Acadia National Park
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Acadia is one of the most beautiful places on the East Coastârugged coastline, stunning mountain views, charming New England towns, and some of the best ice cream you'll ever taste. Whether you're hiking to Bubble Rock, catching sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, or walking to Bar Island at low tide, this park offers endless adventures for the whole family.
Our Favorites
Visitor's Center & Park Loop Road
- First Stop Head straight to the Visitor's Center for maps and trail suggestions
- Ask About Trail difficulty, length, and scenery typesâthey'll tailor recommendations
- Overview Drive the Park Loop Road for spectacular views of the whole island
The Park Loop Road drive gives you a wonderful overview of Acadia and helps you plan which areas to explore in depth.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
- Early AM Drive or hike to Cadillac Mountain summit for sunrise
- Why Sunrise First place to see the sunrise in the United States (seasonally)
- Breakfast Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast in Bar Harborâopens at 6:00 AM
If you can get the kids up early, sunrise is absolutely worth it. Then reward everyone with a hearty Maine breakfast!
Favorite Trails
- Must-Do Bubble Rockâone of our favorite hikes in the park
- Easy Walk Ship Harbor Trail in Southwest Harborâbeautiful rocky coastline
- Lunch Eat a Pita in Southwest Harborâabsolutely fresh and delicious
Ship Harbor Trail is more of a walk than a difficult hike, but the scenery along the rocky coastline is stunning.
Jordan Pond House
- Must-Try Famous popoversâa signature Acadia experience
- Order Seafood chowder and blueberry lemonade
- Activity Blueberry picking right on the grounds
Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and savor the popoversâthis is quintessential Acadia.
Bar Harbor & Bar Island
- Low Tide Walk to Bar Islandâlots of critters to find along the way
- Explore Vibrant downtown with great shops and restaurants
- Ice Cream Mt. Desert Ice Creamâwe prefer the freestanding location on the outskirts
Check the tide schedule! You can only walk to Bar Island at low tide. The town itself is vibrant and fun to explore.
Thunder Hole
- Timing Visit about one hour before high tide for the best sound
- What to Expect Waves crash into a narrow inlet, creating a thunderous boom
Timing is everything at Thunder Hole. Check the tide charts and plan to arrive about an hour before high tide.
Lakes & Kayaking
- Morning Rent kayaks at the north end of Long Pond
- Afternoon Echo Lakeânice beach with water much warmer than the ocean
The ocean water is cold! Echo Lake is a great alternative for swimming, especially with kids.
Carriage Roads
- Bring Your bikes! Or rent them in Bar Harbor
- Ride 45 miles of historic carriage roadsâcar-free and family-friendly
The carriage roads were built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and are perfect for family bikingâno cars allowed!
Moments Captured
A collection of memories from Acadia.
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Tips & Must-Dos
Don't Miss
Jordan Pond House popovers, Cadillac Mountain sunrise, and Mt. Desert Ice Cream. These are quintessential Acadia experiences.
Tide Timing
Check tide charts! Bar Island walk requires low tide, and Thunder Hole is best about an hour before high tide.
Swimming
Ocean water is cold. Echo Lake has a nice beach with much warmer waterâbetter for kids.
Best Eats
Eat a Pita (Southwest Harbor), Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast (Bar Harbor), and Jordan Pond House for the full experience.