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Things to Do in Acadia National Park, ME - Acadia National Park Attractions

Things to do in acadia national park, explore popular experiences, ways to tour acadia national park.

Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

3 Hour Private Tour: Explore all the top spots of Acadia!

Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours)

Bar Harbor Bash Scavenger Hunt

• Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour

6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Fjord & Lobster Lunch

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

Acadia National Park and More Private Day Trip from Portland

• Acadia Full Day Private Tour and Hike

Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (2.5Hr)

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• Cadillac Mountain
• Park Loop Road
• Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
• Jordan Pond
• Carriage Roads
• Precipice Trail
• Gorham Mountain Trail
• Great Head Trail
• 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Fjord & Lobster Lunch
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This National Park Is One of the First Places to See the Sunrise in the U.S. — How to Visit

Here's what you need to know before visiting Maine's Acadia National Park.

Jacqueline Dole is a freelance food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things.

Know Before You Go

Best time to visit, how to get there, best things to do, places to stay, places to eat.

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Acadia National Park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres along the coastline of Maine. One of the oldest and most-visited parks in the United States, Acadia welcomes more than four million visitors each year. The park spans nearly half of Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine, as well as a collection of smaller islands and the Schoodic Peninsula. The area is home to nearly 60 miles of coastline, 150 miles of hiking trails, and the 27-mile historic Park Loop Road. 

Established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, the country’s easternmost national park is one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise, with unparalleled views from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park offers extensive opportunities for hiking and biking, wildlife spotting, and fishing. While most visitors opt to visit in the summer, cold weather enthusiasts can partake in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling throughout areas of the park during the winter.

Here's everything you need to know before visiting Acadia National Park.

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Acadia National Park is open year-round, however, some areas of the park operate seasonally and close for the winter. Schoodic Loop, Point Road, Carriage Roads, and Sand Beach are open year-round, while The Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Park Loop Road, and campgrounds are open seasonally. 

Visitors to Acadia National Park are required to purchase a park entrance pass. Annual passes are available for $70 and private vehicle passes are $35. An additional reservation is required for access to Cadillac Summit Road and costs an additional $6 per vehicle, not per person. 

The best time to visit Acadia National Park is from late August to mid-October because of ideal weather, lower crowds, and stunning foliage. Acadia’s busiest time is June through early fall; visitors can expect large crowds and high occupancy at local campgrounds and hotels. Vanessa Santarelli, a travel planner specializing in planning Maine itineraries and the owner of Your Maine Concierge , says, “If you ask most Mainers, they would likely say the 'sweet spot' of the season is around mid-late September through mid-October.” 

“While ‘peak season’ has extended through the early fall as of late, the volume of visitors sharply declines after kids go back to school,” she says. “During this time of year, the days are warm, the evenings are cool, the sunrises and sunsets are kaleidoscopic, and the fall foliage starts to emerge across the landscape.”

Related: The Perfect Winter Vacation in Maine's Acadia National Park — From Climbing Frozen Waterfalls to Cross-country Skiing

Acadia is roughly 170 miles from Portland, Maine . While there are several small airports located closer to the park, the nearest major airport is the Portland International Jetport. Visitors can find the fastest route via 95 North or opt for the scenic path, passing through the charming coastal towns of Midcoast Maine, including Rockland, Camden, and Belfast. These towns are destinations in themselves, and they’re perfect places to stop for an evening if the trip needs to be split up. 

Silvia Bianchini/Getty Images

Drive Park Loop Road.

Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center before driving on Park Loop Road, a 27-mile one-way road that loops around the eastern half of Acadia on Mount Desert Island. The drive winds through forests, mountains, and shorelines. The drive takes roughly one hour and provides access to several can’t-miss stops like Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. Guests looking to see the iconic road in a different way can opt to take the self-guided tour with an Acadia Gem electric vehicle . “I can’t recommend booking one of these two, four, and six-passenger Acadia Gem electric vehicles enough, they offer a more robust experience,” says Santarelli. “The Gems are environmentally friendly, offer greater visibility of the panoramic views with glass rooftops and removable doors in nice weather, are more compact than regular vehicles for easier parking throughout the park, and are conveniently located for pick-ups in downtown Bar Harbor.” 

Visit Cadillac Mountain.

Visitors can make vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain to be among the first people in the country to see the sunrise. This year, reservations are required from May 22 through Oct. 27. Be sure to plan as early as you can, but don’t give up hope for a last-minute trip: While 30 percent of the vehicle reservations are available for purchase 90 days in advance of the reservation date, the remaining 70 percent of reservations are available for purchase at 10 a.m. two days in advance of the reservation date. 

Stop at Thunder Hole.

Carved out of coastal rocks, Thunder Hole is a natural phenomenon. When a wave hits a small cavern at the bottom of the inlet, air and water are forced out, resulting in a sound much like a clap of thunder. The waves can reach up to 40 feet high, making this a must-see stop for any first-time visitor to Acadia.

Admire the plants at the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

The Wild Gardens of Acadia is home to over 400 native plant species, reflecting the habitats found on Mount Desert Island. Originally founded in 1909, the gardens are open seasonally every morning until dusk and there is no additional fee to visit.

Explore the carriage roads.

Acadia has more than 45 miles of rustic carriage roads, a gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr. These car-free crushed gravel roads are the perfect way to explore via bicycle, on foot, or even by horse-drawn carriage . Visitors can rent e-bikes from several local operators, including Island Time E-Bike Rentals , which will deliver bikes to The Hulls Cove Visitor Center. 

Take a dip.

Visitors looking to take a swim can opt for saltwater beaches, like Sand Beach, or take a dip in the freshwater Echo Lake. For people looking to take to the sea, the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers whale-watching expeditions, lighthouse and puffin tours, and island tours. 

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With more than 150 miles of trails, Acadia offers hikes for visitors of every skill level. “There are dozens of trails throughout Acadia National Park and the region to explore, and as long as you time it right (often first thing in the morning, particularly during the busy season), you’ll get a more peaceful and less congested climb or stroll,” says Santarelli. As the terrain varies widely throughout the park, trails take hikers through a variety of environments. Guests looking for an easy hike can take the Wonderland Trail, a 1.4-mile round-trip coastal path leading visitors alongside the park’s rocky coastline. “The Wonderland is a fabulous trail in its own right with no real elevation, and footpaths out to the dramatic rocky coastline. This area is perfect for oceanfront picnics, artists, yoga, and more,” says Santarelli. Another family-friendly option is Ocean Path, a 4.4-mile round-trip trail that offers views of pink granite, seaside cliffs, and ocean views. 

“The majority of my clients aren’t looking for technically challenging hikes but rather more scenic experiences that don’t eat up the entire day, and where they won’t run into a million people on the trail,” says Santarelli. “A couple of my favorite trails that offer beautiful scenery and elevation, and only take a few hours from start to finish, are Acadia Mountain Trail over towards the 'quiet side' of Mount Desert Island with views of Echo Lake. Or, park at The Wild Gardens of Acadia and start on the Jesup Path over to Kurt Diedrich’s Climb, continuing up to the Dorr Mountain Summit. This trail offers lake, mountain, ocean, and island views, with some dramatic cliff faces along the way that you traverse with a well-established stone stairway for much of the trail.” 

Acadia is home to a wide variety of animals on land, in the sky, and along the shore. Regarded as one of the best bird-watching areas in the country, Acadia boasts a record of 338 bird species encountered. Thanks to the diverse habitats found within the park, guests can spot owls, falcons, eagles, and more. Visitors can stop at the parking lot of the Precipice Trail during the summer to participate in the Peregrine Watch for an opportunity to use scopes to view peregrine and their nests on the cliff. On the trails, be on the lookout for deer, moose, and black bears. For hikers taking the Wonderland Trail early in the morning, Santarelli says “As you get close to the ‘Seawall’ causeway, keep your eyes peeled and you’re almost guaranteed to see whitetail deer.” Guests visiting from May to October should look to the coast for the chance to spot a humpback or North Atlantic right whale. The coast is also home to seals, dolphins, puffins, and a variety of marine life like crabs, mussels, and urchins. 

Campgrounds

Visitors looking to camp have their choice between two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut. Reservations are required and are available to reserve via the National Park Service two months in advance. In addition to these public campgrounds in the park, there are a number of campgrounds in the area offering lodging for tents and RVs, such as Mount Desert Campground . 

Terramor Outdoor Resort 

For guests looking to embrace the great outdoors without being too rustic, Terramor Outdoor Resort is the perfect choice. The resort offers a variety of canvas tents accommodating anywhere from two to five guests, each outfitted with top-notch amenities, including in-room diffusers, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The resort offers complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, the perfect thing before a long day exploring the park.

Salt Cottages

Courtesy of Salt Cottages/Getty Images

The Salt Cottages are a collection of 30 standalone cottages and 10 bungalow motor-lodge-style oceanfront accommodations located just minutes from the Hull’s Cove entrance to Acadia. The property has an onsite pool, a clubhouse stocked with vintage games, and a snack bar stocked with summer treats.

The Claremont

One of Maine’s oldest historic properties, The Claremont underwent a complete renovation in 2021. The Southwest Harbor property offers single guest rooms, cottages, cabins, and two large homes. The Claremont touts an impressive waterfront pool, complimentary beach cruisers for guests to explore the area, and several onsite dining and drinking options. New this summer is The Lady Claire , the Claremont’s very own boat which guests can take to sail along the sound.

nancykennedy/Getty Images

Jordan Pond House

The Jordan Pond House is the only full-service restaurant inside Acadia National Park, serving their world-famous popovers for more than 100 years. Lunch reservations can be made a month in advance and are recommended as this is an extremely popular destination for visitors.

Peter Trout’s Tavern & Inn

Peter Trout’s is a casual tavern that serves Southern-inspired dishes made from scratch with the best ingredients. The waterfront spot is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. They cook up some of the best fish sandwiches in Maine, featuring a sheet tray-sized Gulf of Maine fish filet fried to perfection.

Abel’s Lobster

It wouldn’t be a visit to Maine without some lobster, and at Abel’s Lobster , you can watch as they’re cooked in steamers right in front of you. This casual waterfront spot serves up Maine oysters, fried clams, and Maine crab rolls, too. More than just the classics, “They also have some of the finest elevated seafood dishes — like their Maine lobster and sweet corn chowder with crispy pork belly on top courtesy of Chef Matt Leddy,” says Santarelli. 

Blue Hill Co-Op

The perfect stop for snacks or anyone opting to camp, Blue Hill Co-Op stocks some of the finest small-batch and locally sourced products made in Maine. Visitors can find items from iconic local brands like Morse’s Sauerkraut , Atlantic Seafarms , Bixby Chocolate , and many of the state’s craft beers, like Maine Beer Company .

A beginner's guide to visiting Acadia National Park

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The striking, craggy coastline of Maine's Acadia National Park has been an enticing destination for travelers since it first was declared a national park in the summer of 1916. On Mount Desert Island, three hours up the coast from Portland, deep cobalt waters crash in foamy waves against granite cliffs and mist-shrouded beaches. The great northern woods roll down hillsides to meet the Atlantic Ocean at the easternmost reach of the United States.

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All of the beauty of Maine's wilderness comes together in Acadia National Park: Ancient coniferous forests, rugged mountains, wildlife and the untamed Atlantic marry in a way that makes the area feel untouched and unexplored, despite its unsurprising popularity.

Getting to Acadia National Park

To reach Acadia National Park, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and catch a direct flight to Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), served by Cape Air, Silver Airways, JetBlue and United Airlines, which is a short 10-minute drive from the park.

Of course, this means you'll miss the drive up Maine's Coastal Route 1, which is about a 6.5-hour road trip through many of Maine's most picturesque coastal towns. Airlines flying to Boston include American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest and United. To offset flight costs, Frontier's Kids Fly Free promotion is one option; JetBlue's flash sales can also help you save money or points.

Additionally, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour inland from Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. There are a limited number of airlines serving BGR -- currently, Allegiant, American, Delta and United.

Portland International Jetport (PWM) is yet another possibility, especially if you want to also explore Portland. This airport is roughly three hours south of Acadia National Park. Airlines serving this airport include American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United.

Whether you fly into Boston, Bangor or Portland, you'll want to rent a car for your trip to Acadia National Park.

