The Ultimate Acadia National Park Itinerary for a 1-4 Day Visit
Are you looking to plan your perfect Acadia National Park itinerary but don’t know where to start?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Acadia is an absolutely stunning national park located along the coast of Maine in New England, and there is so much to do and explore here.
You’ll be spoiled for choice on what to do, whether you stick to the highlights of the park or decide to deep dive into some of the hidden gems in the area.
I think the itineraries for Acadia National Park below are perfect for first-time visitors as each of them balances the must-do activities with those lesser known options.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Acadia National Park, including itinerary suggestions, where to stay and eat, how to get around, and so much more.
As with all of my guides and itineraries, these are family friendly, but also would work for any first time visitor to the park.
My kids running along the Jordan Pond Loop Trail in Acadia National Park
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through one of the links below, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.
Visiting Acadia National Park: An Introduction
Before we dive into the itinerary options, let’s take a look at the bigger picture of what you’ll need for a Acadia National Park vacation.
It’s also important to understand essential (but not particularly exciting) planning items like how to get around the park and when you should time your visit.
Quick Facts about Acadia National Park
The kids at the top of North Bubble Trail overlooking Jordan Pond and the Cranberry Islands
Acadia receives about 4 million visitors a year, placing it in the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States.
There are 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads to explore in the park.
The word “Acadia” is thought to have originated from the native Mi'kmaq word akadie, which means “a piece of land,” which then was turned into the French word l'Acadie by the settlers who came to the area.
The carriage roads were a gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. who wanted to be able to travel by horse through the park without automobiles.
They were completed in 1940 and remain one of the best ways to see the interior of the Mount Desert Island section of the park.
When is Acadia National Park open?
Parts of Acadia National Park are open year-round, such as Schoodic Loop Road, while other sections of the park, such as the visitor’s center, Park Loop Road, and the campgrounds are seasonal.
While the summer and fall are the most popular times to visit the park, thanks to the milder weather and beautiful landscapes, there’s plenty to do here during the colder months, too.
Check out the NPS’ Acadia National Park website for each year’s operating hours and seasons.
How much does it cost to enter Acadia National Park?
A 7-day park permit costs $30 per vehicle or $15/per person with no vehicle (bicyclists are included in this category).
If you have an America the Beautiful pass, entry is free. I highly recommend getting this pass if you plan to visit more than one national park in a year. This will get you into any NPS site—including national parks, national battlefields, and national historic sites—for a year.
TIP: For even more savings on your adventures, grab the America the Beautiful and AllTrails+ combo pass! You can get into all of the 400+ NPS sites and get access to up-to-date trail conditions via AllTrails.
An Acadia National Park annual pass is $55, but this would only be worth it if you are going to be visiting the park for longer than a week and you aren’t planning to go to any other national parks within the year.
There are also several days throughout the year when entering any national park is free! Learn more at the bottom of this page.
Also, if you plan to drive up Cadillac Mountain from late May to late October, you’ll need an additional vehicle registration pass, which costs $6.
You’ll pay for this when you book your reservation online.
Best time to visit Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is beautiful to visit year-round, but many portions of the park are closed in the off-season.
May to November is the best time to visit because most things are open during these months.
July and August are the busiest times of the year, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Peak fall colors in October also bring crowds.
Learn more about why Acadia is one of the best national parks to visit in the fall here.
If you want to avoid the masses, visit in May, June, September, or November.
We visited in late May and early June, and while we weren’t the only people in the park, it was much more manageable and not overly stressful than it gets in the late summer and fall.
We found that late May was the sweet spot for visiting. All of the boat and ranger tours were underway and we were able to walk into Jordan Pond House for lunch, but the summer crowds hadn’t started in earnest yet.
If you love the winter and enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the carriage roads are open for these sports in the colder months.
How to get to Acadia National Park
Nearby Airports
If you are flying to Acadia National Park, the closest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), which has direct flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and is only ten miles from the park.
From there you can either rent a car or catch the free Island Explorer bus from the airport to Bar Harbor and many other stops around Mt Desert Island and Acadia National Park, which operates seasonally from late May into October.
You can also fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR) which is about an hour’s drive from Acadia.
You can then either rent a car or catch a bus to Bar Harbor with Downeast Transportation Inc.
Portland, Maine, also has an airport—the state’s largest—and it’s about 2.5 hours south of Acadia.
