My favorite thing about Acadia National Park is that you can see a lot in a day, but I generally suggest 3 days as the optimal amount of time to explore the park. 3 days in Acadia really allows you see the best attractions, hike a few trails, spend some time in Bar Harbor, and enjoy everything without feeling too rushed.

But of course, the more time you have to explore a destination, the better. So if you have time to dedicate up to 5 days, that’s amazing! To really explore the park, I don’t think you need more than 5 days.

However, I’ve also done Acadia as a day trip, an overnight trip, and a 2-day trip, so I’m able to confirm that it can absolutely be done. You’ll just want to keep reading the bonus suggestions at the end if you’re short on time to see my recommendations on planning a day trip and 2-day visit to the park.

Acadia National Park Region Guide

Before you begin planning, it’s a good idea to understand the regions of Acadia National Park. It’s much bigger than people realize (it’s actually about 65 square miles!), and encompasses 3 main regions, as well as a few towns. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started:

Mount Desert Island – This is where most people will spend pretty much all their time inside the park, especially during their first visit. Mount Desert Island is home to the vast majority of the top attractions and hiking trails in Acadia.

Bar Harbor – Part of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is the gateway to the park, and where many people stay when visiting Acadia. It’s a very charming little coastal New England town with lots of shops, restaurants and hotels. While not technically part of the actual park, it’s a short drive away from many of the park’s top sites.

Schoodic Peninsula – One of the lesser-visited parts of Acadia, and the only part that’s actually on mainland Maine. For those who have hit the top spots in Acadia already, or have planned a longer stay, I highly suggest spending a day on Schoodic! It’s about 1 hour east from Mount Dessert Island by car, and can easily be explored as a day trip.

Isle Au Haut – Probably the least visited part of Acadia, but also one of the most quiet and remote parts of the park. This is an island, as you probably guessed by the name, and requires a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland. To get to the ferry, it’s about a 90 minute drive west of Bar Harbor, and you’ll want to plan an entire day for this excursion. While this part of Acadia is stunning, for first-timers, I would rule this out unless you have 4 or more days to explore the park.

Best Time Of Year To Visit Acadia National Park

July and August are the most busy and crowded times to visit the park, but also the best months for weather with fewest rain days.

However, here are my personal favorite times to visit Acadia:

• Mid to late May, right before Memorial Day Weekend
• Early to mid June, before the July 4th holiday
• Mid to late-September
• Mid October for fall foliage

May will bring increased chances of rain, but the weather is perfect for hiking (still a little chilly, but not cold), and not as many crowds. June is very similar, and has fewer chances of rain than May, and while it’s a bit more crowded than May, it’s definitely not as crowded as July and August. And, of course, it’s hard to beat fall foliage season, which also brings lovely weather for hiking and exploring outside.

Psst! I have an entire guide on the best time to visit Acadia National Park , if you’re looking for more information 😉

3 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary

Okay! Now that you know the basics on visiting the park, let’s get into the itineraries! I’m going to start with the 3 Day Itinerary option since I think it’s the perfect sweet spot for most travelers.

3 Day Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 – Arrival. Explore downtown Bar Harbor, and if time allows, take a boat tour.
• Day 2 – Drive Park Loop Road inside Acadia. This includes lots of the top sites like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock and lots of hiking trailheads.
• Day 3 – Bass Harbor Lighthouse and exploring the hiking trails.
• Departure day – Wake up for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, and then grab a hearty breakfast in town before leaving.

3 Day Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1 – Arrival & Exploring Bar Harbor

This is the exciting day you arrive in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! Since many of you will have been driving or flying to get here, this day is going to stay pretty simple, and can be tailored to your specific schedule.

✔️ Explore Downtown Bar Harbor

After settling into your accommodations, you’ll want to head to downtown Bar Harbor and get acquainted.

A few things I recommend checking out in Bar Harbor are:

• Strolling through the cute shops.
• Walking along Shore Path for ocean views.
• Head out onto the water for a whale watch , lobster boat tour or sailing tour .

If time allows on your first day, I would highly recommend booking a relaxing tour out on the water. The lobster boat tour is actually really fun and is only about 2 hours, so this is a great way to kick off your trip to Acadia.

Pro Tip : Most tour operators in Bar Harbor are seasonal, and typically run May – October. Be sure to plan accordingly.

To end your first night, grab dinner downtown. Here are my favorite places to eat in Bar Harbor :

• Side Street Cafe – Great cocktails and lots of variety (all of which is really good!)
• The Barnacle – Cozy little spot with a great oyster bar and seafood.
• Thirsty Whale Tavern – Great casual spot for comfort food favs.
• Mount Desert Island Ice Cream and Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium for dessert!

Day 2 – Drive & Explore Park Loop Road

Day 2 is packed with some of the most iconic things to do in Acadia National Park! Your drive along Park Loop Road is one of the best things you can do in the park, and passes by lots of the top sites to see.

Park Loop Road is about 27 miles long, and is incredibly scenic. Keep in mind that you’ll want to follow this order on how to do things because some of this road is one-way traffic only. Worst case scenario, if you miss a stop, you can always drive back (oh darn, we have to take the scenic drive again!), but if you’re short on time and want to see as much as possible, it’s good to follow this order.

✔️ Sand Beach, Ocean Path, Thunder Hole, Monument Cove & Otter Cliffs

You may be wondering why all of these sites are grouped together, and here’s why:

If you park at Sand Beach, you can walk along the very easy 2.2-mile (one-way) Ocean Path, which is incredible scenic. Along the walk on Ocean Path, you’ll pass right by Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and end at the Otter Cliffs.

I recommend planning time to walk the entire path (which is about 4.4 miles round trip) simply because it will allow you the freedom to park at Sand Beach, and then not have to worry about parking at all the other sites.

This also allows you the freedom to really enjoy Ocean Path, which offers some of the most iconic views in the park. From Ocean Path, you’ll be able to walk out onto the rocks along the coastline and really capture some nice photos, and create awesome memories, of course.

Pro Tip : The other reason I recommend walking Ocean Path is because it’s very, very easy. It’s completely flat and well-marked, and is suitable for most everyone (unless you have mobility issues, then you may want to reconsider because you’ll walk through sections of wooded areas with tree roots and such).

You definitely don’t have to walk the whole thing if that doesn’t suit your preferences, and there are parking lots along Park Loop Road close to all these attractions.

Sand Beach is absolutely beautiful, and I think a must-see. This is also the only sandy beach inside the park if you’re looking to have a swim in the summer. The parking area here is pretty big, but still fills up fast during peak times, so I recommend an early start if you can to ensure a parking space.

✔️ Hiking Option & Sand Beach Pro Tip : If you walk across the entire beach from the parking lot, you can access the trailhead for the Great Head hike, which offers incredible views of the coastline and Sand Beach from a distance. This trail is easy-moderate, as there’s some rock scrambling involved, but I found it to be pretty easy. It’s also only a 1.6 mile loop trail, so it can be done in an hour or so.

After Sand Beach, follow signs for Ocean Path (it’s pretty easy to figure out). During your walk on Ocean Path before getting to Thunder Hole, you’ll find lots of little places to explore sea cliffs and such. Just keep looking left at the water, and you’ll find tons of scenic overlooks to explore!

Your next stop is Thunder Hole , and this is probably one of the most popular attractions inside the park. But, it’s good to level-set expectations before your arrival. I’ve been to Acadia several times, and have stopped here during every visit, and I’ve never once been able to fully experience Thunder Hole in all its glory.

Thunder Hole gained popularity as a small inlet where waves crashing can replicate the sound of thunder, and also spray as high as 40 feet in the air. But in order to have that experience, you really need to visit on a day when the ocean is very wavy and rough. On a calm day, you won’t get the full effect.

However, it’s still worth stopping at! Especially if you’re walking Ocean Path because you’ll walk right by it. The overlook offers amazing views of the coastline, so be sure to swing by and grab a photo (and hopefully you visit on a day when you can experience the thunder waves!).

The next stop along Ocean Path is Monument Cove and Boulder Beach , which is a famous overlook that’s backdropped by the Otter Cliffs. You’ll have to walk through the woods a bit to find it, but Google Maps will bring you right to it.

Your walk on Ocean Path ends at the Otter Cliffs , which is one of the most breathtaking views in he park.

From here, you’ll just want to reverse-course and walk Ocean Path back to your car.

Once you’re back in your car at Sand Beach, you’ll continue to drive Park Loop Road. You’ll actually drive parallel to Ocean Path, and get to see some of the same views. Then Park Loop Road continues, and I would drive pretty slow while you’re hugging the coast because the views are really beautiful!

✔️ Lunch At Jordan Pond House Restaurant

Your next stop along Park Loop Road is Jordan Pond House Restaurant , where you’ll enjoy a scenic lunch! This is the only place inside the park where you can get food, and it’s actually worth the hype, in my opinion.

There are actually now two places you can get food at Jordan Pond House: the actual restaurant and a to-go place called Carriage Road Carry Out, which has soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. But if your plans allow for it, I recommend eating at the restaurant.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a table outside, you’ll be treated with incredible mountain views at Jordan Pond. At the restaurant, their tea and popover service is very popular, and they also have great salads, soups and sandwiches! For dessert, you’ll definitely want to get the popover sundae.

Pro Tip : The Jordan Pond House Restaurant takes priority seating reservations, which you can make online here . I don’t believe this is a traditional reservation service, but just moves you to the front of the wait line at a certain time.

After lunch, be sure to take a walk over to Jordan Pond to really enjoy the views. If you’re up for it, you can also walk around the entire pond on an easy path, which is about 3.5 miles long.

✔️ See The Famous Bubble Rock

Your last stop along Park Loop Road is a hike to see the iconic Bubble Rock , which is definitely worth your time. The trailhead can be found around these coordinates: 44.338300262074355, -68.25039129691649, and it’s only a short, 5-minute drive from Jordan Pond House.

So, what is Bubble Rock? It’s a boulder that hangs off the side of a cliff close to the summit of South Bubble Mountain. The boulder’s position is a result of glacial erosion, and while the actual boulder is definitely a cool site to see, the views from the top are also amazing.

The hike itself is pretty short (about 1.5 miles round trip), and I would consider it easy to moderate. The incline is a bit steep going up with some rock scrambling, but I would say most people could tackle it.

Pro Tip : It works out that this is your last stop along Park Loop Road because the parking here is pretty limited, and it fills up fast. But, usually later in the afternoon, it’s much easier to get a spot. So perfect to go after a nice leisurely lunch at Jordan Pond House.

And that concludes your first day in Acadia! For the rest of the night, you can head back to your hotel to shower, and have a lovely dinner in Bar Harbor.

Day 3 – Bass Harbor Lighthouse & Hiking

The last full day of your Acadia National Park itinerary starts with a trip to Southwest Harbor to see Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and then the rest of the day, you’re free to explore some of the awesome hiking trails.

✔️ Bass Harbor Lighthouse

One of the most photographed scenes in Acadia is Bass Harbor Lighthouse , and I think it’s worth the 30-minute drive from Bar Harbor to see it for yourself. In fact, I think it’s one of the best New England lighthouses to see in the region! The parking lot here isn’t huge so I recommend doing this first thing in the morning (around sunrise is ideal, especially if you want to get some beautiful photos).

The lighthouse sits perched right on the cliffs, so you only get to see it from the side, back, and only from the front if you climb down onto the rocks at the coastline. But the overall view here is really beautiful. In early mornings, you’ll likely only see a few other people, as it tends to be a more popular spot around sunset.

Pro Tip: The rocks down by the coast are very slippery, so come prepared with shoes that have good grip (I was fine with my hiking boots and extra caution).

✔️ Pack Snacks And/Or Lunch, Or Stop For Lunch

Since you’ll spend the rest of your day hiking, you’ll want to make sure you’re fueled up and ready to hit the trails. Grab your water bottle, snacks and a packed lunch to make sure you’re good for the day.

Another option is planning to stop back at Jordan Pond House to get some grab and go lunch from their to-go area.

✔️ Hit Up The Hiking Trails

This is the part that you’ll want to customize to your skill level and preferences, as there are tons of hiking trails inside the park. I’ve already mentioned Great Head Trail, which starts at Sand Beach, and I do recommend doing this one if you weren’t able to tackle it the day prior. The views are just so beautiful.

Here are some other awesome trails to check out:

• Precipice – Experienced Hikers Only!
• Gorham Mountain
• Jordan Cliffs Trail
• Dorr Mountain

After your day of hiking, head back to your hotel to shower and grab dinner in Bar Harbor, and get to bed early. You’ll be setting an early alarm for the next day to do one of the most epic things in Acadia!

Departure Day – Cadillac Mountain Summit Sunrise

Since it’s your last day in Acadia, plan the perfect send-off by getting up early to catch the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain ! Because of the location of the mountain, this is one of the first locations in the U.S. you can see the sunrise, and it also provides insanely beautiful views from the top.

Most people that catch a sunrise here drive the auto road to the summit, which is also how I’ve always done it. The drive is easy, even in the dark before sunrise! Just practice extra caution while heading up as the road is pretty narrow.

If you’re super adventurous, you can also hike up to the top.

You must make vehicle reservations to drive to the Cadillac Mountain Summit from May through October. Click here for more info!

Pro Tip : If this is something you absolutely want to experience on a perfectly clear morning on your trip, don’t save it for the last day, and squeeze it into either day 2 or 3 of your Acadia National Park itinerary.

I love ending my trips with a Cadillac Mountain sunrise on the day I leave because I can get an early start for my journey back home. But, if your last day is overcast, and you really want to watch the sunrise as clearly as possible, you want to check weather conditions for your whole trip and decide which day is best.

After sunrise, if you have time before you need to start your journey back home, I recommend grabbing a hearty New England breakfast in Bar Harbor. Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast is an awesome spot, and has delicious offerings like pancakes, omelettes and french toast. This is usually where I go for breakfast before a day of hiking, or right after sunrise.

4 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary

4 Day Itinerary Overview

• Day 2 – Drive Park Loop Road inside Acadia. Just like the 3 Day Itinerary option, this includes top sites like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock, and lots of hiking.
• Day 3 – See Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and then explore some hiking trails.
• Day 4 – Drive to Schoodic Peninsula for the day.
• Departure day – Wake up for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, and then grab a nice breakfast in town before leaving.

4 Day Itinerary Breakdown

For this 4 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary option, you’ll want to follow everything from the 3 Day Itinerary. The only difference is that on your fourth day, you’re going to explore Schoodic Peninsula .

As mentioned earlier, Schoodic Peninsula is about 1 hour east of Bar Harbor, and the only part of the park that’s on the mainland. And I think it’s most definitely worth the trek if you have more than 3 days in Acadia. It’s much smaller than Mount Desert Island, so you can easily see everything in a day.

Pro Tip : Schoodic Peninsula runs on a one-way loop road, so you’ll want to be sure you do everything in order, or you’ll have to complete the loop to return to a destination you missed. Since the loop road is only about 6 miles, it’s not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind.