Related: 5 American road trips to take with the family this summer

Acadia National Park Entrance Fees

The current fee per vehicle into Acadia National Park is $30, and it's valid for seven days from the purchase date. There's an annual Acadia National Park pass ($55) valid for one year from purchase date, and if you're traveling to at least one other national park this year, you might want to consider the annual America the Beautiful pass , which costs $80 and grants you and everyone in your vehicle free access to all the national parks, as well as national wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The best times to visit Acadia National Park

My favorite time of year to visit Acadia is in October: The swarms of tourists have dramatically decreased, the mosquitoes are gone and daytime temperatures are still pleasant enough for hiking or beachcombing.

In truth, I've been to this area in all seasons and there is something to be said for each. Winter offers raw, icy landscapes and a desolate, abandoned atmosphere. In spring, a joyful mood takes over in the form of tree buds and wildflowers. Summer brings warmth, vacationing families and favorite pastimes in Bar Harbor's historic downtown .

Where to Stay

If you've noticed Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor used somewhat interchangeably here, it's because Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. A visit to any one of those places means you'll likely explore all three. The island is just big enough to accommodate a (small) array of hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs , campgrounds and other lodgings. But it's small enough that, no matter where you stay, you'll be able to explore the whole area.

Best points hotels near Acadia National Park

If you're using points for your hotel stay, there aren't a lot of options, but the incredible setting is compensation, regardless of where you're staying. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor and a three-minute drive from the hotel to the entrance of the national park. It has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Rates start at 48,000 points.

About a mile from downtown Bar Harbor and a couple more beyond that to the entrance of Acadia, Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor overlooks Frenchman's Bay, complete with a pool, bay views and 1,000 feet of ocean frontage. Rates start at 50,000 points per night.

If neither of these work for you, there are still other ways to offset the costs of a stay on Mount Desert Island. You can find great shoulder season deals and also earn bonus points for a stay at an independent property, by using a card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x).

Or, if you want to rough it, there are multiple options for camping within Acadia National Park as well. The forested Blackwoods Campground, for example, offers basic facilities (bathrooms and water fountains) and campsites include a picnic table and fire pit. It's a perfect location for travelers who want to hike and climb in the park, and you can easily walk out of your tent and pick up the popular South Ridge trail up Cadillac Mountain.

Related: 19 national parks every traveler needs to see at least once

Things to do in Acadia National Park

Aside from exploring Bar Harbor and the rest of Mount Desert Island, Acadia itself is full of outdoor adventures.

Best hiking in Acadia National Park

My personal favorite thing to do in Acadia (probably most people's favorite) is a hike to the top of the 1,529-foot Cadillac Mountain — the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard — for sunrise. You'll need to leave very early, probably around 3 a.m., but you'll be rewarded with uninterrupted views of the island, ocean and wilderness below.

If you make it there for sunrise, you'll be among the first in the U.S. to see it, because each day begins when the sunlight hits Maine. Just be prepared to share the experience with, well, everyone else in the park. There's a road to the top too, but it's not nearly as rewarding as hiking to the summit.

Another favorite is the Precipice Trail, which traverses cliff faces and has a number of steep stretches that require the use of ladders and bridges and rungs (you might want to leave the little ones at home for this hike). Travelers who love an adrenaline boost should also look to the similarly exposed Beehive Trail, which overlooks the aptly named Sand Beach.

There are numerous other trails to enjoy in the national park, as well -- 120 miles of trails, to be exact. Often, the trails are interconnected and range from an easy walk to strenuous hiking. There are 57 miles of historic carriage trails in Acadia, offering bike-riders of all levels a chance to explore this coastal area on two wheels.

Other activities in Acadia National Park

Sea kayaking , rock climbing, wandering around Sand Beach, a visit to Jordan Pond for scenic walks and popovers at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, or a stop at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse are all popular Acadia activities.

You can't travel to Bar Harbor without stopping to hear the thunderous clap of waves crashing into the rocky inlet known as Thunder Hole. Don't forget to grab a cheeky souvenir magnet or hilarious postcard from the nearby gift shop.

And it wouldn't be a visit to a national park without seeing wildlife. Watch for harbor seals, peregrine falcons and other raptors and a variety of seabirds, herons, dolphins, whales and other marine mammals. There are also smaller, easy-to-miss wildlife such as salamanders and other amphibians.

During low tide, you can even walk out across a sand bar from downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island. Be sure to watch for barnacles, scurrying hermit crabs and starfish in the tidepools.

You'll also have the chance to see otters, foxes and, if you're lucky, even a moose during your trip to Acadia National Park.

Bottom Line

Visiting Acadia National Park offers the perfect blend of a rugged, outdoor adventure with the comforts and amenities of a bustling seaside town.

A trip to Acadia National Park is a great way to use those hard-earned points you've been saving for a vacation. It's a rugged wilderness destination and stunning stretch of the East Coast.

Here are some more outdoorsy vacations you may enjoy:

• Visiting the Grand Canyon with a family: Where to camp, stay and play
• Family camping adventures in Yellowstone National Park
• Guide to visiting Redwood National and State Parks
• How to visit America's national parks for less
• The best southwest national and state parks to visit with kids
• How to travel by RV with kids — and actually enjoy it

Feature photo by Deb Snelson / Getty Images.

Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman.

15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Acadia National Park

• Maine / Outdoors

Visiting Acadia? These are the best things to do in Acadia National Park.

As the country slowly opens up, the first places we can’t wait to explore are the National Parks. We’ve been fortunate enough to visit  34 major national parks  so far, and we’re excited to experience more of them when we can again.

Acadia National Park is such a great weekend trip in the Northeast. It was an 8 hour drive from NYC, but we were willing to do it since we would be seeing the autumn colors both ways. The beautiful rugged coast, stunning fall foliage, and granite peaks make for a beautiful backdrop.

Thank you Visit Maine for hosting our trip and Lexus for hooking us up with a car for the weekend. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 21, 2023

− − Content Menu

• Where is Acadia National Park?
• How the Park is Divided
• 15 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
• Map of Acadia
• More Things to Do in Acadia
• More Hikes in Acadia

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor

• Essential Tips for First-Timers
• What to Pack

Best Places to Stay

Planning checklist.

• What’s Nearby

More Resources

Your ultimate acadia national park guide.

There are beautiful drive-up vista points, amazing trails to hike, and there’s even rock climbing. Besides that, the town of Bar Harbor has plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you comfortable.

Where is Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is 47,000 acres located on the coast of Maine and is the only  major national park  in the northeast.

How is the Park Divided

• Mount Desert Island  – The majority of the park is here and is the easiest to access.
• Bar Harbor  – The main town in the area where you can find lodging and restaurants.
• Schoodic Peninsula  – A great place to get away from the crowds. 1 hr drive from Bar Harbor.
• Isle au Haut  – A remote island only accessible by ferry.

Note: While we stayed home, the earth was able to take some time to heal. It made us think a lot about how we should be better stewards of our planet moving forward. As we start exploring the National Parks, let’s leave it better than we found it (ie. pick up any litter we see, try to create less waste while traveling, become a VIP and join the  Volunteer in Parks program , etc)

1. Visit Hulls Cove Visitor Center

25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map

We always recommend stopping by the Visitor Center to talk to a ranger before any National Park visit. They always know what’s currently going on in the park. If they have any  ranger programs or hikes , we try to sign up for at least one. You learn a lot more through them, and sometimes you even get access to an area of the park you otherwise wouldn’t.

2. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset from Cadillac Mountain

707 Cadillac Summit Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map

Update: Tickets are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road from May to October. There are two types of tickets, sunrise and daytime, that must be purchased online at  Recreation.gov . Tickets cost $6 and they will be releasing 30 percent of reservations 90 days in advance with the remaining 70 percent released at 10 AM EST two days ahead. Find  more details here .

Our first stop when we arrived in the park was Cadillac Mountain for sunset. It’s easily the most popular spot in the park. While we were there, we enjoyed the sunset with hundreds of others. If you want the solitude, though, there’s plenty of space to walk further down and find a spot to yourself.

There is a trail that goes to the top, but we don’t believe in hiking to any spot you can drive to. So we parked and enjoyed the view.

There’s also a lookout just before the peak called the Blue Hill Overlook. The parking lot is much smaller here but a great spot if you want to watch the sunset.

Local Tip: Parking lots can get full especially around sunset, so come a little earlier. Also, temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down plus it gets windy. Have layers on hand to stay warm.

See More: Now These US National Parks Require Reservations

3. Drive the Scenic Park Loop Road

The Park Loop Road takes you to all the popular spots in the park. The loop starts at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and runs 27 miles through the park. They recommend 3-4 hours so you can make some stops as well.

Along the way, you’ll see lakes, mountains, rocky coasts, and forests. Some of the notable stops are:

• Thunder Hole
• Otter Cliff
• Jordan Pond
• Cadillac Mountain

Don’t forget to grab a map to help you decide where you want to stop. Keep in mind that the majority of the loop is one way, so you won’t be able to backtrack.

Local Tip: The Park Loop Road closes on December 1 (unless snowfall forces an earlier closure) and doesn’t reopen until April 15 (if weather permits). A two-mile section of the road is open year-round and is one of the most scenic portions of the drive.

See More: 21 Best Road Trips in USA to Put on Your Bucket List

4. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Bass Harbor, ME 04653,  map

The Bar Harbor Head Lighthouse is the most popular spot in the west side of the park. After parking your car, you walk down a short path to get up close to the lighthouse and panoramic views of the ocean.

There is also a path at the left side of the parking lot that leads down to rocks to get a great view of the lighthouse. This route isn’t that long either but much steeper. Once you’re down at the rocks, you have to hop around to get to a vantage point that you want.

Local Tip: Keep your eye on the tide so you don’t get your gear wet.

See More: 5 Beautiful Lighthouses in Portland ME You Need To Seet

5. Hike Precipice Trail or Beehive Trail →

Precipice Trail, Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map

The Precipice Trail is such a fun day hike, but it might not be for you if you’re afraid of heights since there are some exposed sections. It’s a 2.1-mile loop with 1049 elevation gain, and there are rungs that you have to climb. There have been a couple deaths here, so don’t do it if it’s too far beyond your comfort zone.

I’m afraid of heights and thought it was a good mental challenge. This hike is sunny in the mornings and shaded in the afternoons. When we did it, it was really windy at the top too!

For an alternative hike, check out the Beehive Trail ( 1.4 mi loop, 488 ft elevation, difficult ), which is easier but still has similar views.

Local Tip: The trail up was easy to follow, but we did second-guess ourselves coming down. Just keep an eye out for signs and know which trail names you’re looking for. Download Alltrails+ so you can download the trail map and have it available offline.

See More: 15 Best Day Hikes in the US

6. Rock CLimb at Otter Cliff

44.3107331,-68.191098,  map

On our trip, we decided to climb where you can see the fall foliage instead of at Otter Cliff but later regretted our decision.

Rock climbing at Otter Cliff is one of the most unique experiences because of the backdrop. If you’re looking for a guide, the folks at  Atlantic Climbing School  were amazing and knew all the spots to take us to. If you don’t climb, it’s still worth checking out for the views alone. You also might be able to spot some climbers.

See More: 17 Practical Gifts for Rock Climbers They’ll Love and Use

7. Thunder Hole

44.3207318,-68.1905347,  map

Thunder Hole is a natural inlet where you can watch waves come crashing into the cove. Because it’s all about the tide, it’s important to time your visit accordingly. Even then, it’s no guarantee how thunderous the crashes will be since it’s just about big waves coming in.

We went here two days in a row and timed it according to   the tide charts ,  but both times the waves were anticlimactic. It did hail on us though!

Local Tip: Go two hours before high tide for your best chance to catch the biggest and loudest crashes.

8. Bike Carriage Roads

Carriage Roads run 45 miles throughout the park and are made up of crushed rock surfaces making it perfect for biking. These roads are closed off to cars, but you’ll be sharing them with horses and hikers.

9. Jordan Pond and Stop for Popovers at Jordan Pond House

2928 Park Loop Rd, Seal Harbor, ME 04675,  map

For a relaxing afternoon, head over to the Jordan Pond where you can take in the views of the North and South Bubbles in the distance. The best views are right by the parking lot on the south end of the pond.

You can also stop in at Jordan Pond House for Afternoon Tea, or as they call it Popovers and Tea.  Reservations  are highly recommended, and it’s always good to check their current hours as it changes throughout the year.

10. Lobster Boat Cruise →

55 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map

Since lobster is synonymous with Maine, we couldn’t visit without going on a Lobster Boat Cruise. We learned about the history and got up close and personal with the lobsters. The folks at Lulu Lobster Boat Ride did a great job in showing us around the area that can only be accessed by boat, how they catch lobsters, and telling us tales of some of the crazy things they’ve seen.

