Acadia National Park Itinerary: 3 Days in Bar Harbor & Acadia

This 3-day Acadia National Park itinerary includes iconic sights, hidden gems, and hikes for all ages in Maine’s celebrated national park. Plus, we’re sharing insider tips and things to do in nearby Bar Harbor.

Situated on Maine’s Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park has long been on our bucket list. Distinguished by rocky beaches, granite peaks, and windswept woodlands, this northeast gem is well worth a visit.

With easily accessible viewpoints as well as heart-thumping hikes, this is a great national park for people of all ages. 

Our personal experience: We visited with my parents, who are retired, as well as our daughter, who was 10 months old at the time, and we all had a wonderful experience.

Plus, the cute town of Bar Harbor just outside the park boundaries has restaurants, shops, hotels, and all the creature comforts you’ll need, thus making it a great base for a mix of adventure and relaxation.

We visited Acadia as part of a longer New England fall road trip, and when we arrived in mid-October, the foliage was just after its peak. Spoiler alert: It was still stunning!

We’ve compiled all our research and on-the-ground exploring to create a 3-day Acadia National Park itinerary that brings you to the park’s most iconic sights as well as to several hidden gems. This guide will walk you through how to best spend your time in Acadia. 

We’re also including lots of tips on what to do in Bar Harbor, as you’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time there as well. And if you know anything about us, you know there will be lots of food recommendations in here because, well, we’re obsessed! 

Hint: Don’t miss the little-known seafood shack where we got the 2nd best lobster roll of our lives!

Acadia National Park Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your Acadia National Park itinerary, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• Acadia National Park overview
• How many days do you need
• Itinerary overview
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
• Itinerary map
• Extra time in Acadia National Park
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• How to get around
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• What to pack

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Acadia National Park overview

• Open: Year-round with partial seasonal closures
  • Paved roads (including Park Loop Road): open April 15 – December 1
  • Unpaved roads: open May 15 – November 15
  • Some services unavailable in the off-season – see park website for details
• Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle, $30/motorcycle, $20/hiking & biking, or free with your America the Beautiful Pass
• Wildlife: Deer, coyotes, foxes, river otters, beavers, and bald eagles are some of the common species within the park, while moose, black bears, and seals are also present, though less common
• Established: January 19, 1929
• Ancestral Lands: Pαnawάhpskewi (Anglicized as “Penobscot”)
• Area: 35,332 acres (143 km²) owned by the National Park Service + 12,416 acres (50.25 km²) of privately owned lands managed by the NPS

Did you know? Acadia was the first National Park to be established using private lands that had been gifted for public use for conservation. 

Acadia National Park highlights

• Drive up Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the east coast of the United States.
• Indulge in fresh seafood.
• Wander the streets of the touristy-but-cute town of Bar Harbor, and shop or eat to your heart’s desire.
• Try a famous popover at the Jordan Pond House.
• Work up a sweat on one of the park’s many hikes. (Keep reading for our top recs!)

Is Acadia National Park crowded?

We love traveling to national parks and learning the history, seeing the iconic sights, and getting off the tourist trail when possible.

There is no backcountry camping in Acadia National Park, so getting off the beaten path felt a bit harder here than at some of our favorite national parks out west, like Grand Tetons, Glacier, Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic. 

That said, outside of a few of the most famous spots (e.g. Jordan Pond House and the Beehive Trail), it never felt crazy busy, which is something we’ve experienced at many other national parks.

Personally, we felt the most crowded area was Bar Harbor, as most people visiting spend at least a night or two there, making it a busy place each evening and morning.

How many days do you need in Acadia National Park?

We think you should spend at least 2-3 days in Acadia National Park in order to see the top sights and do some hiking.

If you only have 2 days, you could cut the last day of this 3-day itinerary, which focuses more on Bar Harbor.

Or, if you have even more time, jump here for ideas for more hikes and fun things to do in the area!

How long does it take to do the Acadia National Park Loop?

The loop is 27 miles and there are a number of stops along the way that you won’t want to miss. We recommend budgeting at least 3-4 hours for the Park Loop.

Acadia National Park itinerary overview

• Day 1: Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond
• Day 2: Beehive Hike and Park Loop Road
• Day 3: Explore Bar Harbor and Sunset Cruise

Day 1

Before you head out your first day in Acadia National Park, pick up a boxed lunch from Downeast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co in Bar Harbor. They open at 8 a.m. daily during the summer months, but if you call ahead they can have a boxed lunch ready for pickup at 7 a.m.

