Explore Acadia National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your family vacation to Acadia National Park in Maine?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to this iconic national park in coastal Maine.

Whether you need to know where to stay, the best place to camp, or which trail is best for your kids, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

Acadia at a glance

  • Covers 49,000 acres

  • Located in and around Bar Harbor, Maine

  • Founded in 1916

  • Best known for the views from Cadillac Mountain, popovers at Jordan Pond, and challenging hives like the Beehive Trail

  • Has carriage roads for biking, multiple scenic drives, and boat tours

Start here.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Acadia National Park with Kids

If you only read one of my Acadia guides, make it this one.

This Acadia National Park with kids guide shares everything you could possibly think about when planning a vacation here from where to stay to where to pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.

Kid-Friendly Activities

  • Best Easy Hikes in Acadia National Park

    Short trails across the park that will get even the youngest hikers excited to explore Acadia!

    Read more

  • Eating at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park: A Guide

    The ultimate guide to popovers and beyond!

    Read more

Camping

While Acadia National Park does have 5 campgrounds inside the property, we recommend staying just north of Bar Harbor.

Doing so allowed us to stress less about getting reservations (the Acadia campground reservations are notoriously competitive in peak season!), have access to full hook-ups, and more easily drive to activities in and outside of the park.

RVs in front of the bay at Bar Harbor KOA
Red wooden exterior of the camp store at Bar Harbor KOA
The author's children on a go kart rental at the Bar Harbor KOA
Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA Holiday: A Review

Acadia National Park Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the Acadia National Park GuideAlong audio tour to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    To truly experience the beauty of Acadia National Park, you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your family has the proper footwear.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, but only bring these if you’re visiting Acadia in the summer.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to any of the U.S. national parks without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    While Acadia National Park generally has decent cell service, I can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    While there is public transportation within portions of Acadia National Park, you’re going to want the flexibility of your own vehicle to explore points of interest beyond.

    Check for the best rates at RentalCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

  • Travel Insurance

    Visiting the national parks can be the trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Other Helpful Resources