If that doesn’t interest you, you can also go  whale watching  (Mid-April to October) or puffin viewing (mid-May to mid-August) depending on the time of year.

See More: 15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US + When to Go

11. Swim, Kayak, Sup

Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map

Acadia National Park has two popular beaches. Sand Beach, which is located in a cove is ocean swimming with water temperatures around 55°F. The other is Echo Lake Beach which has slightly warmer temperatures. Both of these locations have lifeguards staffed during the summer.

You can also explore the waters in Acadia and surrounding areas via kayak, canoe, or SUP. Most of these outfitters are based in Bar Harbor.

12. Fall Foliage

Acadia National Park is already filled with beautiful views and landscapes, but it’s extra magical in the fall. Maple, birth, and polar trees bring colors of red, orange, and yellow to Acadia starting in September and typically peaking around mid-October.

You can also catch the end of the  whale watching season , and if you’re lucky see a puffin or two, although they are usually gone by this time of year.

See More: 17 Destinations for the Best Fall Foliage in USA

13. Camping

Camping is very popular in Acadia National Park, and with limited campgrounds, you need to plan ahead. During peak season, they can fill up as early as 6 months in advance.

Mount Desert Island has two campgrounds (Blackwoods and Seawall), Schoodic Peninsula has one Schoodic Woods), and there are five primitive sites on Isle au Haut (Duck Harbor).

If these are full, there are private campgrounds in the surrounding communities as well.

14. Schoodic Peninsula

Arey Cove Rd, Winter Harbor, ME 04693,  map

The Schoodic Peninsula is actually found on the mainland, unlike the other two sections of the park. Although the landscape is similar to Mount Desert Island, because it’s about an hour away from Hulls Cove Visitor Center, it is a much more secluded area.

The 6-mile park road on Schoodic Peninsula is mostly one way with turnouts for viewpoints and a handful of hiking options.

Don’t miss Schoodic Point, Schoodic Head, and views from the Blueberry Hill Parking Area.

15. Abbe Museum

26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map

The Abbe Museum started as a small trailside museum in Acadia National Park. This privately run museum still exists and is open from spring to fall. The trailside museum, known as  Sieur de Monts , allows you to see early 20th century presentations of Native American archaeology in Maine.

They have also opened a larger museum in downtown Bar Harbor where you can learn more about the history and cultures of the Native people in Maine. Here, there are rotating exhibitions, special events, and workshops.

Local Tip: The Museum is the only Smithsonian Affiliate in the state of Maine.

Bonus: Isle Au Haut

37 Seabreeze Ave, Stonington, ME 04681,  map

f you’ve visited previously or are spending extended time in Acadia, you can venture into the most remote section of the park.

Translated, Isle au Haut means  High Island,  and it’s only accessible by ferry from Stonington, ME, which is about an hour and half drive from Bar Harbor.

Once you’re on the island, you can explore by hiking different trails (18 miles of trails) to see the rocky shorelines, wooded uplands, marches, and bogs, or bike along the different trails (5 miles of paved roads and 7 miles of unpaved roads).

Keep in mind that they limit the number of visitors allowed in the Isle au Haut section to protect the environment, so the best is to stop by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to plan ahead.

Local Tip: Temperatures on the island are usually 10°F cooler than the mainland so dress accordingly.

Map of THings to DO in Acadia National Park

More Things to Do in Acadia National Park

• Azalea Garden: ( ME-3, Mt Desert, ME 04660,  map ) A beautiful 2.3 acre garden featuring rhododendrons and azaleas.
• Somes Sound: ( 5 Spinnaker Way, Mt Desert, ME 04660,  map ) Described as the  only fjord on the East Coast , this beautiful body of water almost splits Mount Desert Island in two. Enjoy getting on the water, camping, or just taking in the views.
• Southwest Harbor: Is a less frequested section of Mount Desert Island. It’s a great area to get away from crowds without having to go too far.
• Boulder Beach: ( Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map ) Just north of Otter Cliff, Boulder Beach is an easy spot to get to and one of the best places to enjoy the sunrise.
• Eagle Lake: ( Bar Harbor, ME 04609,  map ) Eagle Lake is less popular than Jordan Pond so you’ll find fewer people here. Theere is a 6 mile loop around the lake where you can get great views of the lake itself.
• Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: A great way to explroe the park during the winter.
• Snowmobiling: Another fun way to see a different side of the park during the winter.

More Acadia National Park Hiking

Acadia has more than 125 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads to explore. Here are some of the popular hikes to check out. Don’t forget to download Alltrails+ so you can have the maps offline.

• Beehive Loop Trail : (Difficult, 1.4 mi loop, 488 ft elevation) A steep climb to the top of a mountain with amazing views of the Atlantic and surrounding hills.
• North Bubble Trail: (Moderate, 0.9 mi out and back, 374 ft elevation) Bubble Rock is the most well-known rock in  Maine and one of the most visited spots in Acadia National Park. 
• Ocean Path Trail: (Easy, 4.5 mi out and back, 374 ft elevation) Begins near Sand Beach and runs parallel to the Park Loop Road on its east side past Thunder Hole all the way to Otter Cliff – Park at the Sand Beach or Otter Point parking lots.
• Jordan Pond Nature Trail Loop: (Easy, 1.0 mi loop, 32 ft elevation) Easy hike taking your through forest and views fo the pond.
• Cadillac Mountain Loop: (Easy, 0.3 mi loop, 45 ft elevation, easy) Easy hike giving you different vantage points from the mountain.
• Beech Mountain Loop:   (Moderate, 1.2 mi loop, 347 ft elevation) Great hike for wild flowers and a great view of Echo Lake.
• Jesup Path: (Easy, 1 mi loop, 9 ft elevation) Easy walk around the Nature Center that gives you a chance to see wildlife and bird watching. 
• Wild Gardens of Acadia: Stop by to see native trees, wildflowers, and ferns amongst well marked and easy trails to follow.

What to Pack for Your Trip

• Layers:  Depending on what your’e doing and how long you’re staying out, temperatures can swing 30-40°F throughout the day. it’s good to have layers so you can adjust accordingly. Also keep in mind that if you hike to higher vantage points, it could be windier up high.
• Rain Jackets :  Since it can rain throughout the year, it’s good to have rain jackets handy. We currently have  these  since they are lightweight and reliable.
• Hiking Boots :  If you plan on doing any hiking, it’s good to have sturdy shoes. Some of the best hikes require some scrambling and climbing rungs and you don’t want to have to worry about slippery shoes. If you visit in the winter, have spikes on hand as well. We love our  Danner Boots .
• Bug Spray :  Certain areas of the parks have mosquitos and other pests that can be really annoying, especially int he summer. It’s always good to have  bug spray  or  wipes  handy in case you need them.
• Sun Block :  Even if the temperatures are cooler, don’t forget to protect your skin.
• Camera Gear:  There are tons of photo ops, so don’t forget your camera gear.  Check out what’s in our bag here .

Essential Tips for First Timers

• When to Visit:  Peak season is July-September and Fall Foliage season. To avoid crowds and get great weather, visit a week or two after Labor Day but before mid-September.
• Weather:  Acadia National Park experiences all four seasons. Summer usually ranges between 45°F to 90°F. Fall ranges from 30°F to 70°F. Winter temperatures can be anywhere between 14°F to 35°F. The snowfall usually starts in November and can continue through April. Spring will bring temperatures between 30°F and 70°F. You should always be prepared for rain throughout the year and fog is common in the summer months.
• Fees & Passes:  A private vehicle permit runs $30 for up to seven days. We always recommend picking up an annual  National Park Pass for $80  if you visit multiple parks during the year.
• Cell Service:  Don’t rely on cell service in the park. It’s helpful to have a map or download the area on google maps prior.
• Shuttle Buses  runs between hotels, inns, campgrounds, and popular spots in Acadia if you prefer not to drive.
• How Long Should I Spend in Acadia:  You can see most of the popular spots in 2-3 days in the park.
• Pets  are allowed in most of the park as long as they are leashed and attended. A few spots they are not allowed are Sand and Echo Lake Beach, Isle au Haut campground, ladder trails, public buildings, ranger led programs, and lakes that are public drinking water supplies.
• Bugs:  Blackflies are most prevalent mid-May to mid-June. Mosquitos are also common depending on which area you are in.
• Wildlife:  Moose and bears exist in Acadia but are rarely seen. The park is great for birding. You can also find puffins and whales in the area but usually only seen off the coast through boating tours.
• Follow Leave no Trace Principles:  Leave what you find, pack it in and out, travel on trails whenever possible, and respect wildlife.  See all 7 principles .
• Havana  (Seafood, $,  map )
• Café This Way  (New American / Brunch, $,  map ) – enjoyed the shrimp and grits.
• Thrive Juice Bar and Kitchen  (Salad / Juice, $,  map )
• Side Street Cafe  (American, $,  map ) – picked up their lobster rolls to go here.

• Campgrounds : Seawall Campground or Blackwoods Campground are the most easily accessible campgrounds in the park. They are very busy with only a few RV spots. Spots can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.
• Hotels:  We stayed at  Acadia Inn  which was comfortable and a great home base for our time there.
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Bar Harbor hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy an Acadia National Park travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

What’s Nearby

• Baxter State Park  (133 mi, 2 h 35 min,  map )
• Portland ME  (170 mi, 2 h 55 min,  map )
• Lonely Planet: Maine & Acadia National Park
• Best Easy Day Hikes in Acadia National Park
• Waterproof Trail Map for Acadia National Park
• Hiking Acadia National Park: A Guide to the Park’s Greatest Hiking Adventures
• Rock Climbing in Acadia National Park: A Pocket Guide

Can you think of any other things to do in Acadia National Park that we might have missed? Which of these activities are you most excited about?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Acadia National Park   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Getty Images |

Why Go To Acadia National Park

Vacationing in Acadia National Park turns you into a pioneer: Each trail leads to rugged, untouched land just waiting to be captured by your camera lens. Cobalt waves crash on the jagged granite slabs topped with spruce trees that jut out from the shore. Harbor seals sun themselves on abandoned chunks of bedrock off the coast as peregrine falcons scream down at you from the skies. Rocky trails and rustic carriage roads thread around the inland trees and ponds, begging for exploring. Needless to say, the park is for your typical outdoor enthusiast, with a huge focus on adrenaline-pumping activities like horseback riding, biking, hiking – even rock climbing. 

For a very affordable fee, you're given free rein to explore Acadia's more than 47,000 acres, including all of its hiking trails and natural attractions. When you need a break from the great outdoors, the quaint New England town of Bar Harbor, Maine, waits for you in the northeast corner of Mount Desert Island.

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• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in Maine
• # 5 in Best Maine Beaches
• # 6 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England

See All 8 Rankings

Best of Acadia National Park

Best hotels in acadia national park.

• # 1 in The Claremont Hotel
• in The Lindenwood Inn
• in Asticou Inn

Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park

• # 1 in Park Loop Road
• # 2 in Cadillac Mountain
• # 3 in Jordan Pond

Acadia National Park Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Acadia National Park is September through early October, after the summer crowds have left but before the temperatures drop below freezing. Visiting in March, April and May can be soggy – fog and rain are common – so you'll need to pack your waterproof gear. The weather is pleasant come July and August, but it's by far the most crowded season for the park. The park doesn't see many visitors in winter, but it's the perfect time to visit for the dedicated adventure traveler ready to brave the freezing temperatures

Weather in Acadia National Park

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Be overly cautious Whether you're hiking the trails or kayaking along the shore, never venture out alone. Pack layers just in case you get stuck somewhere and always let someone know where you're going.

Watch out for moose Car accidents involving moose rarely end well, so drive defensively and keep an eye on the edge where the forest meets the road. Don't speed at night, especially from May to November when the moose are out and about.

Acadia loves its peregrine falcons Although the repopulation effort on the Jordan Cliffs ended in the late 1980s, certain portions of the park's trails shut down each spring to protect these birds' nesting season.

How to Save Money in Acadia National Park

Rely on your own two feet Within Acadia National Park, you'll find 45 miles of carriage roads made for walking and biking, leaving little reason to bring along your own set of wheels to get around . A weekly vehicle will cost you $30, while an individual weekly pass will only set you back $15.

Hop on the Island Explorer This free summer shuttle bus service operates from late June to mid-October and will take you to almost any hiking trail, carriage road, beach or town.

