Things to do nearAcadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine offers a rare meeting of granite peaks, dense spruce forests, and a rugged Atlantic coastline that rewards every kind of explorer.
Acadia National Park occupies most of Mount Desert Island off the coast of downeast Maine and holds the distinction of being the first national park established east of the Mississippi River, designated in 1919 after years of land donations from conservation-minded families including the Rockefellers. The park's roughly 49,000 acres encompass a dramatic mix of terrain: the rounded pink granite summits of the Cadillac Mountain range, quiet glacially carved lakes such as Echo Lake and Eagle Lake, densely wooded valleys, and a shoreline where the North Atlantic crashes against boulder fields and sea cliffs.
Visitors hike more than 150 miles of trails ranging from easy shoreside walks to the steep iron-rung ladder routes on the Precipice and Beehive, which cling to near-vertical cliff faces and deliver sweeping views of Frenchman Bay. The 27-mile Park Loop Road connects many of the most visited landmarks, including Sand Beach, the only sand beach in the park, and Thunder Hole, a sea cave where incoming waves compress air and produce a resonant boom audible from a distance.
The nearby village of Bar Harbor serves as the primary gateway, offering fresh lobster, chowder, and local seafood at restaurants lining Cottage Street and the waterfront. Ranger-led programs, sea kayaking tours around the island's coves, and sailing excursions on Frenchman Bay round out the ways to engage with the park's environment. Acadia National Park earns its reputation not through spectacle alone but through the uncommon intimacy of a place where ocean, mountain, and forest exist in close and compelling proximity.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Acadia National Park
Visit Cadillac Mountain before dawn from October through early March, when it is among the first places in the United States to receive sunlight, and arrive early as the summit road fills quickly.
Try the wild blueberry soft-serve ice cream sold at park concessions near Jordan Pond, a small but genuinely local treat tied to Maine's blueberry-growing heritage.
Bring layers even in July, as the ocean breezes on exposed summits and along the Shore Path in Bar Harbor can drop temperatures significantly from what you feel inland.
Rent a bicycle and explore the historic carriage road network, 45 miles of broken-stone paths closed to motor vehicles and ideal for reaching ponds and overlooks at a relaxed pace.
Walk the Ship Harbor Nature Trail on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island for a peaceful loop through coastal forest and along a sheltered tidal inlet, away from the busier park corridors.
Top tours & experiences near Acadia National Park
Sunset Cruise in Northeast Harbor
Cruise at sunset with a narrated ride around Acadia and the Cranberry Isles
Narrated Afternoon Cruise in Acadia National Park
Cruise Great Harbor, Cranberry Islands, and Somes Sound with a 45-minute island stop
Acadia Youth Kayaking Tour at Hadley Point Beach
Family youth sea kayaking in a protected bay on Mount Desert Island
Acadia Carriage Roads E-Bike Rental
Cover more of Acadia’s carriage roads with a powerful fat-tire e-bike and effortless pedal assistance.
20-Mile Acadia E-Bike Tour with Local Guide
Discover iconic and hidden Acadia sights on a guided 20-mile e-bike ride.
Ride a 6-Hour E-Bike Rental in Acadia National Park
Pick up a premium e-bike at Hulls Cove and ride Acadia’s Carriage Roads
Explore Acadia & Bar Harbor on a 3-Hour Private Tour
Tour Bar Harbor and Acadia’s Park Loop Road by private van
3-Hour Guided Acadia Tour With Cadillac Summit
See Acadia’s Park Loop Road, Cadillac Summit, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole in 3 hours
3-Hour Private Guided Tour of Acadia National Park
Explore Acadia’s Park Loop Road on a private 3-hour guided drive
4-Hour Guided E-Bike Tour in Acadia National Park
Ride Acadia highlights by e-bike with a guide
Explore Acadia National Park on a 2.5-Hour Trolley Tour
Ride a narrated trolley through Acadia’s top sights with photo stops
Step-Through E-Bike Rental in Acadia National Park
Rent a step-through e-bike with included delivery and pickup
Private Sailboat Charter on the Maine Coast
Experience Acadia’s wildlife and scenery with an expert captain and a trip tailored to you
Ride the Bar Harbor & Winter Harbor Ferry
Take a one-way ferry between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor
Ultimate Acadia And Mount Desert Island Private Tour
See Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, and coastal villages in one flexible private day
2-Hour Guided Paddleboarding Tour in Acadia
Paddle Mount Desert Island bays with a guide and optional wetsuit
Guided Paddleboarding Tour in Acadia National Park
Paddle a sheltered Acadia lake with a guide in 2 hours
Full-Day Inflatable SUP Rental in Bar Harbor
Rent an inflatable SUP for a full day on Acadia-area lakes and calm coves
Explore Acadia National Park on a 4-Hour E-Bike Rental
Ride a Class 1 e-bike on Acadia’s Park Loop Road and Carriage Roads
Full-Day E-Bike Rental in Bar Harbor
Ride a Class 1 e-bike on Acadia’s Park Loop Road and Carriage Roads
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Guided Tour From Bar Harbor
Cadillac Mountain sunrise with warm drinks, snacks, chairs, and reservation handled
Morning Schooner Cruise in Bar Harbor
Sail Frenchman Bay for sea views of Acadia National Park
Private Acadia National Park Sightseeing Cruise
Private Maine coast cruise with Acadia views for groups of 7–36
Puffin & Wildlife Cruise Near Acadia National Park
Cruise Blue Hill Bay to spot puffins, seals, and lighthouses in 2 hours
Fish on a Private Charter Near Acadia National Park
Private fishing charter with coastal views of Acadia National Park
Sunset E-Bike Tour in Acadia National Park
Ride Acadia’s Carriage Roads by e-bike and catch sunset at Eagle Lake
6-Hour E-Bike Rental in Bar Harbor & Acadia
Ride a Rad fat-tire e-bike from Bar Harbor into Acadia’s carriage roads
4-Hour Acadia National Park Guided Trolley Tour
See Acadia’s top sights on a fully narrated 4-hour tour with four photo stops
3-Hour Guided Tour of Acadia National Park
Step-on guide service for motorcoach tours in Acadia National Park
Explore Mount Desert Island Guided Tour From Bar Harbor
Private 5-hour Mount Desert Island tour beyond Acadia National Park hotspots
Take a Morning Cruise in Acadia National Park
Cruise Great Harbor and Somes Sound with narration and an island stop