TPG’s Complete Guide to Acadia National Park, Maine
Since Acadia National Park was declared a national monument in 1916, its craggy coast has attracted travelers. Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive more TPG news delivered each morning. The great northern woods roll down hillsides to meet the Atlantic Ocean at the easternmost reach of the United States.
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All of the beauty of Maine’s wilderness comes together in Acadia National Park: Ancient coniferous forests, rugged mountains, wildlife and the untamed Atlantic marry in a way that makes the area feel untouched and unexplored, despite its unsurprising popularity.
Getting to Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park. The best airports to reach Acadia National Park are Boston Logan International Airport, served by American, Delta and Frontier Airlines, JetBlue as well as Southwest, Southwest, Southwest, Spirit and United Airlines. Cape Air, Silver Airways and JetBlue also offer direct flights from BHB. BHB is just a short 10-minute drive from the park.
Of course, if you fly right into Bar Harbor Airport, you’ll miss the meandering drive up Maine’s coastal Route 1, which can be about a six-hour road trip from Boston through many of Maine’s most picturesque coastal towns, depending on how many stops you make.
Additionally, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour inland from Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. There are a limited number of airlines serving BGR, but the current list includes American Airlines, United, Allegiant Air, Delta and Breeze.
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is yet another possibility, especially if you want to also explore Maine’s largest city. The airport is located approximately three hours south of Acadia National Park. Airlines serving this airport include American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, Breeze and United.
Renting a car near Acadia National Park
Whether you fly into Boston, Bar Harbor, Bangor or Portland, you’ll definitely want to rent a car for your trip to Acadia National Park.
For car rentals from any of these airports, expect to pay anywhere between $120-$250 per day. Acadia’s roads are well-paved, easily accessible and have a total elevation gain (or loss) of only 1,530 feet. A midsize SUV is ideal. A midsize SUV is ideal.
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Acadia National Park entrance fees
The current standard entrance pass into Acadia National Park is $35 per private vehicle and $30 for motorcycles. The standard pass for individuals without vehicles is $20. The passes are valid seven days after the date of purchase. There’s an annual Acadia National Park pass ($70) valid for one year from purchase date, and if you’re traveling to at least one other national park this year, you might want to consider the annual America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80 and grants you and everyone in your vehicle free access to all the national parks, as well as national wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine. LARRY WESTLER/GETTY IMAGES
My favorite time of year to visit Acadia is late September into October: The swarms of tourists have dramatically decreased, the mosquitoes are gone and daytime temperatures are typically still pleasant enough for hiking and beachcombing.
In truth, I’ve been to this area in all seasons and there is something to be said for each. Winter brings a raw landscape of ice and an abandoned, desolate atmosphere. Spring brings a joyous mood with the blossoming of trees and wildflowers. Bar Harbor’s historic center is filled with families on vacation and a variety of activities. Fall has its smattering of vibrant foliage, sunny days and cozier temperatures in the evenings.
Where to stay
If you’ve noticed that Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor are used somewhat interchangeably here, it’s because Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. If you visit any of these places, it’s likely that you will explore them all. It’s small enough that, no matter where you stay, you can explore the whole area. The best points hotels near Acadia National Park
If using points to book your hotel, there aren’t many options. However, the stunning setting will compensate for any inconvenience. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor can be reached by foot from downtown Bar Harbor. The entrance to the national park is a 3-minute drive away. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoors swimming pools as well as free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast. The rates start at 67,000 Hilton Honors Points. Rates start at 23,000 IHG points per night.
Camping in Acadia National Park
BAILEY MADE/UNDER CANVAS ACADIA
If you want to rough it and embrace the outdoors, there are multiple options for camping within Acadia National Park as well. Blackwoods Campground is located in the middle of Mount Desert Island and has been a popular campground for many years. The campground has everything you need for a comfortable camping trip in the woods. There are flush toilets, running waters, a dump station and picnic tables, as well as fire rings and picnic tables. It’s a perfect location for travelers who want to hike and climb in the park, and you can easily walk out of your tent and pick up the popular South Ridge trail up Cadillac Mountain.
Seawall Campground also offers quality facilities, but like Blackwoods, it tends to book up quickly. This site is 45 minutes away from the park. Bar Harbor Campground, located in Bar Harbor, is another great option for those who are looking to make a last-minute trip. It is located just 25 minutes from the park and offers convenience and accessibility, despite the limited bathroom facilities. Under Canvas, the glamping brand, recently joined World of Hyatt following Hyatt’s partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It has an amazing outpost near Acadia, located on 100 acres of waterfront land. Rates start at 26,000 World of Hyatt points. Rates start at 26,000 World of Hyatt points.
Related: The best US glamping resorts for an outdoorsy summer getaway
While black bears are present in the area, campers can feel safe as long as they maintain distance and follow proper food storage guidelines.
Things to do in Acadia National Park
Aside from exploring Bar Harbor and the rest of Mount Desert Island, Acadia itself is full of outdoor adventures.
Best hiking in Acadia National Park
GABRIELPEVIDE/GETTY IMAGES
For a truly unforgettable experience, make a reservation in advance to drive up to the top of 1,529-foot Cadillac Mountain — the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard — and witness the first sunrise in the U.S. Avid hikers may opt to summit the mountain on foot, although an early wake-up call at 3 a.m. is required. Another fantastic spot to catch the sunrise is Otter Point, where you can stroll along the coastline and enjoy an unobstructed view of the ocean.
Beehive Loop Trail is one of Acadia’s most popular rung and ladder climbs. This 1.9-mile hike is not for the fainthearted, but it offers a rewarding view from the top. The only way to get to the Beehive Loop from the Precipice Loop is up. Ocean Path Trail is closer to the coast and offers stunning views of the water. This trail is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and water views. Make a reservation at the Jordan Pond House for brunch, which is a delightful spot in the middle of the wilderness. Other activities in Acadia National Park
Kayakers on the Bar Harbor Northeast Creek at Acadia National Park. STAN DZUGAN/GETTY IMAGES
Sea kayaking, rock climbing, wandering around Sand Beach and stopping at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse are all popular Acadia activities.
You can’t travel to Bar Harbor without stopping to hear the thunderous clap of waves crashing into the rocky inlet known as Thunder Hole. You can also pick up a funny postcard or a souvenir magnet from the gift shop. Look out for harbor seals, raptors, such as peregrine flinches and herons, and marine mammals, including dolphins and whales. There are also smaller, easy-to-miss wildlife, such as salamanders and other amphibians.
During low tide, you can even walk out across a sand bar from downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island. It’s a beautiful stretch of the East Coast and a perfect place to spend your hard-earned points. It’s a rugged wilderness destination and a stunning stretch of the East Coast.
Here are some more outdoorsy vacations you may enjoy:
Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman, Tate Gillie and Ellie Nan Storck.
