Acadia National Park has been a National Park officially for almost a century, and for good reason. There are so many places to see in Acadia National Park, and so many things to do in Acadia National Park, that it is one of the 10 most visited National Parks in the US. An Acadia National Park itinerary should be part of your travel plans! If you have limited vacation time, 3 days in Acadia National Park will hit a lot of the top spots and activities. So, our Acadia trip planner will help you plan your own 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary.
I have visited Acadia four times while working on a cruise ship, and always want to go back for more. By the way, I am Karen Worrall, otherwise known as Cruise Ship Karen. I have spent three seasons working on a cruise ship in the area. Exploring Acadia National Park is a great way to spend a day, a weekend, or a vacation. I recommend 3 days in Acadia National Park, followed by a weekend in Bar Harbor, for an amazing vacation.
Our Acadia National Park Trip Planner includes:
- Acadia National Park History
- Acadia Weather – The Best Time to Visit Acadia
- Getting to Acadia National Park
- Entrance Fees to Acadia National Park
- Getting around in Acadia National Park
- Places to See in Acadia National Park
- Things to do in Acadia National Park
- Suggested 3 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
- Where to Stay in and near Acadia
So, if you are ready, I am ready to tell you all about the amazing things to do in Acadia National Park, and help you get started planning your amazing Acadia National Park itinerary. Whether you have 3 days in Acadia, as we suggest, just a day, or a week, you will make memories to last a lifetime!
Acadia National Park History
The area that is now Acadia National Park originally was public land on Mount Desert Island that many nature lovers from nearby and farther afield were drawn to, to enjoy its beauty.
The park was made possible by generous, wealthy citizens giving their time and money to creating it, and continues to be supported as the national treasure that it is by park fees paid by the two million visitors each year. The natural beauty, the smells of the green pines meeting the salty seaweed from along the rugged Maine coast, the sound of the crashing Atlantic, whatever season it is, makes it a place that charms visitors who wish to explore the area’s raw natural beauty away from too much human interaction.
Businesses were noticing the value of the area and land their so concerned private citizen including George B. Dorr and Charles W. Eliot got together to donate money to buy the land before business developers did, so it could be made into a place preserved for the public to enjoy. These philanthropists made the park possible. Their start attracted other prominent philanthropists, such as J.D Rockefeller Jr. who built its renowned carriage roads.
1947 saw a major fire, which burned over 10,000 acres of the park. Luckily the park renewed itself and has completely regrown and thrived since then.
Why is Acadia Special?
There is a huge amount of biodiversity in the park. Rocky coastlines meet granite mountains, evergreen pines and conifers of various varieties meet deciduous trees which change color in the fall creating a spectacular display worthy of all the extra tourism that arrives then. There are lakes, small ponds and the sea all close by creating diverse sea life.
What’s in a name? A Brief Story of Acadia’s Name
1916 – Acadia wasn’t always named this, it started as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916, named by President Woodrow Wilson.
1919 saw it change to Layfayette National Park in 1919. This is when it was declared an official National Park – and the first one east of the Mississippi.
1929 – The park was named Acadia National Park – presumed to have been a nod to the Acadians who settled this area before moving north to what is now Quebec Province.
Famous Residents of Acadia National Park, Past and Present
Several famous names have spent time in, donated money to, or even lived in Acadia’s boundaries over the years. Here are a few of its more famous residents.
J.D Rockefeller – Rockefeller donated over 11,000 acres of land to the original park’s tally. He spent time there with friends and family in his cottage and enjoyed the atmosphere there. He wished to preserve the peaceful tranquility of the park so had an intricate web of carriageways built into the park so it could be explored by horse and carriage, horse, bicycle or foot – but not the recently invented car. He paid for the entire carriageway as a donation to the park, under one stipulation – that motor vehicles would never be allowed to drive on it. This request has been upheld until this day.
The Vanderbilts – The Vanderbilts had a mansion in the Park’s confines, which was a popular summer home for years for them. When motor vehicles became all the rage, they were dead set against them having any place in the park or indeed anywhere on the island, declaring that if a vehicle were to be permitted on the island, they would leave it. Rockefeller’s carriage roads helped ward this trend off for a while, however, in 1915 cars were allowed in, and they moved out.
