Article Summary: Things to Do in Acadia, Acadia National Park Attractions, What to Do in Acadia
Acadia is one of the few national parks on the east coast. Created almost entirely from private land donations, it also comes with a unique history. This combined with its prime location on the eastern seaboard results in amazing things to do in Acadia National Park.
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer looking for excellent hiking, a beachcomber hoping to enjoy the coast, or a road tripper looking for a scenic drive, Acadia has it all. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Acadia National Park.
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Table of Contents
The Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Map of Things to Do in Acadia National Park
1. Watch the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
Did you know that Acadia National Park is one of the first places to see the sunrise in the United States? In fact, from October 7 to March 6, you can see the very first light to touch the East Coast from this summit.
No matter what time of year you go, this is one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park as the sunrise (and sunset) is always stunning.
Furthermore, Cadillac Mountain is also the tallest on the east coast. In addition to sunsets, this makes it the perfect destination for stargazing, hiking to the summit, or driving to the top. Views from the top allow you to see for miles, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Beginning in 2021, reservations are required in the summer season. Read more in our guide to viewing the Cadillac Mountain sunrise.
2. Hike the Thrilling Precipice Trail
I remember my first visit to Acadia. I was dating someone who always sought after the most difficult hike. This usually wasn’t a problem for me; I love hiking and I like a good challenge. Heights, however, are not my favorite.
Queue his request to hike the Precipice Trail. I was so nervous and really wanted to back out, but this turned out to be the highlight of our trip. It may have even been the highlight of my year.
The hike is relatively short and takes you to the top of a mountain. Sounds pretty typical, right? What makes this trail one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park is how you get to the top.
Instead of a traditional trail, you’ll reach the summit of Champlain Mountain by climbing via a series of iron rungs attached to the rock. These vary from ladders to railings to hand- and foot-holds.
By the end, as you can see in the photos above, I was hardly scared at all. Being on the cliff edges was more exciting than horrifying.
The Precipice Trail closes for the Peregrine Falcon nesting season. This typically occurs from late spring through mid-August. A great alternative is the Beehive, another trail that requires clinging to iron rungs in order to reach the top.
3. Hike Around Jordan Pond and Stop for High Tea
Jordan Pond is another one of the most iconic attractions in Acadia. The two bubbles on one end of the pond are part of one of the most photographed landscapes in the park.
The trail around Jordan Pond is quaint, lovely, and somewhat crowded. Still, it’s worth the short stroll for the beautiful vantage points. The full loop is 3.2 miles. Jordan Pond is the second-largest, clearest, and deepest lake in Acadia.
What makes Jordan Pond and its surrounding area one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park is actually the Jordan Pond House. Every day, they serve their famous popovers and have high tea.
If you plan to arrive for lunch or an afternoon snack, any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., reservations are highly recommended. This is one of the most popular things to do in Acadia National Park, and the tables are typically taken.
4. Ride a Bike on the Carriage Roads
One of the main highlights of Acadia National Park is the 45-mile network of carriage roads. Built by the Rockefeller family, who originally owned the land before donating it to the National Park Service, these roads form a series of loops that you can combine. This allows you to choose the distance you’d like to travel with ease.
The roads also feature beautiful stone bridges, like the one pictured above. Another one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park is photograph these, either while enjoying the trails or driving the Park Loop Road.
While biking is one of the more popular activities for the carriage roads, in the winter, cross-country skiing is also popular. Horseback riding and traditional walking are other options for exploring this historic network of unpaved lanes.
Furthermore, park rangers lead guided bicycling tours along the carriage road system. They cover 6-miles of terrain on a 2.5-hour trip. For more information, click here or call 800-526-8615.
5. Witness the Mighty Roar of Thunder Hole
Another one of the most popular things to do in Acadia National Park is Thunder Hole.
This is easily the most dramatic spot in the park. Here, a small cave formed just below the water’s surface. When waves recede, air enters the cave. Then, when the next wave comes in, the water and air collide to create a thunderous roar.
It’s best to visit when the surf is high. This allows for larger sprays and a louder crash of thunder.
Even if the surf isn’t high and the spray doesn’t erupt into the air, the views from this point are phenomenal.
6. Go Sea Kayaking in the Bays
Sea kayaking may not be the first thing you think of when you picture Maine, but it’s one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. In fact, there’s an entire sea kayaking trail on the coast of Maine. Exploring the bays and coves from a boat allows a new perspective on the beauty of Mount Desert Island.
Don’t have your own kayak? There are plenty of tour operators in the area. Here’s a list of the most highly recommended:
7. Relax on Sand Beach
Sand Beach is one of the more popular attractions in Acadia. This is likely because the landscape is so strange compared to its surroundings. The majority of Maine’s coastline features rocky cliffs rather than sandy shores.
To beat the crowds, visit in the early morning or in the evening. One of the best things to do in Acadia National Park is to visit Sand Beach at night to participate in the Stars Over Sand program hosted by park rangers. These talks are free, last approximately one hour, and involve laying on the beach and admiring the night sky while your ranger shares stories and knowledge of the stars.
While Sand Beach is popular for swimming, it’s also one of the coldest places to go! Even in the middle of summer, expect water temperatures to hover around 55°F. If you’re hoping to swim in Acadia, try the (slightly warmer) waters of Echo Lake.