Boxed lunches come with a sandwich (they have tons of options) as well as chips, a cookie, and water. Though they advertise lobster rolls, we wouldn’t recommend it for a boxed lunch as they don’t travel super well. Don’t worry, you’ll have more opportunities to feast on lobster later!

Tip: We love this collapsible cooler for picnics!

Morning:

• Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain
• Hike the South Bubble

Afternoon/Evening:

• Try the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House
• Walk the Carriage Roads south of Jordan Pond
• Snap a photo of Stanley Brook Bridge
• Wander the Asticou Azalea Garden
• Drive back to Bar Harbor for dinner

Cadillac Mountain

Driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain is one of the top things to do in Acadia National Park, and it’s easy to see why – the panoramic views from the park’s highest peak are undeniably stunning.

At the top you’ll also find a short, easy walking trail where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

But before you hop in your car, there are some important things to know about visiting the Cadillac Summit.

The 3.5-mile road is narrow and winding, so the maximum vehicle length allowed is 21 feet. Larger RVs, motorhomes, and trailers are not allowed, but we had no issues driving it in our campervan.

If you are visiting from May 22 through October 27, you need a vehicle reservation in order to drive this road.

• Cost: $6 per vehicle
• Availability: 30% of reservations are available 90 days before each date. The remaining 70% are released 2 days before the travel date at 10 a.m. EST.
• Make a reservation

Tips for visiting Cadillac Summit Road

1. Print or save a copy of the QR code for your reservation, because cell service and internet can be spotty in the park.
2. Show up within your 30-minute entry window. There are no refunds for late arrivals or missed reservations. 
3. Sunrise is a popular time to visit and reservations sell out within minutes (even faster in the fall). If you book a sunrise visit, then you’ll have a 90-minute entry window. We recommend arriving at least an hour before sunrise.

South Bubble Hike

• Distance: 1.2 miles 
• Elevation gain: 301 feet
• Type of trail: out and back
• Difficulty: moderate
• View trail notes

When you’re looking at Jordan Pond from the south, you can see two round hills in the distance. These are known as “the bubbles”, and they are both popular places to hike. 

Beginning on the Bubble Divide Trail, the path eventually forks to the north and south. Know that there is very limited parking at the trailhead, so try to get here early.

The South Bubble trail takes about 40-60 minutes. This is where you’ll see “Bubble Rock”, a big boulder balancing precariously, making a cool photo op.

If you also want to do the North Bubble, it will add another 0.5 miles and 10-20 minutes to your hike. The summit has a nice view of the lake.

Jordan Pond House

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 15 – October 19 (open til 9 p.m. June 13 – September 1)
• Google Maps location
• Make a reservation

This historic restaurant is known for their popovers – light, buttery pastries, similar to Yorkshire pudding.

Individual popovers are $4.75 each, served with butter and jam. You can also order a set that comes with 2 popovers and your choice of beverage: tea or coffee ($13), specialty beverages, like blueberry lemonade ($15), or Prosecco ($20).

It does get busy, so expect a wait or make reservations in advance. If you need to wait, don’t worry too much because there’s lots to do and see nearby. Put your name in and head down to the pond to do a little walking while you wait. 

Carriage Roads

Historic paths known as carriage roads weave throughout Acadia National Park for 45 miles. These roads are closed to motor traffic and instead are used by pedestrians, cyclists, and horses (both riding and carriages).

While some of the carriage roads can get very busy, others are quiet and peaceful. There are a few old houses and stone bridges to see along the trails.

Good to know: While Park Loop and other motorways close for the off-season, some of the carriage roads remain open throughout the winter for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Stanley Brook Bridge

Built in 1933, this historic bridge is well worth a quick photo stop. Its dark stone arches are particularly picturesque in the fall under a canopy of red maple leaves.

• Google Maps location

Asticou Azalea Garden

• Cost: Free to enter, donations accepted
• Hours: Dawn to dusk, May 1 – October 31
• Google Maps location

This hidden gem is a nice place for a walk and is more peaceful than some of the other, more crowded stops.

The garden is beautiful throughout the season, but late May through June is the time to visit to see the azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom.

Dinner in Bar Harbor

Head back into town and check out one of these top-recommended restaurants for dinner.