Dick Wolf – The phenomenally successful TV writer and producer of shows such as Law & Order, Law & Order Special Victims Unit, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent has his own “cottage” on the hill above Otter Cliff here as his base. The stunning building can be seen on from along the road of the park, but only accessed by a private road.
Acadia National Park Weather – The Best Time to Visit Acadia?
Temperatures and weather conditions in Acadia National Park, as in Main in general, can be temperamental. It is advisable to bring lots of layers, some waterproof outerwear.
Summer – Average summer temperature is 67 degree Fahrenheit (19 Celsius)
Winter – Average winter temperature is 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 Celsius).
Average rainfall – 119cm (47 inches).
Average snowfall – 185cm (73 inches).
Acadia National Park is open all year round, and can be visited at any time. Be mindful that it gets very busy during the summer months, especially on the weekends. Parking is at a premium, so be sure to visit through the week, or plan your Acadia itinerary so you will not be using your car. It is the ideal time for getting out on the water, or soaking up a bit of sun on the beach.
During the winter months there are plenty of available wintery things to do in Acadia, such as toboganning, skiing, and snow-mobiling. However some of the roads are not open all year round, so be sure to check the NPS website for alerts and closures. With 185c average snowfall, be prepared for slippery roads, and bring appropriate gear.
Fall brings even cooler temperatures, but it also brings the typical burst of color that is known to be particularly brilliant in Maine. If you don’t mind wearing a few extra layers and you can build a campfire, it may be the perfect time to visit.
Getting to Acadia National Park
Acadia is situated on over 49,000 acres of land on the South East coast of Maine. It has grown in size over the years, and it’s boundaries mainly cover Mount Desert Island, but it is also on the mainland at Schoodic Peninsula, the Isle Au Haut, Baker Island (on the southeast coast), and Bar Island (on the north side of Bar Harbor.) The park ranges from sea level up to 1,530 feet (466 meters) above it.
For those flying in Bangor or Portland are the closest airports. For those driving, follow I-95 to Augusta, Maine, then take Route 3 into Ellsworth, and continue on to Mount Desert Island. An alternative is to use I-95 to Bangor, the US Route 1A to Ellsworth, and then Route 3 onto the island.
Getting Around in Acadia National Park
Many people drive when staying in the area. However, if you visit Acadia during the summer, parking is at a premium, and traffic can be heavy. You do not want to spend half your 3 days in Acadia National Park waiting in a line of cars. Leave your car at your lodging, and take advantage of the free Island Explorer Shuttle bus.
The shuttle has ten different routes going around Mount Desert Island. The bus itself connects loops of the Acadia National Park, and the towns on the island with routes too; Bar Harbor, Trenton, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Prospect Harbor. So wherever you are sleeping, in the park or out, you can use the shuttle.
For more information on timetables, see their website here: Arcadia Route Finder.
Entrance Fees for Acadia National Park
The standard fee is $30 per vehicle, which includes everyone in the vehicle up to 15 people, $25 per motorcycle with up to 2 people, and $15 for walk-in or bike in. The pass is good for a full 7 days. National Park Service annual passes are also accepted. Passes should be displayed on the dash of your vehicle prior to parking in any Acadia lot or using any of the park features. Buy your entrance passes in advnce, at Recreation.gov, or purchase them on site at the Hulls Cover Visitor Centerm the Sand Beach Entrance Station, or any of the three campgrounds on parklands.
Places to See in Acadia National Park
Bass Harbor Head Light House
Although the interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public, its image has become an almost iconic symbol of the park. Constructed with funds appropriated by the US Congress in 1885, it was operated manually at that time. Its second lens was installed in 1902, and is still in use, although the lights are now automated. Prior to the lighthouse, a fog tower with a bell stood on the same location. The bell still sits on site and can be seen by visitors.
