Nestled along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a breathtaking blend of towering granite peaks, lush forests, and dramatic ocean views. As one of the most beloved national parks in the U.S., Acadia offers visitors a chance to explore scenic trails, drive along the iconic Park Loop Road, and witness the first sunrise in the country from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Whether you’re hiking along rocky cliffs, kayaking in pristine waters, or enjoying the charm of nearby Bar Harbor, Acadia’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife make it an unforgettable destination. In this travel guide, you will find the best things to see and do in Acadia National Park. You will also find our easy-to-customize sample itinerary to help you plan your Acadia adventure.
When to Go
The best time to visit Acadia National Park depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience. Each season offers a unique set of attractions and activities. The park’s peak tourist season is between late June and early September. During these months, the weather is warm and most facilities and services are open. Crowds can be significant during the summer, especially in July and August. Popular trails and attractions may be crowded, and accommodations can be more expensive. Parking can also be a challenge in busy areas.
Many consider fall the best time to visit Acadia. The foliage in late September and early October is stunning, with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves. The weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities, and the crowds start to thin out. However, as fall progresses and the temperatures drop, some roads and facilities may close for the season. Between late November and early April, winter enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing. With limited visitors in the winter, the park takes on a serene atmosphere.
From late April to early June, the wildflowers are in bloom and the park begins to come to life after the winter months. The weather is generally cool and pleasant and the park is less crowded than in summer. However, some services and facilities may still be closed or have limited hours. You can find operating hours and seasons by visiting the Acadia National Park website.
Where to Stay
Camping
Blackwoods Campground
The most popular campground in Acadia National Park, Blackwoods Campground is open seasonally from early May through mid-October. All of the 281 sites at Blackwoods are wooded and within a 10-minute walk to the ocean. The majority of Blackwoods’ sites are for small and large tents while just 60 sites can accommodate travelers with RVs. The campground features flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. However, there are no hookups available and no showers. Fee shower facilities are located less than a mile from the campground. Reservations are available two months in advance from recreation.gov.
Seawall Campground
Located on the quiet western side of the island, Seawall Campground is open from late May through mid-October. The campground is approximately 18 miles from Bar Harbor. All 202 sites at Seawall are within a short walking distance to the coastline. The majority of the campground’s sites are for small and large tents; some sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. Flush toilets, running water, and a dump station are provided, as are picnic tables and fire rings. However, there are no hookups available and no showers. Fee shower facilities are located one mile from the campground. Reservations are available two months in advance from recreation.gov.
Mount Desert Campground
Mount Desert Campground is located in the heart of Mount Desert Island, just minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The campground is open from late May through mid-October and accommodates tents, as well as trailers and RV’s up to 20 feet. Campground amenities include shower facilities, kayak rentals, full hookups, a boat ramp, and Wi-Fi. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Lodging
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Conference Center
The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Conference Center is situated on 12 acres of oceanfront property, just one mile from Acadia National Park and the shops and restaurants of downtown Bar Harbor. The hotel is open year-round and offers 153 spacious rooms, each with a patio or balcony overlooking the ocean. Atlantic Oceanside Hotel is loaded with amenities including a private beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, conference and banquet facilities, and a seasonal free shuttle to downtown Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park. They also offer complimentary breakfast and have an on-site restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Bar Harbor Motel
This budget hotel is located just one mile from the town center and less than two miles from the Acadia National Park main entrance. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and family-friendly activities. The seasonal Desert Island shuttle bus system has a stop in front of the motel, giving visitors easy access to downtown Bar Harbor and the national park. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
Located right on Main Street, the Grand is just a short walk to downtown Bar Harbor restaurants and shops and just a five-minute drive to the national park entrance. Hotel amenities include a seasonal heated pool and hot tub, continental breakfast, fitness room, and front porch rocking chairs. You can find more information and make reservations here.
What to See and Do
Park Loop Road
Driving Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is one of the best ways to take in the park’s stunning scenery. This 27-mile scenic drive winds through dense forests, past sparkling lakes, and along dramatic coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Highlights along the route include Sand Beach, the striking cliffs of Otter Point, and the iconic Thunder Hole, where crashing waves create a spectacular display. With numerous pull-offs and picnic spots, Park Loop Road is perfect for a leisurely exploration of Acadia’s natural beauty.
