A Beginner’s Guide to Acadia National Park in Maine

Waves crash against the rugged coastline beneath a charming lighthouse, while seabirds soar and dive above. Ancient mountains loom over the indented shore, shaped by time and cloaked in deep forests that occasionally reveal serene ponds or moose grazing in wildflower meadows. At higher altitudes, the greenery thins, exposing patches of ancient granite and sweeping vistas.

Welcome to Acadia National Park, a breathtaking convergence of land and sea, the jewel of Maine and one of the most picturesque coastal destinations along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Spanning nearly 50,000 acres across four sections, each with its unique charm, the heart of Acadia is Mount Desert Island, shaped like a lobster claw and linked to the mainland by a two-lane causeway south of Ellsworth. While many visitors flock to the eastern side, home to the park’s most famous sights, the west side, known as the Quiet Side, offers equally stunning views with fewer crowds. Beyond its natural beauty, Acadia also invites exploration of its cultural heritage, showcasing the living traditions of the indigenous Wabanaki people and the history of settlers who thrived in farming, fishing, and lobstering.

To the south of Mount Desert Island are the Cranberry Isles, featuring a few historic sites managed by the National Park Service, accessible via boat tours. Further offshore, southwest, lies Isle au Haut, partially part of the national park with very limited services. The only mainland section of Acadia can be found east of Mount Desert Island at the serene Schoodic Peninsula, which is reachable by road or passenger ferry from Bar Harbor, the main town on Mount Desert Island.

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?

For full access to Acadia's attractions, plan your visit between May and mid-October. However, if you're looking for tranquility, the off-season offers that peace. Summer, from June to August, is the peak season. September usually brings pleasant weather and stunning foliage as autumn sets in. Fall colors typically reach their peak in mid-October, coinciding with the arrival of the first frost and an influx of leaf peepers. If you're there during the summer's long days, aim to start your adventures early, arriving at popular spots by 9am or 10am to avoid the crowds.

While Acadia is accessible year-round, many roads and attractions close during the winter months. Snow can fall from November to as late as April, with winter temperatures often plummeting well below freezing. Services are limited in the off-season, and the Park Loop Road and most paved roads are closed from December 1 to April 14. However, the park's 45 miles of carriage roads, reserved for non-motorized traffic, remain open throughout the year and are favored by cross-country skiers and snowshoers in winter.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to Acadia National Park?

With a full day at Acadia, you can drive the Park Loop Road, taking breaks for walks and scenic views along the way, and also ascend Cadillac Mountain, ideally catching the sunrise or sunset (reservations are recommended). To fully experience Mount Desert Island, plan for at least another day to explore the quieter west side or embark on a longer hike or bike ride.

With three to four days, you can thoroughly explore Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and possibly take a boat trip to the remote Isle au Haut or the historic Cranberry Isles. If you're a dedicated hiker or cyclist, you could easily spend a week in Acadia, discovering endless scenic trails and roads. Experienced kayakers will also find plenty of picturesque coves and inlets to paddle.

Is it easy to navigate in and around Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is situated in Downeast Maine, closer to Canada than to other U.S. states. By car, it takes about three hours from Portland, Maine's largest city, and roughly four-and-a-half to five hours from Boston, Massachusetts. There are direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located 10 miles from Acadia, along with flights from many other U.S. cities to Bangor International Airport, about an hour away.

Once you're in Acadia, you can easily get around without a car using the free Island Explorer buses, which service various routes throughout the Mount Desert Island section of the park (except Cadillac Mountain Road) and the Schoodic Peninsula, accessible by passenger ferry from Bar Harbor. While the buses are free, visitors still need a valid park entrance pass. For those who prefer cycling, rentals, including e-bikes, are available in the park, Bar Harbor, and Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. The most remote area, Isle au Haut, is reachable only by passenger ferry. Boat tours also visit Baker Island and the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island, both managed by the National Park Service.