The lightkeeper’s house is owned by the US Coast Guard, and a member of the guard still lives on site, so much of the land surrounding the lighthouse is not public. However, there is a parking area and walkways which allow visitors to get a good look at the light house, and the relics of the past. There is also a short trail through the woods leading down to the shore, for the iconic view seen in our cover photo.
Cadillac Mountain
The tallest of the 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island, at over 1500 feet tall, this is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. It is also the first place to see sunrise in the USA from October to March. Cadillac Mountain is a must on any Acadia National Park itinerary.
From here you get a stunning view of the bay, and the Porcupine Islands. The North side is to your left, and to your right is the east and steeper slope, or downside. You can see the remnants of Mother Nature’s rampage with the glaciers that shaped the land here in the granite rocks on top and going down the mountainside.
Tour buses and tourists in cars are now only permitted to stop here for photo ops for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time to help stop crowds spoiling the atmosphere and terrain.
Thunder Hole
My personal favorite place to see in Acadia National Park, which I make a point to visit on each trip if possible, is the impressive natural force of Thunder Hole. This is where you see the full power of the sea crashing up against the hard granite rock of the Maine coast. It is a small inlet, which is carved naturally out of the rocks, and where the waves roll. Low down at the end of the inlet is a small cavern where, when the rush of the wave arrives, air and water are forced out – like a loud clap of thunder. If it seems quiet as you arrive, wait a few minutes, as it doesn’t usually take long for a larger wave to arrive, and water as high as 40 feet can spout from it – loudly! You may want to visit the Thunder Hole every day during your 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary!
The Carriage Roads
These are one of the park’s major features. They were built on commission from J.D Rockefeller Jr. and took from 1915-1933 to build. They can still be seen and used today. Part of Rockefeller’s conditions of donating these to the park was that motor vehicles would never be allowed on them, to preserve the tranquil atmosphere of the park. I agree with this, as they are very peaceful, and can be enjoyed by walking, biking, horseback or the as the original intent was – by carriage.
Eagle Lake
This is the largest fresh water lake in Acadia National Park, taking up 436 acres, maximum depth of 110 feet and average depth of 50 feet. You can fish here with a license (for over 16s for Main residents and over 12s for residents of anywhere else). The northern end can be accessed from Route 233 in Bar Harbor.
Jordan Pond
Situated in the South East section of Mount Desert Island this picture-perfect glacier formed tarn is deeper than it looks, reaching depths of 150 feet. The water is very clear and you can usually see around 46 feet underneath the surface to look out for fish and flora beneath. Canoes and kayaks are permitted here; motorboats and swimming are not. A restaurant, gift shop and deck are nearby for amenities.
Bubble Pond
Situated next to the two-way section of the Park Loop Road, Northeast of Jordan Pond on Mount Desert Island, you find the pretty Bubble Pond. Huddled in between two mountains. Shallow at maximum 39 feet depth, and accessible from the car park by hopping off the Island Explorer Shuttle here. This is a great stop for photographing the gorgeous colors of the park reflected in the water, or just to sit and admire its beauty.
Sand Beach
Situated in a small inlet between the Granite Mountains and rocky shores, this is one of the most popular points of interest on the island. Small at 290 yards long, this beach was created by thousands of years of surf crashing on the shore. You can access the beach from the Park Loop Road just after the park fee entrance station. Changing rooms and rest rooms are next to the parking area. The Island Explorer Shuttle stops here twice an hour.
Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Drive the Park Loop Road
Driving Park Loop Road is one of the most popular things to do in Acadia National Park, and one that everyone can participate in, whether young or old, and whatever their ability level. The circular route offers stunning views of the coast and pine forests, and has a number of scenic pull off points for other areas of interest. It also passes in close proximity to several of the key places to see in Acadia National Park.
The route normally takes 3-4 hours, but may be more during high traffic times, so plan your trip on a weekday, very early, or in the late afternoon. It is an essential part of your 3 days in Acadia National Park!
Hiking Trails
Hiking trails are plentiful in Acadia, totaling over 120 miles. There is quite a range in difficulties, for the beginner to the very advanced hiker. The best hikes in Acadia National Park include lake fronts, the coast, and even crossing a sand bar at low tide! You need good, slip resistant hiking shoes for many of the trails, but at least on hike is necessary on any 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary.