• Project Social Kitchen & Bar: great spot for cocktails and tapas with cute garden seating
  • Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday
  • No reservations, may need to wait for a table if it’s busy
  • Dinner recommendations: scallops, lobster crepe, crab cakes, seafood chowder
• Havana: one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor with a unique menu and excellent food
  • Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily
  • Reservations recommended, book here
  • Dinner recommendations: seafood paella & lobster moqueca
• Side Street Cafe: one of the more popular restaurants in the area, serving a variety of seafood and American dishes
  • Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (restaurant); 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (bar)
  • Our honest opinion: We saw this recommended everywhere and thought the food was average, but it could be a good option if you want lots of menu items to choose from. They also have live music every night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
• The Barnacle: perfect place to enjoy fresh oysters at the bar
  • Hours: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily
  • No reservations

Day 2

You’ll want to get an early start on Day 2 of this 3-day Acadia National Park itinerary in order to get ahead of the crowds on Park Loop Road.

Morning:

• Head out on the famous Park Loop Road
• Hike the Beehive Loop Trail
• Explore the scenic coast from Sand Beach to Seal Harbor

Lunch: Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound

Afternoon/Evening:

• Hike the Wonderland Trail
• Choose between a local brewery or cocktails at a tapas bar

Park Loop Road

This 27-mile loop is the primary route connecting major points of interest in the eastern portion of Acadia National Park. This scenic drive offers stunning mountain, lake, coastal, and woodland landscapes, as well as access to viewpoints, hiking trails, beaches, and other attractions.

The road is one-way only in a clockwise direction around the loop. It gets very busy and traffic can get backed up, so it’s best to get ahead of the crowds with an early start.

Once you’re on Park Loop Road, make your way to the parking lot at Ocean Path Trailhead.

How to access Park Loop Road from Bar Harbor

• Hulls Cove Visitor Center: This is the “official route” suggested by the National Park Service. From the visitor center, follow Paradise Hill Road south to Park Loop Road.
  • Alternative: Unless you specifically want to see the visitor center, you can skip this part and head straight to the Paradise Hill Road entrance here.
• Kebo Street entrance
• Great Meadow Drive entrance: access via Ledgelawn Avenue or Cromwell Harbor Drive
• Sieur de Monts Road entrance: access via Main Street/Route 3

Important note: Most of the loop is closed from December 2 to April 14. There are two sections that may remain open year-round:

1. Coastal drive from Schooner Head Road to Otter Cliff Road (access via Schooner Head Road)
2. Seal Harbor to Jordan Pond (access via Jordan Pond Road by way of Route 3)

Tip: Check alerts for road closures before you make any plans.

Beehive Trail 

• Distance: 1.5 miles 
• Elevation gain: 508 feet
• Type of trail: loop
• Difficulty: hard
• View trail notes

This was our favorite hike in Acadia National Park!

It isn’t exactly for the faint of heart, since there’s a bit of elevation gain and some cliffside ladders you’ll have to climb. But it is quite the adventure and rewards hikers with what we think are the best views in the park.

We hiked it with our daughter sleeping in a baby carrier and did just fine, so most people who enjoy hiking shouldn’t have too much of a problem. We recommend giving yourself at least 2 hours for the loop, as there can be delays around the ladder section.

Here are some important things to know before hiking the Beehive Trail:

1. You can only hike the loop in a counterclockwise direction. (This is for safety purposes on the ladder section.)
   • Tip: Make sure you stop at the viewpoints on your way up (there are some good ones!), because you won’t be able to backtrack to them.
2. Things can get pretty backed up around the ladder section, since it’s a slow-going portion of the trail. Be sure to pack your patience, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.
3. It gets crowded and windy at the top, but the views are great. Bring layers!
4. While there is a shortcut that bypasses The Bowl (a lake) and many people choose to skip it, we’d highly recommend making sure you get there. It’s much more peaceful than the summit, less windy, and a perfect spot to enjoy a snack.

Optional: Continue hiking up Gorham Mountain, then walk the Ocean Path back to your car. This adds an extra 2 miles and 1-1.5 hours to your hike.

Sand Beach to Seal Harbor

Park Loop Road hugs the coastline for nearly 5 miles between Sand Beach and Hunters Beach, offering breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

This coastal route has a handful of worthwhile stops. You may not have time for all of them, so read the descriptions below and make a note of the ones you’d most like to see.