Skip a guided tour With two resourceful visitor centers open every day during late spring, summer and fall, there's no need to book a tour if you're planning to visit during these seasons. For more information, consult the visitors center's  website .

What to Eat

While there aren't many dining options within Acadia National Park, nearby Bar Harbor, Maine, is chock-full of quaint eateries and bars. Of course, lobster is a must-try dish in Maine, and you'll find some of the best at Beal's Lobster Pier , Thirsty Whale Tavern and Galyn's . Many visitors also recommend the blueberry pancakes and pies from Café This Way and Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast . If you would rather pack a picnic lunch for your day in the park, stop at one of the few grocery stores downtown or grab a sandwich from a casual shop like Downeast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co . Keep in mind many Bar Harbor restaurants operate seasonally, so be sure to check the hours and closures before you go.

The only restaurant within the park is Jordan Pond House Restaurant , which overlooks Jordan Pond . The restaurant is famous for its afternoon tea, popovers and seafood. However, be prepared for long waiting times as it's usually crowded.

Getting Around Acadia National Park

The best way to get around Acadia National Park is on foot. With 158 miles of historic trails made for hiking, Acadia is the perfect place to ditch the car and get outdoors. To reach the park, you can hop on the Island Explorer, a free summer shuttle service that transports passengers from Bar Harbor Village Green to a variety of park destinations. Should you prefer your own set of wheels, you can rent a car at one of the nearby airports, including Bangor International Airport (BGR), located just an hour's drive northwest of the park, and Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), located about 10 miles north of Acadia. Guided tours and ranger-led programs are also available.

A short but steep hike up South Bubble mountain – located between Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake – will bring you to Bubble Rock, a large boulder that looks as if it's going to fall off the edge at any moment.

Explore More of Acadia National Park

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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The Best Things to Do at Acadia National Park in Maine

lmel9000 / Getty Images

Acadia National Park  is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., and with all of its natural beauty, small-town charm, and opportunities for adventure, it’s no wonder. Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia will stir your senses, whether you take a brisk summer dip in the Atlantic or visit during the stunning fall foliage season. Park rangers are on hand throughout the national park to answer your questions and point out things you might otherwise miss. If you're traveling with kids, stop by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to learn about Acadia's free Junior Ranger Program. By completing a series of activities, including interviewing a park ranger, kids can earn an official Acadia Junior Ranger patch, the perfect keepsake for any trip to this beautiful part of the country.

Visit the Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Ultima_Gaina / Getty Images

Perhaps one of the most-photographed lighthouses in Maine, if not the whole country, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station is located in the southwestern portion of the park on Mount Desert Island near Tremont. Reachable by car—the free Island Explorer shuttle doesn't reach this part of the island—the lighthouse is the fifth busiest spot in Acadia National Park, with 180,000 people visiting each year to see it. Note that parking is limited to a small lot—street parking is not allowed along 102A or near the entrance—and you'll only be able to view the outside, not tour the inside.

Drive the Scenic Park Loop Road

TripSavvy / Kim Knox Beckius

Maine's Acadia National Park attracts more than two million annual visitors—its perennial popularity is fueled by the wonderful accessibility of its scenic highlights, most of which can be viewed without venturing far from your car when driving along the 27-mile Park Loop Road. While that may seem like a short stretch, checking out all the attractions along this winding roadway can occupy the better part of a day. Acadia National Park is a photographer's dream; pull over and shoot iconic attractions like majestic, evergreen-fringed Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole, where water sprays 40 feet in the air when the tides are just right.

The Park Loop Road is open April 15 through December 1 each year, weather conditions permitting. Pick up a map at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center when you enter the park or download an Acadia map from the National Park Service's website. Cruise ship passengers and other car-less travelers who want to visit can also take advantage of the free Island Explorer shuttle bus , which departs from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center every half hour from late June through mid-October and stops at key attractions along the Park Loop Road.

Get Your Feet Wet at Sand Beach

Amos Zhang / Getty Images

Sand Beach is a mandatory detour at Acadia National Park and this crushed seashell beach is one of the most stunning you may ever behold. Aim to arrive early in the morning on summer days; otherwise, you may struggle to find a parking space. Even when temperatures climb in July and August, the Atlantic Ocean remains jarringly cold this far north.

While bodysurfing in water that never gets much warmer than 55 degrees Fahrenheit may be out of the question, you'll want to at least get your feet wet. The uniqueness of Acadia lies in the abrupt way land and sea collide, and you'll remember standing at the intersection and feeling your toes tingle.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Scott Smith / Getty Images

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. gave the public a tremendous gift when he donated 10,000 acres on Mount Desert Island, including 57 miles of carriage roads he developed and cherished, to the National Park Service.

A favorite Acadia National Park experience is embarking from Wildwood Stables on a wagon pulled by sturdy Belgian draft horses or Percherons for a tour of these broken-stone roads, which took more than 25 years to build. The carriage road network is an engineering feat. You'll see stone walls as well as some of the 17 stone bridges his crews constructed and marvel at the views as a team of horses clip-clops along cliff-hugging curves. It's just the right speed for savoring Acadia and appreciating the foresight of those who endeavored to preserve these lands.

Carriages of Acadia  operates one- or two-hour narrated sightseeing outings, as well as private carriage charters, which take visitors into Acadia's forested interior. Carriage rides are available late May through late October and reservations are strongly encouraged.

Dine at Jordan Pond House

Dining alongside Jordan Pond with a view of two gently rounded mountains known as "The Bubbles" has been a tradition for more than a century. You simply can't leave Acadia National Park without experiencing a meal in this eye-pleasing environment. Jordan Pond House , the restaurant within the park, upholds cherished traditions including afternoon tea served with signature popovers with jam. Make reservations in advance to minimize the wait time for lunch, tea, or dinner.

Enjoy the View From the Top of Cadillac Mountain

Gail Shotlander / Getty Images

The summit of Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast, and if you're feeling ambitious, you can hike the 2.2-mile North Ridge Trail to the top, about 1,530 feet above sea level. Luckily for visitors who don't have hours to spend or the stamina to climb, a seven-mile road to the summit has made the 360-degree views from this seaside peak accessible to motorists since 1931.

Devote the time you didn't spend hiking to taking in the surroundings—the pink granite slopes, soaring birds, pitch pines, and rare sub-alpine vegetation. Cadillac Mountain is one of three Maine spots that are first to see dawn's light in the USA, so it is a popular place to watch the sunrise. Even if you're not a morning person, experiencing daybreak atop Cadillac Mountain should be on your travel bucket list.

Discover the Beauty of Acadia National Park in Winter

Jake Wyman / Getty Images

Parts of Acadia National Park remain open in winter, even when it has snowed. While most of the Park Loop Road is closed during this time, two sections are usually open: Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond Road. It's a beautiful time to visit and get a completely different view of the park and bay. Public roads traveling along park boundaries that are cleared can be used to access sections of Acadia, while inside, you can hike (with winter equipment), cross-country ski, snowmobile, ice fish and, if you have the gear, do some winter camping.

See Acadia National Park by Boat

joann94024 / Wikimedia Commons 

While at Acadia National Park, no doubt you will be viewing the islands and bays from the shore. But you can actually get to those areas via ranger-guided cruises.

A five-hour cruise to Baker Island , which actually includes 1.5 hours on the island, allows guests to visit historic homesteads and the lighthouse, all while learning about the island's geology. Cruises leave from Harbor Place in Bar Harbor. You can also cruise around Frenchman Bay on a four-masted schooner looking for local wildlife and learning area history on a two-hour cruise that leaves from the Bar Harbor Inn Pier. The Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise takes visitors sailing on the Somes Sound and includes a visit to the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. It leaves from the Municipal Pier in Northeast Harbor.

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Carved by glaciers, Jordan Pond is Acadia’s deepest lake, at 150 feet. A nearby restaurant, the Jordan Pond House, is popular for its tea and popovers—and this view.

Everything to know about Acadia National Park

Established: 1916 Size: 49,052 acres Annual Visitors: 3.5 million Visitor Centers: Hulls Cove, Thompson Island Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle, $12 per person www.nps.gov/acad

One of the nation’s most beloved parks, Acadia protects a patch of coastal Maine where the north woods tumble down to meet the wild Atlantic. The first national park east of the Mississippi River sprawls across half of Mount Desert Island , with small portions on smaller islands and the mainland. For generations, it’s been the place where New Englanders escape into nature and learn to cherish the wild side of Down East.

Named after the French settlers who were expelled from Atlantic Canada by the British, Acadia is the nation’s easternmost national park and one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise each day .

Can’t-miss experiences

After starting life as a colonial fishing village, Bar Harbor gradually evolved into a Victorian-era getaway for the affluent, artists, and “rusticators” trying to get back to nature. Today the island town is the park’s main tourist hub, a port of call for whale-watching and sailing tours, lobster shacks, and lodging.

At low tide it’s possible to walk the Bar Island Land Bridge to a tiny portion of the national park on Bar Island . During the summer, a passenger ferry runs between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor and the park’s Schoodic Peninsula . Located near the Village Green in Bar Harbor, the Smithsonian-affiliated Abbe Museum is dedicated to the Wabanaki Alliance of Native American tribes that once lived along the Maine coast. Bar Harbor’s other great collection is the Dorr Museum of Natural History at the College of the Atlantic with its displays of Maine wildlife and touch pools of live sea creatures.

Many of the park’s major features are within easy reach of Bar Harbor, including Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the start of Acadia’s scenic Park Loop Road , a sinuous 27-mile route that includes a steep drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain . One can also hike from town (via several trails) to the 1,530-foot summit for a view that takes in much of the park and nearby islands. Located just south of town, the park’s Sieur de Monts area features the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the park’s Nature Center, and an older branch of the Abbe Museum.

After looping around Cadillac Mountain, the one-way Loop Road reaches the coast at Sand Beach . Protected by the Great Head peninsula, this is probably the best place in the park to take a dip in the ocean. The 4.7-mile stretch between Sand Beach and Hunters Head is Acadia at its best: a rugged, rock-strewn shore carved by wind and water over millions of years. The rush of water through Thunder Hole —and the roar it makes—epitomizes the forces that shaped the Acadia coast.

Loop Road curls inland to Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake , navigable by kayak, canoe, and low-horsepower motorboat. The lake area is laced with hiking trails and crushed-stone carriage roads, which were funded by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., between 1914 and 1940. Most of the park’s carriage roads are open to foot, bike, and horse traffic.

Much less visited than the heart of the park, the area west of Somes Sound features trails along the shore of Long Pond (1 mile) and up Bernard Mountain (3.2 miles). Down along the coast are Ship Harbor Nature Trail (1.3-mile return) and the clifftop Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Related: Top 10 Most Visited National Parks

Reaching the park’s Isle au Haut unit requires passage on two ferries, from mainland Stonington to Town Landing (year-round) and then onward to Duck Harbor (summer only), where trails lead to secluded coves and dramatic sea cliffs. During summer, ranger-led boat tours journey to far-off Baker Island with its pioneer homes and graveyard, 1855 lighthouse, and cluster of huge natural granite slabs dubbed the “dance floor.”

Where to stay

Hotels • The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel was built as a replica of a historic inn. • Affordably priced, the Bar Harbor Villager Motel is a short walk to the Abbe Museum and shops yet only one mile from the park entrance. Camping • The park includes several campgrounds (Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods), though they tend to fill up quickly, especially in good weather. There is an option for horse camping (Wildwood Stables) and a few primitive sites on Isle au Haut via advanced registration. • The region also offers many private campgrounds .

Off-season things to do

• Acadia is famous for its stunning fall foliage, but it is also beautiful in the winter, when it is often blanketed in white. Winter scenic drives and hiking are thus popular options. • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are wonderful ways to see the park in winter, and volunteers sometimes even cut trails. • Ice fishing is another popular activity in the region. • Snowmobiling is allowed on the 27-mile Park Loop Road system and many fire roads.

For another blast from the past, hop across the bridge to Trenton village and the Great Maine Lumberjack Show , an homage to the timber industry that once dominated much of the state. The show includes log rolling, chainsaw carving, pole climbing, and other woodsy sports. Just up the road, Scenic Flights of Acadia offers aerial views of the national park, with tours that vary from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Trenton is also home to many “lobster pound” restaurants and the national park’s seasonal Thompson Island Information Center (May to October).

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Complete Guide to Acadia National Park

A cadia National Park is located on the wild and rugged coastline of Maine It is here that you can catch a glimpse of the rising sun as it first sets on America each morning!

