Discovering Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island and adjacent to the town of Bar Harbor, Maine, is one of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States.

Offering a blend of rugged coastlines, dense forests, towering mountains, and serene lakes, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking peace and inspiration.

With over 49,000 acres of protected land, Acadia presents countless opportunities to explore, relax, and marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds you. 

Exploring Acadia with Shaka Guide

One of the best ways to explore Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park is with the self-guided driving tour offered by Shaka Guide.

This detailed app offers such incredible information and stories about the area that you might (literally) find yourself lost without it. 

Getting to Acadia and Where to Stay

The best way to reach Acadia National Park is to drive there on a road trip, preferably heading north up Coastal Route 1 through Maine, enjoying all of the charming New England towns and waterways that you’ll pass along the way.

You can also hop on the DownEaster Amtrak train from Boston to Brunswick, Maine, then rent a car to drive up the coast to Acadia!

Best Time to Visit and Top Activities in Acadia

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The best times of year to visit Acadia National Park are late spring, summer, and autumn.

Winter can be a little dicey when many popular areas of the park close due to icy and hazardous conditions.

Early spring can still be quite icy and chilly as well.

The best place to stay when visiting Acadia National Park is in the town of Bar Harbor. There are many options for lodging.

There are other areas surrounding the park that also offer places to stay, as well as numerous campgrounds surrounding Acadia.

But fair warning — Acadia and Bar Harbor are so popular that you must book a reservation for lodging (including campgrounds) in advance or risk finding no rooms at any inn.

Now here’s a glimpse of some of the most amazing things to do in Acadia National Park, from adventurous hikes to scenic drives, each providing unique experiences.

Acadia is best explored in two or three days in order to see and do several of the activities on this list.

Best Things To Do in Acadia

1. Drive or Hike to the Summit of Cadillac Mountain

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There are two ways to reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain — the highest peak in Acadia National Park — offering one of the most iconic experiences in the park.

Rising 1,530 feet above sea level, Cadillac Mountain is renowned for being the first place in the U.S. to catch the sunrise, making it an early morning destination for many visitors.

Hiking up Cadillac Mountain is an adventure in itself, with several trail options available, each providing stunning vistas along the way. 

The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is a challenging 7-mile hike that provides sweeping views of the park's coastline, islands, and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean.

Along the way, you’ll discover diverse ecosystems, including

• granite rock outcrops
• mixed forests
• alpine meadows

The trail culminates at the summit, where panoramic views make the strenuous hike worthwhile.

But if it’s a shorter, easier hike you’re looking for, the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail is a 4.4-mile route that is a bit gentler yet still offers spectacular views.

You can also drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain — with an online reservation at Recreation.gov.

This is separate from the national park pass you can purchase onsite to visit the rest of Acadia at their Visitor Center.

Cadillac Summit Road allows you to drive all the way to the top, making it accessible as long as the weather conditions are safe for driving.

Once you reach the summit, take it all in — the 360-degree views and, if you're there at the right time, the sunrise or sunset, both of which are magical experiences.

2. Drive the Park Loop Road

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The Park Loop Road is a scenic 27-mile drive that winds through some of Acadia National Park's most stunning landscapes, much of it a one-way road.

The route offers access to many of the park's key highlights, making it a great option for visitors who prefer a more relaxed exploration.

The drive is not something to race through. Instead, take your time exploring the many opportunities to stop along the way.

Some of the most popular sites along the Park Loop Road include:

• Sand Beach: A beautiful crescent-shaped beach nestled between granite cliffs, ideal for walking in the sand (a rarity in Maine, where most beaches are rocky) or a chilly swim. This is also a great place to experience the park after dark to take in the night sky.
• Thunder Hole: A natural rock inlet where the waves crash with such force that they create a thunderous sound. The best time to visit is when the tide is coming in, creating dramatic water spouts and an impressive sound show, especially when the seas are stormy!
• Jordan Pond: A serene glacial pond surrounded by mountains, with a beautiful walking trail around its perimeter. The Jordan Pond Path offers breathtaking views of the water and surrounding landscapes, making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
• Otter Cliffs: A stunning, rugged section of coastline with dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the ocean. It’s a perfect place for photography or just taking in the raw power of the Atlantic.