• Sand Beach: very popular beach for lounging and swimming (can get really crowded); marks the start of the Ocean Path
• Sand Beach Overlook: viewpoint looking down on the beach from the Ocean Path
• Thunder Hole: natural attraction where waves crash deafeningly against the cliffs as the tide comes in; NPS recommends arriving 1-2 hours before high tide for the best chance of hearing the infamous “thunder” (check the tide chart here)
• Otter Cliff Overlook: scenic viewpoint with limited parking
• Otter Point Overlook: viewpoint at the southern tip of a small peninsula; marks the end of the Ocean Path
  • If sunrise is fully booked at Cadillac Mountain during your visit, this is a great alternative to watch the sun come up (and much less crowded)

If you have more time:

• Little Hunters Beach: hidden gem with a small pebble beach; no designated parking and very limited pullout space
• Hunters Beach: quiet, rocky beach that is easy to miss since there’s no vehicle access coming from the Park Loop; park on the road (if safe) and access beach via a short hike through the woods
• Seal Harbor Beach: sandy beach in a sheltered harbor; not as picturesque as Sand Beach, but less busy

There are a few different options for getting around in this area, depending on how much time you have (and how tired you are after the Beehive Hike!).

1. Walk from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole and back via the Ocean Path (18 minutes each way), then drive to the rest of the stops.
2. Walk the entire Ocean Path and back (1.9 miles and about 45 minutes each way, not including stopping time).
3. Drive the entire route and stop if parking is available at each site.

Note: If you add the optional Gorham Mountain hike mentioned above, then you’ll come out at the trailhead here, passing Thunder Hole and Sand Beach Overlook on the walk back to your car. Stop on your walk so you can drive past instead of trying to find parking.

Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound

I seem to recall promising you a lobster roll…

Conveniently located right along Seawall Road, Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound is the perfect place to satisfy your crustacean cravings. Order a lobster roll, fried scallops, and blueberry pie for a late lunch.

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily

Wonderland Trail

• Distance: 1.3 miles 
• Elevation gain: 78 feet
• Type of trail: out and back
• Difficulty: easy
• View trail notes

The Wonderland Trail is a flat, easy walking path that only takes about 30 minutes to complete. 

The path leads through the forest to the end of a small peninsula with views of rocky beaches and tidepools. It’s a nice little walk and less crowded than some of the other trails in Acadia.

There’s a very small parking area, but most people will need to park along Seawall Road.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Acadia National Park. 

Built in 1858, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station perches at the edge of a rugged sea cliff at the southernmost tip of Mount Desert Island. Though closed to the public, it makes a worthwhile stop for views and photos.

There’s a paved walkway leading out to the lighthouse, as well as a short trail to a viewpoint. Roadside parking here is not allowed and spaces in the lot are limited. Sunset is a popular time to visit so expect traffic.

Echo Lake Beach

Echo Lake is located in the western half of Mount Desert Island, nestled between Acadia Mountain and the high, sheer faces of the Beech Mountain Cliffs.

In the summer months, the wide, sandy beach and warmer-than-the-Atlantic water temperatures make this a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. But autumn is arguably the most picturesque, with the blue lake reflecting the colors of the surrounding trees.

• Google Maps location

Fogtown Brewery

This intimate brewery in downtown Bar Harbor has a pretty good variety of beers and an almost cafe-style atmosphere.

Our experience: We tried both Fogtown and Atlantic Brewing. While both are good options, we personally liked the beer at Fogtown better.

• Hours: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily
• Google Maps location

Alternative: Tapas & cocktails

If beer isn’t really your thing, then head to Project Social Kitchen & Bar for handcrafted cocktails and tasty tapas in a beautiful outdoor setting.

During Happy Hour (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.), specialty cocktails and craft beer taps are $2 off and there are some bar snacks available for just $7.

If you decide to post up here for dinner (don’t blame you!), we recommend the scallops, lobster crepe, crab cakes, and seafood chowder.

• Hours: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., closed Sundays
• Google Maps location

Day 3

On the final day of this itinerary, you can choose to slow down for a relaxing morning, or drive out to Schoodic Point before returning to Bar Harbor for a sunset cruise.