It may not be the most easterly point in Maine but the height of Mt. Cadillac within Acadia gives park visitors the first rays of the sun each morning.

Acadia National Park

Acadia NP is one of the top ten most visited national parks and for good reason, the has so much to see and do that you can easily visit multiple times and see something new on each visit.

Acadia is a very diverse park with over 330 species of birds, 40 species of mammals,  and over 1,100 plant species that have been identified in the park. 

It is a place that attracts so many visitors with its fall leaves, carriage roads, breathtaking coastal views, and epic sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. You just can't go wrong with a visit to this gorgeous Maine National Park !

About Acadia National Park

As one of the most visited National Parks , Acadia gets more than 3 million visitors in a single year.

The area surrounding the park is rich with activities for young and old, so there is never a lack of things to do.

There is a loop road that runs along the outskirts of the park that offer outstanding views of the forest, harbors, and rocky headlands of the Atlantic Coast.

Birdwatching is very popular here, especially during seasonal migration.

Sand Beach, one of the few sand beaches in this part of Maine, is a popular destination, but be prepared-the water is always cold!

Even in August, you will only see a few bathers and they don't stay in the water very long. The tidepools in the area offer outstanding up-close viewing of tiny aquatic creatures, sure to capture the interest of little travelers.

There are actually two parts of Acadia National Park; the main park, where the carriage trails, Mt. Cadillac, Sand Beach, and the NPS Headquarters are (fee charged), and the Schoodic Point area, which is east of the main park, but does not charge a fee.

There is unexpected grandeur and geography in the Schoodic Point area and is well worth the trip. It is not visited nearly as much as the main park so there are fewer traffic jams.

Summer is the high season to visit Acadia National Park, but don't think that this isn't a place to visit in the winter, it might be cold, but there are winter activities sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

How about ice-fishing or cross-country skiing? Snowshoeing in virgin snow or racing on the trails in a dog-sled? Winter camping?

As conditions change frequently on the coast of Maine in the winter, you should always call first to check the hours.

Is Acadia National Park worth visiting?

Yes! Acadia NP is gorgeous! Located along the Eastern coastline of the United States this park has an amazingly rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and so much more.

One of the best parks in the United States for scenic views. 

History of Acadia National Park

Acadia was first established as Sieur de Monts National Monument (named after a region in Greece) in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. 

The name was changed to Lafayette National Park in February 1919 when it became the first East Coast National Park. It was the 1st national park east of the Mississippi River.

The name was changed to Acadia National Park in January 1929. Acadia was named after a region in Greece that it resembled called Arcadia. 

Things to know before your visit to Acadia National Park

Entrance fee  .

All park visitors are required to pay an entrance fee upon entry.

7-day private car pass - $30

7-day motorcycle pass - $25

7-day individual with no car - $15

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/ National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

Free Entrance Days   -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

Cadillac Summit Road Reservations

From May 25 to October 22, 2022, you will need a vehicle reservation to access Cadillac Summit Road.

Vehicle reservations are not required for any other areas of the park, or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bike, or taxi.

Cadillac is not served by the Island Explorer bus system.

Vehicle reservations cost $6. They are sold online in advance at  Recreation.gov . They are not available for purchase at the park.

Thirty percent of vehicle reservations are made available 90 days ahead of each date. The remaining 70 percent are released at 10 am ET two days ahead.

Visitors must have a park entrance pass to enter the park in addition to purchasing a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road.

Sunrise reservations have a two-hour entry window. Daytime reservations have a 30-minute entry window.

Vehicle reservations are per vehicle, not per person. Motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds are considered vehicles, and a vehicle reservation is required for each.

Time Zone  

EST - Eastern Standard Time

Pets  

You can bring your pet with you to Acadia NP!

All pets must be on a leash that is less than 6 feet in length.

There are 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that pets are permitted on.

These park trails are closed to pets

• Ladder Trail to Dorr Mountain
• Beech Cliffs Trail
• Perpendicular Trail (Mansell Mountain)
• Jordan Cliffs Trail between Penobscot East Trail and the carriage road

You can even sign up to be a  Bark Ranger  at Acadia NP! Stop by a campground ranger station, the Sieur de Monts Nature Center, or the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to pick up a copy of an activity checklist and learn more about Acadia’s Bark Ranger program.  

Dogs completing this short program can be sworn in as Bark Rangers and their owners will be eligible to purchase a special Bark Ranger collar tag at the Eastern National Bookstore at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

Ticks are prevalent in Acadia, mostly active late spring to early fall. Check yourself and your dog thoroughly after a visit.

Cell Service

Cellular access throughout the park is very limited. Do not plan to rely on cellular connectivity along Ocean Drive (Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, etc...) or on most of the park trails.

Acadia National Park is open year-round.

There is no public WIFI available within the park. 

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water. 

Bug spray is your friend! We use  Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent  to pre-treat our clothes before we visit the park. 

Water Bottle  

Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

Parking can be extremely difficult in popular areas of the park.

You will want to be prepared to be patient when it comes to finding a parking space.

If the idea of waiting and looping parking lots on your national park vacation sounds horrible we suggest taking the free Island Explorer bus to explore the park. 

Food/Restaurants

Jordon Pond Restaurant

Jordon Pond Restaurant is the only dining facility within the park. 

They serve epic popovers and a full menu of great meals for lunch, tea, and dinner. 

There are no gas stations within the park. 

There are multiple gas stations in Bar Harbor and nearby communities. 

National Park Passport Stamps

National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.

Make sure to bring your  National Park Passport Book  with you or we like to pack these  circle stickers  so we don't have to bring our entire book with us. 

Acadia NP is part of the 1987 Passport Stamp Set   and the 2016 Passport Stamp Set

Electric Vehicle Charging

There are EV Charging Stations available outside of the park. 

RV/Oversized Vehicle Restrictions

The following areas are closed to recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers:

• Cadillac Summit Road
• Echo Lake Beach Road (Only buses with permits are allowed.)
• Lurvey Spring Road

The following areas are closed to buses, recreational vehicles (RVs), and trailers:

• Duck Brook Road
• Lighthouse Road
• The dead-end portion of Schooner Head Road (a.k.a. Great Head Road)
• Sand Beach Parking Lots
• Jordan Pond South Parking Lot
• Bubble Pond Parking Lot (excluding Island Explorer buses)
• Schoodic Head Road
• The portion of Schoodic Loop Road from the Schoodic Woods Day Use Parking Area to the end of the one-way at Wonsqueak.
• Arey Cove Road to Schoodic Point. (Excluding traffic specific to the SERC campus.)

The shortest underpass on Park Loop Road is 11 feet 8 inches (3.56 m). 

Height restrictions are as follows:

• Park Loop Road is closed to vehicles taller than 12 feet 2 inches (3.70 m) from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach Entrance Station.
• Park Loop Road is closed to vehicles taller than 12 feet (3.65 m) from Fabbri Picinic Area to Wildwood Stables.
• Stanley Brook Road is closed to vehicles taller than 10 feet 4 inches (3.15 m). Fish House Road is closed to vehicles taller than 11 feet 6 inches (3.50 m).

Details about Acadia National Park

Size - 49,076 Acres

Acadia NP is currently ranked at 50 out of 63 National Parks by Size . 

Acadia National Park protects more than 47,000 acres (19020 hectares):

• 35,332 acres (14298 hectares) owned by the National Park Service
• 12,416 acres (5025 hectares) of privately owned lands that are under conservation easements managed by the National Park Service

Date Established  

February 26, 1919 

On February 26, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Presidential Proclamation to establish  Grand Canyon and Lafayette (now Acadia).

Visitation  

In 2020, Acadia NP had 2,669,034 park visitors. 

In 2019, Acadia NP had 3.437,286 park visitors. 

Learn more about the most visited and least visited National Parks in the US

Acadia National Park Address

25 Visitor Center Road

Hulls Cove Visitor Center

Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Where is Acadia National Park?

Acadia is located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine. The park is 264 miles from Boston and 50 miles from Bangor, Maine.

Acadia National Park, just outside the beautiful town of Bar Harbor, is a 2-1/2 hour drive from Portland Jetport and an hour from Bangor International Airport.

In the peak season, traffic around Ellsworth and Bar Harbor can make these times longer. The closest regional airport is in Trenton.

Estimated distance from major cities nearby

Bangor, Maine - 50 miles 

Portland, Maine - 160 miles

Boston, Massachusetts - 280 miles

New York City, New York - 483 miles

Estimated Distance from nearby National Park

Shenandoah National Park - 778 miles

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 917 miles

New River Gorge National Park - 994 miles

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 1,180 miles

Congaree National Park - 1,186 miles

Indiana Dunes National Park - 1,207 miles

Where is the National Park Visitor Center?

There are 52 steps from the parking lot up to the Acadia National Park Visitor Center. The bathroom is at the top of these stairs within the visitor center. Be prepared for it to be crazy busy.

Please do not do what we did and arrive having to go to the bathroom and have to make it up 52 stairs, through a crowd of people, and into the visitor center. Trust me this is not how you want to start your visit to Acadia!

The visitor center has a 15ish minute video that overviews the national park. It is an ok video but not life-changing. If you are short on time or just don't feel like watching it you will be just fine!

Sieur De Monts Nature Center

Sieur de Monts Nature Center has visitor services, hiking information, and interactive exhibits. It acts as a trailhead for many hiking trails starting in the Sieur de Monts area.

Park rangers are present during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Village Green Information Center

Village Green Information Center provides park information, park entrance passes, and access to Island Explorer shuttle buses in downtown Bar Harbor.

Islesford Historical Museum

The Islesford Historical Museum is expected to reopen in 2021 showcasing both the upgrades and a community-curated exhibit helping to tell the stories of the Cranberry Isles.

Rockefeller Welcome Center

Rockefeller Welcome Center is located on Schoodic Peninsula off the one-way loop road. Exhibits about the old Navy base and park information can be found here.

Schoodic Woods Campground Ranger Station

Information, Camping, Island Explorer buses, and park passes.

Thompson Island Information Center

Thompson Island Information Center is located off Route 3 on a small island between the mainland and Mount Desert Island.

It is a small, seasonal facility usually staffed by a park ranger and local chamber of commerce representative.

Park passes are available for purchase here.

Winter Information - Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Each winter, typically from Nov 1 through April 14, park information is available from rangers at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 2 Cottage St., at the corner of Cottage and Main streets in downtown Bar Harbor.

Getting to Acadia National Park

Closest airports .

Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) - 10 miles from the park. 

International Airports

Boston Logan Airport

Bangor International Airport 

Regional Airports

Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Driving Directions

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island.

For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.

Best time to visit Acadia National Park. 

The best time to visit Acadia NP really depends on what you want to see and do.

If you are looking to experience Fall Foliage in Maine then a trip in the Fall is a perfect time.

If you want to enjoy long days of sunshine and don't mind crowds then you will love summer.

The park also offers amazing winter recreations.

Honestly, the best time to visit Acadia is any time you can get to the park and spend a few days exploring.

Acadia National Park Weather and Seasons

Acadia is a four-season park! From warm summer days to snowy winter days the park offers every weather and season. 

Spring temperatures range from 30 to 70s depending on the month you are visiting. 

You will want to dress in layers to be prepared for weather fluctuations.

This is a great time of year to enjoy a bike ride on the Carriage Roads. There are 45 miles of crushed rock surface perfect for enjoying on a bike.

Peak visitation to Acadia NP is typically between June into September. During this time parking is limited and tends to fill up early. 

The park offers a free Island Explorer shuttle service for visitors to help deal with congestion.

The most congested areas in the park include Cadillac Summit Road, Jordan Pond, Park Loop Road, Sand Beach parking lot, Eagle Lake Carriage Road Access, Acadia Mountain Parking and Echo Lake parking.

To avoid crowd we suggest arriving EARLY and Staying Late in the park! Enjoy the sunrise and sunset while soaking in how gorgeous the park is.

Autumn/Fall

The peak time to see fall leaves is usually mid-October. The leaves start turning colors in September.

Crowds may be less than summer but this time of year is incredibly popular! Most visitors come on the weekends. 

If you can visit mid-week you will enjoy fewer crowds. 

During winter you can find information about the park at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce in Bar Harbor.

Two sections of the Park Loop Road are open in the winter, Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond Road. 

Ocean Drive is a one-way portion of the Park Loop Road that is accessible from Schooner Head Road one mile south of downtown Bar Harbor.