RELATED: Know Before You Go, Acadia National Park

3. Wildlife Observation

Atlantic Puffins

Acadia National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

The park's diverse habitats — from the coastal shorelines to dense forests — support a rich variety of species.

One of the park's most beloved creatures is the white-tailed deer, which is frequently seen grazing in the meadows or along trails.

Acadia is also home to other mammals including foxes and even the occasional moose, although sightings of those are rare.

The park’s birdlife is equally impressive, with over 300 species of birds documented.

Spotting a peregrine falcon or a bald eagle can be a thrill, and there is a wide variety of migratory birds, particularly in spring and fall when they travel through the park.

Birdwatching can be done from trails, scenic viewpoints, or even while you’re driving along the Park Loop Road.

Marine life is another highlight, with opportunities to see harbor seals, porpoises, and even whales in the waters surrounding the park.

Whale-watching boat tours from Bar Harbor provide an exciting chance to see humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales.

4. Stroll, Bike, or Take a Horse-Drawn Ride Along the Carriage Roads

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Acadia National Park is famous for its unique, iconic, extensive network of carriage roads, which were originally constructed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 20th century.

These 45 miles of crushed-stone paths offer a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park.

The carriage roads pass through some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes, including:

• dense forests
• tranquil ponds
• expansive meadows

The routes are car-free, making them perfect for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Highlights along the carriage roads include the Jordan Pond House, where you can stop for a traditional popover and tea, and Bubble Pond, a stunning, crystal-clear body of water perfect for a photo stop.

Bikes can be rented in Bar Harbor or at the park’s visitor centers, and the carriage roads are open to cyclists from spring to fall. In the winter, the locals even snowshoe along the paths. 

But one of the best ways to experience the carriage roads is by horse and carriage rides, by signing up for a ride at the stables inside the park. 

5. Stargaze After Dark

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Acadia National Park is one of the best places on the East Coast for stargazing, thanks to its status as a designated Dark Sky Park.

Its relatively remote location and limited light pollution provide perfect conditions for observing the night sky.

You can enjoy clear views of constellations, planets, and meteor showers.

Cadillac Mountain is a popular spot for stargazing, offering unobstructed views of the night sky. Other good stargazing locations include:

• Jordan Pond
• Seawall
• Schoodic Point
• Sand Beach

The Acadia Night Sky Festival, usually held in September, celebrates the wonders of the night sky with educational programs, telescopes, and astronomy talks.

For an immersive experience, Acadia sometimes offers stargazing experiences with a park ranger to help you navigate the constellations and share knowledge about the night sky.

6. Visit Southwest Harbor for Its Iconic Footbridge and Lighthouse

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Southwest Harbor is located on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island, across Somes Sound.

It is a charming area in Acadia National Park that offers a tranquil alternative to bustling areas like Bar Harbor.

Some of the best things to see in Southwest Harbor include:

• The beloved, charming wooden footbridge — the Somesville Bridge — has been painted and photographed by many artists and tourists alike. It’s become a symbol of Southwest Harbor.
• A drive to the southernmost tip of Mount Desert Island to visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. It’s one of the most famous sites in all of Maine. This picturesque lighthouse has stood as a beacon for mariners since 1858. It is located at the edge of Acadia National Park, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Bass Harbor.
• Echo Lake is also a lovely area of Acadia National Park located on Southwest Harbor where you can swim, canoe or kayak surrounded by the mountains, pine trees, and wildlife native to the area.

7. Explore the Town of Bar Harbor

Dana Moos

No visit to Acadia National Park is complete without spending some time in Bar Harbor, the park's gateway town.