Morning:

• Fill up on blueberry pancakes in Bar Harbor
• Wander the Wild Gardens of Acadia
• Walk the Jesup and Hemlock Loop
• Drive to Schoodic Point, or relax and enjoy Bar Harbor

Lunch: Bar Harbor Lobster Pound

Afternoon/Evening:

• Shop for souvenirs in Bar Harbor
• Grab dinner to-go
• Set sail on a sunset schooner cruise

Blueberry pancakes at Cafe This Way

This cozy breakfast spot in Bar Harbor opens at 6:30 a.m., making it a great option if you’re an earlier riser. There is usually a line to get in, but it moves quickly.

They’re best known for their blueberry pancakes, which are thinner and crispier than your typical pancake, but very good. We split both the pancakes and the breakfast burrito, and it was an excellent combo.

• Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily, May to October
• Google Maps location

Wild Gardens of Acadia

The Wild Gardens of Acadia comprise a network of easy walking paths through 13 different habitats: beach, bird thicket, bog, brookside, coniferous forest, heath, marsh, meadow, mixed woods, mountain, pine upland, pond, and roadside.

Each habitat is curated with its respective native plant species, creating a microcosm of Mount Desert Island.

• Hours: morning to dusk; closed during off-season
• Google Maps location

Jesup and Hemlock Path Loop

• Distance: 1.7 miles 
• Elevation gain: 42 feet
• Type of trail: loop
• Difficulty: easy
• View trail notes

Starting from the Wild Gardens of Acadia, this easy walking path only takes around half an hour to complete. Gravel paths and boardwalks pass through wetlands and mixed forests that are home to barred owls, turtles, deer, and other wildlife.

Schoodic Point 

The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland, about 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Bar Harbor.

The point offers panoramic views on a clear day, with Mount Desert Island looming across the Narrows and the Atlantic breaking majestically against the granite cliffs of the peninsula.

This area is less developed than the rest of the park, giving it a more remote and rugged atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like a long drive or you want something more relaxing, then stick around and check out these ideas for more fun things to do in Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor Lobster Pound

Stop here for lunch on your way back from Schoodic Point (otherwise, if you opted to hang out in Bar Harbor, it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown).

Picnic tables in the woods with fairy lights and lawn games give this spot a really cool atmosphere, and the food is excellent. We recommend the lobster tacos and lobster nachos – because you can’t get those just anywhere!

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
• Google Maps location

Either stay and get the blueberry pie for dessert, or head next door to Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat for blueberry ice cream in a homemade waffle cone (or both!). Note: Udder Heaven doesn’t open until 2 p.m. and closes mid-September for the season.

Souvenir shopping in Bar Harbor

Grab a coffee to go and stroll around downtown Bar Harbor. Search the shops on Main Street and Cottage Street for the perfect souvenir, ranging from the standard t-shirts and keychains to clothing boutiques and artisanal shops selling local handicrafts.

Sunset schooner sail

• Hours: Daily sails mid-May through October; departure times vary according to the sunset
• Cost: $55 per person – same price for all ages
• Google Maps location
• Book your tour

Celebrate your last night in Bar Harbor with a sunset cruise aboard the 4-masted Margaret Todd windjammer schooner.

First, pick up some dinner to go from Downeast Deli and Boxed Lunch Co. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and you’ll be able to buy beer and wine on board.

The length of the sail can be anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on the time of year. On a clear evening, you’ll have views of Bar Harbor and the Acadia coastline, as well as a chance of seeing seals and porpoises, all while enjoying live folk music.

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor itinerary map

Click on the map above to be taken to the interactive version in Google Maps and have this itinerary at your fingertips.

Extra time in Acadia National Park

Have more than 3 days to spend in Acadia National Park? Don’t worry – you certainly won’t be bored! There are so many hikes and scenic viewpoints in Acadia that we didn’t even get to do everything we wanted to during our first visit. Here are some ideas that are on our list for next time:

• Jordan Cliffs Loop: challenging hike with exposed ledges, scrambling, and iron rungs, rewarded with 2 mountain summits and views over Jordan Pond
• Precipice Loop: steep, strenuous climb to the peak of Champlain Mountain with exposed cliffs, iron rungs, and ladder sections
• Beech Cliff Trail: ladders and granite stairs climb the steep cliffs above Echo Lake to spectacular views
• Echo Lake: go kayaking, have a beach day, or just stop for a dip after hiking the Beech Cliff Trail
• Deer Brook Bridge: stop for a photo of this picturesque 1925 carriage road bridge
• Gorge Path: narrow, rocky gorge between 2 mountains with some little streams and cascades
• Schoodic Head: nice hiking trail on the Schoodic Peninsula with great views, also a nice spot for sunrise (if you’re an early riser)
• Conners Nubble: one of the less-crowded trails in the area with truly beautiful views of Cadillac Mountain (especially in the fall!)