Getting To Schoodic Peninsula

You can drive the 1 hour to Schoodic Peninsula, which will allow you the freedom to explore by car. Alternatively, you can also take the seasonal ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor. From Winter Harbor’s ferry terminal, you can hop onto the Island Explorer free shuttle , which will take you to some of the locations in Schoodic. With this option, I suggest you bring a bike to have some flexibility to explore the rest of the peninsula, as the shuttle only goes to certain places.

✔️ Raven’s Nest

The first stop you’ll want to make once you enter Schoodic Peninsula is Raven’s Nest . This is no longer a marked attraction inside the park for safety reasons, but it’s still pretty easy to find. I also didn’t find it to be any more dangerous than attractions inside Acadia’s Mount Desert Island region, but if you’re traveling with young children, safety here is something to absolutely consider.

Raven’s Nest is a very scenic overlook area along the ocean, and is only a short walk from the parking pull-off. To find it, you’ll want to look for the third pullover area on your left after entering the park. You can also use these GPS coordinates: 44.352005, -68.074934. Once you park, cross the road and you’ll see the trailhead. The walk is about 5 minutes or less to the overlook.

✔️ Schoodic Point

The next stop you’ll want to make is Schoodic Point , which is a scenic, coastal area where you can enjoy water views, walk out onto the sea cliffs and marvel at the landscapes. There are signs that will tell you when you’re approaching Schoodic Point, and the parking area is pretty big. This is a great spot to have lunch, too.

✔️ Blueberry Hill

Next, you’ll want to stop at Blueberry Hill, which is another scenic coastline viewing area. This is a great place to visit at low tide (if you can time your visit just right!) to explore tidal pools and marine life on the ocean floor. This is the kind of place where it’s great to just wander, enjoy the views and see what you can find.

Blueberry Hill is also where you can find two trail heads for hiking. I’ve personally never done either of these hikes, but I’ve heard great things about them from other travelers. The trailheads will take you to the top of Schoodic Head, which offers awesome views of the surrounding areas from the top of the peninsula.

Planning For Food At Schoodic Peninsula

You’ll want to either pack a picnic for your day on Schoodic Peninsula, or plan your itinerary to exit the park to grab lunch, and re-enter after lunch.

The closest town to Schoodic is Winter Harbor, and here are a few places to check out for lunch if you prefer that option:

• The Hot Dog Cart – A super cute little stand that also serves lobster rolls!
• Fisherman’s Galley Restaurant
• J.M. Gerrish Cafe

Tips For Visiting Schoodic Peninsula

• Offline Google Maps and grab a paper copy of the park map before entering the park, as cell service is unreliable.
• Be sure to drive slow as there are so many beautiful places to pull off to enjoy the view – you won’t want to miss them!
• Practice Leave No Trace and carry out all your trash with you to keep the park clean and beautiful for everyone.

5 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary

5 Day Itinerary Overview

• Day 2 – Drive Park Loop Road inside Acadia. Like the previous itinerary options, this includes lots of the top sites like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock and lots of hiking trailheads!
• Day 3 – Head back to the park to tackle a hike, and then spend the rest of the day relaxing in Bar Harbor. Option to take a boat tour if you didn’t on your first day (or take a different tour!) or drive to Cadillac Mountain’s summit for sunset.
• Day 5 – Drive to Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and then take a lobster boat cruise (includes lunch!). Explore downtown Southwest Harbor before heading back to Bar Harbor.

5 Day Itinerary Breakdown

For this 5 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary, you’ll want to follow all the directions from the 3 Day options, as well as the breakdown from the 4 Day option for Schoodic Peninsula. The biggest difference between the 4 and 5 Day Itineraries is that the 5 Day option allows you one extra night of relaxation in Bar Harbor (and time for another tour) and flexibility to explore Southwest Harbor.

If you were able to do a tour on your first night, I would suggest taking another during your evening of day 3 that’s a bit different. For example, if you did a sunset sail tour on your first night, a culinary walking tour.

Click here to check out this awesome culinary tour of Bar Harbor!

If you have some extra time on another night and a tour isn’t your preference, I suggest driving the auto road to the Cadillac Mountain summit for sunset. While sunrise is the top thing to do here, I think sunset is equally spectacular. This itinerary includes a sunrise trip here on departure day, but with 5 days, you can easily do both.

Okay, so it’s time to explore Southwest Harbor! With the extra day, you can spend more time in this lesser-visited part of the park, which is also absolutely beautiful. Southwest Harbor is home to Bass Harbor Lighthouse , so you’ll want to see that first to avoid as many crowds as possible before visiting the rest of the town. Be sure to scroll back up to my 3 Day Itinerary Breakdown to re-read my tips for visiting the lighthouse .

Pro Tip : If you would prefer to see the lighthouse at sunset, you can absolutely do that. I just must warn you that the parking lot fills up fast during peak season, and cars create a line to wait for a spot. If you encounter this, park rangers do not allow drivers to get out of line and turn around to leave, so you’ll have to wait for a parking spot. My suggestion is to arrive a minimum of 1.5-2 hours before sunset to allow yourself time to park and get settled to enjoy the view.

✔️ Southwest Harbor Lobster Boat & Feast Cruise

One of the coolest things to do in Southwest Harbor is to take a lobster boat & feast cruise! During the cruise, you’ll boat around the local waters, haul in lobster traps and then the boat captain will cook the freshly-hauled lobster right on the boat to serve you. This is a lunchtime only cruise , so you’ll want to plan accordingly, and it’s worth every penny.

Click here for more information on the lobster boat & feast cruise!

✔️ Explore Downtown Southwest Harbor

After your cruise, you can walk to the charming little downtown area to visit the shops and grab an ice cream cone. Southwest Harbor’s downtown isn’t quite as big as Bar Harbor’s, but it’s definitely worth strolling through. There are some cute shops, and a great place for ice cream is the Quiet Side Cafe (which, hint hint , also has killer homemade blueberry pie).

✔️ Take A Ferry To The Cranberry Isles

If you have time and want to adventure off to another great area, you can take a ferry to the Cranberry Isles to explore. This is something I haven’t personally done (yet!), but everyone I’ve met that’s been has said it’s a lovely trip.

Once you’re done in Southwest Harbor, you can head back to Bar Harbor and end your trip. But don’t forget, you’ll want to set an early alarm to experience sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain before you make your way back home!

Bonus: 2 Day Acadia National Park Day Trip Itinerary

For a 2 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary, here’s what I suggest to make the most of your time:

• Arrive, and head straight to the park to drive Park Loop Road (depending on how much time you have). Refer to my 3 Day Itinerary option for tips. You may not have time for everything along Park Loop Road, but you can definitely see the best things even in just a few hours (Ocean Path, Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs). You may even be able to squeeze in the Great Head hike.
• Spend your evening in downtown Bar Harbor. Visit the shops and grab dinner.

• Tackle some of the hikes, and plan to do lunch at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant (or their to-go place). See my 3 Day Itinerary for great hiking suggestions!
• Head back to downtown Bar Harbor before sunset so you can either walk the Shore Path to admire the views, or maybe even catch a sunset sailing cruise before dinner.

Departure Day : Catch a sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain before you make your way home.

Bonus: Day Trip Itinerary For Acadia National Park

Day trips to Acadia are tough, but doable! I always suggest that an Acadia day trip should be done when the days are the longest (June is especially perfect) so you can really maximize your time. But any time in the late spring or summer will definitely work.

Acadia National Park Suggested Day Trip Itinerary :

• Plan to arrive as early as possible and head straight to Sand Beach to park. Enjoy the views from the beach.
• If you want to squeeze in a hike, the best way to maximize your time is to do the Great Head hike right from Sand Beach.
• Decide if your plans allow you to walk all of Ocean Path to see Thunder Hole, Monument Cove and the Otter Cliffs. If not, you can always drive and park at each destination (to see Monument Cove, you’ll want to park at Otter Cliffs and walk along Ocean Path for about .25 miles to get there).
• Grab lunch at Jordan Pond House Restaurant or their to-go area.
• Hike Bubble Rock after lunch.
• Drive the Cadillac Mountain Auto Road to the summit for sunset. While sunrise is famous here, sunset is also gorgeous.

How To Get To Acadia National Park

The best way to get to the park is to drive.

If you’re coming in by plane, you have a few options for airports. A lot of people will fly into Boston Logan International Airport, and then take a quick flight to Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport, which is only about 10-15 minutes from the park. Airlines like JetBlue and United offer these flights from Boston.

Pro Tip : If you fly into Bar Harbor’s airport, you can take the free Island Explorer shuttle into Bar Harbor. Click here for more information!

Alternatively, if you’re looking to explore more of Maine’s coast and have extra time, you can also fly into Portland, ME, and then drive to Acadia from there. Without stops, it’s about 3 hours. But there are tons of incredible places to see during the drive.

FAQ’s For Visiting Acadia National Park

How to purchase a park pass for acadia.

Purchase your park pass online and print before arrival . You can purchase your pass at a park gate or kiosk, but depending on when you visit, it’s possible not all of them will be open or be a convenient location for you. It’s just so much easier to do this before you arrive. Click here for more information on purchasing park passes!

Can I Show My Acadia Park Pass On My Phone?

No, park passes must always be displayed on your windshield , so be sure to print it before you arrive. You cannot show your park pass on your phone. If you’re in a pinch, your hotel may also be willing to print your park pass for you before heading into the park (I’ve had to do this a couple of times!).

What’s The Best Way To Get Around Acadia?

The best way to explore the park is by car, so if you fly into the area, I would highly suggest renting a car from the airport and keeping it for the duration of your trip. This will allow you to stick to your own schedule, and have the freedom to come and go as you please.

If you don’t want to drive around the park, there is a free bus service that takes visitors from Bar Harbor to major attractions inside the park. This bus service is called Island Explorer, and is completely free. Click here for more information of the routes and schedules on the Island Explorer shuttle.

How Long Is The Acadia Park Pass Good For?

Park passes are good for 7 days , and cost $30 per vehicle (as of 2023). This will also allow you access to Schoodic Peninsula and Isle Au Haut (ferry to Isle Au Haut will cost extra).

Is There Cell Phone Service Inside Acadia National Park?

Yes and no, and I always suggest that you offline maps, and pick up a paper copy of the park’s map at a gatehouse before heading into the park. On some trails I’ve had 5G service, and on others, absolutely zero service. It’s best to be safe!

Is Google Maps Reliable To Get Around Acadia?

Yes! If you have service, or if you’ve offlined maps, Google Maps will get you where you need to go pretty well. Many trailheads and pretty much all the top attractions are easily found by typing in the name of the place you’re visiting.

Is Food Available In Acadia National Park?

The only place to get food inside the park is at Jordan Pond House Restaurant. Other than that, there are no places to purchase food or water inside the park. Be sure to plan ahead, and come prepared with snacks and reusable water bottles for the day!

Do I Need A Reservation To Drive Up Cadillac Mountain?

Yes! I wanted to mention this again just to make sure you make a note in your own itinerary because I would hate for you to miss out on this amazing thing to do. From mid to late May or sometimes June, through October, you’ll need a reservation to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain , regardless of the time of day. The exact dates this takes effect change from year to year , so be sure to click here to check the dates for the current year, and make your reservation!

Pro Tip : They begin to take reservations around March, and continue to release new reservations on a rolling basis. I usually set a calendar reminder in the winter to check the website for the latest information.

Where To Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park?

The best place to stay when visiting Acadia is Bar Harbor. I recommend Bar Harbor because you’ll have access to the beautiful downtown, and everything it has to offer, as well as be in an ideal location to access the park. As mentioned before, this is where most people stay when exploring the park.

The great thing about Bar Harbor, too, is that it’s small, so it’s pretty easy to get around on foot. I do recommend staying within downtown Bar Harbor for this reason because parking during peak season can be tough.

Here are a few places I love to recommend that are walkable to all the shops and restaurants in downtown Bar Harbor:

Bar Harbor Villager Motel is my all-around best pick for those that just want a clean, comfortable and convenient place to stay while you spend more of your time exploring the park. The rooms are recently updated and insanely clean, and very spacious (perfect if you’re bringing a lot of hiking gear)! There’s also a free continental breakfast and on-site parking . This is pretty much where I stay when my main focus is hiking and exploring the park.

Click here to check out the Bar Harbor Villager Motel!

The Little Fig Hotel is an awesome choice if you’re looking for a more boutique-style hotel . The rooms here are beautifully decorated and feel very special , and there’s also free parking on-site . They also have pet-friendly rooms ! This is perfect for those who are looking to explore the park, but also enjoy Bar Harbor a lot more.

Click here to check out the Little Fig Hotel!

If you’re on a budget, or you love camping, you can also camp inside the park . My personal favorite place to camp in the park is Blackwoods because the location is perfect and accessible to the major sites and attractions. This is where I stayed my first two times to Acadia.

Seawall Campground is also really nice, but it’s located a bit further from the top sites (although, it’s closer to Bass Harbor Lighthouse).

Pro Tip 1: The campgrounds inside the park do not have showers – usually just bathrooms with toilets and sinks with cold water only. There is a hot shower facility just a few miles from Blackwoods campground that’s nice (be sure to bring quarters to use it!).

Pro Tip 2 : Acadia campgrounds are only open seasonally from May through early to mid October, so be sure to plan accordingly.

More Of My Maine Travel Guides:

• Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
• Maine In The Spring: Where To Go & What To Do
• Maine In October: Best Fall Foliage Spots & Things To Do
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
• Bar Harbor, Maine In The Winter
• Maine In The Winter
• Portland, Maine In The Winter
• Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
• Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
• Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
• Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
• The Best Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
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That’s A Wrap On The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary

Woo hoo! You’re now ready to plan your own perfect trip with this Acadia National Park itinerary! Regardless of how long you have for your visit, it’s pretty much guaranteed that it’ll be a memorable trip, and you’ll be able to check the top thing to do in the Northeast off your bucket list.

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All Tours: $100/hr

ACADIA - MDI HIGHLIGHT TOUR (4 hrs)

 Mount Desert Island has so many beautiful sights to see! And if you want to see them all, this tour is for you.  First we'll take you around the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. You'll see the rugged Maine coast, and enjoy stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond House, and of course, Cadillac Mountain. Then, we'll venture to the other side of MDI, and show you the beauty of Echo Lake, Long Pond, Seawall, Bass Harbor Head Light, as well as the quaint villages of Northeast Harbor, Somesville, and Southwest Harbor!  Come and tour the rock! 

WE ARE BACK FOR THE 2024 SEASON!

All Tours: $110/hr (reservation required)

For reservations, call 207-808-0413.

If you would like to tour the heart of Acadia, MDI TOURS would be happy to accommodate you! Let us do the driving so you can sit back, relax and take in the beauty. You will see Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Otter Cove, Jordan Pond, and of course - Cadillac Mountain ( the crown jewel of the Eastern Seaboard)! We will also venture outside the park and show you majestic Somes Sound, and the very wealthy communities of Northeast Harbor and Somesville. Each stop there will be time to walk around and take in the scenery and take plenty of pictures! Come and Tour Acadia with MDI TOURS!  (BECAUSE OF THE RESERVATION SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED BY ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, LAST MINUTE TOURS  INSIDE THE PARK WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT. FOR THIS REASON, ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!!)