The drive from Portland to Bar Harbor is incredible and well worth a day or two if you had it to spare in your itinerary.
Along that drive, you’ll pass the cute towns of Boothbay and Damariscotta and have the opportunity to stop by the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, where you can see 5 Thomas Dambo trolls!
Driving to Acadia National Park
If you are driving, here are the approximate drive times to Acadia from some of the closest cities:
Bangor, Maine: 1 hour
Portland, Maine: 3 hours
Boston, Massachusetts: 4.5 hours
Quebec City, Quebec: 5.5 hours
Montreal, Quebec: 6.5 hours
How to get around Acadia National Park
Driving our truck along the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road
Having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore Acadia National Park. It gives you the most freedom, and you can make your own schedule.
If you aren’t driving your own vehicle and need to rent one, I highly suggest using DiscoverCars.com to find your rental.
They search all the rental companies for the best price, and if your plans change, you always get free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were to pick up the car.
While I think that driving yourself gives you the most freedom, if you are visiting during the busy months, traffic and parking can be frustrating with all the crowds.
The Island Explorer bus is a FREE shuttle that usually runs from late June through Columbus Day and connects most of Mt Desert Island with the surrounding communities, including the local airport.
You can hit just about everything on this itinerary using the shuttle service, except for Cadillac Mountain. You can even take a ferry from Bar Harbor over to the Schoodic Peninsula and take the shuttle around that area, too.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, this is the best option.
Check out the Island Explorer shuttle routes and schedule here.
How Long Do You Need at Acadia National Park?
I think that 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights and get in a few good hikes.
However, even with 1-2 days, you can get a good overview of the park.
A longer trip of 4+ days will allow you to truly dive deeply into the park’s history, hiking, and tours, and give you time to add in additional adventures that aren’t typically part of a visit here (including visiting Isle au Haut).
What Should You Do at Acadia National Park?
There are so many things to see and do in Acadia that it might be hard to know exactly what you should make a priority when you come to visit.
Here is a comprehensive list of the best things to do on your Acadia National Park itinerary.
Major points of interest include biking the carriage roads, hiking one of the park’s popular trails like Jordan Pond Trail or the Beehive Trail, driving Park Loop Road, visiting the Thunder Hole water feature, and taking a ranger tour.
Plan perfectly.
Get everything you need for a complete trip to Acadia National Park with my free planning resources here!
I’m sharing all of my favorites tips on what to do, where to stay, where to hike, and more for the perfect visit.
Acadia National Park Itineraries with 1, 2, 3, and 4+ Day Options
Putting together an amazing Acadia National Park itinerary can be tough.
For a smaller national park, there is so much to do, plus you have Bar Harbor right there with even more options. There’s also hotels and accommodations to consider and where to eat.
But don’t worry!
I’ve got everything all planned out for you with suggested itineraries for 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more days.
You’ll also find recommendations for day trips and other activities if you decide you want to extend your vacation even more.
No matter how long or short your visit is, you can make the most of it with my detailed itineraries below.
1 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
With only one day in Acadia National Park, you definitely won’t be able to cover everything, but you can get a good overview of the park!
Here’s how to make the most of your short time on the Maine coast.
Cadillac Mountain at sunrise/early morning
Just a portion of the nearly 360 degree views at the Cadillac Mountain summit
Get a reservation to go up to Cadillac Mountain and catch the sunrise. Spend some time taking photos and admiring the fantastic view before heading out. The drive down is also spectacular!
Reservations for the Cadillac Mountain Summit are required from late May to late October. 30% of the time slots are available 90 days prior and the other 70% are released 2 days ahead.
NOTE: If the weather isn’t good you might not be able to see anything, so I’d recommend checking the forecast a few days ahead of time and trying to snag one of the tickets that are released 2 days ahead.
If the weather isn’t going to be good, you can skip Cadillac Mountain and head right to Park Loop Road.
I will also note that the crowds disperse quickly after the sunrise is over. If you’re not an early riser, but still want to see Cadillac Mountain, aim for about 2 hours after sunrise. You’ll get lower crowds and beautiful views.
You can also stroll the easy Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop to take in even more of the long range views of the Cranberry Islands and Schoodic Peninsula.
Drive Park Loop Road
A foggy day on Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road is the 27-mile scenic route that goes around the most visited areas of Acadia on Mount Desert Island.
