Acadia National Park

Updated March 24, 2026

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At 3.5 million visits a year, Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Most National Parks encompass one big land mass. Acadia National Park is primarily situated on Mount Desert Island, with additional areas on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. The closest town is Bar Harbor, Maine, which serves as a gateway to the park.

I found a great Acadia National Park self guided tour for $20 here. It will get you all around the park. You can listen to clips of the audio tour before you buy.

APPS

With the official National Park Service App, you can connect to all 420+ national parks, including Acadia. Whether you're at home planning your next trip, or in the park finding your next trail, the park app can be your guide. NPS Mobile takes authoritative information from park rangers and combines it with a great suite of features that work online and off.

The Recreation.gov Mobile App is your on-the-go solution for making reservations or purchasing passes for incredible destinations all over the United States.

Swipe through campsites to review rates and location details, check real-time availability, and reserve a spot right from your phone or tablet.

You can check real-time availability and buy a Cadillac Summit Vehicle Reservation. Please download or screen capture your confirmation code to display since connectivity can be spotty approaching the check station.

Download myStop® Mobile and select Acadia National Park to access real-time interactive location and schedule information for buses on the Island Explorer shuttle system.

Air

Closest Airports to Acadia National Park:

1. Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)

Just 10 miles from Acadia
Seasonal flights from Boston via Cape Air or Silver Airways
Car rentals available on-site

2. Bangor International Airport (BGR)

50 miles away (~1.5-hour drive)
More flight options and rental car availability

3. Portland International Jetport (PWM) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Larger airports with major airline connections
Require longer drives (3.5–5 hours)

✈️ Tip: A rental car is highly recommended if you fly, as public transit is limited in the area.

The fastest way by air:

Fly from NYC (JFK, LGA, or EWR) to:
- Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – Seasonal flights via Cape Air or Silver Airways (connect in Boston).
- Bangor International Airport (BGR) – 1.5-hour drive to the park.

✈️ Travel Time:

Flight: ~1.5 hours to Bangor (nonstop or with a layover)
Drive from Bangor to Acadia: ~1.5 hours

Getting to Mount Desert Island via Public Transport

The most convenient public transport options to Acadia National Park begin with flying to strategic airports. Bangor International Airport offers the best balance of flight availability and ground transportation connections, sitting just 50 miles from Bar Harbor.

From my research and personal experience, getting from Bangor Airport to Acadia involves a reliable shuttle service operated by Downeast Transportation. This critical link in your public transport journey runs five days per week during peak season, connecting Bangor's transportation hub directly to Bar Harbor.

Bus

For travelers prioritizing public transport options to Acadia National Park from major metropolitan areas, Concord Coach Lines and Greyhound provide year-round service to Bangor Transportation Center. This route represents one of the most reliable public transport pathways to the park.

The Boston to Bangor Concord Coach route, which takes approximately 5.5 hours and offers comfortable seating with Wi-Fi. The buses are clean, punctual, and provide a scenic introduction to Maine's landscape. From Bangor, the connecting transportation to Acadia completes your car-free journey.

Concord Coach Benefits:

Premium comfort
Reliable schedules
Direct Logan Airport service
Free Wi-Fi

Greyhound Advantages:

More frequent departures
Lower prices
Nationwide connections
Student discounts

Rail

While direct rail service doesn't reach Mount Desert Island, Amtrak's Downeaster provides scenic public transport options to Acadia National Park via Portland. This route offers spectacular coastal views and connects seamlessly with Concord Coach's Portland-to-Bangor service.

The train journey from Boston to Portland takes approximately 2.5 hours, featuring comfortable seating and a café car. From Portland, you'll transfer to the bus system that completes your public transport journey to Acadia. This combination provides one of the most relaxing ways to reach the park without driving.

The Island Explorer Bus System

The Island Explorer represents the crown jewel of public transport options to Acadia National Park, providing completely fare-free transportation throughout Mount Desert Island, eliminating parking frustrations while reducing environmental impact.

Understanding the Island Explorer's eight bus routes is essential for maximizing your public transport options to Acadia National Park. Each route serves specific areas of the park and surrounding communities, with strategic connections at the Village Green in Bar Harbor serving as the central hub.

During my use of the system, I've found that shuttle service to Acadia operates with impressive reliability. Buses arrive every 15-30 minutes on popular routes, and drivers are knowledgeable about park attractions and hiking recommendations.

Key Routes For Park Access:

Route 3 - Sand Beach: Popular trails and beaches
Route 4 - Blackwoods: Campground and hiking access
Route 5 - Jordan Pond: Scenic destinations
Route 6 - Brown Mountain: Western park areas

Bicycle and Equipment Transportation

One of the most valuable aspects of public transport options to Acadia National Park is the Island Explorer's bike transportation capability. Each bus can carry up to six bicycles on exterior racks, though certain restrictions apply to e-bikes and specialty equipment.

I've successfully transported my mountain bike multiple times using this system, finding it particularly useful for accessing carriage roads without the challenge of cycling from Bar Harbor. The bike racks are easy to use, and drivers assist when needed.