Make sure to look out for snowmobiles while exploring the park. 

There are forty-five miles of carriage roads in the park that are the perfect place to enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Snowmobiling is allowed on the 27 mile Park Loop Road system including the road up to Cadillac Mountain. 

Did you know you can enjoy ice fishing in Acadia! 

The average snowfall in Acadia is around 60 inches.

Best Things to do in Acadia National Park

There is something for everyone to see and do in Acadia NP! Highlights include sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, exploring the carriage roads, popovers at Jordan Pond House, and soaking in the epic beauty of this Maine National Park. 

Most people spend 2 to 3 days visiting the park and surrounding area. 

Carriage Roads

The carriage roads are unique features for a national park.  It was the vision of John D. Rockefeller Jr. who funded, gifted, and directed the construction of the roads.

The roads were designed for horse-drawn carriages so that park visitors could get out and experience Acadia in all its beauty without any modern-day distractions.

Today, the carriage trails in Acadia are one of the most beloved portions of the park, especially in the fall! The carriage trails not only offer carriage rides but also offer great hiking and biking opportunities.

The views are spectacular of the broken stone roads commonly used at the turn of the 20th Century as well as stone face bridges. The 16-foot wide road takes full advantage of sweeping views of the landscape making for a must-see portion of Acadia!

Acadia Park Loop Road

The scenic 27-mile (43 km) scenic loop begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and offers access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. 

Bridge Clearances on the Loop Road

• Stanley Brook Entrance: 10 feet 4 inches (3.1 m)
• Sieur de Monts: 12 feet 2 inches (3.7 m)
• Fabbri Picnic Area: 11 feet 6 inches (3.5 m)
• Blackwoods Campground: 11 feet 8 inches (3.5 m)
• Wildwood Stables: 13 feet (3.9 m)

The Park Loop Road closes on December 1, unless there is a significant snowfall that forces an earlier closure. The road reopens on April 15 if weather permits.

A two-mile section of the road, one of the most scenic sections, remains open all year.

Cadillac Mountain

Another one of the top attractions in Acadia is watching the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. in fact it is so popular that now reservations are now required.

This is due to the fact that Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

It may not be the easternmost portion of the United States, but its location, combined with its elevation makes it the first place you can witness sunrise each morning in the United States between the months of October and March. 

Vehicle reservations are required  for Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October.

Dates for vehicle reservations in 2022 will be from May 25 through Oct 22.

Reservations cost $6. They are sold online in advance at  Recreation.gov . They are not available for purchase at the park.

No RVs or trailers are allowed up Cadillac Summit Road.

There is no public transportation up to the summit. 

How tall is Cadillac Mountain? The summit is 1530 feet (466m).

Whale watching cruise 

There are several options for cruises including whale watching tours, wildlife tours, lighthouses, sunset cruises, and tours to Baker Island. Cruises leave out of Bar Harbor, Maine.

There is an opportunity to see whales, puffins, seals, and great bird watching.

Bird Watching

Acadia has been referred to as the "warbler capital of the world" by Roger Tory Peterson. 

The park has over 20 species of warblers breeding on the island and 308 bird species in and around the park.

From Late August to October, you can join park rangers and volunteers daily on Cadillac Mountain for Hawkwatch.

The park is home to around 40 species of mammals, more than 330 species of birds, 30 species of fish, 7 reptiles, and 11 amphibians.

Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is a small inlet that has been created by the ocean's waves eroding it.  Now when the ocean is reaching high tide, you can hear a loud thundering sound of the water thundering into the inlet and the air escaping the inlet from the waves themselves.

The best time to hear this is approximately 1-2 hours before high tide. 

There are stairs that lead down for a much closer look at this phenomenon but be warned, the waves coming off the rocks can reach up to 40 feet! This can lead to a very wet and even dangerous experience.

Many park visitors would say that no trip to Acadia would be complete without a trip to Thunder Hole. 

Junior Ranger Program 

The Junior Ranger Program can be picked up at the visitor center. This is a great way to learn more about the park for all ages. 

Bar Harbor, Maine

If you are spending time exploring Bar Harbor make sure to check out this 3 hour culinary walking tour with tastings of local flavors. 

Hiking in Acadia National Park

Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.

There are more than 150 miles of trails within Acadia NP. You can enjoy a mountain hike, coastal hikes, or lake and forest hikes.

The Beehive Loop Trail is one of the popular hikes in the park. It is not for the faint of heart with rocky stairs and sheer ledges.

Trail Closures  are posted online and at park visitor centers.

Make sure to follow Leave no Trace Principles. 

How to beat the crowds in Acadia National Park?

The best way to beat the crowds in Acadia is to arrive early and stay late.

Be prepared with a goal plan but know that you may have to change it depending on how crowded places are. 

Make sure you have a National Park Pass ahead of your visit to skip the long lines to buy a pass.

Ride the Island Explorer bus to save yourself the hassle of finding parking. 

Where to stay when visiting Acadia National Park

There are no National Park Lodges within Acadia. 

The closest towns to Acadia National Park include Bar Harbor, Trenton, and Ellsworth.

Asticou Inn - 3-star hotel near Acadia National Park. Consider a stay at Asticou Inn and take advantage of free continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, and a terrace. Tee up with amenities like golf lessons at this hotel. In addition to a garden and a library, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor - Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor provides amenities like a business center and a restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Atlantic Eyrie Lodge -  free continental breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. In addition to laundry facilities and a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Bar Harbor Motel - free continental breakfast, a playground, and laundry facilities at Bar Harbor Motel. Adventurous travelers may like the hiking/biking at this motel. In addition to a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

Wonder View Inn -  laundry facilities, a bar, and a business center. Be sure to enjoy a meal at The Looking Glass, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor - Acadia Natl Park - A marina, a poolside bar, and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor - Acadia Natl Park, an IHG Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 onsite restaurants. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and laundry facilities.

Acadia National Park Camping

Acadia National Park Camping is permitted only in designated campsites at Blackwood's, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut) Campgrounds.

All campgrounds require reservations. No sites are available for last-minute walk-ups. 

For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Blackwoods Campground

Sites - 281 sites

Season - May 6 through October 17, 2022, 10 am

Location - East side of Mount Desert Island, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Bar Harbor on Route 3.

Seawall Campground

Sites - 202 campsites

Season - May 25 through October 10, 2022, 10 am 

Reservations - Reservations are available two months in advance

Location - West side of Mount Desert Island about 4 miles (6 km) south of Southwest Harbor. 

Schoodic Woods Campground

Season - May 25 through October 10, 2022, 10 am

Reservations - Reservations are available 2 months in advance

Location - 1.5 miles (2.5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. 

Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut

Sites - Five lean-to shelters, three-sided with roof and floor. 

Season - The first night is June 4th and the last night is October 10th. 

Reservations - Reservations are available 7 months in advance of the reservation date.

Location - Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by a ferry from Stonington. No auto ferry exists.

Travel Tips

Watch out for suicidal squirrels while driving! They will throw their bodies in front of cars more than you expect.

It gets dark really fast so be prepared if you are out hiking

Give yourself more time than you think you will need to the scenic loop and to find parking.

Make reservations as early as you can! Hotels and restaurants fill up quickly.

The visitor center is crazy busy! You can buy a National Park Pass if you don't have one in town or online to save time.

1 day really is only a tease of the park, make sure you give yourself time to enjoy yourself and not be running all over the place to squeeze it all in.

If you are renting a car in Boston or NY check to see if you can get an EZ Toll Pass for the rental car. This will save you time and money.

The rising sun touches the slopes of the Cadillac Mountains before anyplace else in the USA.

Acadia has 130 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous.

Make sure to have a popover at  Jordan Pond House restaurant ! They have been served for over 100 years. 

Acadia National Park Facts

Acadia is unique because it was created from donated land, most notably 11,000 acres donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr. He also built about 45 miles of the carriage roads in the park.

The Cadillac Mountains are also the highest points on the North Atlantic Seaboard.

Additional Resources

The Photographer's Guide to Acadia National Park: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to Take Them

Historic Acadia National Park: The Stories Behind One of America's Great Treasures

Acadia National Park Waterproof Trail Map

Moon Coastal Maine: With Acadia National Park (Travel Guide) 

Photographing Acadia National Park: The Essential Guide to When, Where, and How

Best Easy Day Hikes Acadia National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)

Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island (Color Travel Guide)

Acadia National Park: A Centennial Celebration 

Parks near Acadia National Park

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Saint Gaudens National Historical Park

Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Lowell National Historical Park 

Make sure to check out all of the  National Parks in Maine along with neighboring  National Parks in New Hampshire ,  National Parks in Vermont ,  National Parks in New York , and  National Parks in Pennsylvania  

Printable list of US National Parks  in Alphabetical Order

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Last updated: May 10, 2022

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The Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park

By Emily Pennington

For over a hundred years, nature-seeking travelers have been making summer pilgrimages to Maine’s Mount Desert Island, staying in adorable shingled cottages long before the area became home to Acadia National Park . Now modernized and more-populated, the fjord-lined isle is still a hot spot for ocean lovers and hikers of all ages who want to explore the quaint village shops of Bar Harbor, explore the park, or chow down on one of the locale’s most famous delicacies–fresh lobster rolls.

As the fifth most-visited national park in 2022, with nearly 4 million travelers entering its gates, Acadia is certainly busy, particularly during the height of summer and fall leaf-peeping season, which typically runs late September through mid-October. To help alleviate the frustration of finding a top-notch stay near a popular national park, we’ve whittled down a list of our favorite Acadia accommodations with a little something for everyone, from private seaside cottages to swanky four-star hotels with on-site spas.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Dog-friendly farmhouse cottage with private beach

The vibe: Eclectic home with colorful art and easy beach access Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Covered porch, pet-friendly, private beach, fast Wi-Fi Best for: Active couples who don’t mind sleeping away from Bar

Harbor’s bustleFull of modern amenities (think air conditioning, a full kitchen with air fryer and juicer, and ultra-fast internet), this wooden farmhouse-style one-bedroom sits in the quiet community of Blue Hill, 40 minutes from the action of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. As such, it’s an excellent place for couples who want to get away from it all to sprawl out and relax. Kayak or paddleboard directly from the private, rocky beach, sip a Negroni on the covered outdoor deck, or simply sleep in on the cozy memory foam-topped king size bed.

The Claremont Hotel Arrow

The vibe: High-end hotel full of color and designer fabrics Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available) Top amenities: Heated pool, ocean views, sumptuous spa, fitness cottage Best for: Families and couples who don’t mind splurging for the best-of-the-best

As one of the very few luxury hotels on Mount Desert Island, The Claremont has high expectations to meet. With its bright, beachy décor (featuring fabrics by William Morris and Pierre Frey), Matouk bath towels, and ultra-soft Cuddledown pillows, it more than lives up to them. Located in Southwest Harbor, the quieter side of the isle, the property features immaculately restored historic guest rooms, cozy woodland cottages, and idyllic oceanside bungalows for those truly seeking solitude.

Under Canvas Acadia Arrow

The vibe: Chic glamping resort with on-site dining and loads of activities Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (two-tent suites available) Top amenities: Private decks, complimentary s’mores, locally-sourced cuisine Best for: Adventurous couples and families looking to “rough it” in comfort

Under Canvas has quickly become the go-to brand for discerning glampers looking for impeccable design, delicious on-site dining, and unparalleled locations while exploring America’s national parks . Their Acadia location , newly opened in May 2021, boasts many of the luxuries we’ve come to know and love–stocked organic bath products, complimentary morning yoga, and chic West Elm furnishings—all set against a backdrop of 100 acres of breathtaking Atlantic coastline.

Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites

The vibe: Hip, new pirate-themed haunt with impeccable style Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available) Top amenities: On-site bar, fireplaces, plush linens Best for: Fun-loving couples who want to stay in the center of Bar Harbor

New to the scene is quirkily-named Queen Anne’s Revenge (an eponym taken from Captain Blackbeard’s famous pirate ship), which just opened in June, 2022. Expect to find just the right amount of humor and nautical-themed décor at this three-star stunner (think kraken paintings, tall ship decals, and bold accent walls), plus an on-site bar appropriately named Black Spot Tavern, which serves a variety of rum, wine, and beer, with a side of shuffleboard.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

The Bayview Hotel

The vibe: Bright, beachy design meets ocean vistas Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Complimentary breakfast, pet-friendly, elegant on-site cocktail lounge Best for: Water loving friends and couples traveling with Fido

The Bayview Hotel is the epitome of modern boutique luxury, and it’s right in the heart of Bar Harbor. With whimsical bursts of color, tufted headboards, and original art, each of the site’s 26 guest rooms features spectacular ocean views a stone’s throw away from the national park. For sunset, head down to the property’s seaside Rusticator Lounge for craft cocktails and small plates on their Fido-friendly patio.