Most of the well known highlights of the park are along this road, so you can drive and then stop and see the things that interest you.
Since part of Park Loop Road is one-way, you’ll want to drive in a clockwise direction. Start at Hulls Cove visitors center, and follow signs to the left as you move away from Bar Harbor.
As you drive through the park, be sure to have your GuideAlong audio tour for Acadia playing.
We love these tours as they provide much needed context for what you’re seeing along the way. You’ll learn about the park’s history, important figures, geology, wildlife, and so much more.
And, once you have the tour downloaded to your phone, you don’t need Wifi or cell service. The audio will start and stop automatically as you approach each point of interest.
Take a hike
There are so many hikes to choose from, and with one day you can definitely pick a few.
If you want a more intense hike with some fun iron rung ladders and rock scrambling, choose either Precipice Trail or the Beehive Trail, both of which are accessible from Park Loop Road.
If you want something a little easier, I recommend doing the Ocean Path Trail.
While you are hiking along the Ocean Path Trail, don’t forget to stop and see Thunder Hole.
While the “thunder” phenomenon only occurs 1-2 hours before high tide, it’s still neat to see if you can time it right.
The entire trail is 4.5 miles out and back, but you can do as much or as little of it as you want. The trail is very flat and well marked, and there are incredible coastal views at every step.
If you want more ideas on where to hike, here are my picks for the best easy hikes in Acadia!
Many of these shorter, easier hikes are available off of Park Loop Road, including the Bubbles Trail and Jordan Pond Loop.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach off of Park Loop Road
After completing whichever hikes you choose, take a few minutes and relax at Sand Beach.
This would also be a great place to eat a snack or have lunch.
For this itinerary, I definitely suggest packing your lunch because you won’t have a ton of time and you’ll want to see as much as possible in your one day.
You can pick up groceries at the Hannaford store on Cottage Avenue in Bar Harbor. It has pre-made sandwiches, salads, and wraps, or you can build your own picnic from their grocery selection.
There is only one option for lunch in the park, and that’s at Jordan Pond. You’ll have to determine how hungry you’ll be at this point in your day to see if you need to pack a picnic or if you can hold off until you get to the Jordan Pond restaurant.
(Learn more about Jordan Pond below.)
If you did the Beehive Trail or Ocean Path, Sand Beach is located right off of the Sand Beach parking lot which is very convenient.
If you did the Precipice Trail, you can drive here from the trail and park in the lot.
NOTE: When visiting Acadia National Park with kids, bring an extra towel because they’re going to want to dip their toes in. And we all know that means they’re going to get soaked!
>> Read more about visiting Acadia National Park with kids in my complete guide here. <<
Thunder Hole
The tide rushes into the geological figure known as Thunder Hole
As you make your way south on Park Loop Road, take a few minutes to check out Thunder Hole as you continue along Park Loop Road.
I’d recommend walking down to the overlook area even if Thunder Hole isn’t at its most impressive.
Seeing how intensely the tides move in and out of the ledges and crevices of the rocky shore is fascinating in its own right.
There is parking on a small loop near the Thunder Hole entrance.
There’s only room for about 40 cars or so, and it does stay busy since this is a popular spot along Park Loop Road.
You’ll also find a small gift shop here with Thunder Hole themed items and restrooms.
If you miss this turn off, or if the parking area is full, you can find additional parking at the Gorham Mountain trailhead, just a bit further down Park Loop Road to the right.
Keep in mind that this part of Park Loop Road is one way, so if you miss both of those, you’ll have to do the entire loop again to get back to this spot.
Jordan Pond
Continue along Park Loop Road, enjoying the scenery and stopping as you’d like, until you get to Jordan Pond.
Jordan Pond is a lovely spot with lots of options for things to do.
The two most popular choices are walking the 3-mile Jordan Pond Loop Trail around the water and visiting Jordan Pond House.
Jordan Pond House is known for its afternoon tea and popovers.
>> Learn more about eating at Jordan Pond, including what’s on the menu and what to do if you can’t get reservations. <<
Afterward, I’d recommend doing the Bubbles Trail and Jordan Pond Loop.
South and North Bubble Trails
The views from both South Bubble and North Bubble are some of the best views you can find in Acadia National Park.
These two trails start from the same trailhead off of Park Loop Road.