Allowed Equipment:

Standard bicycles
Mountain bikes
Folding bikes (when folded)
Small strollers (folded)

Not Permitted:

E-bikes
Fat tire bikes
Tandem bicycles
Bike trailers

Money Saving Tip: The most significant savings in public transport options to Acadia National Park come from advance booking and understanding peak pricing periods. Concord Coach Lines offers early-bird discounts for bookings made 21 days in advance, while Greyhound frequently runs promotional fares for off-peak travel.

The most cost-effective approach involves booking Boston-to-Bangor bus transportation during weekday departures, avoiding Friday and Sunday premium pricing. The Bangor-to-Bar Harbor shuttle costs approximately $35 per person each way, representing excellent value for the convenience provided.

Book transportation 3+ weeks ahead
Travel Tuesday-Thursday for lower fares
Consider multi-city passes for extended trips
Look for student/senior discounts

Pack meals for long bus journeys
Use bar harbor accommodations with shuttle stops
Combine Island Explorer with walking
Share ride costs when possible

Campgrounds

Acadia offers two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut:

Blackwoods
Blackwoods Campground is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Bar Harbor on Route 3. All sites at Blackwoods are wooded and within a 10-minute walk of the ocean. The majority of Blackwoods' sites are for small and large tents; other sites can accommodate travelers with RVs. Flush toilets, running water, and a dump station are provided, as are picnic tables and fire rings. Roads are paved.
Seawall
Seawall Campground is located on the west side of Mount Desert Island about 4 miles (6 km) south of Southwest Harbor. The campground is approximately 18 miles from Bar Harbor. All sites at Seawall are within a short walking distance of the coastline.
Schoodic Woods
Schoodic Woods Campground is the newest campground in the park and located 1.5 miles (2.5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. It is approximately 60-70 minutes from Bar Harbor and other areas of Mount Desert Island.
Duck Harbor
Duck Harbor Campground is located on Isle au Haut, a rugged island off the coast of Stonington, Maine. This campground has five sites with lean-to shelters and is a great launch point for paddling excursions. Remote and inaccessible to automobiles, Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by mailboat.
Duck Harbor has no potable water, you must haul your own water in.

There is no backcountry camping, "out-of-bounds" camping, overnight parking, or winter camping allowed anywhere in Acadia.

Visit recreation.gov to make camping reservations.

Other Accommodations

Many park visitors elect to stay outside of the park in Bar Harbor, reservations in-park now being so difficult to get - or they just want to avoid the park crowds.

Photo credit: Britannica

Bar Harbor is a quaint little coastal town that has become almost like an extension of Acadia Natl. Park in that so many people visiting the park elect to find accommodations in Bar Harbor vs. in the park.

Bar Harbor boasts a variety of lodging options, including luxurious inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts that provide personal attention and pampering. Vacation rentals, camping, and cottages are also available for those seeking more independence.

For pet owners, there are numerous pet-friendly accommodations too. Many of these lodging options are conveniently located near main attractions and feature ocean views and on-site restaurants.

The Visit Bar Harbor website will give you a rundown on accommodations in Barb Harbor.

What I discovered was that Bar Harbor is experiencing a shift in spending trends among park visitors.

Darrin Steavnesli, owner of The Maine Store and The Rebel Lobster speakeasy, says conversations with customers reveal many are concerned about cost.

“They're staying in other little coastal towns, and they're coming to the harbor for a day, and that's a big change for us over the years that visitors from Bar Harbor would usually stay a minimum of two to three days, sometimes a week or longer,” Steavnesli said. “Now a lot of them are just coming in for a few hours, hitting the park, they're racking up that visit to the park, they're grabbing you know an ice cream, what have you, and they're on their way.”

This, despite July, 2025 having a record number 797,000 park visitors to Acadia National Park.

When I was looking to book accommodations for our Maine trip and in Bar Harbor I was floored at the nightly prices. The Bar Harbor Hampton Inn was up to nearly $700 per night including taxes and fees! So I switched tactics and looked at towns other than Bar Harbor - specifically Trenton. (Where the new Acadia Natl. Park Gateway Center is)

I found a charming cottage called Heart of Maine Open Hearth Inn in Trenton.

Cottage 15 was a lovely rustic cottage with one king bed, a full bath with shower, A/C, mini-fridge, cable, television, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, coffee pot, microwave, and free Wi-Fi. Full access to the indoor kitchen downstairs in the main building, the outdoor kitchen and grill, full access to the common use hot tub, common use TV room with 70" flat screen, and the bonfire pit on the back lawn. Free parking right outside your door. Cost: $160 a night. It was perfect and the owner was great...right down to giving us homemade muffins every morning.

Located on Route 3 at the head of Mount Desert Island, The Open Hearth Inn is 12 miles to Bar Harbor, 9 miles or 10 minutes to Acadia National Park, 20 minutes to Mount Desert Island,15 miles to Bass Harbor Head Light, 12 miles to Southwest Harbor, 8 miles to Ellsworth, 35 miles to the Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National Park, and 36 miles to Bangor. The Bar Harbor Hancock County Airport is a half-mile up the road.