THE QUIETSIDE TOUR (4 hrs)

While most visitors to ACADIA NATIONAL PARK want to see the Park Loop Road in the heart of Acadia, there is a whole other side to Mount Desert Island that many people rarely get to see, and there is TONS of awesome scenery to see on the Quietside!  We will show you the beauty of Somes Sound (the only Fjard on the Eastern Seaboard), the quaint little villages of Northeast Harbor, Somesville, Southwest Harbor, and Bass Harbor. You will see beautiful Long Pond, Echo Lake, and a few other picturesque places that most folks would never find on their own.  This 4 hour tour is a must see and will complete your visit to Acadia!!

THE QUIETSIDE SUNSET TOUR (5 hrs)

See the same scenic places as the Quietside Tour with a wonderful addition. This tour begins a little later in the afternoon. After seeing the Quietside, we will take you to C-Rays Lobster for the best lobster roll on the Island, and then go to Hadley Point Beach for a campfire, and the prettiest sunset and an awesome way to end the day.  

(THE DINNER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!)

If you would like to find out more information, I would be more than happy to help. Please fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks! We'll get back to you as soon as we can :)

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• Scenic Road Tours Acadia National Park

Scenic Road Tours of Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is so spectacular that it has two federal scenic byways winding within its borders.

All-American Road

The 40-mile Acadia All-American Road - the longer of the two - is so special that it’s been designated an All-American Road, considered among the most beautiful drives in the country.

The route begins just inland of the park on Route 3, in the mainland town of Trenton. It follows the highway south across the bridge and onto Mt. Desert Island. From there, the route moves past trees, houses and shorelines to the town of Bar Harbor. The route enters Acadia National Park and joins the famous Park Loop Road , which meanders around the rock-strewn coast and past some of the most popular sites in the park.

Park Loop Road

The Park Loop Road edges by the surging waters of Thunder Hole , the warm sands and chilly waters of Sand Beach and the famous pink granite of Otter Cliffs. Then, it turns inland towards the woods and crags of the park’s interior. There, you’ll find Acadia’s famous Carriage Roads – built by the Rockefeller family for horses and carriages – along with Jordan Pond House , a historic, lake-side restaurant. A side trip will take you up nearby Cadillac Mountain , which at 1,530 feet is the highest point in Acadia. From May 26 through Oct 19, vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road between sunrise and sunset.

Some roads on Acadia – particularly those on Mt. Desert Island – can get crowded. Skip the crowds by steering down the 29-mile Schoodic Scenic Byway , on the park’s less-busy Schoodic Peninsula. Located on the mainland east of Mt. Desert Island, the Schoodic Byway includes great coastal views, small towns and plenty of quiet. The 29-mile starts near the town of Hancock.

Acadia Bus & Trolley Tours

If you want to leave the driving to someone else, Oli’s Trolley and National Park Tours offer narrated bus tours within Acadia. You can even tour Acadia’s famous carriage roads in a horse-drawn carriage, courtesy of Carriages of Acadia, Inc. Get more information on these tours here .

Another way to tour without the crowds is to park your car and use the Island Explorer bus service . It can take you throughout the park and to other nearby areas. The buses offer basic transportation (think city bus) that is free, frequent and friendly.

Businesses & Organizations

• National Parks

Acadia National Park Nature Center

Natural history exhibits relating to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island and hands-on...

Phone: 207-288-3003

Website: www.nps.gov

Address: PO Box 177 , Bar Harbor

Acadia National Park

Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of...

Phone: (207) 288-3338

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Saint Croix Island: before Jamestown, before Plymouth.

Phone: 207-454-3871

Address: 84 St. Croix Drive PO Box 247 , Calais

Our Beautiful Waterfront Cottage near Acadia National Park

Enjoy our 3 bedroom waterfront home near Acadia National Park

Phone: 8133341144

Website: bayviewcottages.com

Address: Bay View Drive , Bar Harbor

Save $200 - Waterview Cottage near Acadia

Enjoy our Bar Harbor waterfront Log Home just minutes to Acadia NP

Address: 3603 Sugarloaf Lane , Valrico

Good Trip Adventures

Good Trip Adventures is an inclusive and sustainable tour operator and guiding company in Acadia National Park. Go beyond the guidebooks for a national park adventure you can’t get anywhere else!

Phone: 406-451-0455

Website: goodtripadventures.com

Address: For our tours we pick clients up at their location. , Bar Harbor

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At Your Service Private Tours

Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island Tours in Maine

At Your Service Tours and Event Transportation

The best private van tours to discover acadia, 4 hour: acadia, cadillac summit & somes sound.

See all of the highlights of our 3 hour tour with the addition of a drive along the only fjord on the eastern seaboard, Somes Sound. Let our local guides show you the summer colonies of the rich and infamous.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Featured Tours

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

3 Hour: Highlights of Acadia with Cadillac Summit

A private van tour by a local guide designed for your group of the top highlights of Acadia National Park, including Summit of Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, overlook of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Sieur de Mont Springs, and the bubbles on Jordan Pond.

• Hour Glass 6 Hours

6 Hour: Ultimate Acadia & Mount Desert Island Tour

This tour includes all of the stops on the 3 and 4 hour tour with the addition of a lunch stop at a working Lobster Pound Restaurant and having more time and flexibility to explore trails and historic sites, adding a visit to Acadia’s Sea Wall.

We are advanced reservation only and 48 hours is highly recommended.

Local Guides, Amazing Tours

Welcome to Bar Harbor, Maine, home of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Operating since 1999, we are the largest  private bus touring and event transportation company. 

Our goal is to provide you with the best island experience available by providing distinct and personalized tours targeted to your specific needs.

Whether you want a private tour of Acadia National Park or a professional, uniformed transportation service for your wedding we are the company to call.  We handle all the details from park permits to reservations.

Book online today and let us make your day special!

Let Us Show You the Beauty of Acadia National Park, Maine!

Our guests have rated us the #1 Private Tour company in Acadia National Park!

Thanks Sue! We had such a great time touring the area with you. You were fun, personable and knowledgable about the area. The van was in great shape. We felt safe and comfortable. We had a great time. She also recommended some good spots. Great service!

We were two couples that got off the ship, Grant was our driver and as we traveled we were given so much information about Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. With a private service we could stop for as long as we wanted to enjoy all the sights. Would highly recommend this company.

Our family of 7 (ages 10-79) took the half day tour with Paul on our recent trip to Bar Harbor on a cruise ship. He was able to take us to some fantastic locations (loved Bubble pond) and told us all about the history of the area. He is very enthusiastic about his hometown and we enjoyed the tour very much! I got some awesome photos and Paul gave us a great recommendation for a pizza lunch that my kids were craving!

We easily connected with our tour guide, Bill, upon disembarkation from our cruise ship's tender boat. My three sisters and I decided to book a private tour. Bill was very knowledgeable about the area and took us to places we would never have seen on our own or on a big tour bus. He took us all through Acadia NP and told us many stories of the area both past and present and made sure we were comfortable at all times.

We were a party of 6 and took their 3 hour Acadia National Park Tour after coming into Bar Harbor on the cruise ship. MJ, our driver was great and taylored our tour to the sights we wanted to see. Much more personalized option than taking an excursion tour bus filled with people. Would highly recommend this instead as you won't regret it. A+++ Thanks for showing us beautiful Acadia!!!!

MJ was extremely Knowledgeable and Entertaining! She was so accommodating and it was awesome because you knew she enjoyed her job and her home and wanted us to know as much as we could about Bar Harbor. This is one of our Most favorite vacations ever! The colors were like nothing we have ever seen, So Beautiful! I would recommend At Your Service Private Tours without any hesitation.

Met this group at the wharf on cruise ship visit. Mary P gave us great info as she drove us to Cadillac mountain including history and information on her family who had lived there many years. Clear view from the top made for a great trip. Dropped of in town with some tips on where to visit.

Grant did an unbelievable job, a wealth of knowledge and a total asset to At Your Service Private Tours. Our original guide did not show up and Grant graciously offered to take our group of 4. The Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain to Sandy Beach were phenomenal and Grant was a gem!!!!

We toured Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park with your company. Linda, our driver and tour guide was very personable and knowledgeable. Don't waste your time by getting on a big tour bus. The van was perfect for our excursion. We highly recommend your company. Linda was awesome! Andy & Kelli

We (6 of us off a cruise ship) had a wonderful time with Bill touring Acadia National Park with Bill. A true Mainer, he had many colorful stories about the residents of Bar Harbor. His daughter baked us blueberry muffins for a morning snack! Acadia was beautiful in the fall, and we were able to stop at the highlight points. We then had delicious lobster rolls at Beal’s. We highly recommend this tour.

MJ was by far the best tour guide we have ever used! She picked up immediately what we were interested in seeing, kept track of time, provided unique stops away from crowds, and took us to a perfect place for lunch! One of our group members has limited mobility and she was very aware and helpful. 6 stars!!!

Our private tour was amazing. We went to the top of Cadillac Mountain (the view was magnificent!) and saw so many lovely places all over the Bar Harbor area. We even stopped at a bakery for the yummiest donuts and coffee! Thank you for our fantastic trip - can't wait to get our pictures back.

A group of six of us (three couples) were in Bar Harbor as part of a Holland America ship cruise. We signed up independently for a five hour tour and Bill was our tour guide. We saw all of the highlights of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park that we'd read about before-hand and Bill was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the area and very willing to share his knowledge.

We took a Fall Foliage cruise of New England and Canada and by far this private tour I book outside the ship tours was the best. Jeff was very personable and had alot of history of the island. Top group comments were "we loved the beaver lesson" and "mice with ears!"

ALL TRIPS DEPART FROM 119 EDEN ST-THE ATLANTIC OCEANSIDE HOTEL- 5 MIN DRIVE FROM DOWNTOWN BAR HARBOR

Lighthouse & National Park Tour

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Take an Unforgettable Bar Harbor Lighthouse Tour in Acadia National Park!

Welcome aboard the M/V Islander as we visit three unique Maine Island Lighthouses and the historic Islesford Lifesaving Station, with plenty of time at each for photography. We’ll cruise the breath-taking coastlines of Bar Harbor and the islands of Acadia National Park. Our naturalist will share tales of America’s lighthouse history, the bravery of the early Lifesaving Service crews, and the ghostly legends of Maine’s lighthouses. Our journey takes us along the coasts of Bar Harbor and Seal Harbor for views of some of the stately and historic “cottages” of Mount Desert Island’s Golden Age, as well as natural wonders like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs. Along the way we’ll meet the wildlife of Frenchman Bay including seals, bald eagles, harbor porpoise and sea birds. Your lighthouse tour in Bar Harbor, Maine awaits!

Visit three unique island lighthouses and the historic Islesford life-saving station — with plenty of time at each for photographs. Enjoy this tour as we cruise along the shoreline of Bar Harbor and among the islands of stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park. Learn all about America’s fascinating lighthouse history — heroism, bravery, ghosts and much more.

Discover Bar Harbor’s golden age as we view mansions along millionaires row; the Ford, Rockefeller, High Seas and Vanderbilt estates among others. Watch as our experienced naturalist points out local wildlife such as seals, bald eagles and harbor porpoise. Along the way visit Acadia’s crown jewels including; Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole.

Available Departure Times

August 16 to October 13 – 9:30 a.m. Daily

Meeting Location

119 Eden St. (the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel), Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Related Activities

• Most popular!
• Clock 1.5 – 2 hours

Sightseeing & Nature Cruise

Take a two hour, fully-narrated nature cruise of Frenchman Bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, and the Bar Harbor shoreline. ( Pet friendly!) Book online today! 

• Prettiest Trip of the Day!

Sunset Cruise

Join our captain and crew for one of the prettiest trips of the day on our Acadia sunset cruise! This seasonal sunset sail from Bar Harbor will allow you to spot seabirds and marine life with a lovely sunset filter. Book your tour online!

Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor—Acadia National Park Tour Review

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An Acadia National Park tour is a great way to view this beautiful and diverse habitat, and Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor, is the one to beat.

Acadia National Park is one of the most stunningly beautiful areas in the United States. Located mid-way along the Maine coast near the town of Bar Harbor, it protects the diverse and rugged natural beauty of this area.

There are a lot of different tour companies offering trips to Acadia National Park and the nearby areas. This post will focus on Oli’s Trolley and their 2.5-hour tour of Acadia National Park.

Would I recommend Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor, and Acadia tour? Read on to find out!

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. This will never cost you extra. Please read the  disclosures  to learn more.

My 2.5 Hour Oli’s Trolley Bar Harbor Tour Review

Our tour with Oli’s Trolley was exceptional. The guide was really good—he was knowledgeable, engaging, and provided clear direction when we got to the stops.

He also answered any questions that we had and was clearly passionate about the park. He really enjoyed telling stories about the park, its history, and the important people who impacted this area and the landscape.

The only downside with the tour is that time is extremely limited. You only get 15 minutes at each location. It’s just enough time to walk over to the area (each was within a minute or two walk), snap a few pictures, wander a little, and head back.

If you need to use the bathroom, then depending on the time of year, you might entirely miss the stop. We did use the bathroom at Jordan Pond, but due to the line, we never got to see the pond. (Thankfully, we got to see it a couple of days earlier!)

Though this is a great way to see the top attractions in the park quickly, it might be worth taking the 4-hour tour to have a little extra time at the stops.

Additionally, if anyone on the bus takes their time getting back, everyone gets held up. (Note: this isn’t the case at Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond, as people can take the bus.

However, there is no public transportation that goes up Cadillac Mountain, so he has to wait for everyone. We lost nearly 15 minutes as some people came back late.)

Even still, this was a great tour to take to see the top attractions in Acadia National Park, and I’d recommend this Acadia National Park tour and tour company.

Oli’s Trolley Bar Harbor Tours

There are three tours available with Oli’s Trolley:

• The 2.5-hour Acadia National Park tour mentioned in this article visits Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond, with 15-minute stops at each. This tour currently costs $53. It’s available from late April through the end of October at 10 a.m.
• The four-hour Acadia National Park tour includes longer 30-minute stops at the same places the 2.5-hour tour visits: Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. It also includes a stop at the Sieur de Monts Spring Area. This tour currently costs $78. It’s available from July through the end of October at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is not provided.
• The Downtown Bar Harbor Tour lasts for 30 minutes and costs $20 for adults. It’s offered daily at 11:15 a.m. On this tour, you’ll explore the town of Bar Harbor, seeing historic sites, mansions, shops, restaurants, and other points of interest in the downtown area. It’s a great grounding tour to help you plan your exploration of the area. You’ll also learn about the history of the village from 1796 to current.

