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Acadia National Park Travel Guide What to Do
Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Visitors searching for the best things to do in Acadia National Park will find one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the United States. Located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Acadia is known for its rocky shoreline, mountain views, and scenic drives.
Here are some of the top things to do in Acadia National Park:
• Drive the Park Loop Road
A 27-mile scenic drive that passes many of the park’s most famous viewpoints and trailheads.
• Visit Cadillac Mountain
The highest point on the U.S. East Coast and one of the first places to see sunrise in the country.
• Hike Jordan Pond Path
A scenic and relatively easy trail with views of the Bubbles mountains.
• Walk along Ocean Path
A coastal trail with stunning views of cliffs, waves, and famous spots like Thunder Hole.
• Visit Sand Beach
One of the few sandy beaches in the park.
• Explore Thunder Hole
A natural rock formation where waves crash dramatically into a narrow inlet.
Because Acadia offers both scenic drives and accessible trails, it’s one of the easiest national parks to explore in a short visit.
Explore Acadia With a Self-Guided Driving Tour
One of the best ways to experience Acadia National Park is through a self-guided driving tour that guides visitors along the Park Loop Road and surrounding areas.
Acadia National Park Driving Tour
This GPS-based driving tour leads visitors through the park while sharing stories about Acadia’s history, geology, and natural features.
Highlights of the tour include:
Cadillac Mountain and its panoramic views
Ocean Path and Thunder Hole
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
Historic carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr.
The formation of Acadia’s rugged coastline
As you drive, the tour automatically plays based on your location, making it easy to understand what you’re seeing.
Because it’s self-guided, visitors can:
stop at scenic overlooks
hike trails along the way
explore at their own pace
Click here to learn more and book the tour on Greg's Driving Tours.
What's Free and What has a Fee
What’s Free and What Has a Fee
Acadia offers both free areas and paid park access.
Free Things to Do
• Exploring Bar Harbor
• Scenic coastal drives outside the park
• Visiting shops, restaurants, and waterfront areas
Attractions With Fees
Inside the park, an entrance fee is required.
• Park Loop Road access
• Cadillac Mountain vehicle reservations (seasonal)
• All major hiking trails and scenic viewpoints
How to Get Here
Acadia is located on the coast of Maine.
By Air
Closest airports:
• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) — about 20 minutes
• Bangor International Airport (BGR) — about 1 hour
By Car
Driving times:
• Boston — about 5 hours
• Portland, Maine — about 3 hours
Getting Around
The park can be explored by:
• car (most popular)
• shuttle bus (seasonal)
• biking and hiking
Where to Stay
Hotels in Bar Harbor
Typical price range: $180–$400 per night
• Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – Waterfront hotel with views of Frenchman Bay
• The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
• The West Street Hotel
Bar Harbor is the most popular place to stay near Acadia.
Hotels Near the Park Entrance
Typical price range: $150–$300 per night
• Acadia Inn
• Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor
• Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
These hotels offer easy access to the park.
Budget Hotels Nearby
Typical price range: $90–$180 per night
• Belle Isle Motel (Bar Harbor)
• Eden Village Motel & Cottages
• Days Inn by Wyndham Bar Harbor
These are more affordable options near the park.
When to Visit
Acadia can be visited year-round, but each season offers something different.
Summer
• busiest season
• best access to all trails
• warm coastal weather
Fall (Best Time to Visit)
• peak foliage season
• cooler temperatures
• ideal for hiking
Spring
• fewer crowds
• blooming landscapes
Winter
• snow-covered scenery
• limited access but great for winter sports
Fall is widely considered the best time to visit Acadia National Park due to the colorful foliage and comfortable weather.
How Much Time You'll Need
One Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
Many visitors follow one-day Acadia National Park itineraries.
Morning
• Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
• Drive Park Loop Road
Afternoon
• Walk Ocean Path
• Visit Sand Beach and Thunder Hole
Evening
• Explore Bar Harbor
• Sunset views along the coast
Two Day Acadia National Park Itineraries
With more time visitors can:
• hike multiple trails
• explore Jordan Pond
• bike the carriage roads
• visit additional viewpoints
Acadia National Park Hiking Trails
Acadia is known for its variety of trails.
Popular Acadia National Park hiking trails include:
• Jordan Pond Path – easy scenic trail
• Ocean Path – coastal walking trail
• Beehive Trail – steep climb with iron rungs
• Precipice Trail – challenging climb (not for beginners)
• Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail
These Acadia National Park hikes range from easy walks to challenging climbs.
What are the best things to do in Acadia National Park?
Top activities include driving Park Loop Road, hiking, visiting Cadillac Mountain, and exploring coastal trails.
What are the best Acadia National Park hikes?
The Jordan Pond Path and Ocean Path are popular easy hikes, while Beehive and Precipice are more challenging.
What is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?
Fall is the most popular time due to foliage, but summer offers full access to all trails.
Where are the best places to stay near Acadia National Park?
Bar Harbor is the most popular location, with a wide range of hotels and accommodations.