We could be close to Mount Desert Island without the hustle and bustle of downtown Bar Harbor while still being fairly close to anything we could possibly need.

Lunt's Lobster Pound (great food!) was a convenient quarter mile walk down the road from our cabin, across from the airport.

Lodging Options for Acadia National Park

During my trips to Acadia Natl. Forest and Bar Harbor, I discovered there's kind of a trick to knowing where and when to go to area restaurants and timing is a huge factor in pleasurable dining experiences.

For starters, most of these restaurants are seasonal and they close during the winter months to reopen in the spring. So if you're taking a winter trip to Acadia, you're going to find dining options pretty limited.

Year round within the park itself your dining options are limited so plan on eating in Bar Harbor and/or taking a to-go meal with you into the park.

During peak tourist season, timing is everything!

Critical Timing Warnings

Avoid These Times: Columbus Day weekend (overwhelming crowds), July 4th week (2-hour waits everywhere), and the first warm weekend in May (locals and tourists converge). Always call ahead during shoulder seasons - even established restaurants sometimes close unexpectedly for maintenance or staffing issues.

Seasonal Considerations

Understanding seasonal patterns transforms your strategy for where to eat after hiking Cadillac Mountain. Having experienced every season multiple times, I've learned when restaurants close early, which places locals avoid during peak tourist weeks, and where to find authentic Maine experiences year-round.

Peak Season (June-September)

Summer brings crowds but also peak freshness for seafood. Jordan Pond House operates full dinner service only during these months. Make reservations exactly 30 days in advance for weekend dining. Tour buses arrive predictably: 11 AM-1 PM and 5 PM-7 PM. Rangers recommend midweek visits for the best experience without overwhelming crowds.

Local fishing boats deliver daily catches to Chart Room and McKay's during peak season. Ask servers about the "boat special" - usually the freshest fish available that day, often not listed on regular menus. These specials typically cost $28-34 and represent the best value for quality.

The local fishermen taught me that the best seafood is served by those restaurants on or near a working fishing boat dock, not those with a good marketing strategy - I've tested that and it's true!

Shoulder Season (April-May, October-November)

Many restaurants close Monday through Wednesday during shoulder seasons, but those remaining offer more intimate experiences. Locals emerge from winter hibernation, creating authentic atmosphere in surviving establishments. Prices often drop 15-20% as restaurants compete for smaller visitor numbers.

October visits followed by warm meals becomes magical as fall foliage peaks. Romantic restaurants with Acadia views like Reading Room at Bar Harbor Inn offer cozy fireside dining perfect for celebrating.

Winter Dining (December-March)

Winter dramatically limits options, but dedicated restaurants serve incredible comfort food. Thirsty Whale and Geddy's typically remain open, offering hearty meals perfect after snowshoeing Cadillac Mountain. Limited hours and reduced menus focus on warming dishes that satisfy cold-weather adventurers.

Other Tips

Often you may not know who the locals are in a restaurant simply from appearance, yet they're the best source for the scoop on local good value and quality restaurants.

When in and around national parks, I've learned to scan the restaurant for park rangers and others in uniform!

They're local, most often employed by the government (which means we aren't paid all that well) so know exactly where to get the local best food at affordable prices. If I see people in uniform in a restaurant, I know that restaurant is worth scoping out!

The same goes for retirees. Most live on fixed incomes so make their dollar stretch as far as it can while still getting the most dining bang for their buck.

Bikers and hikers: Pack a change of casual attire in your daypack to change into. Some restaurants could care less if you come in all sweaty with muddy boots. Others do! If I need to change, I'll ask a restaurant employee to use their restaurant to change in so I look more presentable. I've never had a restaurant tell me "no".

I've made a few trips to Bar Harbor and more than one to Acadia Natl. Park with different people. This itinerary will be a culmination of each of those trips.

Ahhh to be back in charming Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! Get comfy in your Bar Harbor, Trenton or Acadia Park accommodations, then explore Bar Harbor because you'll be spending almost as much time there as in Acadia National Park itself.

If you've already read our Maine Road Trip post, then you're already familiar with Bar Harbor. But in case you haven't read that...

Bar Harbor is one of my favorite Maine towns. Just love the place and especially its residents.

While scoping out the town, pay particular attention to the restaurant locations because that's what you'll be visiting the most for this itinerary. At least if you want to eat you will...

You don't need to spend more than a morning doing this, you just want to get the lay of the town and what's where - then have lunch in town before tackling Acadia Natl. Park.

Late Morning or Early Afternoon: Have lunch at Thirsty Whale. 40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor

Thirsty Whale Tavern offers the most relaxed dining experience in downtown Bar Harbor. Their fish wrap ($18) and generous portions make it popular among budget-conscious visitors.

Their Fishermen's Dinner is enough for 2 people to split + have leftovers!

Prices stay as reasonable as possible while maintaining quality that keeps locals returning weekly.