South Bubble is the more famous of the two as it takes you to Bubble Rock, which is known for the way it perches precariously over the edge.
It looks like it should just topple off! Don’t forget to take a photo trying to push it over!
North Bubble is less crowded but has equally stunning views of Jordan Pond and the Cranberry Islands.
Overall, I found it easier than South Bubble, so keep that in mind if you want a more moderate trail for kids or beginning hikers.
Bar Harbor
End your day exploring Bar Harbor.
Stop into some of the shops, stroll along the Shore Path, or just walk the town.
There are plenty of places to get lobster rolls if that’s what you’re in town for, but they tend to be expensive here. In fact, most of the food in Bar Harbor is expensive.
The ice cream at Ben and Bill’s and CJ’s Big Dipper, two of the most popular places in town, had $10 ice cream cones, which was too much for us. I’m cheap, so I got a gallon from Hannford along with cones and sprinkles and ate back at our camper.
Bar Harbor also has some fantastic sit-down restaurants, which seemed more reasonable than the grab-and-go places.
Side Street Cafe on Rodick Street is tucked away from much of the hustle and bustle, but still close to the Village Green.
It’s the kind of place that locals frequent but unless you know it’s there you’d probably miss it!
For delicious American food with a fun and funky vibe, Route 66 Restaurant on Cottage Street was my kids’ favorite.
It’s in an old church and has been decorated with all sorts of vintage Americana. While you’re sipping milkshakes and eating pasta, seafood, and burgers, you can check out the incredible number of old signs, toys, baskets, and ephemera that’s everywhere, including hanging from the ceiling!
2-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
If you have two full days to spend in Acadia, follow the 1-day itinerary for your first day and then add these suggestions for your second day.
However, choose the day with the best weather to do Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. It should fit into your itinerary for either day.
Breakfast in Bar Harbor
Stop here for some delicious grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches
If you’re anything like me, I love going out for breakfast. Grab a bite at one of the many great eateries in town.
On our second day, we ended up running short on time due to the tide coming in (see the next suggestion) so we decided to grab something quick and eat it on the go.
We parked in town and then walked to the first cafe we found, which happened to be The Independent Cafe.
I ordered a chai latte with oat milk, which comes highly recommended. Ask the server to put a dash of turmeric in it for an added flavor burst.
I also had the Tippy Hippy, which was a tie-dye bagel with banana and peanut butter.
If you’re staying at our recommended campground, the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, or one of the other hotels and campgrounds outside of Bar Harbor, and you want something quick, stop by the Hulls Cove General Store on Eden Street north of Bar Harbor.
This unassuming general store is part of a Shell gas station, but it serves up incredible (and inexpensive) grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches and croissants each morning.
Bar Island
My daughter (not so patiently) waiting on low tide to hurry up
When the tide is low, you can walk across the land bridge and visit Bar Island.
The walk to the island is easy and fun, and if you have the time and energy, you can explore Bar Island and hike to a viewpoint to overlook Bar Harbor.
Or, you can just wander along the sand bar, looking in the tide pools and meandering along the rocks on the edge of the water.
The island is considered part of Acadia National Park and you are supposed to have a park pass on you in order to explore it.
Bring your park pass with you if you want to do more than just walk across the land bridge and back.
Also, keep an eye on the tide and make sure you are back to Bar Harbor before the land bridge is underwater.
If you get stuck on the island, you will have to wait until the next low tide starts 9 hours later. Play it safe and give yourself plenty of time to return.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse peeking out behind the trees above my kids
After you are finished in Bar Harbor, make your way to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
This lighthouse is in the southwest part of Mt Desert Island, which is less crowded than the eastern part of the island.
I’d suggest taking the drive from Bar Harbor along ME-233 W and then taking ME-102 S toward Echo Lake. Feel free to take your time and stop at anything that strikes your fancy.
When you get to the lighthouse, take a few minutes to wander around it, and then take the trail down to the rocks to get the iconic shot.
If you are set on seeing the lighthouse for sunset, then put this at the end of the day.
However, it is very difficult to secure a parking spot for sunset since the lot is so small and it’s incredibly popular.
Plan to arrive several hours before sundown if you want to have a chance, and be OK with the possibility of not getting in.