Oli’s Trolley also offers private tours, corporate events, and even weddings. Contact them to learn more.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a preserve that contains a number of different island areas in the mid-coast section of Maine. It encompasses nearly half of Mount Desert Island, which is the main part of the park and the best known. Overall, the park includes nearly 50,000 acres.

It also includes portions of 16 smaller outlying islands, the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula, and some of the Isle au Haut.

The park protects Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic Coast. It also includes rocky headlands carved by glaciers and a diverse island landscape filled with a high level of biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Much of the roads and the historic carriage road system were founded and financed by JD Rockefeller Jr. It was originally named the Sieur de Monts National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and later renamed the Lafayette National Park in 1919. It was then named Acadia National Park in 1929.

This park area offers a lot of different activities from spring through autumn, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and more. There are guided tours and guided boat tours as well.

More than 4 million visitors a year enjoy Acadia National Park. It’s a wonderland in the northeast that is well worth visiting.

Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor Tours—My Detailed Experience

Oli’s Trolley offers narrated Bar Harbor, Maine, tours of Mount Desert Island. This is where Bar Harbor and the largest section of Acadia National Park are both located. They offer two options for Acadia National Park tours and one for Bar Harbor.

They offer a comfortable and relaxing way to see the top sights in Acadia National Park. And their trollies are distinctive-looking, reminiscent of an old-fashioned trolley car. You can’t miss them among the many tour buses!

Booking & Checking-In Process

You have the option to book online or in person at their shop on the water in Bar Harbor. Booking the tour was easy—just go to their website, select the tour, and make your payment online with a secure transaction.

If you pay online, you do need to show your receipt in their shop at the Oli’s Trolley Gift Shop in Harbor Place Building at 1 West Street or at 55 West Street , where Oli’s Trolley Station is. Here, you’ll get a ticket to show the driver.

Otherwise, you can pay in person to collect it at either location. The location is right on the water at Frenchman Bay, and it’s a great area to look out to watch the boats.

The location isn’t far from where the cruise boats come in, so it’s easy for cruisers to find. This does mean that it may be extra crowded when a ship is in the dock.

Meeting Location

It’s only a minute or two walk to get to the meeting location at 55 West Street , also right on the water. You’ll see the trolley buses and a small crowd most likely, so it’s easy to find.

Tips and Suggestions for Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor Tours

• You’re recommended to check in 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
• Restrooms are available at both check-in locations. They are also available at the stops, but keep in mind your time will be limited.
• Pets are not allowed (except for service dogs).
• You may bring food and (non-alcoholic) drinks.
• Children are welcome, but parents are expected to keep an eye on them at all times.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket.
• If you do decide to cancel, 24 hours of notice are required with your booking number.

Oli’s Trolley does recommend taking the Island Shuttle bus when possible, as parking in Bar Harbor can be challenging, especially during peak season (from June to September). If you decide to drive, they provide some parking suggestions nearby .

We went in October and found parking easily. Street parking in the center of town is paid for by coins or by downloading the parking app ParkMobile . It’s easy to use, and you just select the amount of time you want to park.

The trollies seat around 48 people. They have a configuration with two seats on each side and around 10-12 rows. The seats are benches that aren’t super comfortable, but they are ok enough for the short rides.

This is a narrated tour, so your guide will walk you through the rich history of the area as you drive. He/she will also tell you all about the different locations you’ll see and what to expect.

Our guide was fantastic and was clearly passionate about the job, the history, and the park. He was knowledgeable, patient with questions, and encouraged them.

Tour Details

The 2.5-hour Acadia National Park tour is great if you want to learn more about the park and maximize your time. On this tour, you visit three locations in the park: Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.

You may start your tour at Jordan Pond or at Cadillac Mountain. The park service only allows one of each tour company’s buses up the mountain at a time, so the order may vary.

During your drive to the first destination, the guide shares the history of Acadia National Park. First, you get to see the historic mansions of the wealthy former residents of Bar Harbor.

The history dates back to its discovery in 1604, though Native Americans lived there over ten thousand years prior. As you ride, the guide points out different spectacular scenery like Frenchman Bay and Paradise Hill.

From there, you’ll stop at the three sites with time for short walks and pictures. The driver also points out the Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs.

Cadillac Mountain

The top highlight of Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, is a must-see. The most popular time to visit is at sunrise, when you can see the incredible views of this area from above. However, it’s amazing at any time.

There is a reservation fee for vehicles. However, it’s part of the tour. You’ll stop for 15 minutes (or 30 on the 4-hour tour) to check out these amazing views.

Head down some of the side paths to get closer to the edge to really enjoy what this area has to offer. It’s breathtaking at any time of day.

Thunder Hole on Ocean Road

This may be one of the most interesting spots in Acadia National Park. You’ll head down the path on Ocean Road to one of the smaller paths toward the rocky cliffs and the ocean.

The water carved out a narrow area between the rocks in the cliff. When the water washes up, the crashing noise sounds like thunder. It’s pretty incredible to hear.

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is one of the most picturesque areas in Acadia National Park and is also a must-see. There is a lovely, easy walk around the pond that takes around an hour, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views.

You only have fifteen minutes here (30 for the 4-hour tour), so make the most of it. Go directly to the pond and walk on the rocky outcrops for gorgeous views.

Jordan Pond House is known for its popover with blueberry jam. Unfortunately, they don’t offer it to go. Plan to come back, make a reservation the day or two before, and walk around the lake. The popover is a lovely treat after your walk.

Why You Should Consider Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor Tours

There are a lot of great tour guides in this area, so why should you Consider Oli’s Trolley? Here are some of the reasons.

• This is a family-run business, so you’re supporting a local small business.
• They have been operating in Acadia National Park for 27 years.
• They have an environmental pledge , striving to reduce their environmental impact. They do this by reducing waste, increasing operating efficiency, and educating their tour guests. Some examples are using paperless technology and installing energy-efficient products. They also participate in Bar Harbor’s waste stream management to reduce and reverse detrimental global environmental practices.
• One of the most popular Bar Harbor tours available.

We had a fantastic experience with Oli’s Trolley, and I’m thrilled to recommend them. Check them out if you’re in the area!

You have a lot of options for where to spend your tourist dollars. I personally love supporting small businesses that have stood the test of time and demonstrate similar ethics that I choose to support.

If you join one of Oli’s Trolley tours, let me know!

You Might Also Like

• Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park & What to Do
• Top Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine
• 10 Top Hotels Near Acadia National Park

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Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

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How to Make the Most of a Week in Acadia National Park

• Updated: 04/03/2024

For years, I had my heart set on visiting Acadia National Park. I knew I would love its hiking trails along dramatic rocky coasts, pine and deciduous forests blanketed in fogs, and its 45-mile network of motor-free carriage roads calling out to be biked.  And I was right. 

When we finally made it to Acadia National Park for a weeklong family stay in August after an extended weekend in Boston—I loved every minute of our visit. 

I share what we did with recommendations for where to book family-friendly activities , places to stay , and where to find the best resources to learn more about the island and its wealth of things to see and do for families.

Table Of Contents

About acadia national park.

Acadia National Park is one of a handful of US National Parks entirely located on an island— Mount Desert Island.   This 108 square mile island on the east coast of Maine, and a three-hour drive north of Maine’s largest town, Portland, is shaped like a lopsided lung—with Somes Sound splitting the east and the west halves. 

Bar Harbor , on the northeast coast of Mount Desert Island, is its largest town offering the widest selection—and among the most-premium priced—lodging and dining options.

Nearly half of the island—approximately 47 square miles—is dedicated to the stunning natural scenery of Acadia National Park. 

How to Get to Acadia National Park: Plane, Train, Car, Bus, or Ferry

To get to Acadia National Park, you will most likely arrive by plane, car, or a combination of train and bus via the causeway that connects mainland Maine to Mount Desert Island. 

Here is a list of the closest airports to Acadia National Park that you can fly into on round-trip or one-way tickets:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Get to Acadia via a five-hour drive, a direct bus  from Boston, or a combination of train and bus .
• Bangor International Airport (BGR): This airport is the closest international one to Acadia. Arrive via a one-hour drive, taxi, or bus. View ground transportation options here .
• Portland’s International Jetport (PWM): Get to Acadia via a three-hour drive. View ground transportation options here .
• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB). This tiny airport is just north of the causeway that connects the mainland to Mount Desert Island. Cape Air and Jet Blue partner to provide direct flights from Boston. View ground transportation options here .

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Amtrak also offers a scenic train service called the Amtrak Downeaster that connects Boston to Portland, Maine. Once in Portland, you can continue to Mount Desert Island via bus on Concord Coachlines . You can also take a bus direct from Boston on Concord . 

Or take a ferry. You can arrive at or continue your Acadia adventure via the CAT, a high-speed passenger and vehicle ferry that connects Bar Harbor to (Yarmouth) Nova Scotia, Canada, on a 3.5-hour journey.   If you arrive in Bar Harbor without a car, know you can get around for free. Learn more about Mount Desert Island’s free Island Explorer bus system here .

6 Things to Know Before Visiting Acadia National Park

• The best times to visit Acadia National Park are in the summer. July and August are the high season. The next best time to visit Acadia is in the fall, from mid-September through mid-October, to catch the changing autumn colors. 
• Plan (way) ahead. Book your Acadia National Park accommodation before you book anything else, including your airfare. If you can, schedule six months in advance. Better yet—book a full 12 months to pick and choose from the best family options.
• You must purchase one of a limited number of National Parks vehicle reservation passes to drive on Cadillac Mountain Road to view its impressive summit with sweeping views. Learn more here . 70% of these day passes are available 48 hours in advance. If you want to view the Cadillac Mountain summit without a vehicle pass, join an organized guided tour , or hike or bike to the top. The Island Explorer bus system does not include the summit road—and it is a long 3.5-mile walk to the top.
• No other vehicle reservations are required in Acadia National Park. However, you need to buy a National Parks vehicle pass or be the holder of an annual National Parks Pass to enter the park by car.
• Mount Desert Island and Acadia Park are serviced by the extensive and completely free Island Explorer Bus system, which links park destinations with nearby village centers. This means you can come to Acadia without a car or leave it behind at your lodging when you do not want to worry about parking.
• The coastal Maine fogs come in quickly and leave nearly as fast. If you are not from the region, this may be an entirely new experience. Be prepared for thick fog to roll in at any time of the day and obstruct your views. Though, if you have the time flexibility, stick around. The fog may roll out as quickly as it came in. 

Our Top 10 Things to Do in Acadia National Park for Families

• Hiking & Walking. We hiked the Gorham Mountain Loop, Beech Mountain, and Acadia Mountain trails. Find more Acadia hikes on AllTrails.com . Or read “Ten Days in Acadia: A Kids’ Hiking Guide to Mount Desert Island ,” a guidebook full of family-friendly trails. We brought our heavily dog-eared copy of this guide on every hike. We also loved strolling the level Bar Harbor Shore Path , a 1.5-mile level route hugging Frenchman Bay.

Looking for more hikes? Check out this article sharing the top five hikes for families . 

• Biking. We rented bikes from centrally located Acadia Bike and used the seasonal free Bike Express Shuttle , covering only a fraction of the park’s extensive carriage road system. I would love to come back one day and bike all the paths. Rent your bikes in advance. 
• Experiencing wildlife. We stayed at an inn along Bar Harbor’s Shore Path and could stroll out to its rocky beach to explore tide pools each evening. Also, we booked an ecology tour with a private guide  and got tickets for Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theatre boat tour.
• Island hopping. We booked tickets on the Sea Princess  out of Northeast Harbor for a narrated tour to Little Cranberry Island and up Somes Sound.
• Kayaking. It is a beautiful experience getting out on the water in Frenchman Bay on a clear sunny day. We could walk to Coastal Kayak for our tour.
• Scenic driving. Driving the scenic park roads and through the charming villages on Mount Desert Island was a joy.
• Playing on the beach. Despite the freezing water, we loved our visit to Sand Beach. 
• Picnicking. Pick up your favorite picnic foods in town at the Hannaford and head out to enjoy a picnic. We also loved the premium food options from the small gourmet shop, Peekytoe Provisions . Our favorite picnic spots included Bubble Pond, Echo Lake, and the summit of Gorham Mountain.
• Eating. Are you even on a trip to Maine if you do not eat lobster, Maine blueberries, and ice cream? All of these are must-tries.
• Shopping. The bustling touristy streets of Bar Harbor are full of shops with souvenirs and quality trip mementos. We bought outdoor gear, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and a hand-hewn wooden birdhouse.

Our 7-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary for Families

Here is how we spent our seven days in Acadia National Park. Find a map showing all the places we visited and detail for each day below. 

Day 1: Drive up from Boston and arrive in Bar Harbor Day 2: Hike the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail and lounge at Sand Beach Day 3: Take a Down East Nature and Ecology tour and bike the carriage roads

Day 4: Shop in Bar Harbor, join a Sea Princess Boat tour, and drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain

Day 5: Hike Beech Mountain and Acadia Mountain trails, picnic at Echo Lake

Day 6: Kayak Frenchman Bay and join a Diver’s Ed Dive-In Theatre tour

Day 7: Fly out of Bangor

How to use this map:  In the map header, click the square tab to the left of my logo or click the enlarge frame to the right to view detail. You can save the map to “Your Places” on Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map name. Or you can share it by clicking the share icon.

Day 1: Driving Up from Boston & Arrival

We arrived at Bar Harbor from Boston, where we spent four days staying in the North End and exploring the city. From Boston, we rented a car to make the nearly five-hour drive north to Bar Harbor.

To break up the ride, we stopped just south of Portland, Maine, at Bite Into Maine , an oceanfront lobster roll shack recommended by a friend of my husband, who was born and raised in Portland. He suggested it for its incredible views, tasty lunch, and exploring Fort Williams Park . 

Both of our kids loved this stop. While there, each separately announced that they wanted to move to Maine. En route to Bar Harbor, and after our lobster roll lunch , we stopped one more time at a roadside farmstand to pick up more snacks—fresh, flavorful Maine blueberries and homemade chocolate cake.  Finally, after just enough car trip stops, sights, and snacks—we arrived! 

I selected an inn just south of the core commercial district in Bar Harbor, two short blocks from the Village Green and adjacent to the Bar Harbor Shore Path that runs along the coast. 

Although and sadly, our lovely family-friendly inn, formerly the Shore Path Cottage , recently converted to a large group rental —which I highly recommend—there are plenty of other wonderful family-friendly places to stay. I share several of them here . 

After checking in, we stepped out the gate from the front yard of our inn to explore the tidal pools on the rocky coast next to the Shore Path . For dinner, we walked into town, choosing from one of several area restaurants.

Day 2: Hike the Gorham Mountain Loop Trail & Relax on Sand Beach

On day two, we woke to clouds and misty rain, a common occurrence in coastal Maine. 

While we waited for the rain to clear, we made the most of our time. We took advantage of the delicious breakfast offered by our inn before heading out to collect picnic supplies from the local Hannaford, the main in-town grocery store, and stopping by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to talk to the Acadia National Park rangers to get their advice on the best hikes and biking paths for kids. 