After lunch head for Acadia National Park. You're going to use the park entrance off of Route 3 in Bar Harbor/Trenton. If you haven't yet squared away all of your needed admittance passes, bicycle passes, any needed hiking passes, etc. now is the time to do it at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

Park your car at the Acadia Gateway Center, which offers ample parking and electric vehicle charging

stations.

Purchase your park entrance pass at the kiosk inside the center.
Take the free Island Explorer bus to reach the park and other attractions. At other times you'll need a car.

Inside, visitors will find park rangers, staff from the Maine Tourism Association, and plenty of maps and materials to help them explore both Acadia and nearby towns.

Outside the facility, the Island Explorer bus system stops right at the entrance. It's a free way for visitors to travel around the park and the Down East region.

The center also includes a 300-space free parking lot, which is expected to help reduce traffic on Mount Desert Island.

The Acadia Gateway Center will welcome visitors through mid-October. While the center will close during the off-season, the parking lot will remain open year-round for those visiting Acadia in the quieter months.

Once you have your fees and passes squared away drive to Wildwood Stables. Wildwood Stables is located next to the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park on the southeastern side of Mount Desert Island.

Drive from Bar Harbor via the one-way section of the Park Loop Road. There is a turn-off on the right just before reaching the part of the road that changes to the one-way. If you miss this, there is a second entry point immediately after on the right as well.

Wildwood Stables provides a variety of daily horse-drawn carriage rides & tours from end of May through mid-October of each year. Tours follow the famous and scenic carriage roads that were originally constructed between 1913 and 1940.

If you spend nothing else on attractions during this trip, I want you to make a reservation for a horse dran carriage ride to take this afternoon if possible. Contact & Reservations: 1-877-276-3622 or 1-207-276-5721

Wildwood Stables website

Photo credit: Wildwood Stables

There are a couple of reasons I want you to do this as early in the trip as possible.

1. To acquaint yourself somewhat with the park's Carriage Roads as you'll be visiting them later.

2. To take yourself off life's daily fast forward. Without you even realizing it, the stride of the horses (and sound of clopping of their hooves) will mentally, emotionally and physically slow you down, take you off that hamster wheel you run everyday so you can enjoy the park and your trip. Your body actually sync's to that of the horses slower walking gait. Just trust me on this one, you'll be glad you took the ride. And you'll have FUN doing it!

You'll have a choice of a 1 hour or 2 hour carriage ride. Fares and more information here.

After your carriage ride, return to Bar Harbor or your accommodations and rest and relax until dinner time.

Evening: You're going to get tired of eating seafood so I'm going to give you a non-seafood option - Mainly Meat BBQ. 15 Knox Road, Bar Harbor

It was voted one of New England’s best barbecue restaurants by Boston Magazine and deservedly so.

Mainely Meat BBQ of Atlantic Brewing (available seasonally) will feed a crowd with pulled-pork barbecue, jalapeno cornbread, potato salad, and cold brews.

They're not kidding about feeding a crowd!

We ordered the famous Max Plate featuring pulled pork, sausages, ribs, chicken and classic BBQ sides of coleslaw, potato salad, and jalapeño cornbread. Let's say we took back to our digs a rather large carry-out container of leftovers. We got 2 meals out of that Max Plate at $71. That's about $15 each for those 2 meals.

And the dinner was absolutely delectable.

Morning: Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast opens early and serves substantial portions at fair prices. They're noted for their blueberry pancakes ($12) and Maine lobster benedict ($18).

8 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME.

This is such a great place for breakfast be prepared to wait in line to get into the restaurant!

The solid breakfast spot atmosphere attracts locals and park rangers who know good value when they taste it.

I had the best Greek omelet (photo at left) I've ever had in my life at Jeannie's.

My server was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. My food came out fairly quickly given the restaurant was packed with customers, not an empty table in the place.

If I had 10 thumbs I'd give Jeannie's 10 thumbs up!

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island

landscape. The short, paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, interpretive waysides, restrooms, and gift shop are located at the summit.

Walk the trail to the summit, it's an easy walk. The Cadillac Summit Trail in Acadia National Park is a 0.4-mile loop that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including Frenchman Bay and Bar Harbor.

The view from the summit is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Park Loop Road

This 27-mile road is the go-to scenic drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island, connecting Acadia's lakes, mountains, and shoreline. It provides access to popular areas such as Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.

Many of Acadia's most popular locations are located on the Park Loop Road. It is best to use a map and understand the traffic flow before starting.

A scenic stop along the Loop Road / Photo credit: Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia, NPS

For the full "tour" experience, start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center. The road heads south along Paradise Hill Road before beginning the "loop" section. Follow signs for the one-way section to Sand Beach.

If you don't want to drive the Loop yourself, hop on the free Island Explorer bus at the Visitor Center. It will take you around the Loop and return you to the Visitor Center, leaving you free to sightsee. Furthermore doing so will help relieve park vehicle congestion. The Park Loop Road can be very crowded.