Carriage Roads
After spending some time at the lighthouse, continue along ME-102 to complete the loop around the western part of the island, and then spend your afternoon exploring one of the many carriage roads.
The carriage roads are a system of routes that were designed for biking and horseback riding in the park. They cover some of the most beautiful scenery in Acadia and no motorized vehicles are permitted.
Biking is the most popular way to explore these roads, but you can also hike, go horseback riding, or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the carriage roads, but we chose to go to Hulls Cove Visitor Center and walk the Witch Pond Road.
Most of these roads are great for people with strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility issues as the roads are gravel and aren’t too steep.
The first section of the road from Hull’s Cove Visitor Center is a bit steep, but after that, it levels out and isn’t too bad.
NOTE: The carriage roads typically close during the spring mud season, usually in March and April.
When you’re all tuckered out at the end of the day, grab dinner either in Bar Harbor or in one of the surrounding towns.
Lobster pounds are a popular restaurant type in Acadia, and are just restaurants that serve mostly lobster. If you have shellfish allergies like I do, they still have something non-lobster on the menu, even if it’s just soup or chicken fingers.
We ate at the Bar Harbor Lobster Pound, which was about halfway between Bar Harbor and where we camped at the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.
Their claim to fame is a bright blue lobster that’s kept in the front aquarium, which is a very rare mutation. The employees were super friendly, and told us all about the lobster. They also brought out a (non blue) lobster for my kids to look at and even hold!
The restaurant has some great food, too. We dined on everything from lobster to burgers, and it was all delicious.
It can get busy, but there’s plenty of seating outside and in. Linger after your meal and play some of the lawn games they have behind the restaurant.
3-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
I think that 3 days is a great amount of time to spend in Acadia National Park.
You get to see all the main highlights without feeling rushed and also have plenty of time for some great hikes.
Use the 2-day Acadia National Park itinerary for your first two days and then use the suggestions below to plan your third day.
NOTE: As with the two-day itinerary, check the weather ahead of time and plan to visit Cadillac Mountain at sunrise on the day with the best weather. Since 70% of the entry tickets are released 2 days ahead of time, you should be able to pick the best option and secure a ticket.
Schoodic Peninsula
Driving the scenic loop road around the Schoodic Peninsula
Today you’ll head over to an area that isn’t as well visited as Mt Desert Island, which is Schoodic Peninsula.
This area of the park is about an hour away from Bar Harbor but is definitely worth the drive.
Once you get to the peninsula, take Schoodic Loop Road and take the drive around the park, stopping at places along the way.
There are a couple of shorter hikes here that you can do if you’d like.
Alder Trail is a popular one that doesn’t take long to complete, and there’s also Schoodic Head Overlook, Buck Cove Mountain, and Sundew Trail.
Don’t miss Schoodic Point at the very tip of the peninsula. There are lots of rocks to scramble over and explore, and when the tide is low, you can peek in the tide pools and see if you can spot any wildlife, like periwinkles, sea stars, or anemones.
This would also make a great spot to rest and have either a snack or lunch.
Rockefeller Hall houses the Schoodic Institute.
On your way back from Schoodic Point, swing into the Schoodic Institute in Rockefeller Hall for a bit.
The institute is a research learning center where you can check out the welcome center and gift shop. The free hands-on education area is fantastic for kids, and including exhibits on Morse code, radar, World War II, animal calls, animals tracks, and nature-inspired art.
We lingered here for far longer than I thought we would, so keep that in mind if you have kids.
In the summer, they also offer public programs and events.
Boat Tours
Tour boats parked in Bar Harbor
There are lots of companies out of Bar Harbor and the surrounding areas that can take you on a variety of different boat tours.
Some of the most popular kinds are whale watching, sightseeing, sunset cruises, fishing trips, puffins and seabird watching, lighthouse viewing, sailing, and much more.
I’d recommend picking the one that interests you the most and doing this in the later afternoon.
Alternatively, you could schedule a boat tour in the morning and then do the Schoodic Peninsula in the afternoon depending on what is available and works best for you.
Some of the top companies in the area include Acadian Boat Tours, Bar Harbor Whale Watching, and Sail Acadia.
4+ Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
With four or more days in Acadia, there are plenty of additional places and activities you can do.
Isle Au Haut
This little island is the third and least visited section of Acadia National Park. You must take a passenger-only ferry from Stonington, ME to reach the island.