8. Search for Whales on a Whale-Watching Tour
One of the most popular things to do in Acadia National Park and its home state of Maine is to participate in a whale-watching excursion.
Commonly seen whales include humpback, fin, right, and minke whales. Whales can be seen from mid-April, when they return to feed, before migrating south to warmer waters in October. This timing is perfect for visiting Maine in the warm summer season or fall for beautiful foliage.
The sole whale-watching tour provider out of Bar Harbor is Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.
If you’re interested in boat tours with educational content or a park ranger presence, you’re in luck. These boat tours with a park ranger are one of my favorite things to do in Acadia National Park.
Two tours are operated by the same Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company mentioned above. One spends time exploring the Bay near Acadia and the Schoodic Peninsula, which is about 3 hours long (Acadia by the Sea). Another brings you to Baker Island, a 4-hour round-trip excursion to an island with plentiful hiking and wildlife sightings along the way (Baker Island Crusie). For information about either tour, visit their website or call (207) 288-2386.
There’s also a Frenchman Bay Cruise (call (207) 288-4585) and the Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise (call (207) 276-5352). Both tours also include a park ranger as your guide as you search for wildlife and learn about the history of Acadia National Park.
9. Photograph the Famous Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is easily the most-photographed attraction in Acadia National Park.
Mount Desert Island’s only lighthouse is situated in the small village of Bass Harbor. This is in the southwest corner of Acadia National Park. There are two trails in the area that take you along the coast. One is Ship Harbor Trail, an easy 1.2-mile loop, and the other is Wonderland Trail, an easy 1.4-mile loop. There’s also a short trail down to the rocky shore near the lighthouse for the perfect vantage point for photos like the one above.
The lighthouse is still fully operational and serves as a Coast Guard residence. Therefore, you cannot go inside and you should be respectful while you visit. Photographs are still allowed.
One of the best things to do in Acadia National Park is to visit this location around sunset. Then, gorgeous colors fill the sky as a backdrop to your lighthouse photos.
10. Visit the Less-Crowded Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut Districts
Something you’ve probably learned by now as you’ve been reading this post is that Acadia is an extremely popular national park. It’s also relatively small, making it appear difficult to escape the crowds.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are two districts of Acadia National Park that are essentially secret.
One is the Schoodic Peninsula, one of my favorite places on Maine’s extraordinary coast. It’s the only portion of Acadia National Park that is part of the mainland.
When driving the Schoodic Loop Road, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Desert Island and idyllic woodsy scenes. Furthermore, you’re more likely to see moose and other wildlife in this portion of the park. Don’t miss Schoodic Point, one of the best ocean viewpoints in Acadia National Park.
Isle au Haut is a little trickier to reach. This large island is off the coast of Stonington, Maine, which is about 90 minutes from Bar Harbor. There is a passenger-only ferry service which operates year-round from Stonington.
There’s an impressive network of trails on the island in addition to a small campground, Duck Harbor. About half of the island is federal land protected by Acadia National Park while the other half is privately owned.
Of all the amazing things to do in Acadia National Park, visiting the Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut are the best if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds.
11. Scale Otter Cliff
Believe it or not, rock climbing is another popular activity in Acadia National Park.
The sheer face of the Otter Cliffs, pictured above, is one of the most popular routes. You can rappel on these 60-foot tall sea cliffs. Other common areas for climbing include Precipice, South Bubble, and Great Head.
Since this is quickly becoming one of the most popular things to do in Acadia National Park, the park has implemented a Climbing Management Plan and is working on establishing new routes. More information about rock climbing in Acadia can be found here.
12. Enjoy a Scenic Drive Around the Island
Last but not least, if all of the above seems like too much for your limited time, you can always enjoy the scenery of Acadia by car.
There are many scenic routes to drive in the park, making auto-touring one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park.
The Park Loop Road is the most popular and the most famous. The full loop is 27 miles long, and a majority of it is one-way (beginning at the junction to Cadillac Mountain Road and ending near the Jordan Pond House). Parking areas along the way fill up quickly, but there is a shuttle service to use if you plan to park.
The Cadillac Mountain Road is another scenic drive that brings you to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. You can do this any time, but the most popular time is before sunrise to catch the first light.
Highways 3 and 102 will also take you through portions of the park and are also beautiful.
Finally, don’t forget about the Schoodic Loop Road on the mainland for a quieter drive.
Where to Stay While Visiting Acadia National Park
Highest Rated: Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, Holiday Inn
Bargain Prices: High Seas Motel, Acadia Pines Motel, Acadia Ocean View Motel
Camping: Check out my guide on camping in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Phone Case
Acadia National Park Map
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Acadia National Park Sticker
Acadia National Park Pin
Acadia National Park Patch
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Acadia National Park Hiking Medalion
Acadia National Park Pennant
Acadia National Park Pin
Acadia National Park Candle
Acadia National Park Sweatshirt
Acadia National Park Mug
Acadia National Park Tote Bag
Acadia National Park Ornament
Acadia National Park Sweatshirt
Acadia National Park Hand-drawn Map
Acadia National Park Seascape Artwork
Acadia National Park Sweatshirt
Acadia National Park Poster
Acadia National Park T-Shirt
Hiking Acadia Guidebook
Acadia Ornament
Acadia National Park Sticker
Acadia National Park Candle
Acadia Scrapbooking Kit
Acadia National Park Cross Stitch Kit
Pin Things to Do in Acadia National Park