Must-see attractions in Acadia National Park

Discover the sights along the Park Loop Road

The 27-mile loop road through the southeastern section of Mount Desert Island is the essence of Acadia National Park, accessible by car, bicycle, or the free Island Explorer bus. The journey begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and follows a mostly one-way route in a clockwise direction. At Sieur de Monts Spring, take a stroll through the Wild Gardens of Acadia, showcasing mini-ecosystems of the park's 12 native habitat types. Along the south coast, don't miss the charmingly named Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, a narrow channel in the rocky shoreline where crashing waves can erupt skyward with a booming sound under the right conditions.

Continuing along the route, you'll encounter more breathtaking coastal views before the Park Loop Rd veers inland to two beautiful lakes, Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, which can both be walked around. Recommended hikes in the Jordan Pond region include trails to Sargent Mountain and Pemetic Mountain, both offering spectacular vistas as a reward for your efforts. Since the Park Loop Rd is quite popular, it's advisable to start your journey early in the morning or late in the afternoon during peak season to beat the crowds.

Experience the sunrise (or sunset) from Cadillac Mountain's summit

At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain stands as Acadia's tallest peak, making its rocky summit one of the park's most sought-after panoramic viewpoints. Known as the first place in the US to witness the sunrise, this claim is technically accurate only between October 7 and March 6. Nevertheless, visitors flock to the summit year-round to bask in the early morning light. To manage traffic on the three-mile road leading to the summit, the National Park Service has introduced a reservation system, so if you plan to catch the dawn view, make sure to secure a time slot in the online booking portal as soon as reservations open for your chosen date.

While the sunrise is the main attraction, Cadillac Mountain's 360-degree vistas also make it an excellent spot for sunset watching. If you miss out on a sunrise reservation or prefer not to rise early, catching the sun's last light from the summit is a fantastic option. You'll still need a reservation to drive up, but since there's no time limit for your stay at the top, you can book an earlier slot and enjoy a leisurely hike while waiting for the day to end. Alternatively, you can hike up and down Cadillac without a reservation via the moderate 2.2-mile Cadillac North Ridge Trail or other paths to the summit, but be sure to bring a headlamp if you're hiking before dawn or after sunset.

Stroll or cycle along the historic carriage roads

One of the distinctive features of Mount Desert Island is its 57 miles of car-free carriage roads (45 miles within the national park), a gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. He envisioned a way to explore the park without the disturbance of motorized vehicles. Constructed from crushed stone between 1913 and 1940, these carriage roads wind through Acadia, crossing charming stone bridges and skirting lakes, ponds, forests, and valleys nestled among ancient mountains. Walking or biking along these paths offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the landscape at a leisurely pace. You can rent both traditional and e-bikes in Bar Harbor and Seal Harbor. For a nostalgic experience, horse-drawn carriage tours are available through Wildwood Stables, located just off the Park Loop Rd near Jordan Pond.

Discover Acadia’s Quiet Side

While many visitors stick to the Park Loop Rd on Mount Desert Island’s eastern side, the western part—known locally as the Quiet Side—boasts just as much natural beauty and recreational opportunities. However, don’t rush over from Bar Harbor or take the inland Rte 3 route. Instead, head to Northeast Harbor (where the Asticou Azalea Garden provides a lovely stop), then take Sargent Dr north to soak in the sweeping views of the glacially carved Somes Sound, which divides the island into two sections while leaving only the northernmost part connected. If you want to get closer to this stunning waterway, consider booking a paddling trip with Southwest Harbor Kayak Tours.

On the opposite side of Somes Sound, Echo Lake offers a charming freshwater beach—one of the few swimming spots within the national park. Hiking one of the area's many scenic trails is a perfect way to work up a sweat before taking a refreshing dip. East of the lake, the Acadia Mountain Trail provides a moderate hike with stunning views of Somes Sound, while further west, a series of more challenging trails known as the Western Mountain Loop reward adventurous hikers with breathtaking vistas.