If this interests you, dedicate a whole day to this. You can find out more about this island, including how to get there and what to see, here.
Additional Hiking
My son walks along the Compass Harbor Trail towards the Oldfarm house foundation.
There are so many hiking routes in Acadia that you could spend several more days hitting the trails and still not do them all.
There are choices for all skill levels and desired lengths you’ll be sure to find some that work for you.
If you have extra time on a longer itinerary, add in one of the hikes from above that you didn’t get to do, or try hiking on the western side of Mount Desert Island, which isn’t covered in the other provided itineraries.
You can tackle the Beech Mountain Trail, the Acadia Mountain Trail or Mansell Mountain Trail, all of which are located on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island.
Another excellent but easier options is the Compass Harbor Trail on Main Street in Bar Harbor. This trail takes you along the property of the “Father of Acadia,” George Bucknam Dorr.
You can see the stone staircase that once led to his house, the house foundation, and remains of his swimming area. There’s a free audio tour to guide you on your way. Just look for the signs with QR codes on them along the path.
Additional Tours
With so many types of tours available on the water and on land, you could do a couple of different kinds and experience a lot more of the area.
Also, with certain whale-watching tour companies, if you don’t see whales, you can go back another time for free, so if you don’t see any the first day, you could pick another day to try your luck again.
Other great options for tours include:
Don’t forget to ask at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center or Schoodic Institute about the free ranger programs and talks available in the park.
We always try to add at least one or two of these in our itinerary if we can spare the time.
Kayaking
Kayakers in Frenchman’s Bay near Acadia National Park
Sea kayaking is also very popular in the Acadia area, so if this sounds like something you’d enjoy, you could book a kayaking tour.
These kayaking tours provide an amazing look at the park’s wildlife and geology from a new perspective as you paddle through the bays and coves around the park.
It’s a great alternative to hiking if you’ve already spend time on Acadia’a trails but still want to explore more of the beautiful outdoors here.
Beach Day
If the weather is warm, you could always enjoy a relaxing day at one of the beaches.
There are plenty to choose from depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re interested in being by the ocean, Sand Beach is the best options since you can bring a towel and lay out on it. The other beaches in the park, like Little Hunters Beach, are too rocky to enjoy within a raised. beach chair.
If you’d like to be by one of the ponds in the park, check out Echo Lake Beach.
This tends to be less crowded than Sand Beach, so head here if the parking is out of control at Sand Beach.
Easy Day Trips from Acadia National Park
If you’re staying in Bar Harbor and want to adventure out on any additional days you have allocated on your itinerary.
Bold Coast
For more incredible views of the Maine coast and fewer crowds than the park, consider traveling up the Bold Coast.
This stretch of coast runs from Acadia National Park all the way up to the Canadian border, about a 3-hour drive one way.
This is a beautiful drive and there are plenty of landmarks and hiking trails to experience.
Damariscotta, Maine
The ice cream is delicious at Round Top in Damariscotta!
Located 2.5 hours southwest of Bar Harbor, Damariscotta is a classic example of small town Maine.
The adorable downtown is filled with bookshops, boutiques, and cafes.
Stop for a meal with a vintage twist at the Waltz Soda Fountain, which has been serving up malts, floats, and other classic diner food in the same space since 1948.
NOTE: the Soda Fountain is only open during school breaks and the summertime as the local high schoolers are the core employees.
If you’re craving something sweet but Waltz’s isn’t open, head to the eastern side of town for Round Top Ice Cream.
This is another Damariscotta favorite, thanks to their more than 50 flavors and varied toppings. This ice cream shop has been around since 1924!
If you’re traveling to or from Acadia to Portland, this is a good place to stop. If you’re camping or would like a cabin nearby, I recommend the Duck Puddle Campground just outside of Damariscotta.
My parents, kids, and me at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Boothbay, Maine
Another adorable Maine town, Boothbay is just over 2.5 hours southwest of Bar Harbor.
You can stop by the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to hike along miles of trail, learn about native plant life, and find 5 of the Thomas Dambo trolls that were commissioned for this space.
(If you’re not familiar with the Dambo trolls, they’re made by a Danish artist who uses recycled and found materials in his work. We’ve also been to Rita the Rock Planter in Colorado and Mama Mimi in Wyoming.)