More things to do in Bar Harbor 

• Catch a film at Reel Pizza Cinerama, a funky movie theater where you can order pizza
• Grab a cone from Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat
• Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path
• Sip craft beer at Atlantic Brewing Company
  • Our opinion: Though Atlantic is more popular, we personally preferred the beers at Fogtown Brewing Company (Day 2 of this itinerary)
• Sample local flavors on this Bar Harbor food tour that has great reviews
• Explore Bar Harbor’s haunted side on this highly-rated ghost tour

Alternative: Ellsworth

While we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to stop in Ellsworth, it can be a good alternative place to stay if Bar Harbor is completely booked or very expensive (as it often is in the fall). FYI: It’s a 30-40 minute drive to Bar Harbor, so it will add some commute time to this itinerary.

We also found some really good places to eat if you’re in the area:

• 86 This: affordable award-winning burrito shop
• Steamy Buddha Yoga: cozy yoga studio with an onsite cafe serving healthy food; we loved the sweet potato soup here!
• Provender Kitchen + Bar: a local recommended this place to us as a special occasion type of meal

Best time to visit Acadia National Park

We think the best time to visit Acadia National Park is late September to early October – after the bulk of the summer crowds have left and before things start to close down for the off-season.

Autumn is by far my favorite season, so I might be biased, but the fall colors in New England are beyond compare. Every cute town, every scenic drive, and every hike becomes a postcard-worthy photo op painted in hues of red, orange, and gold.

Summer could also be a good choice, but July and August are by far the most crowded months in Acadia. Plus, if you’re imagining taking a dip at Sand Beach, you should know that summer water temperatures still average as low as 50 degrees.

When to avoid

For the best experience in Acadia National Park, we would avoid visiting mid-October to mid-May, when certain facilities are closed for the off-season.

You can visit the park website for more information on seasonal operations, but here are a few important dates to know:

• Park Loop Road is closed December 1 to April 15
• Unpaved roads are closed November 15 to May 15
• Jordan Pond House Restaurant is closed October 20 to May 15
• The 4 park campgrounds close October 6, 14, and 21

Our experience

We visited Acadia National Park in mid-to-late October. 

Overall, we had a great experience. We had perfect weather for hiking and were surprised by how many trees still bore fall colors. Some of the popular sites (like the Beehive Trail) were still pretty busy.

But on the flipside, lots of campgrounds had already closed for the season, so we ended up camping in a Walmart parking lot for 3 nights. It was fine, but next time we’ll plan to visit a bit earlier so we can have more options.

How to get to Acadia National Park

Both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are located on Mount Desert Island on Maine’s Atlantic Coast, about 51 miles from Bangor International Airport.

Driving from Bangor to Bar Harbor takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, staying on Route 1 until Ellsworth, then following Route 3 to Bar Harbor.

If you’re coming from Boston, then you can fly directly from Logan International to the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport. From there, it’s only a 23-minute drive to Bar Harbor.

Did you know? There’s also a seasonal ferry service between Bar Harbor, ME and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The CAT operates from May 17 to October 15 and takes about 3.5 hours one-way. Fares vary, click here for more info.

How to get around in Acadia National Park

Driving is the easiest way to get around in Acadia National Park. Whether you’re driving from your home city or renting a car in Bangor, having your own wheels will give you the most freedom and convenience for your itinerary.

Campervan

In case you didn’t know already, we’re kinda obsessed with #vanlife! We personally did this trip in our own self-built campervan, which we drove all the way from our home in Bend, Oregon for a magical fall road trip around New England. 

If you don’t have the time (or interest!) in building your own conversion but you still want to give van life a test drive, then check out our list of top companies for USA campervan rentals.

Important note: If you plan to visit Acadia National Park in an RV, make sure you research all the things you want to do to make sure they can accommodate your vehicle. For example, vehicles over 21 feet long are not allowed on Cadillac Summit Road. We had no issues driving it in our campervan, but if you had a larger motorhome you’d have to skip this one.

Island Explorer bus

If you don’t want to drive yourself, then I have good news for you: Acadia is one of only a handful of US national parks that offer a free shuttle service!

The Island Explorer has routes throughout Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island, including the famous Park Loop Road, the Schoodic Peninsula, and the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport.