If you're going to drive the Loop yourself, start at the Hull Visitor Center to get oriented with maps and ranger advice. Drive the road counterclockwise for the best sunrise views at Cadillac Mountain.

Audio Tour: For a more immersive experience, consider the self-guided audio tour available through the GuideAlong app, which offers rich multimedia content and offline accessibility.

Evening: Have dinner at the Chart Room. 565 Eden St, Bar Harbor

OUTDOOR DINING

WITH A VIEW

The Chart Room offers seating inside overlooking the water, as well as outside and in our enclosed patio.

The Chart Room has been a local favorite for over 3 decades. Yes, another seafood restaurant but they also have steaks and pasta dishes. Reservations are recommended. (207) 288-9740

Morning: Breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant. 130 Cottage St., Bar Harbor

A local favorite whose attractive crowd covers between 300 and 500 breakfast portions daily.

In this family-owned Bar Harbor restaurant, with an eclectic atmosphere that attracts tourists from around the world, you can choose breakfast dishes such as a variety of omelets, burritos, eggs Benedict, farmer’s breakfast, Mediterranean breakfast, and a lot more. Everything is homemade.

Drive and/or Hike the Beehive Loop

The Beehive Loop is 1.4 miles round trip and has a steep ascent of 450 feet.

The Beehive Loop Road

Your choice: Drive the Beehive Loop Road to sightsee, bypassing the Beehive Loop Trail or if you're up for a challenging hike, stop and hike the very challenging Beehive Trail Loop.

The Beehive Loop Trail is one of the most iconic and exhilarating hikes in Acadia National Park. Known for its steep climbs, narrow granite ledges, and iron rung ladders, this trail will give you an unforgettable adventure. The view from the summit is incredible.

Which is why you'll find these iron rung ladders going up the trail. If choosing this hike, expect steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces.

The trail is rocky and uneven. The first part of this trail ascends a 450-ft cliff with exposed edges. Steep drop offs with no railings require secure footings. Good foot wear is recommended.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HIKE THIS TRAIL IF IT'S BEEN RAINING AND THE ROCKS ARE WET!

The granite gets extremely slippery! This trail is very dangerous in inclement weather!

Only attempt this trail in dry conditions.

For an average pace, this hike takes 1 to 3 hours.

Note that during peak season this is a very busy trail, with people lined up like a train going up the trail.

Beehive Trail iron rung ladder

The hike is generally not recommended for people with a fear of heights or small children.

If you'd like a much easier trail to hike, give Ocean Path Trail a try. The Ocean Path is a great way to access Thunder Hole and Otter Point from Sand Beach on a gradual hike. Distance: 2.2 mile trail one way, 4.4 miles round trip. The trail is 0.7 miles from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole.

The trail begins from the upper parking lot of Sand Beach. It can also be accessed from the Thunder Hole and Otter Point parking areas. From Sand Beach to Thunder Hole the trail is a mix of concrete and packed gravel surfaces that gradually rise over a hill providing a overarching view across the entire ocean path coastline. Gradually descend on accessible trail to Thunder Hole, an underwater sea cave that with the right conditions (2 hours before high-tide and high winds) can produce thundering crashes heard up and down the trail.

Continuing past Thunder Hole the trail becomes uneven but remains gradual as it begins climbing up through a spruce/fir forest.

Arrive at Otter Cliffs, 110-ft cliffs that mark the highest point along the Ocean Path. Climb up a granite staircase to a walkway that parallels the road to cross over the cliffs and descend down another staircase on the other side. There are two staircases present 1.4 miles into the trail as the path climbs around a rocky cliff section. Steep drops into the ocean. Keep children away from the edge.

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Beehive Mountain Acadia: Your Complete Trail Adventure

You'll want to rest for awhile after hiking the Beehive Trail! (And likely break out the Ben Gay)

Having now made a spa junkie out of Dr. "I'm not sure I want a massage!" Jay, we'd booked a couple's massage after the hike at Massage Bar Harbor. 77 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor.

Unfortunately, Massage Bar Harbor won't have their authentic Nordic Fire & Ice treatment up and running until June, 2026 or we would have booked that.

We booked Signature Therapeutic/Deep Tissue Massage 60 Min $120, 90 Minutes $175
Using firm touch, this invigorating massage will alleviate tension in all your problem areas. *Complimentary Aromatherapy*

Other massage treatments listed here with pricing.

Our massage did the trick in alleviating sore muscles from the Beehive hike.

Evening: Dinner - C-Ray Lobster serves what many consider the best lobster roll value in Bar Harbor at $28. The meat-to-bread ratio perfectly balances satisfaction without overwhelming. Their simple menu focuses on essential items: lobster rolls, crab rolls, chowder, and lobster bakes. No frills, just exceptional seafood that fishermen's families have trusted for generations. Budget friendly dining.

Morning: Breakfast at Jordan's Restaurant. 80 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor

Jordan’s Restaurant began in the town of Bar Harbor in 1976 to serve locals looking for an authentic dining venue based on products culled from Maine’s wild blueberry fields.