With lunch and a plan for the next several days, we continued along the park roads south to Sand Beach, luckily scoring a hard-to-get parking spot. With our backpacks on and our lunches stashed inside, we left our car to walk clockwise along the 3.0-mile Gorham Mountain Loop trail.

This loop begins from the Sand Beach parking area and encompasses a section of the Ocean Path Trail , passing by Thunder Hole, a natural rock inlet that amplifies the spray and sound of waves at high tides. The Ocean Path trail eventually intersects with the Gorham Mountain (and Beehive) trails, looping back to the Sand Beach parking lot. 

Our kids were ages nine and twelve when we did this hike, and they had little problem keeping up.  Upon reaching the summit, we stopped to enjoy lunch and the beautiful coastal views. Our hard work paid off even more, while when eating lunch, we were treated to the phenomenon of a thick fog rolling in to hug the coast below and marveled at being at a high enough elevation to look down at it.

Once we completed the loop, descended past the parking lot, and onto Sand Beach , we removed our shoes to stick our feet in the cold ocean. By now, the fog had mostly lifted. So, after splashing around, we settled down on the sand to rest, relax, and enjoy the view. We watched the waves and breathed in the fresh salty air as the late afternoon light began to turn golden.

Wrapping up beach time, we headed back to the car and returned to the inn to clean up and spend another early evening exploring the tidal pools along the Shore Path. For dinner, we walked to nearby upscale Salt & Steel to sit at an upstairs table overlooking its pretty courtyard to enjoy seafood and pasta specialties such as clams, lobster bisque, and lobster carbonara.

Day 3: Down East Nature & Ecology Tour & Biking to Jordan Pond

We started today early, getting picked up at 7:30A by Michael, the owner and guide at Down East Nature Tours , for a privately booked Wetland Ecology tour to Three Pines Bird Sanctuary and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. 

It was a perfect misty morning for a wetland tour. Wearing our raincoats and hiking boots, we enjoyed our guided walk in the woods to view native birds and wildlife, where Michael taught us more about the local habitat.

After we visited the Sanctuary, we extended our tour with a stop at the coast. Michael taught us more about tidal pools, geology, and local marine life. He was a great teacher, and we all enjoyed the experience. 

Back at our inn by mid-morning, we rested and then picked up picnic supplies at gourmet Peekytoe Provisions before walking into town to rent bikes from Acadia Bike . Once we had our bikes, we transported them on the seasonal and free Bike Express Shuttle , taking the bus to the top of Eagle Lake to begin our ride along Acadia National Park’s carriage roads.

Since our visit, the seasonal Bike Express Shuttle has changed its route, picking up from Kids Corner instead of at the Village Green. Before any bike trip, confirm the latest dates of operation, schedule, and route map of the shuttle. 

It is a bike-lovers dream to ride on this well-maintained motor-free path system that snakes its way up and down and around the contours of the park and its most beautiful features. 

We set Jordan Pond , with its crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains, as our destination goal, choosing to ride the carriage roads clockwise to get there. We stopped for a lovely picnic lunch at quiet Bubble Pond before continuing south, past Wildwood Stables, to make our way to Jordan Pond. 

Although we did not choose to wait for the busy outdoor tables at the Jordan Pond restaurant, we took time to rest on the lawn and enjoy the coffee, hot chocolates, and snacks we picked up from their store and to-go window. We followed this by skipping rocks at the shore before getting back on our bikes to ride back to our Eagle Lake pick-up point. After catching the shuttle, we returned our bikes and headed to our inn for more snacks and tidal pool exploring.

For dinner, we chose a low-key pizza joint—bustling Rosalie’s Pizza . Our family agreed the pie here was worth the wait. Be sure to arrive early to grab a seat. Tables are first come, first serve. And if the downstairs is full, try upstairs. We loved this affordable and family-friendly dinner option. 

Day 4: Bar Harbor Shopping, Sea Princess Boat Tour & Cadillac Mountain

Since our first two days were so active, we kept the schedule lighter today.  We began the day with a slow morning of souvenir shopping in Bar Harbor, buying outdoor gear, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and a hand-hewn wooden birdhouse.

Next, we headed to Northeast Harbor for a delicious lunch at Milk and Honey Kitchen before catching our Sea Princess cruise to nearby Islesford, the fishing community on Little Cranberry Island. 

The morning’s rain gave way to heavy fog as we boarded our boat. Through a thick soup of gray mist, we listened while our guide shared about the history and ecology of the area. As we made our way over the calm waters of Somes Sound, we could see little beyond our boat and could only hear the fog horns and the occasional splash of water over our guide’s narration.

Once at Islesford, we disembarked on the wooden pier appreciating how the colors and sights of Little Cranberry Island emerged from the fog. In addition to exploring the Islesford Historical Museum , we hung out by the water skipping rocks and drinking warm drinks before reboarding our boat for the return trip.  Fortunately, on the ride back, the fog lifted, the sun emerged, and we had the chance to see the harbor framed by picturesque rocky green hills.

After the boat tour, we treated ourselves to ice cream in Northeast Harbor, took advantage of the clear skies, and drove straight to Cadillac Mountain —the highest point in Acadia.

Luckily, we quickly got a parking spot at the congested summit lot and began exploring. Walking around the rocky mountain top, we marveled at the sweeping views down the coast, of the surrounding islands, and below into Bar Harbor in the golden light of late afternoon. 

Since our visit, Acadia National Park has instituted a vehicle reservation pass system to drive on Cadillac Mountain Road to reduce congestion. Learn more about it here . 70% of these day passes are available 48 hours in advance.

If you want to visit the Cadillac Mountain summit without a vehicle pass, join an organized guided tour , or hike or bike to the top. The Island Explorer bus system does not provide service up the summit road, and it is a long and windy 3.5-mile walk to the summit.

Returning to our inn, we repeated our evening ritual of snacks and tidal pool exploring before heading to nearby Bar Harbor Lobster Co. to don some bibbs and try lobster for dinner. Growing up on the East Coast, my husband had eaten lobster several times. The rest of us had not. 

We gamely ordered our crustaceans, watched a YouTube video on how to eat them, and dug in. With lots of laughing, butter-dipping, and shell-cracking, we got the hang of it and decided it was a fun experience.

Day 5: Hike Beech Mountain & Acadia Mountain, & Picnic at Echo Lake

Day five was all about hiking! We started our morning with a hike on the 1.2-mile moderately challenging Beech Mountain Trail , a highly rated loop route just north of Southwest Harbor that offers a beautiful view at the summit, that is, if you do not ascend just as thick fog rolls in like we  did. 

Although we tried to stick around for the view to clear, we decided walking down and driving the short distance to Echo Lake for a picnic was the better move. 

We joined several other families already set up for a day of play on the rocky beach to enjoy our picnic lunch, followed by a quick splash in the cold lake. A lthough the water was not nearly as frigid as the waves on Sand Beach, it still was a refreshing chill and great for trail-sore toes. 

Following lunch, we drove a very short distance to the Acadia Mountain trailhead to tackle the combo Acadia Mountain and Man O War 2.5-mile loop trail. Since there was no trailhead parking lot, we copied the other cars and parked on the side of the road along the shoulder near the trailhead.

Once parked, we followed the trail in a clockwise direction. Despite the steep ascents and descents that required some scrambling, the kids loved this trail which rewarded our hard work with pretty views of Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains.

For dinner, we headed to a nearby pub for an easy meal and an early return home to rest from our heavy hiking day.

Day 6: Kayak & Diver-Ed’s Dive-In Theatre

Our final full day in Acadia was dedicated to the water. We began the day strolling down the Shore Path from our inn toward Coastal Kayaking Tours  next to Acadia Bike, where we had just rented our bikes. 

At the office, we got outfitted to join a 2.5-hour harbor tour of Frenchman Bay. Each parent joined a kid in a kayak to follow a guide as we navigated still waters around islands in the bay, catching glimpses of marine life up close. 

After the tour, we walked back to our inn, picking up sandwiches from nearby Choc-Latte Cafe to enjoy on the inn’s veranda tables, and took the afternoon off to rest, read, and rock skip at the tidal pools.

In the late afternoon, we drove to northern Bar Harbor and next to the College of the Atlantic to check in for our late afternoon boat ride and show with Diver Ed’s Dive In Theatre.  

If you plan to join a Diver Ed tour , book your tickets, these tours will sell out. Currently, Diver Ed offers morning and midday tours. Late afternoon time slots, as we booked, are no longer available. 

The tour is high-quality marine life edutainment . You and your kids get to watch a live underwater show from the comfort of a boat while Diver Ed entertains your family with his passion for marine education and his silliness.

Also, if you arrive early for your tour, set aside a few minutes to walk around the fascinating and small-scale George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History with your kids.

On our tour, Ed dove down to 50 feet in a dry suit, videoing his dive and chatting with us from underwater as he showed the animals in their habitats. He brought select animals back up to the boat, where the kids got to touch and examine them at close range. All the happy, laughing, and squealing kids on our tour loved the experience. 

After a lovely week in Acadia, we were sad to leave. There were so many trails and bike routes we wanted to do but could not squeeze in. We could have easily filled two weeks if not an entire summer of exploring. 

Though, our time in Acadia, like so many good things, had to come to an end.  To return home, we flew out of Bangor International Airport , a much shorter one-hour drive from Bar Harbor, versus a five-hour drive back to Boston.  Since we had pre-booked a one-way car rental, we returned our vehicle with ease and caught a seasonal and very convenient nonstop flight from Bangor back to Chicago.  We hope to return to Acadia soon!

Where to Stay for Families Visiting Acadia National Park

In or around bar harbor.

Many families love to stay in the heart of the action and book lodging in busy Bar Harbor as it offers the widest selection of accommodation walkable to excellent dining options, though for the highest prices.

Bar Harbor is where we chose to stay.  Though our lovely family-friendly inn, formerly the Shore Path Cottage, converted to a rental , here are four other family-friendly places to consider booking in central Bar Harbor . Be sure to reserve your room(s) early.

Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina . This hotel is my number one pick—for its dream room for families of four—a king bed with a bunk bed in a semi-enclosed space. Offering togetherness with a dash of privacy. And for larger families, the hotel has a Two-Bedroom Kid Suite that sleeps up to six. Book via Expedia or its website . 

Bar Harbor Inn, Oceanfront Lodge . Book one of the luxury suites that can accommodate family groups and get a prime oceanfront position. Check it out via Expedia or its website .

West Street Hotel . Luxe West Street Hotel offers two-bedroom suites and connecting rooms and the perk of a rooftop pool. 

Balance Rock Inn . I love this hotel for its waterfront location right on the Bar Harbor Shore Path and for being just outside the main hub of activity. Its only two drawbacks are its high price and the fact it only has two rooms that accommodate groups of four. See if you can snag one for your stay with your family. 

The best more affordable, but by no means inexpensive, family-friendly lodging options closest to Bar Harbor, but not centrally in it, include:

• The Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
• The Highbrook Motel
• The Atlantic Eyrie Lodge

Find other options by expanding your search to include a few miles outside town.  Or look for rental properties near Bar Harbor. For large family groups that want to stay in Bar Harbor, you will not go wrong renting the former Shore Path Cottage , where we stayed when it still was an inn and sleeps 16+. It continues to be owned and operated by the same family who ran the highly-rated inn. Just be sure to plan ahead, as this property books out well over a year in advance. 

Outside of Bar Harbor (& the Rest of Mount Desert Island)

Are the Bar Harbor hotel options too pricey? If you plan to drive, consider staying elsewhere on Mount Desert Island in a place that better meets your needs, wants, and budget. Booking lodging outside of expensive Bar Harbor will give you more options and space for less money. 

Top alternatives to Bar Harbor include Northeast Harbor , Southwest Harbor , and Bass Harbor . Or expand your search to include all of Mount Desert Island .

Prefer to stay in rentals vs. hotels? Search for places to stay on VRBO all over Mount Desert Island . Adjust search parameters for your group size.

For outdoor loving families, you can save a bundle, and be in the best locations by camping at one of the two National Park campgrounds on Mount Desert Island—the Seawall or Blackwoods campground. Both can be reserved two months in advance.

Or, for families who want to get out into nature but do not want to do all the work of lugging camping equipment with them, consider a stay at a glamping spot like Terramor Outdoor Resort close to the causeway. Or at the family-friendly Acadia Yurts and Wellness Center close to Southwest Harbor. 

How to Get Around Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island

If you are renting a car or driving your own, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park are straightforward to navigate.  However, depending on your carrier, be prepared for poor cell coverage , particularly within the park . So, unless you have GPS navigation, I highly recommend downloading a Google Map of the area when connected to Wi-Fi. Here is my quick video on how to do this. 

Though, if you plan to visit Acadia without a vehicle or do not want to drive to a crowded trailhead with little parking—you have options! You can take full advantage of the free Island Explorer bus system.  This bus system offers 13 routes and stops at campgrounds, trailheads, and village centers and will pick up passengers that flag the driver down from a safe shoulder area. Learn more about the system and view its route maps here . 

Related Reading

If you are traveling to Acadia, check out my “ Maine & Acadia National Park: The Best Books to Read Before a Trip ” booklist below to get an Acadia reading list.

Or consider picking up my two favorite guidebooks—” Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island ” by James Kaiser and the family-friendly hiking guide we brought with us on every hike, “ Ten Days in Acadia: A Kids’ Hiking Guide to Mount Desert Island ,” by Hope Rowan. 

Additionally, if your family loves national parks, be sure to check my guides on Glacier National Park and this ultimate guide to 20 national parks for families.

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author:  Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog,  Gather and Go Travel . Check out  her bio , learn how she became  a blogger , and discover how to  work with her . Sign up for her monthly  Discovery Newsletter  to get her latest travel recommendations and  how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator .

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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Welcome to Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me , read our story , and how to work with me .

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The 33 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, Maine

So, you’ve decided to visit Acadia National Park.  You’ve made a great choice.  But you are probably now wondering what to do in Acadia National Park.  With miles of coastline, wooded hills, hiking trails, historic carriage roads, and much more, there is a LOT to choose from.   

Here is my comprehensive list of all the Acadia National Park attractions to help you decide which of them you want to include on your trip. 

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If you have trouble deciding which of these things to do at Acadia National Park you can fit into your trip, you might want to consider getting one of my detailed itineraries for Acadia National Park .   

There are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-day options, all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your time in Acadia National Park.

Get a detailed itinerary for Acadia National Park here

Best Things To Do in Acadia National Park  

What is there to do at Acadia National Park? It turns out, lots! I’ve included activities on land and water, things to do for all interest and fitness levels, plus some seasonal activities. 

1. Catch the Sunset or Sunrise in Acadia National Park from the top of Cadillac Mountain

At 1,532 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard. From the summit, you can look out over mountains, islands and ocean. Enjoying these sensational views is one of the top things to do in Acadia National Park. 

A 0.5-mile paved Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail winds in a loop around part of the summit.  

Cadillac Mountain is famous for being the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. from October 7 to March 6. At other times of the year, the sunrise is still beautiful, of course.  