The buses stop at campgrounds, trailheads, and popular attractions, such as Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Eagle Lake. What’s even cooler is that you can actually flag down an Island Explorer bus anywhere, and they will pick you up as long as the driver deems it safe to stop.

Pros of using the Island Explorer:

• Free with your park pass (which you need to get into the park anyway)
• More environmentally friendly
• You won’t need to worry about parking, which can be hard to find close to popular sites (we actually had to skip a hike because there was no parking available)

Cons of using the Island Explorer:

• Only available in high season, with reduced service in the fall
• You’ll need to plan your itinerary around the bus schedule
• You’ll have to skip or find alternate transportation to some popular sites that aren’t serviced by the bus, such as Cadillac Summit and the Bubbles
• Most bus routes end early, around 5 – 6 p.m. (some exceptions being downtown Bar Harbor and the local airport)

Where to eat near Acadia National Park

We’ve built our favorite places to eat in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park into this itinerary, but if you have extra time or you simply want more options, here are some additional recommendations along this route:

• The Stadium, Bar Harbor: Casual eatery that has a little bit of everything, including popovers that rival (or even beat) those from the Jordan Pond restaurant.
• Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen: Juices and healthy breakfast options on the go.
• Abel’s Lobster: Stunning location on the water with fairy lights and sunset views. Typical Maine seafood fare – lobster rolls, chowder, blueberry pie, etc. – but unlike many lobster shacks, this one has table service.
• Bub’s Burritos: Huge burritos (1 can definitely be split by 2 people) with lots of different options for fillings. They make a good grab-and-go lunch to bring for a picnic.
• Harbor Table: Best brunch/lunch in Southwest Harbor! Seriously good handmade pasta, and don’t miss the lemon zeppoles (Italian doughnuts) for dessert!
• Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn: Best dinner choice in Southwest Harbor! Their specialty is their Nashville fried chicken sandwich. The fried fish sandwich and crab cakes are both winners as well! 
• The Bucking Lobster: Food truck serving up excellent lobster rolls and fries (as well as a few other menu items).

Where to stay in Acadia National Park

The most popular place to stay for those visiting Acadia National Park is in Bar Harbor. Accommodation in the area is limited, so make sure you book well in advance for the best selection.

If places in Bar Harbor are looking full or too expensive, then an alternative is to look in Ellsworth, which is roughly a 30-minute drive from the park.

Bar Harbor

Outside Bar Harbor

Camping

Camping is of course a great way to experience the natural beauty of Acadia National Park. There are 4 NPS campgrounds within the park itself, and they all must be booked in advance – no same-day or walk-ins. 

Additionally, there are a handful of places to camp outside the park boundaries. We love the look of True Serendipity Homestead – voted the second-best HipCamp in Maine, they have a stunning location and even offer blacksmithing classes for a unique experience to add to your time in the area.

The Walmart parking lot in Ellsworth is where we personally stayed, and it is often filled with campervans and RVs. It’s not picturesque or ideal, but many campgrounds had closed down for the season at the time we were visiting. Plus, we didn’t need reservations, which suited our spontaneous itinerary.

Tip: Check out this article for our best tips for finding free camping around the United States.

What to pack

• Warm layers: Even in the middle of summer, mornings and evenings in Acadia can get chilly! We recommend packing layers and a warm jacket.
  • Here’s a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking
• Rain jacket
• Hiking shoes
• Hiking backpack
• Hydration pack and/or water bottles
• Bug repellant
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Hiking snacks
• Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
  • Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!
• Camera/tripod (this one’s our favorite for hiking)
• Battery pack

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Love exploring USA National Parks?

Us too—in fact, we’re kind of obsessed with them!

We have tons of articles, guides, and itineraries for just about every national park we’ve visited. Browse our USA National Parks homepage or click on one of our national park guides below.

• Arches National Park, UT
• Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
• Canyonlands National Park, UT
• Capitol Reef National Park, UT
• Death Valley National Park, CA & NV
• Glacier National Park, MT
• Grand Teton National Park, WY
• Joshua Tree National Park, CA
• North Cascades National Park, WA
• Olympic National Park, WA
• Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
• Yellowstone National Park, WY
• Yosemite National Park, CA
• Zion National Park, UT

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Don’t forget to grab your New England road trip map!

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We want to hear from you!

What did you think of our Acadia national park itinerary? Are you planning a trip to Acadia or Bar Harbor and still have questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!