Blueberries?!! I'M THERE!

Their breakfast menu is expansive, and you can enjoy meals such as pancakes with wild blueberries, Belgian waffles, omelets with a variety of toppings, oatmeal, quiche, English muffins, and a lot more of their delicious mouth-watering recipes.

Currently closed for winter, will reopen in the Spring.

Carriage Roads

One of the most fun and relaxing things to do in Acadia Natl. Park is to bike the carriage roads. It's something you can do at your own pace.

If you don't bring your own bicycle, there are places within the park you can rent one.

The Ultimate Guide to Acadia National Park Bike Rental

Acadia Bike Rentals: Acadia Bike offers a wide selection of hybrid, mountain, and electric bikes.
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop: This shop rents various types of bikes and provides repair services.
Pedego Electric Bikes Acadia: This company specializes in electric bike rentals, offering an easy and fun way to explore Acadia’s carriage roads with less effort.

The carriage roads stretch for 45 miles, offering a variety of routes and views. The roads are motor vehicle-free, allowing for a peaceful biking experience away from car traffic.

The Jordan Pond Loop follows the western side of Jordan Pond and includes several carriage roads. Yes, you can bicycle the Jordan Lake Loop road and it's one we biked. The route is approximately 19.7 miles long and is rated as a moderate bike ride, featuring mostly paved surfaces and scenic views of Jordan Lake and surrounding areas. Cyclists can enjoy wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. If you bike at your own pace it's a very relaxing ride.

My recommendation for the best ride - The Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail.

Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail

Start on the Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail loop. You can park in the Eagle Lake parking lot. This is a moderately difficult trail. The Eagle Lake Carriage Road is a wide crushed gravel path around Eagle Lake.

This stretch of the carriage roads Acadia biking trail has some of the best lake and mountain views.

After about 4 miles you'll reach Jordan Pond.

Jordan Pond

In Jordan Pond look for Jordan Pond House. As the only full-service restaurant within Acadia National Park, it's been serving the famous tea and popovers tradition since 1893. The location offers stunning views of Jordan Pond with the Bubbles mountains as a backdrop.

Take a biking break at Jordan Pond House and get yourselves some tea and popovers.

I can tell you the popovers are consistently fluffy and served piping hot with homemade strawberry jam and butter. The $24.99 signature teatime for two includes tea service and two popovers, making it perfect for sharing during your bike break.

Beyond popovers, their lunch menu features excellent lobster stew ($28), pan-seared salmon ($32), and the lobster roll that locals actually recommend ($38). The dinner menu, available June through September, includes prime rib and fresh catch options. Prices reflect

Jordan Pond House Restaurant

the park location, but the quality justifies the cost.

The outdoor lawn seating provides the quintessential Maine experience - dining with panoramic mountain views while recovering from your Cadillac Mountain adventure. During peak season, expect 30-45 minute waits without reservations, but the setting makes every minute worthwhile.

Sand Beach

Biking the Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail will bring you to Sand Beach.

Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, but if you’re looking for a sandy beach, then the only one in the entire park is the aptly named Sand Beach. I've been there twice now and on my first trip I really appreciated this beach because it was the only place I could dig my toes in the sand and submerge myself in the ocean. (Okay, I only put my feet in because the water was really cold! The water is cold year round, around 55 degrees F.)

Because Sand Beach is near some of Acadia’s most popular trails, it was easy to add it to a one-day itinerary.

Sand Beach is located in Newport Cove and is 290 yards long, with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the views. The sand from the beach is partially made from shell fragments that have broken down over time by the surf.

This time around I was smarter and told Jay to pack his wetsuit and towel in his backpack so we could cool off in the 55 degree water without turning into human Popsicles. After that we just laid on the beach for awhile, peoplewatching and enjoying the view before finishing our bike ride.

The Ultimate Acadia National Park Carriage Roads Biking Guide

Evening: Have dinner at McKay's Public House, another locals favorite. 231 Main Street, Bar Harbor.

McKay's Public House serves the best comfort food in downtown Bar Harbor. The outdoor garden provides a peaceful retreat from Main Street crowds, and their bone-in ribeye with lobster tail ($44) satisfies the biggest appetites. Their Seafood Risotto is a favorite.

Everything is locally sourced.

I had the Swordfish steak topped with heirloom tomatoes. Served with perfectly fluffy rice & fresh green beans tossed in garlic butter. (Middle photo above) YUM!

And their beautifully landscaped garden-like outdoor patio is the perfect place to eat - so relaxing!

Sunrise Café is a new Café-Creperie and Coffee Bar located on the waterfront in downtown Bar Harbor.

I have to say they had the most unique (and delicious!) crepe selection we'd ever seen during our travels.

The crepes even look like they were made in a waffle iron! (They weren't)

Locally sourced foods made ready to order.

It's just a cheerful little cafe that's counter service with indoor seating and the menu was posted on the wall behind the order counter. Nothing fancy about it at all.

Breakfast served from 7 am to 2 pm. Most of their crepes are $15 or less.