The Boathouse Bass Harbor

The vibe: Bright whites and mellow neutrals frame exquisite harbor views Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Expansive waterfront views, Keurig machine, fast Wi-Fi, picnic table Best for: Solo travelers and couples dreaming of ocean breezes

Immerse yourself in “the full Maine experience” at this seaside chalet overlooking the lucrative lobster village of Bass Harbor. Situated on 175 feet of private, rocky beach, this sunny one-bedroom cottage is a blissful basecamp for exploring Acadia. Watch for seabirds and bald eagles while sipping your morning tea, cozy up with one of the host’s favorite Maine books on the couch, or sit and enjoy the sunset from the dockside Adirondack chairs when your day of hiking is done.

Whitetail Cottage with Jordan River views

The vibe: Clean neutrals, rustic wood, and plenty of outdoor space Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Fire pit, full kitchen, walk-in shower, farm views Best for: Cabin couples seeking romance and privacy

Situated a mere ten minute drive from Acadia, Whitetail Cottage was lovingly designed as a couples’ escape, with loads of nearby nature to unwind in after a day spent hiking in the park. Recently upgraded to include an outdoor stone fire pit (snuggles and stargazing, anyone?) and Wi-Fi, this quaint little cabin goes big on amenities like a shaded wooden swing, covered porch, gas fireplace, and plush queen bed with sunset views of farmlands and apple trees.

West Street Hotel Arrow

The vibe: Elegant east coast Americana Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available) Top amenities: Private balconies with water views, on-site spa, rooftop pool Best for: A romantic weekend getaway for couples of all ages

Tucked into the waterfront of the beloved oceanside town of Bar Harbor, West Street Hotel boasts lavish guest rooms with striking views of meandering sailboats and the craggy Atlantic coast. Rich nautical blues and dark wood Lexington furnishings make for an elegant and refined look. (Plus, a few rooms are pet-friendly). Outside, enjoy Maine’s only rooftop pool and bask in the sun while taking in views of shimmering Frenchman’s Bay.

Terramor Outdoor Resort

The vibe: Woodsy glamping property with epic amenities Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-2 bedrooms available), 1 bath Top amenities: Live music events, locally-sourced menus, hot tub and pool Best for: Active families and couples looking to glamp and socialize

Delightfully furnished tents for up to five beckon nature-loving travelers at Terramor, a glamping resort set in a woodsy wonderland, just a short drive from Bar Harbor and Acadia. Each of the property’s five tent types combine thoughtful amenities (think modern sitting areas, cozy Pendleton blankets, flush toilets, and hot showers) and private, spacious outdoor areas with wooden decks, fire pits, and chairs for stargazing. When you aren’t getting to know the national park, soak in the shared hot tub or sip on an Espresso S’more Martini from The Lodge .

Cozy, modern cabin

The vibe: Sleek, wooden cabin meets ultra-modern design Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities: Hot tub, fire pit, fast Wi-Fi, full kitchen Best for: Friend groups and families who want to unwind in the sunshine after park-going

An hour away from the main attractions of Acadia, this architectural marvel is filled to the brim with stylish details. Guests at this three-bedroom home have space to spread out on the L-shaped couch surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, or fix up a feast in the house’s full kitchen. In the evening, warm your hands in front of the deck’s fire pit while gazing up at the vast Milky Way before tucking into a cozy, lofted bed.

Downtown Bar Harbor oasis

The vibe: Cozy family home with light, beach-themed decor Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities: Washer and dryer, covered deck with grill, walk-in shower Best for: Families who want to stroll Bar Harbor’s streets as much as hike

Location, location, location. From this adorable Bar Harbor home, guests will be able to access not only the famous Bar Island Trail, but also take in the sunrise from the town’s Shore Path while sipping a morning cup of joe. Plus, the three-bedroom cottage is just steps away from the funky pubs and restaurants that make the area so memorable. After a day of exploring the island, sit back on a leather recliner and watch the glow of the fireplace or enjoy the outdoor deck and propane grill with your crew.

Chic cottage in Seal Harbor

The vibe: Shingled, sun-filled haven on the quiet end of Mount Desert Island Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities: Full kitchen, plush linens, walking distance to the park Best for: Friends or relaxing couples’ retreats on the doorstep of Acadia

Listen for loon calls and walk to historic Jordan Pond from this adorable shingled house that’s full of sunshine and clean modern design. Homey touches like bedside lanterns, local Maine reads, and a Keurig coffee maker make it easy to settle in, while out back, guests can grill and dine al fresco in the forest. After a day of hiking, kick back and sip a local craft brew around the gas-powered backyard fire pit.

Stylish oceanfront home

The vibe: Vintage 1940s schoolhouse-turned stylish, ocean view escape Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities: Outdoor dining area, record player, bike path access unparalleled water views Best for: Crowd-free park explorers on the Schoodic Peninsula

If you’re looking to visit Acadia and really get away, the park’s less-trammeled Schoodic Peninsula is your best bet for escaping crowds while still enjoying the salt-sprayed conifers, mesmerizing tide pools, and rocky coastline that make the area so special. This two-bedroom oceanfront villa sits right off Schoodic’s scenic drive and is thoughtfully bedecked with homey touches like mid-century furnishings, vintage octopus wallpaper, and one-of-a-kind art. The hour-long car ride to more-touristed Bar Harbor is a small price to pay for accommodations and solitude as good as this.

The Mighty Oaks modern Bar Harbor oasis

The vibe: An elegant in-town retreat for the whole family Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths Top amenities: In-home movie theater, spacious dining room, hot tub Best for: Large friend gatherings or family reunions on Mount Desert Island

Nestled in the fragrant conifers of historic Mount Desert Island, this massive five-bedroom home is so full of luxe amenities that you’ll never want to leave. When you aren’t trekking the Beehive Trail or winding your vehicle around Ocean Drive (the park is a short 7-minute trip away), indulge in a movie night in the downstairs entertainment center, grill and dine al fresco on the shaded deck, or kick back and sip your coffee in an Adirondack chair while grazing deer calmly pass by.

Historic village home

The vibe: Fabulous, art-filled Victorian house Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths Top amenities: Clawfoot bathtub, private garden and porch, fireplace Best for: Friend groups and families with older children seeking a truly unique town stay

With close proximity to the quaint shops, delectable lobster cafes of Bar Harbor, and space for the whole family, this five-bedroom, shingle-style home harks back to the Victorian days of Mount Desert Island, when elegant east coasters would vacation in large cottages while visiting the stunning nature that would soon become Acadia National Park. Baileard maintains many of its historic originals, like clawfoot tubs and molded fireplaces, while providing modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, custom artwork, and plush bedding in every room.

Oceanfront house on Somes Sound

The vibe: Rustic mid-century cabin with lofty ceilings and incredible ocean views Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities: Wraparound deck, beach access, bunk beds, full kitchen Best for: Families traveling to Mount Desert island to fully immerse in the great outdoors

It’ll be hard to ever want to leave this seaside stunner for nearby Acadia, even though it’s only eight minutes away by car. Floor-to-ceiling windows with phenomenal coastal views greet guests from nearly every room, and when you aren’t cooking a five-star meal in the cottagecore kitchen, kick back in front of the wood-burning fireplace or sunbathe in a chaise lounge on the wraparound deck.

New England Wanderlust

Maine  ·  April 3, 2024

Best And Worst Time To Visit Acadia National Park In 2024

Known as the “Crown Jewel” of New England, Acadia National Park lives up to the hype. This is where you’ll find some of the most dramatic and iconic coastal views in the region, epic hikes, and awesome nature trails. And since it also experiences all four seasons, it can be tough to figure the best time to visit Acadia National Park. But good news, you’ve come to the right place 😉

I’ve been to Acadia so many times over the last 15+ years, and I’ve visited in all four seasons, including winter! So, I’m here to guide you in the right direction, offer up my opinions on the best time to visit, and also give you a monthly breakdown on what to expect throughout the year.

Ready to jump in? Let’s go!

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So, What’s The Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park?

Personally, I think late May through mid-June and then mid-September into mid-October are the best times to visit. Why? You’ll avoid some of the bigger crowds in the summer season, while still enjoying pleasant weather.

During these timeframes, most seasonal business are open, with a few exceptions, as some may begin to close down after Labor Day, but generally, you’ll find everything still open. I also personally prefer more mild weather for outdoors activities like hiking, so the cooler temperatures during these times of the year are really nice.

I also like that hotel and accommodation prices aren’t as high during these times, which allows you to save a little bit of money during your trip.

That said, this really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. If you want the absolute best weather and longest days, then July and August will be an ideal time for you to visit . There’s a very good reason why this is high tourist season, and that’s because the summer weather in New England truly is the best along the coast, and all seasonal business are open for you to enjoy!

The biggest trade off with July and August is you’ll run into the highest prices at hotels and vacation rentals, and you’ll experience the most crowds. If you plan accordingly, though, and know what to expect, it’s really not too bad, though (in my opinion, at least 😉).

And lastly, if you’re looking for a fall foliage trip, you’ll want to visit in October , and I’ll get more into that later in the post!

What’s The Worst Time To Visit Acadia National Park?

Acadia offers fun things to do all year long, but I do think winter is the worst time to visit , but it’s not necessarily a bad time to visit, if that makes sense. Having been in all four seasons, I can say that I loved my winter trip, but that was largely because I’ve already experienced Acadia in the spring, summer, and fall. However, if you’re a first-time visitor, I would highly recommend visiting any other time to really get the most out of your trip.

Why? Well, because this region is very seasonal, and most businesses are closed during the winter. While you’ll still find some hotels, shops, and restaurants open for a cozy winter getaway, the majority are closed. Winter weather can also close down parts of the park depending on the severity, including some that typically remain open in the winter, so it can also be a bit risky if you don’t have some flexibility in your itinerary.

That said, if winter is the only time you can visit, or you really want to visit in the true off-season, there are still some wonderful ways to enjoy Acadia, which I’ll get into later in the post. I’d absolutely recommend a winter trip if this is the only time you can visit.

Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park: FAQ

Most Crowded Times To Visit Acadia

July and August are the most crowded months to visit, but June, September, and even October are also gaining popularity. However, July and August are still when you can expect the most crowds inside the park. These are also the most expensive months to visit .

Least Crowded Times To Visit Acadia

Winter and early spring (mid-November through April) are when you’ll experience the fewest crowds inside Acadia. It usually doesn’t begin to see a dramatic increase of people visiting until May. These are also the cheapest months to visit .

Best Time To Visit Acadia For Fall Foliage

October, and more specifically, mid-October. As with fall foliage anywhere else in the world, it’s never an exact science, and it’s impossible to guarantee when peak color will happen. However, Acadia usually sees the best foliage color around mid-October.

Best Time To Visit Acadia For Whale Watching

Whale watch tours around Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park usually begin around the end of May, and continue through mid-October, and this perfectly coincides with the best time to see whales in the area. Tours in this area head out to the Gulf of Maine, and it’s likely you’ll see humpback, minke and finback whales.

Best Time To Visit For Lobster & Seafood

Fresh lobster and seafood is harvested year-round in Maine, but to visit the best seafood shacks, you’ll want to visit June-Labor Day, as that’s when all the seasonal restaurants are open. Many of the seafood shacks up in this part of Maine do begin close down after peak season, or offer more restricted hours once Labor Day is over, so if you’re excited to eat all the best seafood, you’ll want to plan your visit for that timeframe.

However, it’s good to know that even if you visit earlier in the spring, or later in the fall when seasonal businesses may close down, many restaurants in the towns are still open and serving up awesome seafood. But for the most options, June through Labor Day is ideal.

Best Time To Visit Acadia For Sunrise On Cadillac Mountain

You’ve probably seen in your Acadia research that the top of Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise, but the important thing to know that it’s one of the first places. The first sunrise location in the U.S. really depends on the time of year, and Cadillac Mountain experiences the first sunrise October 7 through March 6.

So, if it’s really important to you to see the first actual sunrise, you’ll want to plan your visit for this timeframe. My suggestions would be October 7 through the end of October for the nicest weather and, of course, the beautiful fall foliage!