Cadillac Mountain
The centerpiece of the park is Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the East Coast of the United States. What makes this place so special is that it is the first place in the country where you can see the sunrise. At the summit, visitors can take in the panoramic views, hike the paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, read interpretive exhibits, and check out the gift shop. Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from the end of May through the end of October. Thirty percent of vehicle reservations are available for purchase at 10 A.M. EST 90 days in advance of the desired reservation date. The remaining 70 percent are released at 10 A.M. EST two days in advance of the desired reservation date. Note that the road is closed from early December through mid-May. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach is a must-visit spot in Acadia National Park, offering a rare stretch of soft, golden sand nestled between rugged granite cliffs. This 290-yard-long beach is one of the few sandy shorelines along Maine’s rocky coast, making it a popular place for sunbathing, picnicking, and taking in stunning ocean views. While the water remains chilly even in summer, some brave visitors take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic. The beach also serves as a gateway to scenic hikes, including the Beehive Trail, known for its thrilling iron rungs and panoramic vistas.
Thunder Hole
Located along Park Loop Hole, Thunder Hole is named for the sound the waves make as they thrash through a narrow opening in the cliffs and whoosh up and out. The best time to view Thunder Hole and hear the roar is one to two hours before high tide. At low tide, visitors can follow the stairs down to see the cliff walls carved by the crashing water.
Jordan Pond House
Overlooking the serene Jordan Pond, this historic restaurant has been serving visitors since the late 1800s. The restaurant is famous for its warm, fluffy popovers—a light, airy pastry best enjoyed with butter and jam. Visitors can dine on the scenic lawn with views of the Bubble Mountains or sit inside the cozy dining room. After enjoying tea and popovers, visitors can explore the easy Jordan Pond Path, a picturesque 3.3-mile loop around the crystal-clear water. With its mix of history, great food, and stunning scenery, Jordan Pond House is a must-stop in the park. The house is open daily from late May through late October from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Reservations are highly recommended. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Carriage Roads
The Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park offer a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park’s natural beauty, free from motorized traffic. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940, these 45 miles of crushed-stone roads wind through forests, past serene lakes, and over charming stone bridges. Ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the roads provide access to some of Acadia’s most picturesque spots, including Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and Deer Brook Bridge. In the fall, the vibrant foliage makes the Carriage Roads even more spectacular. You can find more information, including a carriage road map here.
Bass Harbor Head Light
Perched on a rocky cliff at the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most iconic and photographed views in Maine. A short walk from the parking area leads to viewing spots where visitors can admire the lighthouse against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. For the best experience, visit at sunset, when the sky glows with warm hues, casting a magical light over the rugged coastline. Although you can’t go inside, a trail around the facility provides excellent views.
Stargazing
Thanks to its dark skies and minimal light pollution, stargazing at Acadia National Park is a breathtaking experience. As one of the best places on the East Coast for night sky viewing, Acadia offers dazzling displays of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way on clear nights. Popular spots for stargazing include Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, and Seawall. Each September, the park hosts the Acadia Night Sky Festival, celebrating the beauty of the universe with guided programs and astrophotography opportunities.
Downtown Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town situated just outside of Acadia National Park. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries, it is a great place to explore and enjoy local cuisine and culture. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and inns to campgrounds and vacation rentals. It’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. The fare-free Island Explorer shuttle features bus routes linking hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations in Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. It is an easy way to get around without worrying about parking. One unique feature of Bar Harbor is the sandbar to Bar Island, which becomes accessible by foot during low tide. Visitors can hike across the sandbar to explore the island and its trails. You can find more information about Bar Harbor here.
Acadia Boat Tour
For a unique perspective of the park’s coastal beauty, wildlife, and geological features, book a scenic boat cruise. Acadian Boat Tours and Sea Princess Cruises are both highly-rated boat tour operators in Bar Harbor. Both companies offer several tour options to choose from. These tours provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the rugged coastline, view wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history.