Discover the unspoiled beauty of Schoodic Peninsula

While many visitors to Acadia focus solely on Mount Desert Island, those who venture to the Schoodic Peninsula—by car or passenger ferry—will find equally breathtaking landscapes without the crowds. The National Park Service intentionally maintains Schoodic's charm by keeping it less developed than its counterpart. A six-mile one-way loop road encircles the peninsula, perfect for exploration by car, bike, or the complimentary Island Explorer bus.

In addition to its serenity and fewer visitors, the Schoodic Peninsula features a striking rocky coastline with spectacular views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, two lighthouses, and numerous forested islands. Abundant hiking trails and scenic picnic areas provide ample opportunities to explore the area's tide pools.

What I love most about Acadia National Park

The vistas of Acadia are breathtaking, but the skies hold equal charm for me. While Cadillac Mountain often steals the spotlight for sunrise and sunset views, I find just as much joy at sea level, watching the sun dip below the ocean from spots like Bass Harbor Lighthouse or Schoodic Point, as well as countless other coastal locations with clear west-facing vistas. Once night falls, Acadia’s skies shine brilliantly, untainted by light pollution. On clear evenings, I love laying out a blanket in an open space, gazing up at the countless stars illuminating the night sky.

What’s the cost for visiting Acadia National Park?

Visitors aged 16 and older need a park pass year-round, costing $35 for a private vehicle or $20 per person without a car, both valid for seven days. If you plan to visit other national parks or federally managed sites that charge fees, consider the America the Beautiful pass, priced at $80 for a year, which covers one vehicle or four individuals at sites with per-person charges.

To drive the three-mile route to Cadillac Mountain’s summit from late May to late October, you must secure a reservation in advance through Recreation.gov. Be sure to print or save a screenshot of the QR confirmation code on your phone ahead of time, as it will be required upon arrival. Note that the Island Explorer bus does not service Cadillac Summit Rd.

Acadia offers a variety of activities, accommodations, and dining options to fit most budgets, but due to its popularity, planning ahead is crucial if you're visiting during peak season.

• Tent camping at the park: $30

• Passenger ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor (Schoodic Peninsula): $20

• Enjoying afternoon tea and popovers at Jordan Pond House: $13

• Maine lobster roll at local eateries: $30–40

• Full-day e-bike rental in the park: $115

• Hotel or motel room for two in Bar Harbor: $100–400 per night

• Self-catering vacation rental on Mount Desert Island: $150–450 per night

What are my lodging options near Acadia National Park?

The national park offers campgrounds for tents and RVs at Blackwoods and Seawall on Mount Desert Island, as well as Schoodic Woods on the Schoodic Peninsula. These campgrounds are open from May to October and must be booked through Recreation.gov up to two months in advance. For hotel accommodations, Bar Harbor features a wide range, from upscale waterfront options like the Bar Harbor Inn and Balance Rock Inn to more budget-friendly choices such as the cozy Highbrook Motel. On the outskirts of Bar Harbor, Salt Cottages offers charming studio, one-, and two-bedroom units with ocean views and outdoor seating.

For a quieter stay, consider accommodations in Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, including favorites like the Claremont Hotel by Somes Sound. Besides hotels, you'll find privately run campgrounds, yurts, and vacation rentals throughout the park's surrounding area.

What amenities are offered in Acadia National Park?

The Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Rte 3 in Bar Harbor is the primary gateway for many visitors to Acadia National Park and serves as a transportation hub for the Island Explorer bus network that connects various park areas.

The only dining option within the park is at Jordan Pond House, located along the southwestern section of the Park Loop Road, famous for its tea and popovers (akin to Yorkshire pudding). However, parking can be tricky during peak times, and the restaurant often faces challenges with seating and service. Luckily, Bar Harbor boasts numerous excellent eateries, such as McKay’s Public House, Side Street Café, and Rosalie’s Pizza, perfect for lunch or after a long day of hiking or exploring the park.

On the more tranquil west side of Mount Desert Island, Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor and Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bass Harbor are fantastic spots for indulging in delicious Maine lobster, crab rolls, chowder, and other fresh seafood, along with salads, burgers, and sandwiches.