It’s good to know that the auto road to Cadillac Mountain is only open mid-April to mid-November , and the exact dates can change each year based on weather. However, you can hike to the summit year-round.

Pro Tip : Late May through the end of October, you’ll need to make a reservation and pay a small fee to drive the auto road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Click here for more information, and to make your reservation .

Best Time To Visit For Camping

Campgrounds in Acadia are open May 1 – October 31 only, and off-season camping is not allowed inside the park. I’ve noticed a lot of misinformation out there about camping in the winter, and many other websites state that the Blackwoods Campground is open in the winter, but that is simply not true.

I’ve even confirmed with a few park rangers during my visits, and received an e-mail confirmation from the parks department saying that winter camping is absolutely prohibited inside the park.

Click here for more information about camping in Acadia .

Best Time To Visit Acadia To Get Around With The Island Explorer Bus

One of the wonderful services offered inside the park is the Island Explorer bus system, which is a free bus that takes visitors to a lot of popular places around the park. If you don’t want to drive around the park, or are visiting during the peak summer season and are worried about parking, this is a nice option.

The Island Explorer bus runs from late-June through mid-October , and the fall season may have reduced schedules. Click here for more info!

Seasonal Guide To Acadia: Weather & What To Expect

Acadia national park in spring: is april a good time to visit.

April in this part of Maine typically experiences unpredictable weather, and it’s usually not an ideal time to visit if you don’t have a lot of flexibility with your itinerary. It can often be cold and rainy, and snow is also still likely. For example, in early April 2024, Bar Harbor experienced a snow storm with over 6 inches of snow accumulation, after a stretch of mild weather. You really just never know!

However, usually by the end of April, the chance of snow is highly unlikely, so that’s the best time to visit during the month for the nicest weather.

April also still sees a lot of winter store and restaurant closures, as businesses have yet to open back up for the season just yet.

However, if you’re looking to visit at an inexpensive time, and don’t mind the business closures, and are also okay with being flexible in case of bad weather, this is a great time to visit to avoid crowds and not spend a lot of money.

Average temperatures in Acadia in April: 53°F during the day, and 33°F at night.

Acadia In May

May is the first month the park starts to see an uptick in visitors, but it’s not usually all that crowded just yet. Some weekends later in May may see some crowds, but if you’re able to visit during the week, it’ll still feel relatively quiet, especially the first half of the month.

However, the biggest exception will be Memorial Day weekend, which is a popular time to visit , and you’ll want to anticipate big crowds and higher prices during this weekend.

And as mentioned, but it bears repeating: You need a reservation to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain late-May through October . This is for any time of the day, including sunrise. Sunrise at the top of the mountain is one of the most popular things to do, so if you want to enjoy this during your visit (and I recommend it!), then you’ll want to plan ahead for this.

Many local businesses begin to open in May , including boat tours and seafood shacks, but some of them don’t begin to open until the second half of the month or later, so that’s one thing to keep in mind. May is also the first month of the year that the campgrounds officially open .

Weather in May is generally more pleasant than April, with fewer rain days and warmer temperatures. I’ve visited in May to go hiking, and found the trails were much less muddy, and the weather was perfect for being outdoors all day. But it’s still the spring season, so you’ll want to anticipate some rain, depending on how long your visit is.

Average temperatures in Acadia in May: 66°F during the day, and 43°F at night.

Acadia In June

Of all the spring months, June is probably the best to visit, especially if you’re looking for long days and weather that most closely resembles summer. There’s also one special reason to visit that makes a June visit extra exciting, and that’s the lupines, which bloom all over Mount Desert Island . If you love flowers and spring blooms, seeing the small fields of them around this area is really a fun treat! The lupines typically begin to bloom in early June, with peak being around mid-June.

June is also the most crowded of all the spring months to visit the park, especially the second half, and you’ll start to see an increase in hotel and accommodation pricing around this time. However, pretty much all seasonal businesses open are in June, so this is a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid July and August, but also want nice weather.

Average temperatures in Acadia in June: 74°F during the day, and 51°F at night.

Acadia National Park In Summer: What To Expect In July & August

As mentioned, summer is the busiest season in Acadia, but there’s a good reason for that. With the longest days and lowest chances of rain , you’ll have a lot of time to spend outdoors. This is also when you’re more likely to enjoy spending a day at Sand Beach , which is the only beach in Acadia (and it’s beautiful! ). With Acadia being so far north in Maine, the water at this beach may be too cold for a lot of people, but it feels really nice on a hot day in July and August.

The summer season is also the most humid, and while New England in general tends to get pretty humid this time of the year, Acadia doesn’t feel quite as humid as other places in the region. The evenings stay pretty cool, and because it’s a coastal destination, there’s typically a consistent, light breeze throughout the day. However, it’s likely that you’ll experience some very hot and humid days in July and August.

The best perk of visiting in the summer, in addition to the longest days, is that all the seasonal businesses are open , so you’l have your pick of boat tours, seafood shacks, and all the cute little shops in the area.

Hydrangeas in the area are typically in bloom in July , too, which are quite famous in New England! And the nearby town of Bar Harbor does a fireworks show for the Fourth of July , so definitely plan for that if you’re visiting during the holiday.

Average temperatures in Acadia in July: 80°F during the day, and 57°F at night.

Average temperatures in Acadia in August: 80°F during the day, and 56°F at night.

Acadia In September

September brings the end of the summer season in Acadia, and this has become another popular month to visit. However, you’ll start to see hotel and rental prices go down slightly once the Labor Day holiday is over, and it tends to be a bit cheaper than peak July and August pricing.

Most of September still very much feels like summer, and while temperatures begin to go down, the first part of the month is typically pretty warm and humid. Once mid-September hits, you’ll start to notice cooler temperatures, especially at night.

Most seasonal businesses remain open through September , too, which makes this a great month to visit.

Curious if you can visit in September for fall foliage? Not really . I’ve been to Acadia at the end of September a few times, and there was just a hint of fall color in random places each time. Since peak foliage hits Acadia in mid-October, you’ll want to visit then if you want to see the colorful foliage.

Average temperatures in Acadia in September: 68°F during the day, and 50°F at night.

Acadia In The Fall: Foliage, And What To Expect In October & November

October is when to visit Acadia for the best fall foliage , and since this is becoming another popular time to visit, many seasonal businesses will remain open through Indigenous People’s weekend in mid-October. While the days are shorter and the weather is cooler and more rainy, the awesome fall color more than makes up for it!

With peak color typically hitting Acadia in mid-October, it usually sticks around for two weeks on average, but this depends entirely on weather. If there’s been a lot of rain or high winds, the foliage will fall off the trees a lot quicker. However, under normal weather patterns, it should stick around for about two weeks or so.

And as mentioned, the timing of fall color is never an exact science, so it’s possible it could arrive early, or make a later appearance each year – it’s all determined by weather throughout the year, including the weeks leading up to peak season.

Weather in October usually brings a bit more rain, but you’ll still get plenty of sunshine on an average year, too. You’ll also want to pack light jackets to stay warm, and even better if they’re waterproof.

October 7th is the start of the official sunrise season in Acadia , too, and this is the first date in the fall where Cadillac Mountain is the actual first sunrise location in the U.S.

November in Acadia is a transitional season, and the weather is usually unpredictable. Much like April, November can be mild, cool, and pleasant or, it can feel more like winter with snow and high winds. November tends to be the first month where you’ll see a dramatic decrease in hotel rates for this season, and also when you’ll see the first major snowfall of the season.

The first part of November tends to have the best weather, and you’ll start see more unreliable weather later in the month. This is also the first month where you don’t need a vehicle reservation to drive the auto road to the Cadillac Mountain summit .

It’s good to know that many seasonal businesses will begin to close down in mid-October, and more continue to close down in November. The camping season in the park also concludes at the end of October .

Average temperatures in Acadia in October: 57°F during the day, and 41°F at night.

Average temperatures in Acadia in November: 46°F during the day, and 32°F at night.

Acadia National Park In Winter: Is It Worth It?

So, is it even worth visiting Acadia in the winter? The answer is a bit complicated, and it really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Generally, I hesitate to recommend winter because so many places are closed down for the season outside of the park, and it’s usually a tough time to enjoy a lot of the scenic hiking trails. December 1 is when the park closes down part of Park Loop Road for the winter, which is the most scenic drive in the park.

For this reason, winter is the cheapest time to visit, with the fewest crowds.

Most hiking trails, carriage roads, and parts of Park Loop Road remain open in the winter , though. If you’re an experienced hiker, know how to tackle the trails in the winter, and want to visit the park when it sees the fewest visitors, winter may be a great option for you!

The part of Park Loop Road that remains open is also very scenic, and you can visit Sand Beach, walk on a beautiful part of the flat and easy Ocean Path trail, see Thunder Hole, and take in views of the Otter Cliffs. The lesser-known part of Acadia, Schoodic Peninsula, is also open in the winter.

December is a festive time to visit Bar Harbor , and while a select few shops may close down for the season, some will open to welcome holiday shoppers during the month. Downtown Bar Harbor is decorated for Christmas, and you can enjoy the Village Holidays celebration the first weekend in December.

Average temperatures in Acadia in December: 36°F during the day, and 19°F at night.

January, February, and March tends to be cold, snowy, and icy. However, recent trends in New England have shown that winters going forward will have more dramatic shifts due to global warming.

For example, you’ll have a week of cold temperatures and a snow storm, followed by a week or warm, mild weather with sun that begins to melt all the snow – and this has been my personal experience traveling throughout New England in the winter recently, too. Weather is just more sporadic in the winters now, but still generally cold with a good amount of snow.

Once January rolls in, you can expect that all seasonal businesses are closed by now , with just a few year-round shops and restaurants open in the surrounding towns.

Since Acadia is along the coast, expect a lot of ice on the trails inside the park, and come prepared with crampons or microspikes to stay safe.

During the winter, the park will close certain trails and roads for safety reasons if there’s severe weather, and they do a great job on their main website updating visitors of these closures. It’s a good idea to check each day if you visit in the winter to ensure what’s open, and what’s closed.

Average temperatures in Acadia in January: 30°F during the day, and 12°F at night.

Average temperatures in Acadia in February: 33°F during the day, and 15°F at night.

Average temperatures in Acadia in March: 42°F during the day, and 25°F at night.

→ I have an entire guide on visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in the winter , if you’re looking for more information!

My Tips For Visiting Acadia National Park

→ Have a general plan of what you’d like to do to maximize your time inside the park, especially if you visit in the summer during peak tourist season. Arriving early at the parking lots is usually a good idea 😉 And since Park Loop Road is mostly a one-way loop, you want to know what order to do things in so you don’t have to drive far just to loop back around.

→ Purchase your park pass online ahead of time, and be sure to print it out . Not all parking areas have a gate entrance where you can show your pass, so you need to keep your pass visible on your car’s dashboard any time you park inside Acadia. If you have the America The Beautiful Pass, it can be used in Acadia!

→ Bring light layers , even if you visit in the summer. Mornings and nights can be cool in Acadia and the surrounding towns. This is especially handy if you take any boat tours in the area, as it’s always colder out on the water.

→ Offline Google Maps to your phone before your trip. You will likely lose cell service once you’re inside the park, and it’s good to have a back up plan to get around.

→ Make dining reservations ahead of time when you can. Not all places accept reservations, but places like Jordan Pond House inside the park, and a few other places in nearby towns will take reservations. Casual seafood places don’t typically take reservations, so plan for a longer wait in peak summer season.

→ Pack casual clothes . Unless you’re planning to dine at fancier places during other parts of your trip, this area of Maine is very casual.

→ Be safe . I know this goes without saying, but since much of the park’s best sites are coastal, and situated on dramatic cliffs, please be aware of your surroundings, and don’t get too close to the edge of any bluffs or cliffs to get the perfect picture. It’s just not worth it, and there are tons of great ways to enjoy the park while staying safe.

More of my Maine travel guides you may find helpful:

• My PERFECT Acadia National Park Itinerary
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor Road Trip Itinerary
• Ultimate Guide To Maine In The Summer
• Ultimate Guide To Maine In October: Where To See Fall Foliage
• Maine In November
• Maine In The Winter
• The Ultimate Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On The Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park

There you have it! Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on the best time to visit Acadia National Park, hopefully you’re feeling more prepared to decide when you should plan your own visit. Whether the fall foliage season is more your style, or you’re excited to experience everything during the peak of summer, or see the beautiful lupines in June, it’s honestly always enjoyable depending on your priorities. Happy planning!

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