Take a Hike
Cadillac North Ridge Trail
This trail takes hikers to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point both in Acadia National Park and on the eastern seaboard. The trail is mostly exposed, providing hikers with excellent views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula. With the appropriate gear and headlamps, it is a popular option for sunrise or sunset. The trail is 4.2 miles with 1,128 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. You can find more information here.
Precipice Loop Trail
The most thrilling and perhaps the most dangerous trail in the park, the Precipice Loop Trail takes hikers to the summit of Champlain Mountain. It is a rugged, non-technical climb with rocky ledges, iron rungs, and cliff walks. Upon reaching the summit, climbers are rewarded with impressive views of the ocean and surrounding area. The hike is not recommended for people with a fear of heights, children, or during wet weather. This trail is generally open from late summer through early fall. It is 2.1 miles with 1,059 feet of elevation gain. The trail is classified as hard due to the terrain. You can find more information here.
Beehive Loop Trail
One of the park’s most popular trails, the Beehive Loop Trail is an easier version of the Precipice Trail. Expect steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces on this hike. However, compared to the Precipice Trail, there is less elevation gain and less exposure. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with views over Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine. This trail is 1.5 miles with 508 of elevation gain. It is classified as a hard trail due to its terrain. You can find more information here.
Great Head Trail
The Great Head Trail provides ocean views, rocky scrambles, and a bit of history. Along the way, you will spot ruins of a tower and a 1915 tea house. You can expect dramatic views of the coastline and the ocean, as well as views of Sand Beach and The Beehive. This hike is 1.8 miles in length and contains 265 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging trail due to the terrain. You can find more information here.
Ocean Path Trail
The Ocean Path Trail is a must-do experience at Acadia National Park. On this trail, hikers are rewarded with scenic views of the coastline and easy access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point. The turnaround point is Otter Cove, where you will find a small staircase and incredible views across the Otter Cove Causeway. This trail is 4.5 miles with 374 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as an easy hike. You can find more information here.
Gorham Mountain Trail
Although not the tallest mountain in Acadia, Gorham Mountain’s proximity to the coast rewards hikers with spectacular views. The trail begins from the Gorham Mountain parking lot off Park Loop Road and gradually climbs to the summit. Be aware that a couple hundred feet from the summit is a false summit. Keep following the trail until you reach the summit marker. This hike is 1.6 miles with 429 feet of elevation gain. It is considered a moderately challenging hike. Note that there is also an option to make this a loop trail with a portion of the Ocean Path Trail.
Jordan Pond Path and South Bubble
For a breathtaking view of Jordan Pond, hike the Jordan Pond Path and South Bubble Trail. The trail around Jordan Pond is relatively flat and easy. The portion of the trail to the South Bubble summit is more challenging with elevation gain and rock scramble. However, hikers are rewarded with incredible views at the summit. Be sure to also check out Balanced Rock at the top, a large boulder that was carried by glaciers and left in an interesting position. This hike is 3.5 miles with 508 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. If you are interested in further exploring the area, this trail can be combined with The Bubbles Trail.
Acadia Mountain & Man O’ War Trail
When taking the recommended counterclockwise direction, this trail starts with a gentle stroll through the woods to Man O’ War Waterfall. From the overlook, you are given a side view of the waterfall emptying into Somes Sound. The trail begins climbing to the summit of Acadia Mountain. The climb is fun but challenging with many boulder scrambles. There are several good spots along the way to take a break and admire the incredible views. At the summit, you will find stunning views of Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains, as well as outlying islands and the ocean. This hike is 2.5 miles with 708 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. You can find more information here.
Beech Cliff Ladder and Canada Cliff Loop
This short but challenging hike climbs above Echo Lake providing not only excellent views of the lake but also views of nearby peaks and the ocean. It includes four sets of iron ladders to help hikers reach the top. For those wishing to avoid the ladders, there is an overlook before the ladders that offers great views. After admiring the views at the top, hikers can continue to complete the Beech Cliff Loop. Take the Canada Cliffs Trail down to finish the hike. This trail is 1.8 miles with 492 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Acadia Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to plan your Acadia National Park adventure? Start by downloading our free and easy-to-customize Acadia National Park Itinerary. This is just a sample of what your trip could look like. Easily make changes to make it fit your schedule and interests.