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.

A foggy view of a rocky coastline with trees and driftwood along the Acadia National Park shore.

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.

Areas of Acadia

  • Kids hiking on a boardwalk on the Jordan Pond Trail in Acadia National Park

    MT. DESERT ISLAND

    When you think of Acadia, this is the part of the park that you’re envisioning. It’s just minutes from Bar Harbor, making it an easy add-on to your vacation.

    You’ll find Ocean Trail, the main scenic loop drive, the carriage roads, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and famous hikes like the Beehive here.

    This is also where you’ll find the park’s main visitors center, the Hulls Cove Visitors Center and the free Island Explorer bus routes.

  • Foggy view of an inlet on the Schoodic Peninsula

    SCHOODIC PENINSULA

    For those who want the grandeur of Mt. Desert Island’s rugged cliffs, splashing waves, and crisp pine forests without the crowds, drive the 45 minutes from Mt. Desert Island to the Schoodic Peninsula.

    You’ll find another, smaller (but less crowded) scenic loop drive, the incredible Rockefeller Hall and Schoodic Institute, tidepools, and some kid-friendly hikes.

    You’ll need to use your GPS as you head down the back roads between Bar Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula, but it makes for a relaxing drive.

  • The author's daughter walking across a shallow sand bar to Bar Island

    BAR HARBOR

    Even though the main portion of Acadia is near Bar Harbor, there are actually small pockets of the park scattered in Bar Harbor proper.

    For example, you’ll find the short but excellent Compass Harbor Trail that leads to the property ruins of “the father of Acadia,” George Dorr.

    Bar Island, which is where Bar Harbor takes its name, is also a part of the national park, and is a fun family adventure. Wait for the sand bar to reveal itself and then walk over to the island!

  • ISLE AU HAUT

    If you really want to get away from the crowds, head over to Isle au Haut, which is southwest of Mt. Desert Island and only accessible by ferry.

    Bike on the 11 miles of road (both paved and unpaved), and take a look at the small fishing community that lives here year round.

    While it’s a gorgeous place with incredible history and views, this area of the park would be my suggestion to skip if you have limited time in Acadia with your kids.

What to do in the park.

There is so much to see and do in Acadia National Park that can be hard to determine what activities, trails, and sights are really worth your time.

From hiking to history and wildlife to water sports, here is our list of the. best things to do in Acadia.

24 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
The author's son walking on pebbles at Little Hunters Beach in Acadia National Park

Complete Itineraries

A scenic view of Acadia National Park's Jordan Pond down in a valley, surrounded by forested hills and mountains, with a cloudy sky above.

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms. These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, campgrounds, dining, hiking, and tours for the entire family.

The Ultimate Acadia National Park Itinerary for a 1-4 Day Visit

Kid-Friendly Activities

  • The author's two children sitting on a rock ledge at the summit of North Bubble Trail in Acadia National Park overlooking a Jordan Pond and forested hills under a cloudy sky.

    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
  • An outdoor dining area at Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park with a wooden table and green chairs under a large green umbrella, overlooking a lake and surrounded by trees and distant mountains.

    Eating at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park: A Guide

    The ultimate guide to popovers and beyond!

    Read more
  • The author in hiking gear standing at the rocky summit of North Bubble Trail in Acadia National Park with trees and Jordan Pond in the background

    North and South Bubble Trail: A Hiking Guide

    Moderately challenging hike with rock scrambles to views of Jordan Pond and Cranberry Islands

    Read more

  • Compass Harbor Trail: A Hiking Guide

    Easy, kid-friendly trail packed with Acadia National Park history, tidepooling, and forest views

    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 DiscoverCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

    If plans change, they also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were scheduled to get your car.

  • 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