Visit Acadia National Park in Maine
Rugged coastline, pine-scented trails, and classic lobster rolls.
Acadia National Park sits on the rocky Atlantic coast of Mount Desert Island in Maine, and it is, simply put, one of the most beautiful places in the United States. I’ve been twice — once as a child and once as an adult. It’s a national park worth visiting multiple times and among my favorites that I’ve visited.
The park spans over 47,000 acres of granite peaks, glacially carved lakes, dense boreal forest, and some of the most dramatic coastline in the Northeast. Whether you’re a serious hiker, a casual walker, a birder, a photographer, or simply someone who wants to sit on a rocky shore and stare at the Atlantic, Acadia has something for you. It is, by any measure, a gem of the National Park system — and one that deserves a place on your itinerary.
The gateway town to Acadia is Bar Harbor, Maine — a charming, lively coastal village that serves as the perfect home base for your time in the park. It has many bars and restaurants, local shops, and a genuinely warm New England character that makes it easy to love.
Practical Notes About Visiting Acadia National Park
When to Go: Mid-June is a wonderful time to visit Acadia. The weather is comfortable — cool and crisp without the heat and peak crowds of July and August — and the days are long. Expect temperatures in the 60s and some fog and rain, which is entirely normal for coastal Maine and honestly part of the charm. A word of caution: Bar Harbor gets incredibly busy and expensive in the summer months. Plan on paying a premium to visit in July and August.
Getting There: Typically, visitors fly into Logan Airport (Boston) or into Portland, Maine and rent a car to drive the rest of the way. The last time I visited, I happened to be in the Boston area and had my own car, so I just drove in my own vehicle. Maine is a huge state, so plan on spending some time on the road, no matter which direction you’re coming from.
Entry: Acadia requires a park pass. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a great investment if you plan to visit multiple National Parks in a year.
The Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Explore the Park Itself
Acadia has over 150 miles of hiking trails and some of the most scenic coastal drives in the country. The AllTrails app is an invaluable resource for planning your time in the park — I always have the maps downloaded and ready before I arrive. With difficulty ratings, trail maps, reviews, and offline access, it takes the guesswork out of choosing your routes.
The Bubbles Trail
One of Acadia’s most beloved hikes, The Bubbles trail leads up to two rounded granite summits — North Bubble and South Bubble — overlooking the stunning Jordan Pond below. It’s a moderate hike and one of the most rewarding in the park. The views from the top are breathtaking, and it’s accessible enough for hikers of varying experience levels – there are multiple ways to hike it, so you can pick which route is best for you.
Drive to the Top of Cadillac Mountain
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard and one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. The summit road winds you up through spectacular scenery, and on a clear day, the panoramic views of the island, the surrounding islands, and the Atlantic Ocean are extraordinary.
I’ll confess — when we drove up, it was raining and foggy, and the famous views were nowhere to be seen. But here’s the thing: there was something undeniably magical about it anyway. The mist rolling over the granite summit felt deeply, authentically Maine. I still recommend driving up regardless of the forecast — just manage your expectations and embrace whatever the Atlantic decides to give you.
Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road is one of the best ways to experience Acadia if you’re driving. It winds past Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery the park has to offer. Budget a few hours and pull over often — this is not a road to rush.
Jordan Pond & the Hikes Around It
Jordan Pond is one of Acadia’s most iconic spots — a glacially carved lake with impossibly clear water and a view of The Bubbles rising beyond the far shore. We did The Jordan Pond to South Bubbles Summit hike, which is about 3.1 miles and moderately challenging.
Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail
For the more adventurous hikers in the group, the Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail is one of Acadia’s more challenging routes. While it’s only about 3 miles, the trail ascends Dorr Mountain — the second highest peak in the park — using iron rungs and ladders bolted directly into the granite face to help you climb the steep rock walls. It is genuinely challenging and not for the faint of heart, but if you’re fit, comfortable on exposed rock, and looking for something that pushes your limits, it is an unforgettable Acadia experience. The summit views are spectacular and well-earned. Use AllTrails to review the route and current conditions before you go, and wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
Whale Watching & Boat Tours
Bar Harbor offers easy access to whale watching tours and scenic boat cruises. Humpback whales, finbacks, and minkes are commonly spotted offshore in summer, and even if the whales are elusive, being on the water in this part of Maine is an experience in itself. You can book whale watching tours on Viator – I recommend booking well in advance, as these can fill up.