This charming coastal village is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of outdoor adventure.

Walk to Acadia’s Bar Island, the namesake of the town, during low tide when you can cross the bottom of the ocean on foot.

And be sure to walk the historic Ocean Path on the edge of Bar Harbor, overlooking the sea.

Walk along the town's picturesque streets, dine on fresh seafood, and take in local Native American art at the Abbe Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Wabanaki tribes of Maine.

Bar Harbor also offers access to a variety of boat tours, including whale watching, puffin cruises, and scenic harbor tours.

The town’s quaint atmosphere and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Acadia.

8. For Adventurers and Thrill-Seekers: Rock Climb or Rock Scramble

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For advanced climbers and hikers, Acadia’s unique geological formations provide a perfect playground for climbers of all skill levels.

Otter Cliffs is one of the most popular climbing areas in the park, offering climbing routes right over the ocean! 

A popular hiking and rock-scrambling destination is Beehive Trail, a relatively short but exhilarating hike that involves ascending a steep rock face with the help of iron rungs, ladders, and handholds.

The reward for making it to the top is a panoramic view of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the surrounding coastline.

RELATED: Shaka Guide's Acadia National Park Itinerary

9. Visit the Schoodic Peninsula

Jay Gannett

While Acadia National Park’s main area on Mount Desert Island is the park’s most visited location, the Schoodic Peninsula is further away off the mainland, offering a quieter, less crowded experience with just as much beauty.

Located across Frenchman Bay, the Schoodic Peninsula is accessible by car or ferry and is home to rugged coastlines, dense forests, and picturesque lighthouses.

The Schoodic Head offers a beautiful hike with panoramic views of the surrounding water, and the Schoodic Loop Road is a scenic drive that takes you along the peninsula’s stunning coastline.

Wildlife sightings are common in the area, including seals, osprey, and eagles.

Schoodic Point is another fantastic location for photography, where you can capture the rugged granite coastline meeting the Atlantic waves.

The peninsula is also home to several historic sites, including the Winter Harbor Lighthouse, which offers a glimpse into the region’s maritime history.

10. Take a Scenic Cruise

Image from Flickr by Lee Coursey

One of the best ways to experience Acadia National Park’s beauty from a different perspective is to take a scenic cruise around Mount Desert Island.

Several tour companies in Bar Harbor offer boat tours that explore the waters around the park, providing visitors with views of the coastline, islands, wildlife, and lighthouses.

Lobster boat tours are a popular option, allowing you to experience how lobstermen work while learning about the history of the lobster industry in Maine. These tours often include the chance to see harbor seals and other marine life up close.

For those interested in a more leisurely experience, nature cruises offer stunning views of the park's shoreline, including areas that are otherwise inaccessible by land.

11. Kayak on the Waters of Acadia

Image from Flickr by Sam Felder

For a different perspective of Acadia's stunning coastline, consider kayaking along its pristine waters.

Acadia National Park offers a variety of kayaking options, from calm ponds to more challenging ocean waters.

Jordan Pond is an excellent place for beginners, with its peaceful waters and surrounding beauty.

Renting a kayak or canoe gives you a chance to explore the pond at your own pace.

For more adventurous paddlers, the ocean waters around Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay offer thrilling experiences.

Paddling along the coastline provides views of islands, rocky shores, and wildlife, including seals, birds, and sometimes even whales.

Seal Harbor is also a fantastic place to explore by kayak, with tranquil waters and access to hidden coves.

Explore Acadia with Shaka Guide

As you have probably realized by now, Acadia National Park is a destination loaded with things to see and do.

With Shaka Guide's Acadia Tour, you can explore the park at your own pace. A place where the natural world comes to life in countless ways through a range of activities that appeal to every type of adventurer and explorer.

With its spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for both relaxation and excitement, Acadia promises an unforgettable experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Acadia National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Acadia National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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