It is extremely important that you check the difficulty ratings and information about any trail you are about to embark upon, especially if anyone in your group has a lower fitness level, or there are children. Some trails have unguarded drops along the cliffs, and others have iron rung ladders as a part of the route. However, there are also those that are excellent for beginners. The carriage roads add to the choices for hiking, and are popular for those looking for an easier route. Information for all trails an be picked up at any of the visitor centers.
Also, be mindful that Acadia National Park is home for many wild animals. This includes bears and moose. While these larger creatures are seldom seen, they are there. Practice reasonable precaution and safety procedures.
Ranger Guided Boat Cruises
Acadia offers a variety of ranger guided boat tours throughout different areas of the park. There are a number of coves and islands encompassed in the park lands, some that you will never find or get to on your own. The boat tours offer you the chance to get a look at some of these more obscure locations, and in some cases, there is an opportunity to get out and explore. You also get ranger narration, so you actually learn about your discoveries as you go.
There are several different options for ranger guided boat cruises, some being offered every day of the week, and some options only offered on particular days. Most use a typical touring boat that you might see anywhere in the world, but others take place in a windjammer, which adds a bit of elegance to the cruise.
Dress warm, as it can get quite chilly out on the Atlantic, particularly during the morning tours! And, be sure to bring your binoculars, and a camera with a good zoom. You will discover all sorts of birds, sea life, and other surprises in the water, and along the coast.
Bicycling
If you brought your bicycle along, there are plenty of places to ride, including the Carriage Roads, and the Park Loop Road. If you opt for a ride on the Park Loop, make sure it is early in the morning, before the traffic hits, for your safety.
If you didn’t bring your own bike along, but the idea of a ride appeals to you, you can opt for a ranger led bicycle tour. A tour lasts around 2.5 hours, and covers about 6 miles along the Carriage Roads. The tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays in the summer, and Tuesday and Thursday in September. The best part is that the bicycle and the helmet are both included in the price of the tour, and you can keep the bike for the full day!
Ranger Programs
There are a number of different ranger programs offered in Acadia throughout the day, and in different locations throughout the park. Topics include bird watching, exploring a marine touch tank, discovering the Rockefeller bridges, searching through mansion ruins, climbing the fire tower for the view, walking along the tide pools, discovering the make up of the sand, and examining the night time sky, and this is not an inclusive list.
With so many options, there is certain to be a ranger program that appeals to everyone in your travel group. The offerings vary daily, so check the daily schedule at the park visitor’s centers to learn what will be offered during your 3 days in Acadia National Park, or check the online schedule ahead of time.
Earn a Junior Ranger Badge
We are huge advocates of the Junior Ranger Program for those traveling with children. The program provides fun learning activities children from preschoolers to the early teen years, and the opportunity to earn a badge and be sworn in as a Junior ranger.
To participate in the program, pick up a Junior Ranger guide book in any of the park visitor’s centers or ranger stations. The guide book contains a number of different activities based around the different attractions, events, and experiences available within the park. After visiting the particular area, children complete the associated activities in the guide book. A certain number of activities must be completed, based upon the child’s age. Once the quota is met, the children return to the visitor’s center, and present their work to the rangers. They will be awarded a pin for their accomplishment, and be sworn in as an official Junior Ranger for the park.
Take a Carriage Tour
The Carriage Roads are one of the highlights of Acadia, although the days of carriage use as the primary means of transportation are long gone. But you can relive that experience in the park with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Carriages of Acadia offer three different tour options throughout the day, beginning at 9:00 in the morning, with the latest running from 4:00 to 6:00. Tours are either 1 hour or 2 hours, depending on the option selected, and each covers different areas of the Carriage Roads. The roads are over 100 years old now, and one of the finest examples of the loose stone construction in the US. It is quite a treat to be able to use them as they were built to be used.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking is an exciting way to get out and about, and see some lesser trafficked places during your 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary. Kayaks are available for rent in the towns surrounding the park, including Bar Harbor. Believe me, there are incredible views to be had from the water. As always, we urge you to take along the appropriate safety gear, and wear your approved safety devices, like we did!