During our stay, my husband’s family took us on a puffin tour, and let me tell you – it was SO worth it! The puffins are ridiculously cute and they play in the water with each other. We also saw a variety of other amazing seabirds. It was a highlight of our visit.
If you get seasick, you may not enjoy these tours, as the Maine waters can get a little rough, so just keep that in mind.
Where to Eat Near Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is an iconic Maine town with fishing boats anchored in the harbor, and with them – fresh seafood.
A Note About Lobster Rolls
Fresh lobster rolls are everywhere in Bar Harbor, and there are two camps: the Maine-style lobster roll, which is served cold with mayonnaise and often chives on a split-top bun, and the Connecticut-style lobster roll, which is served warm and drizzled in melted butter. Personally, I’m partial to the Connecticut style — the warm, buttery version is hard to beat. That said, both styles are delicious, and you really can’t go wrong either way.
Fair warning: a good lobster roll in Bar Harbor will run you anywhere from $35 to $45. Yes, that’s a real number. But the lobster is fresh, sweet, and piled generously – it’s one of those experiences where you pay the price and don’t look back.
Geddy’s
Geddy’s has a more local, laid-back feel than some of the other spots in town — it’s a classic Bar Harbor bar and restaurant with a comfortable vibe, cold drinks, and solid food. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day on the trails and locals often recommend it, which is always a good sign.
Atlantic Brewing Company
One of Maine’s beloved craft breweries, Atlantic Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer lovers. They’ve been brewing since 1990 and their flagship Bar Harbor Real Ale is a classic for good reason. They also have a full food menu and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. A great stop for a mid-afternoon break or a casual dinner.
The Barnacle
The Barnacle is a Bar Harbor staple — a casual, waterfront seafood spot with the kind of no-frills charm that fits this town perfectly. It’s a great option for fresh seafood without the formality of a sit-down dinner, and the harbor views are hard to beat. If you want something quick, local, and satisfying after a long day in the park, this is an excellent choice.
Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is extremely popular, and it fills up fast — especially in the summer months. If you’re planning a trip between June and August, book your accommodations well in advance. This is not an exaggeration. The town gets busy, and the best options go quickly.
Airbnb
When I last visited Acadia, we were staying with family and an Airbnb in Bar Harbor was perfect for our large group. There are some lovely options in town and just outside it — cottages, historic homes, and charming New England-style houses that drop you right into the character of the place. Beyond the atmosphere, staying in an Airbnb gives you access to a kitchen, which is a genuine advantage in a town as expensive as Bar Harbor during peak season. Picking up fresh lobster or clams at a local market and cooking at your rental is more affordable if you’re travelling on a budget.
The Bay View Hotel
The Bay View is one of Bar Harbor’s most attractive hotel options — beautifully situated, well-appointed, and with a style that suits the coastal New England setting perfectly. If you want a more classic hotel experience with the comforts and amenities to match, The Bay View is an excellent choice.
Bar Harbor Inn
The Bar Harbor Inn is a landmark in town — a gracious, full-service waterfront hotel with stunning views of Frenchman Bay. It’s been welcoming guests for well over a century, and the combination of location, service, and atmosphere makes it one of the most memorable places to stay. For a special occasion or a trip where you want to treat yourself, this is the pick.
Camping in Acadia National Park
For the full immersion experience, Acadia has several campgrounds within the park itself. Camping here means waking up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Maine wilderness and getting an early start on the trails before the day visitors arrive. Check the National Park Service website for campground options, availability, and reservations — spots fill up quickly in summer, so plan ahead.
Acadia National Park is one of the great American outdoor experiences. The coastline is dramatic, the hiking is exceptional, the seafood is fresh and memorable, and Bar Harbor has an authentic coastal character unlike any other.
Acadia is part of my National Parks Series — follow along for more guides from across the country. 🌲