Boothbay Harbor has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Walk the Boothbay Harbor footbridge for a unique view of the bay and McFarland Island.
Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is best known for being the start/end of the Appalachian Trail.
Even if you’re not a thru hiker, it might be interesting to visit the peak of Mount Katahdin to see this famed area.
Keep in mind that this hike is very challenging, so only attempt it if you allow plenty of time, have the right gear, and are a more experienced hiker.
If you’re not interested in hiking to Mount Katahdin, exploring Baxter State Park is still worth a day of your time. There are many other beautiful (and easier) trails that wander past scenic ponds, overlooks, and foothills.
You might even see a moose while you’re there!
Desert of Maine
Encompassing 20 acres of rolling sand dunes, Desert of Maine is a great family-friendly destination.
There’s a self-guided tour that gives you the history and ecology of the desert as well as lots of interactive and fun exhibits for the kids.
They even have a mini-golf course and a campground.
Portland, Maine
If you’re interested in spending some time in a city, Portland will fit the bill.
The oceanside city has lots of great attractions, including Portland Head Lighthouse, the Arts District, Eastern Promenade, cruises and food tours, and much more.
The Maine Souvenir Shop in Old Port is a must visit. Everything in the store is created by a local artist, and there are so many cute and funky t-shirts, stickers, posters, and home goods.
We also loved seeing Bug Lighthouse in South Portland. It’s called Bug Lighthouse because it’s as small (and cute) as a bug.
You can walk the promenade here, or climb the stairs to the base of the tiny lighthouse.
Don’t forget to visit the free Liberty Ship Memorial in the park to learn about Portland’s sacrifices in World War II. Cushing’s Point Museum is also nearby; it’s free and shares fascinating information about Portland’s history.
While you’re in Portland, you can also take a sunset tour of Casco Bay, complete a self-guided walking tour, or get escorted through the city on a guided vintage bus tour.
Additional Tips for the Perfect Acadia National Park Visit
What to pack for your Acadia National Park itinerary
In order to make the most of your Acadia National Park itinerary, here are some things you should not forget:
National Park Pass
If you have the National Park Pass, make sure you don’t forget it! They come with a rearview mirror holder so you can hang it up and not have to dig around for it when you enter the park.
I believe you can also purchase a pass at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center if you don’t have one before coming to Acadia, but call to check on availability before arriving to confirm.
Camera
This is a given, but Acadia is so stunning, you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t have a good camera to capture all the beautiful views.
A good phone camera would work well for most landscapes, but if you want to try your hand at capturing some of the local birds and wildlife, you might want something with a zoom lens.
Binoculars
Is that a peregrine falcon? If you have binoculars, you won’t have to guess (unless you’re like me and don’t know anything about birds, in which case, you can just enjoy the view).
Hiking shoes & good socks
If you plan on doing any kind of hiking, I’d recommend hiking shoes or boots rather than sneakers. The socks you wear with your boots will also make a huge difference in how your feet feel. I like Cloudline wool socks, but there are lots of great brands out there.
Layers
Even though it’s up north and by the ocean, Acadia can get very hot in the summer, so you should make sure to pack a variety of clothing, including clothes you can layer. If you head out early or stay out late, it also might be a bit chilly and I’m sure you’d rather be prepared than be cold.
Water
More than likely, you’ll be out and about in the park all day and may not have quick access to a store. Plus you will want to stay hydrated with all the hiking and walking you will probably do.
While there are places that sell water, it will be much easier to just bring lots of it with you so you don’t have to worry about running out or changing your plans in order to go find some.
Hiking pack + the 10 essentials
While most of the trails in Acadia National Park are well-traveled and you’ll see people frequently, you still want to be prepared. Bring along a hiking backpack or something with good back support and keep it stocked with the 10 essentials for hiking and you’ll be set.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
Nothing can ruin a trip faster than sunburn, am I right? Acadia can be hot and sunny, so you’ll want to make sure you protect your skin and your eyes. A hat would be a good idea as well.
Bug spray
Certain parts of the park can get buggy, so just be prepared and carry some with you.
Walkie Talkies
Cell service can be spotty in the park, and if you are traveling in a group and want to split up when visiting some of the landmarks, walkie-talkies can be a great way to keep in touch with the others in your group.
Swimsuit & Towel
If you plan to swim in the ocean or any of the ponds or lakes, you’ll want to make sure you have a swimsuit and towel along.