Remember that sea kayaking is a different experience than regular kayaking, so do not head out onto the Atlantic on your own if you are a novice. There are tides, choppy waters, and sometimes fog to be dealt with. And, if you happen to capsize, the water is a bone-chilling 55 degrees. If you really want to give it a try, but you are nervous or less experienced, try a guided kayak tour, which are offered by experts in several of the surrounding towns.
Rock Climbing
If you want a good workout and an adrenaline rush Acadia has several locations that where rock climbing is allowed, and a handful that have fixed anchors, permanent pins, and rappel stations. It is also one of a very few National Parks that have sea cliff climbing available. Sea cliffs are for very experienced climbers, and it is an absolute neccesity to check the tide times before climbing. Sea cliffs are available at Otter Cliff and Great Head. “regular” climbs are avaiable at Precipice and South Bubble.
Suggested 3 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
Now that you know all of the amazing places to see in Acadia National Park, along with all of the exciting things to do, putting together your itinerary may seem a bit overwhelming. I have put together a suggested 3 day itinerary to help you narrow it all down.
Arrive the evening before, and get settled into your lodging, so that you can start out early on day 1. Whether you are lodging in hotels, bed and breakfasts, or camping, breakfast will be on your own.
Acadia National Park 3 Day Itinerary – Day 1
Early Morning
Start your 3 days in Acadia National Park out by getting your blood pumping, and take an early morning hike. Try one of the hikes specifically recommends for sunrise, such as the Great Head Trail, or the Ocean Path. Grab your flashlight, take along a partner, and head out before dawn. If you make it to the peak of the hike on time, you will be blessed with an incredible sunrise over the Atlantic, plus you will be the first people in the US to see the sun that day. It is worth losing a bit of sleep!
Morning
If you made the sunrise hike you will be back to you lodging with plenty of morning left. Time to drive the Park Loop Road. The Park Loop is one of the “must do” things to do in Acadia National Park, and doing it first gives you an overview of the Acadia wonders. You will also be early enough to beat the crowds.
Take your time along the loop. Be sure to stop at all the pull outs to see the attractions, and make the climb to the top of Cadilac Mountain for the spectacular overlook. You get the best views and leisurely stops driving yourself, but if you really don’t want to, use the Explorer Shuttle Bus, or take one of the trolley tours along the loop.
Early Afternoon
At the end of your Park Loop round, stop at the Nature Center. The highlight here is Wild Gardens of Acadia, where native plants are used to form 9 separate display areas. It s a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary, that must be experienced in Acadia.
While you are there, have a look at the exhibits inside the Nature Cnter to learn about the plant and animal life of Mount Desert, then learn about Native American culture and history in Maine at the adjacent original Abbe Museum. You may also wish to walk around to the back of the center to see the Sieur de Monts Spring, an important place in the park history.
Mid-Afternoon
It should be the warmest part of the day, so pack up a picnic lunch and head to Sand Beach. (If you are planning ahead, pack your picnic basket the night before, so you can grab and go, and keep it moving!) Your 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary has to include a bit of downtime, and Sand Beach is the perfect place to relax in the sun. Swimming is allowed and there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months, but be mindful the Atlantic is typically a chilly 55 degrees. If you are really craving a swim, you may prefer the slighly warmer water at Echo Lake Beach.
Dinner
There is only one restaurant in the park, and you might as well try it out on your first day. The Jordan Pond House features excellent dining in a relaxed atmosphere, including outdoor seating. The menu includes local fares, like fresh seafood, Maine blueberries, and fresh-made ice cream, and has vegan options. The three course dinner appeals to many guests, with a salad, entree with 2 sides, and desert. For beverages, there is an international wine list, an impressive selection of Maine draught beers, and tasty non-alcoholic choices such as Atlantic Brewery Blueberry Soda.