The sunset views are also great.  The best place to watch the sunset is Blue Hill Overlook, which is 0.25 miles below the summit.  

The road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain is closed from December 1 to April 14, though you can still hike to the summit.     

READ MORE: If you want to drive up Cadillac Mountain from late May to late October, you will need to make a reservation. Read how to make a reservation for Cadillac Mountain here . 

2. Drive the Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S and driving this loop is one of the must do things in Acadia National Park.  You can either drive it in your own vehicle or take the seasonal free Island Explorer Shuttle .  Route 4 goes along the Park Loop Road.   

Constructed between 1921 and 1958, the road loops around the southeastern corner of Mount Desert Island, passing by most of the national park’s main attractions, including Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond and the road up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.   

Drive slowly – both to enjoy the views and to be safe, as the road is generally crowded, especially in July and August.  

Most of the road is one way, though the section between Wildwood Stables and Cadillac Mountain is two-way.  The section of the Park Loop Road between the Sand Beach Entrance Station and Otter Cliff Road is open all year, but the rest of the road is closed in winter.  

Download a self-guided audio driving tour of Acadia National Park here  

READ MORE SCENIC DRIVES:  

• Most Scenic Drives in US National Parks  
• Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive  
• Grand Teton National Park Scenic Loop Drive  
• 10 Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park 
• The Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park  

3. Go Hiking, Acadia National Park

The hikes in Acadia are legendary, and hiking on the trails is hands down one of the best things in Acadia National Park.  The national park is famous for the ‘iron rung’ trails, which involve climbing up iron rungs that have been embedded into the sides of cliffs, as well as clambering over rocks and walking along narrow edges with steep drop offs.  The most famous of these is The Beehive. 

These and many other trails culminate in breathtaking views of the surrounding seas and islands.  

If this sounds terrifying, the good news is that there are easier routes to many of the same lookouts as well as plenty of easier (and flatter) trails, like the Jordan Pond Path and the Ocean Path.  

Read my guide to the top hikes in Acadia National Park for more trail ideas.  

If you’d rather go with a guide, who can share their knowledge of the park and local area, then a full day private tour of Acadia with hiking is a great option. Book the private tour + hiking here  

4. Have Fun Swimming, Acadia National Park

You don’t need to look for beaches near Acadia National Park – there are two great options for swimming in Acadia National Park itself.  You can choose from the ocean (Sand Beach) and a lake (Echo Lake). 

Sand Beach is the only sandy beach in Acadia National Park. The sand is actually tiny fragments of broken shells, pounded by the surf over thousands of years. It’s a beautiful spot – the beach is surrounded by cliffs, and you can see the Beehive behind it. Be aware that the water is COLD, even in summer, and strong tides and rough waves are possible.  

Echo Lake Beach is a small sandy beach in a cove at the southern end of a beautiful freshwater lake. Surrounded by cliffs and trees, it’s a beautiful spot to relax.  Unlike the freezing cold ocean at Sand Beach, it’s a lovely temperature. The average summer water temperatures are 64 degrees in June, 72 degrees in July, and 73 degrees in August.  

Another option for swimming in Echo Lake is the Echo Lake Ledges Trail , located near the Acadia Mountain Trailhead.  It’s a short walk through the woods to an open rocky ledge that slopes down to Echo Lake.  

If you’re looking to spend even more time on the beach, check out more great beaches in Maine .

5. Enjoy Sea Kayaking, Acadia National Park

Kayaking (or canoeing) in Acadia National Park is a great way to explore the coastline at your own pace. The seas are often calm and the shorelines are lined with pebbly beaches and woods to explore, making it hard to highlight one place for the best kayaking in Acadia National Park. In addition to the stunning scenery, it’s not uncommon to see porpoises, seals, bald eagles, and loons. 

The weather is ideal from mid-May through mid-October for the best kayaking.  Acadia National Park is too cold the rest of the year for it to be really enjoyable.  

You can take a tour or bring your own kayak.  

You can get an inflatable kayak for a very reasonable price and take it easily with you wherever you go on vacation. Read my guide to the best inflatable kayaks to help you decide which one to get. 

There are also several kayaking tours available in season. These include a four-hour and a 2.5-hour guided tour around Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands from Bar Harbor. 2.5-hour sunset tours are also available.  Coastal Kayaking Tours and  Maine State Sea Kayak offer trips from Bar Harbor and/ or Southwest Harbor. 

6. Try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Acadia National Park

If you enjoy – or want to try – Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), you can either rent gear or take a guided tour. Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding offer two-hour lake trips on Echo Lake or Long Pond, and harbor trips in various calm bays around Mount Desert Island, depending on the tide and weather.  

7. Go White Water Rafting, Acadia National Park

While there is no white water rafting in Acadia National Park itself, you can go white water rafting near Acadia National Park. 

Northeast Whitewater offer 6.5-hour trips on the Kennebec River, suitable for the whole family and including a BBQ lunch, and 8.5-hour trips on the Penobscot River, a more adventurous option with Class V rapids. 

8. Cycle the Historic Carriage Roads, Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park has over 45 miles of carriage roads, and these historic roads are one of the main Acadia attractions. Built between 1917 and 1940 at the behest of John D. Rockefeller Jr., they are available for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and carriage rides.  

Rockefeller also financed, designed, and supervised the construction of 16 majestic stone bridges that were built at several stream and gorge crossings throughout the carriage road system. Since each of the famous bridges of Acadia National Park is a unique work of art, it is fun to visit several of them. 

Mountain biking in Acadia National Park on the carriage roads is one of the most unique things to do in Acadia and a wonderful way to enjoy them.   

Note that some of the carriage roads extend outside the national park and bicycles aren’t permitted on those sections.  

You can rent bicycles at several locations on Mount Desert Island. One option in Bar Harbor is Acadia Bike . Bicycle rentals are typically available from May to October.  

Alternatively, you can rent an e-bike in Bar Harbor here . Note that only Class 1 e-Bikes Allowed on Acadia’s Carriage Roads.

Or you can invest and buy an e-bike. Get a Class 1 e-bike at REI here

9. Take a Carriage Ride, Acadia National Park

The carriage trails in Acadia National Park were built for horse drawn carriages, so what better way to enjoy them than in a carriage ride? This is one of the most fun things to do in Acadia National Park.   

There are several carriage tours available. Check with Carriages of Acadia (also known as Wildwood Stables) to confirm times and tours and make reservations (well in advance).  

10. Go Horse Riding, Acadia National Park

While there aren’t actually any horse rentals or horseback riding tours in Acadia National Park, you can ride on the carriage roads if you have your own horse.    

11. Embrace Your Inner Foodie

This area of Maine is one of the premier lobster fisheries in the world, so this is a great place to get fresh lobster.  Acadia National Park and the surrounding area is dotted with lobster pounds where you can buy super fresh lobster and eat it at casual tables on the water’s edge while watching the boats check lobster traps nearby.   

For the best lobster near Acadia National Park, my top pick is Thurston’s Lobster Pound , open Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, but really it’s hard to go wrong with any of the lobster pounds in the area.  

The area is also home to thousands of blueberry bushes, so the fruit features prominently in desserts.  A personal favorite is blueberry ice cream in Bar Harbor.  Delicious! 

There are also plenty of wonderful places to eat in Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.  A top pick is the Reading Room at the Bar Harbor Inn .  This fine dining restaurant has huge windows with ocean views and some of the best food in Acadia National Park/ Bar Harbor. 

Another way to discover the culinary wonders of this area is to take a food tour.    Book a walking food tour of Bar Harbor here  

12. Enjoy Popovers at Jordan Pond House

Talking of food, one of the absolute best things to do at Acadia National Park is to eat popovers, a local specialty.  Jordan Pond House is one of the best restaurants in Acadia National Park, Maine and it’s especially famous for its popovers. These slightly eggy and airy pastries are a distant cousin to a muffin and best eaten with loads of butter and jam.  

In summer, tables are set up outside on the lawn overlooking the beautiful Jordan Pond with the Bubbles in the distance.  Popovers at the Pond House is pure bliss.  Get there early to avoid the long lines.  

13. Go Sailing, Acadia National Park

With water all around, another of the best things to do near Acadia National Park has to be sailing.   

Taking a cruise in a sailboat around the waters and islands is great fun. The winds tend to be strongest in the afternoons, so afternoon trips are generally livelier than morning or sunset sailings.  

There are couple of different options.   

Sail on a tall ship: Taking a sunset sail around the islands is the perfect way to end your day’s adventures. Book a 2-hour sunset tall ship cruise here . You can buy beer and wine onboard, and you are welcome to take snacks or a picnic. * Receommended* 

Take a trip on a sloop : This is a much smaller boat (maximum 6 passengers). Sloops were Maine’s original lobster boats and have a very different feel from the larger Windjammer schooner. Excursions with Sail Acadia leave from Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor (both on the quiet side) several times a day (including a sunset sailing), and typically last for 2-3 hours. You’ll sail past Bear Island and around the Cranberry Isles. 

14. Take Boat Cruise, Acadia National Park

Another way to get out on the water is to take one of the local boat tours. Acadia National Park is home to plentiful marine and birdlife, and, of course, the scenery is spectacular.  

Boat tours in Acadia National Park include: 

2-hour private cruise:  Cruise around Frenchman’s Harbor past the beautiful Porcupine Islands with an expert geological oceanographer for a captain. Book a 2-hour private cruise here  

2-hour group nature cruises : Bass Harbor Cruises offer two-hour nature cruises from Bass Harbor on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island. 

Group cruises from Bar Harbor : Acadia Boat Tours offer several types of cruises from Bar Harbor of varying lengths and at different times of day. They include sightseeing and nature cruises; fishing trips; a sunset cruise; and a cruise to see lighthouses, puffins, and other seabirds. 

15. Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

You have probably seen stunning photos of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse at sunset. This small lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England and one of the famous attractions in Acadia National Park. 

While sunset is the most popular time to visit – and photograph – the lighthouse, the area is also beautiful at sunrise, and in fact, is worth visiting at any time of the day.   

The lighthouse, which dates from 1858, sits atop a rocky cliff.  From the parking lot, there’s a short walkway on the right side that takes you next to the tower and to a lighthouse viewing area where you can see a panoramic view of the harbor and the islands in the distance. There are some plaques with detailed information about the grounds, the lighthouse, and its history. This also provides a great close-up view of the lighthouse tower.   

Another trail at the other end of the parking lot on the left side of the buildings goes through woods to the shoreline. It ends at a stairway that takes you down the front face of the cliff and ends at the place where you can take the classic photos. To get a photo of the famous view of the lighthouse, you’ll need to climb out on the rocks. (Be careful!) 

If you plan to be there for the sunset, you’ll need to get there very early, as the parking area is small and it’s a very popular attraction.  Buses, trailers, or RVs are not permitted due to the narrow road and small parking lot.

READ MORE : Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Guide 

16. Try Rock Climbing, Acadia National Park

Otter Cliff is one of the few true sea cliffs in the United States, so rock climbing in Acadia National Park  

is a popular adventure activity.  You can join the climbers on Otter Cliff whether you’re an experienced climber or an absolute beginner wanting to give it a try. Acadia Mountain Guides offer four-hour trips on Otter Cliff or South Otter, an extension of Otter Cliffs with easier terrain. 

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, it is fun to watch others give this a go.  You can watch the climbers on Otter Cliff from Ocean Path.  

17. Go Tide Pooling, Acadia National Park

At low tides, much of the rocky areas along the shoreline expose pools of seawater that are teeming with intertidal wildlife.  Exploring these tide pools is lots of fun – you can often find creatures like sea stars, anemones and crabs.   

Tidepooling is best 1.5 hours either side of the low tide.  Always stay on the rocks, not in the pools themselves, wear grippy shoes so you don’t slip, and keep an eye on the sea for rogue waves and incoming tides.   Check the tide chart for your location: 

• Bar Island   
• Wonderland or Ship Harbor  
• Schoodic Peninsula  

One of the most popular places in Acadia for tidepooling is Bar Island.  It’s best along the 0.5 mile stretch of sandy gravel land that becomes exposed as the tide goes out and connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island. 

18.  Go Fishing, Acadia National Park

There are several options for fishing in or fishing near Acadia National Park. 

Fly fishing in Acadia National Park is a popular pastime.  If you’re into (or want to try) trout fishing, Acadia National Park has several ponds and lakes that are teeming with trout and even landlocked salmon.  Jordan Pond, Echo Lake, and Eagle Lake are all good places for fly fishing.   

Acadia National Park is also a popular destination for ocean fishing , and Mount Desert Island is good place to find fishing charters.  Acadia National Park and the surrounding waters are home to mackerel, striped bass and bluefish from mid-July to September.   

From January through March, you can also enjoy ice fishing at many of the larger ponds and lakes in the park.  And if you’re into surf fishing , Acadia National Park is also a great destination.  

If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need a valid Maine fishing license in order to fish in the park. 

To head out into the ocean, book a three-hour boat trip on a charter boat here.   Fishing rods, bait and tackle are all provided and a fishing license is not needed. 

19. Take Walking Tour of Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a classic New England fishing town, and a lovely place to walk around. Exploring the village is one of the fun things to do near Acadia National Park.  

A nice way to see the town and learn more about its history is to take a walking tour. Two-hour guided tours leave from the village green and take you around the village, the cemetery, and the civil war monument. Discover Bar Harbor’s Gilded Age history, listen to tales of rum running, and learn about major events over the years. 

If you prefer not to go on an organized group tour, another option is to download a self-guided audio tour.  Get your self-guided audio tour of Bar Harbor  

20. Enjoy the Puffins, Acadia National Park

If you are trying to decide what to do around Acadia National Park and like birds, and are there in season, then I’d put seeing puffins in Acadia National Park on top of your list.   

Petit Manan is a small island featuring the picturesque 1857 Petit Manan Lighthouse, the second tallest lighthouse in Maine. It is also one of only seven islands in Maine where endangered Atlantic Puffins nest from mid-May through mid-August.  There are two cruises available to see them – Acadia Puffin Cruise and Acadian Boat Tours .  

One thing to keep in mind – puffins are about the size of crows, so to see them well, you will need a good pair of binoculars.    

I have written a whole Guide to The Best Binoculars for The Money , which has more info on what to look for, plus my top picks.   My overall top choice for the best binoculars for the money are the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars.  Buy the Vortex Optics Room Prism Binoculars here . 

Alternatively, you can use a spotting scope .  For more information on spotting scopes, including what to look for and my top choices, read my Buying Guide to Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing .  My top pick is the Swarovski Optik HD-STS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20×60 Eyepiece – get it here . 

21. Birding, Acadia National Park

Roger Tory Peterson once referred to this area, as “the warbler capital of the world.” There are over 300 species of birds in Acadia, including over 20 species of warblers. Even if you’re not a serious ornithologist, taking some time to appreciate the birds of Acadia National Park is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Acadia, ME.  