Morning: Breakfast at Sunrise Cafe. 1 West Street, Bar Harbor

Wildlife Cruise

Photo credit: Acadia Boat Tours

We love wildlife, especially marine wildlife...so we'd booked a marine nature cruise with Acadian Boat Tours.

Join Acadian Boat Tours for a two hour, fully-narrated nature cruise of Frenchman Bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, the islands of Frenchman Bay and Bar Harbor.

Acadian Sightseeing /Nature cruises leave daily from Bar Harbor, Maine in search of eagles, porpoises, seals, and other interesting marine mammals and birds.

The cruise also features views of timeless mansions, Egg Rock Lighthouse and occasionally migrating birds that have ventured into Frenchman Bay. Cruise by some highlights of Acadia National Park, learn about the history of Mt. Desert Island and simply enjoy the spectacular views on this scenic cruise.

The Acadian has a light (cash only) snack bar, clean restrooms and an indoor heated cabin. However, dress warmly as it is MUCH cooler on the water, even on a hot, sunny day! The Acadian is handicap-accessible and pet-friendly to friendly pets.

Please note this trip does NOT include puffins. We didn't miss not seeing puffins as we saw so much other wildlife, including seals and porpoises and the price of this 2 hour cruise is not that bad!

Prices vary based on cruise time: 10 am, 1 pm or 4 pm

Adults Ages 15 – 61: $ 42

Seniors Ages 62 and older: $ 39

Juniors Ages 6 – 14: $ 27

Children Ages 5 and under: $ 15

Booking Tips from Experience:

Book online in advance, especially during peak season (June-September)
Morning tours often have calmer seas and better wildlife activity
Choose tours with naturalists for educational value
Consider multi-hour tours for better wildlife encounter opportunities

Afternoon: Lunch at Paddy's Irish Pub. 50 West St, Bar Harbor

We needed another break from seafood and Paddy's fit the bill perfectly.

Jay ordered a Dublin Pub Dip - Shaved Slow Roasted All-Natural Ribeye, Irish Cheddar, Horseradish Cream, Caramelized Onions. I had a corned beef sandwich and we ordered Irish nachos as an appetizer.

Everything was great - food, service, atmosphere. Also loved the live Irish music playing and the view of the water and dock.

Kayaking in Acadia

Kayaking in Acadia National Park is great. There are several lakes you can kayak - Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, Long Pond, Echo Lake - and at every one of them the scenery is astounding.

No reservations are required to kayak at any of them.

There are several places you can rent watercraft, including kayaks.

Acadia Fun: Located in Bar Harbor, they offer kayak rentals and guided tours.

National Park Canoe & Kayak Rentals: Known for their top-quality equipment and local expertise.
This is the best company to rent from!

Acadia Paddle: Offers door-to-door service for kayak rentals they're walking distance from most Bar Harbor accommodations.

Kayak rental prices near Acadia National Park typically range from $32-$70 per day depending on the type of watercraft and rental duration. National Park Canoe & Kayak Rentals offers competitive rates with solo kayaks at $58 for all-day rentals and tandem kayaks at $70. Their weekly rental option at $175-$240 provides excellent value for extended stays. Acadia Fun's pricing varies seasonally, but their comprehensive service package justifies slightly higher rates.

With its spectacular coastal scenery, Mount Desert Island is a great location for ocean kayaking. Beginner paddlers can join a number of private companies for guided kayak tours in Frenchman Bay. Experienced paddlers may opt to head out without a guide; public boat ramps are available in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor.

Additional access sites include:

Seal Cove (sponsored by state of Maine)
Bass Harbor (sponsored by state of Maine)
Seal Harbor Beach
Hadley Point
Bar Island Gravel Bar

WARNING: Do not attempt self guided ocean kayaking if you are not an experienced kayaker!

If you would tip and not know how to right your kayak, you could drown. And that would ruin your trip!

Kayaking in the ocean is for experienced paddlers only. It is easy to get in trouble in the waters off the coast of Maine, where tides, rough seas, fog, and cold water temperatures (less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit) often create difficult conditions.

Evening: Treat yourself to some fine dining tonight at Galyn's. 17 Main St, Bar Harbor,

Galyn's is a charming restaurant housed in an 1890s Victorian-era boarding house, exuding a classic New England atmosphere. The multi-room establishment offers a diverse menu featuring traditional Downeast seafood, steak, and sandwiches. The interior boasts original trim and tin ceilings, with the Galley Lounge showcasing diamond windows from a Rockefeller estate.

We heard a few patrons complaining about having to wait to be seated (They hadn't made reservations) or it taking so long for their food to come out at the height of tourist season when restaurants are packed. Really?!!

It took awhile for our food to be delivered but we didn't mind. We understand restaurants in particular are struggling to find enough help and with other issues and that the universe doesn't revolve around the two of us so we had no complaints about Galyn's. We enjoyed our dinner there.

Morning: Breakfast at Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen.