Evening
If you are not entirely exhausted after your long day, wind down with one of the evening ranger’s programs. There are prograns at the Blackwoods Campground and the Schoodic Campground from 8:00 to 9:00 Tuesdays through Saturdays. Stars Over Sand Beach is my favorite, from 9:00 to 10:00 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Make sure and hit this one at least once during your 3 days in Acadia National Park, even if it doesn’t time out with your first day!
Acadia National Park 3 Day Itinerary – Day 2
Morning
Start your day out with a ranger guided bicycle tour of the Carriage Roads. The tours run from 8:30 to 11:00, Tuesdays through Fridays, covering 6 miles at a comfortable pace along the roads. You get narration on key historic locations, and an entirely different perspective of park attractions. Bicycle and helmet rental are included with the fee, and, in case you do want to hop on and take another ride later, you can keep the equipment all day. But, we have other plans.
Mid-Day
Drive over to the west side of Mount Desert for an entirely different experience, and visit the Seal Cove Auto Museum. Founded by local auto afficienado Richard C. Paine, Jr. as a personal collection, it expanded to be on of the most extensive unique antique car collections in the world.
You will be wowed by the immaculate condition of cars more than 100 years old, such as the 1906 Cadilac, the 1911 Buick, and the 1912 Ford Model T. You will be even more amazed by cars and motorcycles you never knew existed, like the 1913 Kimball, the 1905 Pierce Arrow, or the 1912 Thomas Flyer. It isn’t part of Acadia, but you will be glad you went.
If cars truly aren’t your thing, you may be interested in the Maine Granite Museum, which has exhibits and hands-on experiences telling the story of local quarry work. It is highly praised, and kids love it.
Lunch
On your way to Seal Cove, swing north on Route 102 for lunch at The Travelin Lobster, LLC. It may look like a little country spot on the side of the road, and you probably drove past it without even taking note on your way into Acadia. However, Travelin Lobster has some of the biggest, most sumptuous, best priced lobster rolls in the area, and some thick and delicious clam chowder. If you are not a lobster fan, they also have crab, mussels, clams, and few non-seafood choices. It is an extremely casual order-at-the-counter, outside seating place, so your outdoor clothes are just fine!
Afternoon
Whether you are coming from Seal Cove, or from the Travellin Lobster, you are less than 10 minutes away from National Park Canoe Rental at the north end of Long Pond. You can rent kayaks, tandem kayaks, or canoes, from 2:00 to 5:00. Make a reservation ahead of time, as you will probably be running tight.
If you choose the canoe, you may want to try your hand at fishing. Long Pond has landlocked salmon, brook trout, small mouth bass and chain pickerel. Don’t forget that a temporary Maine fishing license is required for anyone over 12. If you choose the kayak, just have fun!
Whichever way you go, you will want sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, and possibly a hat. You will definitely want to capture the moments, so be sure to bring a watertight container for your camera. There is a good chance of getting wet! You may want to consider a towel and a change of clothes, as you will not be going directly back.
Late Afternoon
After leaving Long Pond, get back on Route 02 and go to the south end of the island to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Route 102 is a loop, so either way you go you are going to get there, but you must then turn off on the connecting 102A loop, to get to the lighthouse.
Bass Harbor Head is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert, and it is one of the most important places to see in Acadia National Park. You MUST have a photo of the lighthouse, or some say you haven’t been to Acadia. It is not open for tours, as it is maintained and operated by the US Coast Guard. But, the grounds are open, allowing a good close up look, and there is a short trail to the most popular photo location on the rocky shoreline below. It is a stunning view in the waning sunlight.
** Don’t try this jaunt on a weekend, as it can get crowded as sunset approaches. The parking lot only has 28 spots. If you have to park on the preceding side roads, it is about a half-mile to the lighthouse parking area.
Dinner
It’s a little drive back to where you started, and possibly to your lodging, so I recommend dinner along the road at one of the amazing restaurants that are off the beaten path. Not far from the lighthouse, is one recommendation, with seating right along the water. Beal’s Lobster Pier. Beal’s offers traditional local fare, including all of your seafood faorites, sandwiches and burgers, with homemade bluebery pie or whoopie pies for desert.