Popular places for birding in Acadia National Park include: 

Cadillac Mountain : This is the highest point in the national park, so you’ll be up among the birds already.  In late August-October, you can join the daily Cadillac Mountain Hawkwatch.  

Otter Point : Good chances of seeing seabirds off the coast and hearing songbirds in the nearby woods. 

The carriage roads : Combine birding with a ride on the carriage roads.  You can find flocks of feeding songbirds just about everywhere you go.   Popular choices include Eagle Lake, Witch Hole Pond Loop, Aunt Betty Pond, Jordan Pond, and Bubble Pond. 

Thompson Island : A great place to see migratory shorebirds, terns, and gulls (August-October). 

Schoodic Peninsula : The entire peninsula is a perfect for birdwatching. 

Jordan Pond : A great spot to see loons and hear songbirds. 

You will need a good pair of binoculars or spotting scope .  For serious birding, I recommend a spotting scope , which generally has better quality images.  For more information on spotting scopes, including what to look for and my top picks, read my Buying Guide to Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing .  My top pick is the Swarovski Optik HD-STS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20×60 Eyepiece – get it here .  

Or, you can use a good pair of binoculars.   I have written a Guide to The Best Binoculars for The Money , which has more info on what to look for, plus my top picks.   My overall top choice for the best binoculars for the money are the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars.  Buy the Vortex Optics Room Prism Binoculars here . 

22. Watch Wildlife, Acadia National Park

Acadia is more famous for its scenery and hiking than its wildlife, but in actual fact, there about 40 species of mammals in the park. 

What animals live in Acadia National Park?  In addition to bobcats, raccoons, porcupines and foxes, there are also marine animals like beavers, otters, porpoises and seals. 

Are there bears in Acadia National Park? 

Not many.  If you want to see a bear in Acadia National Park, you should head to the Schoodic Peninsula section of the park, which is connected to the mainland and has more bears. 

What about moose watching in Acadia National Park? You probably know Maine as being one of the best states in the US to see moose and are therefore wondering where to see moose in Acadia National Park.  Well, unfortunately, due to its geography – and despite the misleading souvenirs in the shops – there is actually no sizable population of moose in Acadia.  You should head inland and further north – Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a good place to see moose in Maine.  

If you want to get good views of the animals in Acadia National Park, it is worth investing in a spotting scope .  For more information on spotting scopes, including what to look for and my top picks, read my Buying Guide to Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing .  My top pick is the Swarovski Optik HD-STS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20×60 Eyepiece – get it here . 

Spotting scopes will generally give you better quality images of the animals at Acadia National Park, but can be pricey.  For a cheaper option, you can get by with a decent pair of binoculars .   I’ve written a Guide to The Best Binoculars for The Money , which has details on what to look for, plus my top picks.   My overall top choice for the best binoculars for the money are the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars.  Buy the Vortex Optics Room Prism Binoculars here . 

23. Go Whale Watching Near Acadia National Park

One of the cool things to do in Acadia National Park is to go whale watching.  While you may see whales off shore, I recommend taking a cruise for the best whale watching.  Acadia National Park has humpback, finback, and minke whales swimming along the coast from late-May to mid-October. 

Bar Harbor Whales offer cruises from downtown Bar Harbor.  

To see whales, it’s a good idea to have binoculars.  If you need to get some, I have written a whole Guide to The Best Binoculars for The Money , which has more info on what to look for, plus my top picks.   My overall top choice for the best binoculars for the money are the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars.  Buy the Vortex Optics Room Prism Binoculars here . 

Alternatively, you can use a spotting scope .  For more information on spotting scopes, including what to look for and my top picks, read my Buying Guide to Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing .  My top pick is the Swarovski Optik HD-STS-80 HD Spotting Scope with 20×60 Eyepiece – get it here . 

24. Photography

If you’re into photographing, Acadia National Park is a dream.  Many of the places listed here for other activities make ideal photography spots, including: 

• Blue Hill Overlook on Cadillac Mountain  
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse 
• The Carriage Roads  
• Otter Cliff
• Jordan Pond 

You will want to have a good camera with you.  If you’re serious about photography, then you’ll need a good zoom lens and a tripod.  For more active shots, I love the GoPro Hero 12 .  If you have a good spotting scope, you can actually use the GoPro in conjunction with the spotting scope, which acts like a zoom lens.  You’ll want a tripod for the spotting scope, but it works surprisingly well. 

If you visiting Acadia National Park for a special occasion, another option is to hire a professional photographer to take photos to commemorate the occasion. Book a photographer in Bar Harbor for your special occasion here  

25. Go Camping, Acadia National Park

Another of the things to do in Acadia Park if you are OK skipping a hotel or inn, is to go camping. There are several campgrounds inside the national park and plenty of others in the surrounding area.  With beautiful woods, shorelines and lakes, there are loads of great sites to choose from.  

READ MORE : Read my complete guide to camping in and near Acadia for campground options.  

26. Leaf Peeping, Acadia National Park

The fall foliage in Acadia National Park is some of the most spectacular in the entire country. 

The best time to see fall colors in Acadia National Park is usually late-September to mid-October, though this can vary from year to year.  At this time, the entire park is ablaze with gorgeous colors, so hit the trails, venture along the carriage roads or take a scenic drive and you will be surrounded by fall in all its glory.  

27. Take Bus Tour, Acadia National Park

A guided tour is a great way to learn more about the park and the surrounding area, from its history to the local geology, geography and ecology.  There are several guided tours of Acadia National Park: 

* TOP PICK * 4-hour private tour : This private tour for up to five people gives you the best of both worlds – the flexibility of a private trip plus the knowledge and attention that a guide has.  This trip includes Acadia National Park, the summit of Cadillac Mountain, and the beautiful Somes Sound.  Book a private-4-hour trip in and around Acadia National Park here  

Group bus tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park : Highlights on this bus tour include Bar Harbor, the summit of Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Thunder Hole. Book a 3.5-hour bus tour of Acadia and Bar Harbor here  

28. Take a Ride on Oli’s Trolley, Acadia National Park

Riding on Oli’s Trolley is another of the fun things to do around Acadia National Park.  They provide narrated tours around Bar Harbor and other parts of Mount Desert Island.  

Book an Oli’s Trolley Tour  

29. Go Stargazing, Acadia National Park

If you’re not sure what to do in Acadia Park at night, then this is your answer.  On clear moonless nights, the skies above Acadia are ablaze with thousands of stars. The best stargazing in Acadia National Park is: 

Cadillac Mountain : With expansive views, this is a great location for night sky photography.  However, it’s only available from mid-April to when the reservation system starts in May, and from when the reservation system ends in October until the end of November. In winter (December – mid-April), the road is completely closed and in summer (May – October), a reservation system is in place and the road is closed after 10:00pm.  If you’re there in summer, it is possible to cycle or hike to the summit (with a flashlight).  

Seawall Picnic Area: Unobstructed night sky views over the ocean. 

Jordan Pond: See the night sky from various viewpoints around the lake.  Take the Jordan Pond Path around the east side of Jordan Pond for the best views. 

Ocean Path: Multiple locations along this ocean-side path offer views to the east and large parts of the southern and northern skies as well. 

Sand Beach: There are wonderful open sky views framed by the headlands on each side below.  Keep an eye out for bioluminescent plankton in the crashing waves as well. 

30. Visit the Cranberry Isles

If you’re looking for things to do near Acadia National Park, then look no further than the Cranberry Islands.  Great Cranberry Isles, Little Cranberry Island and Sutton Island lie off the quiet side of Mount Desert Island. 

Islesford is a quintessential 200-year-old lobster fishing village on Little Cranberry Island that is easy to explore on foot. Stop in at the free Islesford Historical Museum to learn about island life during the 19th and early 20th centuries; visit the Islesford Artists Fine Art Gallery; and have a lobster meal at the Islesford Dock Restaurant, which is right on the water near the ferry dock.  

On Great Cranberry Island, you can take a short hike on the Whistler Cove Trail to a picturesque pebbled beach and, of course, find fresh lobster aplenty.   

You can take the Beal and Bunker Ferry from Northeast Harbor (year-round) or the Cranberry Cove Ferry from Southwest Harbor (summer only). 

31. Listen to Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is an underwater sea cave. When a storm or the turning tide forces waves into this narrow channel, the air escapes with a reverberation that sounds like thunder.  

You have the best chance of hearing this effect two hours before high tide.  

Stay aware when visiting Thunder Hole. Even in calm weather, rogue waves can suddenly wash over the area. In storms, sections of the walkway may be closed. 

32. Explore Bar Island

Bar Island is a small island just north of Bar Harbor and separated from the town by a gravel bar that is submerged most of the time.  However, for 1.5 hours before and after low tide, the gravel bar between Bar Harbor and Bar Island is exposed and you can walk across it to the island, which is officially part of Acadia National Park.  

As you cross the land bridge, there are plenty of small tide pools to explore along the way. When you get on the island, you’ll see a sign welcoming you to Acadia National Park, and a sign for the trailhead for the Bar Island Trail.  This trail takes you to the highest point of the island, where there is a nice view of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the nearby peaks of Acadia.  

Check the tide chart for Bar Island .  

33. Attend a Ranger Program

Ranger-guided programs are a great way to learn more about Acadia’s history and ecology.  Programs include informative talks and guided walks along popular trails and carriage roads. Most programs are offered from May to October, but some are offered throughout the year.  Visit the Park Calendar to see what’s on during your visit.

Travel Insurance for Acadia National Park  

In addition to discovering the answer to the question “What is there to do in Acadia National Park?”, you will also need get travel insurance for your trip.  Whether it is for unexpected trip cancelation, emergency repatriation or medial help, or to replace something lost or stolen, having travel insurance will give you piece of mind and help you when you need it.   

A great insurance option is  Travelex .  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy Acadia !   

Which of these top things to do – Acadia National Park – did you choose to do? I’d love to hear.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).   

If you liked this post about Acadia National Park (things to do), please share the love and Pin It to your Acadia National Park board! 

About the Author  

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert .

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides , comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications , including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases .

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Acadia National Park Tour: Self-Guided Drive (Includes Cadillac Mountain)

Tour Details

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Welcome to the acadia national park tour.

Maine is well known for its fall foliage. But you might be surprised to learn that this foliage is relatively new! These forests used to be entirely dominated by coniferous evergreen trees, like spruce and fir. Young deciduous trees now populate them. What happened? Learn more about it in our Acadia National Park Tour.

We are proud to be a part of the official Maine Tourism Association!

About the Tour

Take this self-guided driving tour, immersing yourself in the stunning fall colors and rich history of Maine, beginning at downtown Bar Harbor. Discover La Rochelle, a Gilded Age mansion, and learn about the raging fire that gave rise to today’s vibrant autumn foliage.

Enter Acadia National Park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and begin the drive around Park Loop Road. Along the way, discover the Great Meadow, Sieur de Mons, and Bar Harbor’s history. Pause at Beaver Lake and Jackson Labs to learn about Acadia’s wildlife before continuing to Egg Rock Overlook and the Precipice Trail.

Take a detour at Schooner Head, pausing at the Ocean Path Trailhead if you want to explore the path on foot. Continue along to Sand Beach, Old Soaker, Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, Otter Cliffs, and Hunters Beach.

Pause at Jordan Pond for delicious popovers and jam or to enjoy the view. Continue past Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake, and finally begin driving up to the top of Acadia’s most famous peak: Cadillac Mountain. Your tour ends there, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful vistas atop the mountain.

This Acadia Park Loop Road Audio Tour (part of our existing tour) allows you to explore the park’s wonders with maximum flexibility and value. Drive the iconic Park Loop Road up to the top of the most famous Acadia spot: Cadillac Mountain (not named after the car, but the car was named after the man. WAIT! What??). To know more, buy the Acadia National Park audio tour app.

Get Exclusive and Free access to Ocean Path Trailhead Tour along with the purchase of this tour.

NOTE:  For road closures & reservation fees, visit  nps.com

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Where To Start?

From Hulls Cove Visitor Center: 25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

From Cadillac Mountain Parking Lot : 707 Cadillac Summit Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome: hull’s cove visitor center.

Your tour of Acadia National Park begins at the Hull's Cove Visitor Center.

Acadia or Arcadia

Untangle the ancient roots of Acadia's name as you drive.

Frenchman's Bay

Stop by a lovely overlook and discover the centuries-old history behind this bay.

Foliage & Fire

Your audio tour guide will recount the story of the 1947 fire which forever changed Acadia's landscape.

Cadillac Mountain Overlook

Get a great view of this towering peak and hear how it both is and isn't connected to the car of the same name.

Get a few pointers about how the tour will proceed through the park.

Red, Yellow, and Orange

Dig into the science behind Acadia's jaw-dropping autumn colors.

A Celestial Bear Hunt

Hear the ancient legend about a bear fleeing hunters across the night sky.

Beaver Pond

Look for signs of beavers at this picturesque pond and find out how the fur trade shaped this part of the world.

Pause at Egg Rock Overlook

Take in the views and discover the unusual story behind this island and lighthouse.

Peregrine Falcons

Learn about some of Acadia's most impressive airborne residents as you pass a cliff where they like to nest.

Schooner Head Overlook

Snap some photos at this peaceful vista overlooking Frenchman's Bay.

Spindle Granite

Find out how a giant rock is responsible for bringing the first Europeans to Acadia.

Take an optional detour and stroll along this gorgeous oceanside trail.

Discover what makes this uncreatively-named beach something surprisingly special.

Check out an unusual rock formation that launches waves straight up into the air.

Thunder Hole

Spot another geological oddity along the coast and keep your ears open for a surprise.

Monument Cove

Learn why scientists think this natural rock formation looks almost like it was carved by humans.

Gorham Mountain

Admire this imposing mountain and learn why people say it has a "false peak."

Boulder Beach

Visit a unique beach full of large, egg-shaped boulders, and find out how they got there.

Otter Cliff

Get a good look at this impressive cliff towering over 100 feet above the waves.

Fabbri Memorial

Hear the fascinating story of a soldier, banker, and radio enthusiast important to the region's history.

Find out how this cove was actually misnamed, and what extinct creature it should have been named after instead.

Hunters Beach Overlook

Stop at a vista overlooking a quintessentially Maine-style beach.

Rockefeller History

Uncover the strange connection between the Rockefellers and Acadia National Park.

Carriage Road Bridge

Drive under an elegant, art deco bridge dating back to 1941.

Jordan Pond & House Restaurant

Pass by the deepest pond in Acadia and find out why it's so startlingly clear.

Bubble Rock

Peer at a boulder perched precariously atop a cliff and hear the unlikely story behind how it got there.

Rare MooseSpotting

Brush up on your moose knowledge and learn about their importance to the local tribes.

Cruise past the largest freshwater lake in Acadia while keeping your eyes open for eagles fishing there.

Cog Railway, Granite Basalts, & Bald Porcupine Island

Unearth the history of a classic American railroad as you begin to ascend Cadillac Mountain.

Cadillac Mountain Summit

Conclude your tour atop Acadia's highest summit and find out how this imposing giant first formed.