51 Rodick St, Bar Harbor

Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen is a charming spot with outdoor seating, offering a range of pressed juices, smoothies, and breakfast bowls. It's a refreshing change from the indulgent lobster dishes in Maine. The menu features vegetable-filled burrito bowls and revitalizing smoothies like the spinach and kale-packed revitalize smoothie. Their acai bowls are out of this world!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands as one of the most romantic top viewpoints near Lake Acadia, perched dramatically on rocky cliffs overlooking Blue Hill Bay. This 1858 lighthouse, transferred to the National Park Service in 2020, provides quintessential Maine coastal scenery, especially stunning during sunset when golden light bathes the white tower and surrounding granite ledges.

The short trail down to the optimal viewpoint requires careful footing on sometimes slippery rocks, but the reward justifies the effort.

The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is located in Tremont, Maine, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island. Among about 80 lighthouses across Maine, it is one of three lights managed by Acadia National Park, including two others on Baker Island and Bear Island.

The light station is the most visited place on the west side of Mount Desert Island and the fifth busiest destination in the entire park, behind only Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole. Public parking is limited to a single, small lot. Open spaces may exist only during the day and

Roadside parking is prohibited along the entrance road and 102A.

Although there is no public access to the interior, visitors can view the exterior of the light station via paved walkway. The park maintains a parking lot, restrooms, and short boardwalk trail to a shoreline viewpoint.

Thunder Hole

This natural phenomenon occurs when incoming waves crash into a small inlet, compressing air inside a underwater cave and creating a thunderous boom accompanied by a spectacular splash that can reach up to 40 feet high. The time to see Thunder Hole is 1-2 hours before high tide when it's at peak performance. It does sound very much like thunder when the waves come crashing into this little inlet.!

The viewing area includes a railed stairway leading down to a platform near the inlet, but be prepared to get soaked if you venture down during active conditions.

Visitors can also walk to Thunder Hole along the Ocean Path, which is a scenic route that leads to the park's natural wonders.

The Island Explorer bus offers fare-free service to Thunder Hole, with routes 3 and 4 making stops at the destination. Buses run every 30 minutes, providing a convenient way to avoid traffic and parking congestion during peak season.

If you're taking your car you want to get to Thunder Hole

as early as possible. The entrance to the parking lot for Thunder Hole is located on the right side of Park Loop Road, just under two miles from Sand Beach. Drivers will find four angled accessible parking spaces in the parking lot. Securing one of those 4 parking spots, especially during peak season, is a nightmare so we recommend either walking or taking the shuttle bus.

Otter Cliff

Despite its name, there are no otters there - but it is one of the most photographed attractions in Acadia National Forest. You'll most likely see seabirds, seals and occasionally whales though. This towering pink granite cliff is among the most photographed Acadia National Park attractions. My recommendation is to arrive shortly after sunrise, when the morning light bathes the cliff face in a warm golden glow and fewer visitors are present.

The viewpoint is easily accessible via Park Loop Road, with a small parking area at the Otter Cliff overlook.

Again, your best bet is taking the free Island Explorer shuttle bus. It makes a stop at Otter Cliff every half hour on the #3 route between June 23rd and August 31st.

Afternoon: Have a budget friendly lunch at Melt. 27B Main St, Bar Harbor as well as their traveling food truck.

Blueberry Popovers

Melt also offers several unique twists on French fries that are outstanding.

Fantastic HUGE sandwiches and sandwich melts with unique twists to them and of course, what I got hooked on - their blueberry popovers that are dusted with cinnamon sugar.

The customer favorite seems to be the Day Tripper, half crab roll half lobster roll.

Sieur de Monts Spring and Wild Gardens

The Sieur de Monts area of Acadia Natl. Forest is vastly different from the terrain you'll see in the rest of the park. This historic site serves as a window into both the natural and cultural history of Mount Desert Island.

At the heart of the area lies the Sieur de Monts Spring, encased in a historical stone springhouse that commemorates the original 1916 creation of Sieur de Monts National Monument—the precursor to today's Acadia National Park.

The center has a passport stamp center and a relief map that will guide you through this beautiful park.

2 Sieur de Monts Road, Bar Harbor

Adjacent to the spring, the Wild Gardens of Acadia showcase more than 400 plant species native to Mount Desert Island, organized by habitat type. The gardens are particularly beautiful in late spring when wildflowers bloom in profusion, and again in early fall when woodland plants display their autumn colors.

The area is also home to the Abbe Museum, which presents the history and culture of Maine's native Wabanaki peoples. The museum's exhibits help one understand how indigenous communities utilized the island's resources for thousands of years before European contact.

The Abbe Museum is a museum with two locations in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Mount Desert Island.

This is a seasonal facility.

Admission

No reservations required for groups of 9 or less.

Adults: $18
Seniors/Valid College ID: $14
Adolescents (5-17): $10
Children 4 & under: Free
Group rates & tours: More Info

FREE admission for those with a Tribal ID, Military ID, and Abbe Museum members.

The Sieur de Monts area is an excellent stop to visit for families and children.

That wraps up our visit to Acadia National Park.

It's definitely a National Park that you want to spend at least a couple of days at.