Or go around Somes Sound and turn south on Route 3. Overlooking Northeast Harbor, is the Asticou Inn. Ask for back porch seating, but make a reservation if you don’t want to miss that view. The Asticou Restaurant serves local fare in upscale European inspired ways, such as risotto and quiche. There are several non seafood choices, including steak and duck, as well as vegan choices. The desert specialties are popovers and sunbutter blondies.
For something a bit more exotic, try The Burning Tree, found near Otter Creek, further along Route 3. Burning Tree also features fresh local fare, but adds more garden vegetables, and grows their own herbs to take the flavors to another level. You will find varieties of fish that other restaurants overlook, and an Asian flair that is rare in the area.
Acadia National Park 3 Day Itinerary – Day 3
Morning
Start your day out with a ranger guided boat tour of the park. Through the week there are typically 3 morning options from May through September. If you want to head out at 08:00, opt for the 5 hour trip, with a stop on Baker Island. It only costs $5 more than the shorter trips, so it is the bargain. To head out a bit later, try one of the 10:00 options. Be sure to wear extra layers, as it is quite chilly out on the Atlantic, especially in the morning. Take along water and snacks, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
Afternoon
It is time to see the Carriage Roads the way the were built to be experienced, on a horse drawn carriage ride. Carriages of Acadia offer three different tour options at various times of day. If you can make it in time after your boat tour, I recommend the 2 hour Mr. Rockefeller Bridge Tour, which explores three of the stone bridges that John D. Rockefeller had built at the onset of the 20th century. This tour departs at 1:45, so you will have to move quickly.
If you can’t make it at 1:45, or you just need a bit more time to rest, the 4:00 Day Mountain Summit Tour is the other choice. The 2 hour tour takes you along the Carriage Roads to the top of Day Mountain, and allows time for you to get off and admire the amazing views from the summit. The ride includes narration of the interesting and unique history of the roads and bridges.
Late Afternoon
If you made the early carriage tour, then you have a bit of spare time in the afternoon to get your things organized before your departure tomorrow. That is ideal, as you can enjoy the evening. I think the best way to wind down your 3 days in Acadia National Park the way you began them, with a hike. Try one of the trails specifically designated as a sunset trail, the Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain Trail, or the Beech Mountain South ridge Loop. Both of the sunset trails have some steep granite areas, and some loose gravel, so be certain that you have good tractions shoes. If that will not work for your group, try a simpler hike. Even if you don’t get the sunset, you can still end your trip with fresh air and the scent of pine, that will remind you of Acadia forever!
Dinner
No Acadia National Park itinerary is complete without spending a bit of time in Bar Harbor. In this case, it will only be an evening, but that is all that can be afforded with only 3 days in Acadia. Bar Harbor is very charming, even if it is quite touristy, and you can mingle with other tourists and locals alike. There are a number of small shops featuring souvenirs and local made goods, as well as pubs and restaurants. You may enjoy a casual stroll, stopping for dinner at whatever place catches your attention. Or, you may prefer to go straight to one of the favorites. Places that come highly recommended: The Thirsty Whale, Galyns, and West Street Cafe. If seafood isn’t your thing, try Bar Harbor Beer Works for classic American food. You may start planning your next trip to Acadia over dinner.
Where to Stay During Your Acadia National Park Itinerary
You have several options of where to stay when visiting this park. For some people, camping makes their Acadia National Park itinerary perfect, and there are plenty of choices.
Acadia Campgrounds – Within the park itself on Mount Desert Island, there are two campgrounds you can choose from are Blackwoods Campground and Seawall Campground.
Blackwoods Campground – is situated five miles south of Bar Harbor just off Route 3. This is the most popular campground in Acadia as it is the only one open year round, and is conveniently located close to Bar Harbor, the Park Loop Road, and many of the best hiking trails. It has sites for RVs in its 306 campsites. Book ahead during May-October as it is often full. The Island Explorer Shuttle – a free local bus service – regularly stops in the site to take holiday-makers to popular destinations around the island. Ten minutes walk away to the ocean, and bathrooms with flush toilets add to its appeal. However, to shower, you need to make the half-mile trip to nearby Otter Creek to use pay showers provided by a private business there. Cost is just $30 per night per site.