Preview The Tour

  is acadia worth visiting  .

The only national park in New England, Acadia, has a number of distinctive qualities that make a trip there worthwhile. This hidden jewel in Maine is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its granite cliffs and miles of woodland trails.

  What is the weather usually like in Acadia National Park?  

The summers at Acadia National Park are pleasant; the winters are cold, snowy, and windy; and it is always partly cloudy. The average annual temperature ranges from 13°F to 76°F, rarely falling below -2°F or rising above 83°F.

  What should one wear to Acadia National Park?  

You will need a warm outer layer in order to properly appreciate all that Acadia has to offer. If the weather rises, you can wrap your jacket around your waist or carry it in your backpack.

  What is the best month to visit Acadia National Park?  

The absolute best month to visit Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine is undeniably October. That’s when Acadia’s claim to fame — the stunning fall colors — reach their peak vibrancy. Get ready to see stunning yellows, brilliant oranges, and deep reds all around the park. If you can’t make it to Acadia in October, late September also features these beautiful autumn leaves. Read More in our blog post .

  How long does it take to drive through Acadia National Park?  

One of the best ways to explore Acadia is by driving through the park in your own car.   This can be a full-day excursion, filled with hikes, picnics, and photo ops…. but if you don’t have that kind of time, you can still enjoy Acadia with a two-hour drive. Discover more in our blog post.

  How do you avoid crowds in Acadia National Park?  

You can avoid the crowds at Acadia in two ways — visit in the summer or skip those jam-packed Acadia National Park tours and instead take our self-guided tour (shameless self-promotion!). As New England’s only National Park and a beautiful spot for changing autumn leaves, Acadia is often crowded in September and October.

  What is the best time to see fall colors in Acadia National Park?  

In Acadia National Park, fall colors are at their most vibrant in October .

  What can you not miss in Acadia National Park?  

All the Acadia tours will tell you the same thing — you can’t miss Cadillac Mountain when visiting Acadia National Park! Along the way, discover the Great Meadow, Sieur de Mons, and Bar Harbor’s history in our self-guided tour of Acadia National Park .

  What are 3 interesting facts about Acadia National Park?  

As per reports, below are a few facts:

• One of the park’s peaks, Cadillac Mountain, just happens to be the tallest mountain on the East Coast.
• Acadia is Home to more than 1,000 plant species.
• Acadia National Park boasts 37 different mammal species.

  What city is closest to Acadia National Park?  

The town of Bar Harbor is closest to Acadia National Park. We also have a tour of Bar Harbor and highly recommend upgrading to the Acadia + Bar Harbor bundle.

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15 Exciting National Park Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List

T here seems to be a never ending list of family friendly activities in our nation’s national parks. Many parks offer incredible opportunities for family adventure, from hiking and kayaking, to rock climbing and caving. With so many national park adventures, how does one choose where to begin?

Here are 15 national park adventures you can add to your bucket list. This list celebrates the diversity of national parks and is sure to get you excited about getting outside.

Bucket List National Park Adventures 

1. take a boat tour of everglades national park.

There is no way to better experience the alligator-filled river of grass than from the water while at Everglades National Park . The National Park Service offers narrated boat tours of the famed 10,000 Islands area. Explore a wilderness teeming with birds and reptiles while enjoying a tranquil ride across these endangered wetlands.

Prefer to stick to land? Try biking Shark Valley. The Shark Valley Trail is a 14.5-mile paved loop which is a popular spot for spotting gators right next to (and sometimes on) the trail! You can rent bikes at the visitor center or bring your own. 

2. Snorkel in the Warm Waters of Biscayne National Park

Whether your family is discovering a mangrove ecosystem or admiring the fish on a tropical reef, everyone is certain to have a great time in the water at Biscayne National Park .

Downtown Miami may be within sight but Biscayne may as well be a world away. The  Biscayne National Park Institute  can help you enjoy national park adventures like snorkeling at a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail, taking a boat cruise out to Boca Chita Key and lighthouse, and sailing the water of Biscayne Bay.

While you are there, check out the top 10 things to do with kids in Miami.

3. Canoe Down River at Congaree National Park

Take the family on a guided canoe trip down Congaree National Park’s Cedar Creek. The free, ranger-guided canoe trips are offered to families with children over the age of 5 through the nation’s largest remaining old-growth floodplain forest.

Imagine peacefully paddling through the some of the tallest trees in the Eastern US with nothing but the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling accompanying you as your canoe glides silently across the water. White-tailed deer, otter, and raccoon sightings are possible.

Spring and fall are the ideal times of year for this adventure becauser the weather is milder, the wildlife is active, and the crowds are smaller.

Explore the Top 10 Things to do with Kids in South Carolina .

4. Bike Down a Volcano at Haleakala National Park

The sunrises at Haleakala National Park are well-known for being epic. As a matter of fact, they are so well known that the park requires sunrise reservations which can be made up to 60 days in advance.

After watching the sun rise, your family can then bike down the volcano at Haleakala National Park. My absolute favorite memory of my trip to Maui was getting up in the middle of the night, taking a van to the top of Haleakala, watching the sunrise, then hopping on a rented bike and coasting down the volcano. 

We followed the twisting road as we dropped several thousand feet in elevation until we were back at sea level. The views of the island and the Pacific were amazing and the bike ride was a piece of cake since it was all downhill!

Technically, the bike ride begins at 6,500 feet, just below the national park boundary but the experience does involve time in the park for the sunrise. Some tours include a stop for breakfast at the upcountry town of Makawao.

Here is our guide to things to do in Maui with kids and the best Maui resorts for families .

5. Ride a Mule or White Water Raft in Grand Canyon National Park

Riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is a classic National Park experience. The mule tour operators have a near perfect 100 year safety record so anyone at least 4’7″ and under 200lbs should definitely add this adventure to their bucket list.

For those looking for an adventure that involves plenty of water and adrenaline,  rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon should be at the top of your family vacation list.

Trips vary from 1 to 25 days and many involve either a hike up or a hike down the canyon. Some do involve a helicopter ride down to the canyon the avoid the strenuous hike. There is a huge range in the intensity level of these rafting tours as well. Both the mule ride and rafting trips need to be booked well in advance due to their popularity.

Read our complete guide to visitin the Grand Canyon South Rim . Heading to the other side? We have a guide to the Grand Canyon North Rim as well.

6. Climb the Granite Walls of Yosemite National Park

What better place to have your kids learn the finer points of rock climbing than in Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Mountaineering School has been helping families scale their first slabs of granite for over 40 years. Is there really a better place for family bonding than 60 feet above the ground?

They offer classes for newbies as well as those with experience who want to hone their skills or learn something new like crack climbing.

If rock climbing isn’t you thing you can also sign up for backpacking excursions and guided hikes. We also have a full guide on things to do in Yosemite with kids .

7. Ride Horseback to an Old West Cookout in Yellowstone National Park

Although there are many dining options inside Yellowstone National Park, nothing sounds like more fun than taking a horseback ride out to an Old West Cookout . One or two-hour horseback rides through sagebrush, meadows, and woods take you to the spot where the cookout is held. Steak is served along with all-you-can-eat chuckwagon fare.

If your children are too young to ride (8 is the minimum age) or you have people in your group who aren’t up for horseback ride to the cookout, a stagecoach ride across the sagebrush to the cookout will certainly get everyone in the Old West spirit. Both are offered out of the Roosevelt Horse Corral .

Don’t head to Yellowstone without first reading our full guide to visiting Yellowstone with kids .

8. Enjoy a Carriage Tour of Acadia National Park

Experience the famous roads of Acadia National Park just as John D. Rockefeller Jr. intended, in a carriage. Cross cobblestone bridges, weave in and out of the woods, and enjoy incredible views from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Can’t you just hear the clip clop of the horses’ hooves just thinking about it?

There are one- and two-hour tours available which circle day mountain and visit some of Mr. Rockefellar’s famed bridges. The season runs from May 27th through October 13th.

Here is our full guide to all the fun things to do in Acadia National Park with kids .

9. View Cuyahoga Valley National Park from a Vintage Train

From the comfort of a vintage train car, experience the stunning natural beauty of  Cuyahoga Valley National Park . If you are lucky you might spot white tailed deer grazing or one of 200 bird species that call the park home throughout the year.

Be sure to pick up headphones for the audio tour so you can learn the history of this amazing park as it passes by your window.

10. Watch Glaciers Calve at Glacier Bay National Park from Your Cruise Ship

The best way for families to see the glaciers that are Glacier Bay National Park’s namesake, is from the water. Vessels will take passengers through iceberg filled water so they can get up close to those massive rivers of ice. The entire Alaska region is teeming with wildlife including bears, moose, sea lions, orcas, mountain goats, puffins, and wolves so don’t forget your camera!

I have had the pleasure of experiencing Glacier Bay from both a large cruise ship and a smaller cruise ship. The Uncruise Glacier Bay experience was significantly better because we could get closer to the glaciers, and take our time when someone spotted wildlife. We were able to watch bears fish on the shore and orcas racce past us. You can read about our full Uncruise Alaska experience.

11. Go Dog Sledding in Denali National Park

Learn how to mush with North America’s tallest peak as your backdrop. Family trips into Denali National Park  on dogsled will create the ultimate winter memories. Dog sledding tours are available from several outfitters within or near the park, with options ranging from short rides to multi-day expeditions. Most tours take place from December to April, when the snow is deep and the temperatures are cold enough for safe dog sledding.

Wildlife encounters are very likely and some of the animals you might see include moose, caribou, lynx, dall sheep, and wolves. Children as young 12 can learn to drive their very own team.

If you visit during the summer, you can still have a sled dog experience and visit the park’s kennels. Sled dogs pull carts in the summer and meeting these energetic and ntense animals is a joy.

12. Learn the Basics of Caving Inside Mammoth Cave National Park

Sure, you can take a regular guided tour of Mammoth Cave National Park but some of us love to be “extra” and do things a little differently.

Learn how to descend down cave walls, climb on your hands and knees under low clearance areas, and squeeze through tight passage ways to view parts of Mammoth Cave National Park  that most visitors never see. Wild Cave Tours are offered where visitors navigate through narrow passageways, climb over boulders, and crawl through tight spaces.

Discovery Tours are a unique caving experience that combines education, science, and adventure. Participants work alongside park scientists and researchers to explore remote areas of the cave system and collect data on the park’s ecosystem

For visitors looking for a more immersive and adventurous experience, Lantern Tours are offered where visitors explore the cave with only the light of a kerosene lantern to guide them. These tours offer a unique and intimate experience, allowing visitors to experience the cave as early explorers did.

13. Kayak into Sea Caves at Channel Islands National Park

Enjoy the rugged beauty of Channel Islands National Park  from a sea kayak. Spend time as a family paddling through the pristine marine environment surrounding the islands. Beautiful beaches and incredible sea caves are just waiting to be explored. Children as young as five can ride tandem in the kayak with their parents on tours with Channel Islands Adventure Company .

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands and offers some of the best sea kayaking opportunities in the park. Visitors can explore sea caves, kelp forests, and secluded beaches along the island’s rugged coastline. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are popular launch points for sea kayakers.

Anacapa Island is the smallest of the Channel Islands, but offers some of the most dramatic sea kayaking experiences in the park. Visitors can paddle through the famous Arch Rock, explore the island’s sea caves, and observe abundant marine wildlife including sea lions and seabirds.

14. See the Park on Horseback Like the President Did at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

There are plenty of National Parks that offer horseback riding, but seeing badlands of North Dakota the way Theodore Roosevelt did is an experience unto itself.

Ride the trails and explore the prairies at Theodore Roosevelt National Park that inspired our former president to become one of word’s leading conservationists. Wild horse, bison, deer, elk, coyote, eagle, and prairie dog sightings are possible.

One- and two-hour rides are offered by Medora Stables late May through early October. Riders must be at least seven years old.

15. Float Down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park

Explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the Continental US as you raft or canoe down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Enjoy towering canyon walls and riparian desert flora and fauna as you drift along the US/Mexican border.

Trips vary in length from half day jaunts to nearly week-long adventures. Colorado Canyon and Santa Elena Canyon are the most popular destinations. Big Bend River Tours offers several different itinerary options.

Colorado Canyon is the only volcanically formed canyon on the river and the day trip on the river is a great option for families. Rapids are splashy but not dangerous. Children as young as four can take this trip.

The dramatic Santa Elena Canyon is a narrow gorge with sheer cliff walls that tower above the river on both sides. Families with children as young as eight are welcome on these trips.

Excited to visit national parks with your kids? We are too! Visit our National Parks with Kids  page for extensive coverage, tips & tricks for all our nation’s National Parks.

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National park service approves concessionaire transfer at crater lake national park.

The National Park Service has approved the transfer of the Crater Lake National Park concessions contract to ExplorUS/Rebecca Latson file

The National Park Service, which earlier this year terminated Aramark's concessions contract at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, has approved the transfer of the contract to ExplorUS.

Under the transfer, ExplorUS will take over providing visitor services under the contract immediately, including:  

Lodging at Crater Lake Lodge, The Cabins at Mazama Village, and Mazama Campground    

Food and Beverage at Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room, Annie Creek Restaurant, and Rim Village Café    

Retail at Rim Village Gift Shop, Annie Creek Gift Shop and Mazama Village Store (including gas pumps)   

Lake and Wizard Island Boat Tours 

“We look forward to working with ExplorUS as they invest in facilities, staff training, visitor services, and other improvements to make visitors’ and employees’ experiences at Crater Lake even better,”  Crater Lake Superintendent Craig Ackerman  said.  

The Park Service announced in February that it was  terminating Crater Lake Hospitality's contract  because of the company's failure to live up to terms of the agreement. 

Back in December the situation at Crater Lake was raised by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, who told Park Service Director Chuck Sams in  a letter  that the "annual concessionaire assessments paint a troubling picture of the concessionaire’s fulfillment of its important responsibilities at Crater Lake National Park over several years.  The National Park Service records make it clear that the concessionaire has continually failed to fulfill the requirements of the contract.”

Wyden told Sams that he sent staff to Crater Lake to assess conditions there and that the " issues that staff observed during this visit have only served to solidify my understanding of the seriousness of the concessionaire’s failure to plan for and perform important regular maintenance, adequately train staff and address issues that directly threaten safety."

ExplorUS, based in Overland Park, Kansas, manages concessions at nearly 80 locations nationwide. Among the parks it operates in are  Acadia National Park, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and Mammoth Cave National Park

NPS and ExplorUS are striving for a seamless transition of services but ask for flexibility and patience from park visitors. The majority of visitor services in Crater Lake National Park begin to open for the season in mid-May. Information about services currently available are available on the park website . 

• Crater Lake National Park
• Parks in the News
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A US Senator makes a fuss in December, and a contract is nullified and a new concessionaire is selected, all within 5 months?

I'm not sure that one senator should have so much sway over the NPS.

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The Essential RVing Guide

The National Parks RVing Guide , aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks , is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks. You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away. So whether you have an iPhone or an Android , download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.