Acadia National Park is a stunning destination located on the rocky shores of Coastal Maine. Known for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, fantastic hiking, and endless outdoor activities and attractions. Visiting Acadia has been a bucket list item since we started traveling. In fact, we planned our entire summer trip to Maine around visiting the park.
Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island right next door to the charming town of Bar Harbor, Maine. We planned a summer family trip to visit Acadia National Park. Like most national parks, summer is a very busy season to visit.
We camped with our RV at the Schoodic Woods Campground (see our Schoodic post), but Mount Desert Island offers two other campgrounds, Blackwoods and Seawall. Not camping? There are plenty of hotels, inns, and cabins located in and around Bar Harbor, Winter Harbor, and nearby Ellsworth.
Here’s your guide to the top things to do in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, plus tips for an epic visit. Craving a quieter escape? Check out our Schoodic Peninsula guide for Acadia’s hidden coastal gem!
Must- Do Activities in Acadia National Park:
1. Cruise the Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road offers all the iconic rugged and coastal scenery you expect when visiting Maine. This scenic drive takes you past many of the park’s top features like Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Thunder Hole as well as numerous scenic overlooks, and trailheads.
Sand Beach is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine or taking a chilly dip in the ocean. From there, take a short walk along Ocean Path to Thunder Hole. This short 0.7-mile stretch is stroller and dog friendly (leashed), ideal for a family stroll. The trail becomes uneven from there and continues past Thunder Hole taking hikers to Otter Cliffs.
Stop at Sieur de Monts to visit the nature center and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Explore 45 miles of carriage roads and park trails perfect for walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Adventurous hikers will find plenty of trailheads along Park Loop Road for popular hikes such as The Bubbles and Beehive Loop. The Beehive Loop Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes.
It is a 1.4 mile, moderate-strenuous climb with iron rungs and steep granite. Maybe not a hike for those with a fear of heights, but the summit offers epic views of Sand Beach and the ocean. Go early to beat the crowds and be sure to check the weather- the trail should be avoided if it’s raining.
Parking is tight along Park Loop Road, especially during the summer. Something very interesting about this park is that sections of the one-way road actually allow parking in the right lane. This allows many more people to be able to stop and enjoy the sights.
You can avoid the crowded parking areas altogether and take the free Island Explorer bus. It stops at many of the popular destinations along the loop.
2. Feel the Roar at Thunder Hole
Thunder hole is a very popular destination in Acadia National Park. There is a parking area designated for Thunder Hole with a gift shop and restrooms. Across the road from the parking area, you will find a staircase that leads you down to the viewing area.
Waves crash into the narrow inlet, creating a thunderous roar and sprays up to 40 feet. Visit 1–2 hours before high tide for max drama (check tides on the NPS website).
We missed the prime viewing time by about an hour, but watching the waves come in and crash against the rocks was still a sight to see. Even with smaller waves, there is still a thundering sound, albeit a tamer version. Bonus: we were also able to get closer to the viewing point without getting completely soaked!
3. Swoon Over Jordan Pond
Our favorite destination in the park, Jordian Pond. There is a restaurant and gift shop located at the Jordan Pond House. The large gift shop is packed with Acadia souvenirs, seasonal items, and beautiful arts and crafts. The restaurant gets very busy, book ahead to skip the long waiting times. Plan a trip for lunch or maybe afternoon teatime and try the famous popovers.
A short walk down from the house takes you to the shores of Jordan Pond. Absolutely stunning glacial water surrounded by the thick summer foliage of ferns and evergreens will greet you at the bottom of the hill.
You will also find picturesque views of “The Bubbles”, a very popular rock formation. There is no swimming allowed in Jordan Pond, but you can enjoy limited boating. Be sure to check the NPS website for more information.
The 3.3-mile Jordan Pond Path is a loop trail that takes you around the pond. It is an overall easy trail with raised boardwalks and a few rocky sections. We tackled the tougher side first and the kids crushed it! The Jordan Pond Loop is still on our top list of favorite trails! Hikers can access other trailheads from this loop including the Bubbles Trail.
4. Summit Cadillac Mountain
At 1530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak in Acadia National Park. You can hike, bike, or drive to the summit. During the summer, reservations need to be made at recreation.gov for timed entry to drive to the summit.
There is a visitor center with restrooms located at the top along with 2 different parking areas and paved walking trails.
Sunrise and sunset from Cadillac Mountain are both epic, but you can’t go wrong with visiting any time of the day. Spectacular views of the park, the ocean, and the surrounding islands await you at the top!
We were able to snag a timed entry in the evening, hoping to catch a sunset. We enjoyed scenic hiking on the summit, settled down with a family picnic… only for the fog to roll in just as the sun was setting!
Ah well, now we have another reason to go back!
5. Bass Harbor Head Light Station
Visit the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, a postcard-perfect lighthouse on Mount Desert Island’s quieter southwest side. Perched on rocky cliffs above crashing ocean waves, it’s one of Acadia’s most photographed spots. A short path from the parking lot leads to a viewing area with stunning ocean views-perfect for sunset shots!
Parking is limited, so arrive early or late to beat crowds. For a closer look, scramble down the rocks (carefully!) to see the lighthouse from the shore. It’s a quick stop but adds serious Maine charm to your Acadia adventure.
Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park
Timing: Summer is the busiest season, but the weather is gorgeous and worth the crowds. Fall offers vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. Winter become a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing.
Reservations: Book Cadillac Mountain vehicle slots early, especially if you are trying to visit at sunrise or sunset. Jordan Pond House dining reservations will save time and avoid a long wait list.
Gear: Pack layers- Maine weather changes quickly. Even during the summer, most mornings were cool and foggy, warming up in the sunny afternoons. Sturdy shoes are a must for rocky trails. Waterproof shoes or sturdy sandals come in handy when exploring tide pools.
Leave No Trace: Keep Acadia pristine by packing out trash and sticking to trails.
Explore More: Check our guide to for Acadia’s quieter side- the Schoodic Peninsula.
Acadia National Park is a playground of natural wonders, from crashing waves to misty peaks. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or chasing sunsets, there’s something for everyone. These are just some of the top things to see in Acadia National Park. There are many more natural wonders, wildlife, and attractions to discover in this amazing place.
We hope this post helps you plan a fantastic trip to Acadia National Park! Be sure to check out our post for other great places to visit in Maine- How To Experience The Best of Coastal Maine in One Summer.
Happy Travels!
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