Seawall Campground – is situated on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island, and is Acadia’s second most popular site. It is located four miles south of Southwest Harbor, and boasts about 200 campsites and the ocean with picnic spot nearby. Flush toilets are also available, but again no showers, except pay ones about a mile away. From June to September, it also benefits from the Island Explorer Shuttle stopping there regularly. Book ahead during prime summer months here too, so as not to be disappointed. Cost is $30 for drive-up camper, motor home or tent, and $22 for walk-in tent sites.
You can also camp in the outer parts of the park in the Schoodic Woods Campground, and Duck Harbor Campground.
Schoodic Woods – is situated on the Schoodic Peninsula, which is the only part of the National Park on the mainland, about three miles southwest of Winter Harbor (and 43 miles from Bar Harbor). Being physically the same site as the previous parks mentioned, but with only 94 campsites, you have a lot more space here. Picnic tables and fire rings come with each site, and flush toilets and potable water are for use. The Island Explorer Shuttle picks up here June- mid October to Schoodic Peninsula and Winter Harbor. Cost $30 for small RVs and drive up tents, $22 for walk-in tents. $36 if you add electricity to your RV, and $40 to also add water.
Duck Harbor Campground – is situated on the Isle au Haut, 16 miles southwest of Mount Desert Island. It sits perched on a hill overlooking Duck Harbor, with only five campsites, and is Acadia’s most remote campground and ideal for those wishing to be away from everything and really savor the tranquility and nature there. Isle de Haut has many well-connected hiking trails to take advantage of here too. Visited only by mail boat, and no vehicles allowed, you must take the local ferry to access it so check timetables in advance. Only tent sites are available, and stays cannot be longer than 3 nights, once a year per person. Cost $20 nightly rate per tent.
Other Lodging Options Near Acadia
If camping isn’t your thing, and you prefer to be able to shower inside the same building you are sleeping in, there are several interesting and pretty towns nearby you can choose to lodge in. These include; Somesville, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Ellsworth, Tremont, Trenton, and Bar Harbor each worth a visit in themselves, and make great bases to explore the Park from. There are many options in these; B & Bs, inns, hotels, cottages, vacation rentals and campgrounds, with Bar Harbor offering the greatest choice close by.
You can find Trip Advisor’s best deals on hotels near Acadia National Park HERE!
Ready for to Plan Your 3 Day Acadia National Park Itinerary??
Whatever your interests are, it is impossible not to be at least a little spellbound by the striking beauty of the rugged coastline meeting the forest here, and all of the magical places to see in Acadia National Park.
Whether you prefer staying in tents, RVs, cozy B & Bs or plush hotels, and whether you like to explore by hiking, biking, kayak, or leisurely by bus the choice is yours. Everyone in your group will be satisfied with the choice of things to do in Acadia National Park.
If you wish to enjoy nature as unspoiled as you can get in the modern US, and see wild animals, smell the trees and seaweed and breathe fresh air while witnessing the obvious effects mother nature has had on the area over time, an Acadia National Park itinerary should be on your must visit list!
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For other natural wonders in the Eastern United States, try Niagara Falls, which you can see free! Or, you may be interested in our other New England Fall Getaways.
If you are considering for other amazing National Parks in the US, you might be interested in an Adventure at Mammoth Cave National Park, doing Cool Things in Death Valley, a Lassen Volcanic National Park Experience, or a Grand Canyon National Park Experience.
About the Author
Karen Worrall is a travel blogger and freelance writer. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, she has lived in six countries, and sailed the seven seas entertaining on cruise ships for 13 years. Read her Port Guide to nearby town of Bar Harbor on her website here: Bar Harbor Port Guide. Cruise Ship Karen features Port Guides to many other stops on the Canada and New England cruising itinerary, and other ports around the world. You can also find Karen on the Cruise Ship Karen Facebook Page, and on the Instagram page.
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