Places to eat in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park only has one option for eating in the park: Jordan Pond House.
Otherwise, you’ll need to look for a restaurant on the park’s borders, of which there are many.
Bar Harbor has everything from brunch spots to ice cream parlors in the downtown area with lobster pounds and local seafood places just outside.
The further you get from Bar Harbor, the more affordable the seafood is, so don’t be afraid to hop in your rental car and explore.
Southwest Harbor on western Mount Desert Island is a small but cute town near the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. You’ll find a few restaurants here, including Bub’s Burritos, Harbor Table, and Cafe Dry Dock.
If you’re over in the Schoodic Peninsula, stop by the Wrinkled Pickle at the end of the Schoodic Loop Road. There are also several restaurants in nearby Winter Harbor.
Places to stay in Acadia National Park
Just like food choices, there are so many places to stay around Acadia National Park.
Inside the national park, there are two campgrounds on Mt Desert Island, one on Schoodic Peninsula, and one on Isle Au Haut.
You can find out more details about the campgrounds here. There are no other accommodation options available inside Acadia.
NOTE: No matter where you stay, make sure you plan ahead and book as soon as you can. Places can book up very quickly, especially in the summer.
However, there are lots of hotels, apartment rentals, RV, and camping options in Bar Harbor and the surrounding towns.
If you are bringing your camper, I highly recommend the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA. It’s less than a 15 minute drive to Bar Harbor and the Hulls Cove Visitors Center.
The campground does have an Island Explorer stop, which makes it very easy to get around if you don’t want to drive yourself.
You can also stay in their Airstream camper rentals or cute cabins as an alternative to traditional hotel rooms.
How to avoid crowds in Acadia National Park
Since Acadia receives about 4 million visitors a year, avoiding crowds can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions on how to reduce stress and experience a less-busy park:
Visit during the shoulder seasons
July, August, and October (during peak foliage) are the busiest months for Acadia National Park.
If you are looking for fewer people, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May, early June, September, or November.
Not everything is going to be open during these times, like some of the restaurants or the free park shuttle service, but you shouldn’t have a problem finding parking and the hiking trails won’t be so swamped.
If avoiding crowds is a high priority, come to Acadia during the shoulder seasons.
Arrive early and stay late
Getting into the park early in the morning before a lot of people get up is a great way to avoid the masses.
The only exception to this is Cadillac Mountain as this is very busy every sunrisde, even in the off-season.
If you are an early bird, plan to be in the park around sunrise and get a lot of the popular spots to yourself before everyone else leaves their hotel.
The same works if you want to be out late.
Right around dinnertime, a lot of tourists will head out of the park and into Bar Harbor and the other towns to get dinner.
If you want a quieter experience, pack your dinner and experience the park later in the evening and even into nightfall.
Consider exploring less popular areas
Park Loop Road and all the attractions around that section of the park are going to be the busiest areas of Acadia.
This is where the most popular hiking trails are as well as Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond.
If you venture out a little further, you can escape a lot of the crowds. The Schoodic Peninsula doesn’t get as many visitors since it takes a bit more effort to reach it, and the same goes for Isle Au Haut, which is at least a full-day trip from Bar Harbor.
You can also venture out to some of the least-popular hiking trails, such as Hunters Beach Trail, Day Mountain Trail, and Beech Mountain Trail if you want to avoid the masses at the most popular spots.
Use the Island Explorer Shuttle
If you do end up visiting during peak season, cut down on the stress of driving and parking in the overcrowded park by using the free Island Explorer Shuttle to get around Acadia.
This shuttle goes to just about every section of Mt Desert Island as well as the communities north of the park, including the local airport, and there’s also a shuttle on Schoodic Peninsula so you can explore that area of the park as well.
During the summer season, the buses arrive about every 20 minutes, and you’ll never have to stress about not being able to do your itinerary plans because the parking lots are full.
Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Acadia National Park Itinerary
Acadia National Park is one of our favorite national parks on the East Coast, and my kids frequently ask to go back.
There’s just something magical about the winding back roads, foggy mornings, craggy coastline, and great hiking.
No matter how long you have to spend on your Acadia National Park itinerary, you’re going to have a great time.
Hit the highlights, but be sure to leave some time to explore a hidden trail, cute shop, or pretty stretch of coastline, too!
