TPG’s complete guide to Acadia National Park in Maine
The rugged, striking coastline of Acadia National Park in Maine has been a popular destination for tourists since it was first declared a national park in the summer of 1916. Above Mount Desert Island, three hours from Portland, its deep cobalt waters create white foam. Waves crash against granite cliffs and beaches are blanketed in fog. The northern forests stretch down the hillsides to meet the Atlantic Ocean at the eastern tip of the United States.
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All the beauty of Maine’s wilderness comes together in Acadia National Park: Ancient coniferous forests, rugged mountains, wildlife, and the pristine Atlantic Ocean come together in a unique way. making the area feel wild and unexplored, despite its unsurprising popularity.
Go to Acadia National Park
The best airports near Acadia National Park
To get to Acadia National Park, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) via American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest and United, then catch a direct flight to Hancock County-Bar Airport Harbor (BHB), served by Cape Air, Silver Airways, JetBlue and United Airlines. BHB is only a 10-minute drive from the park.
Of course, if you fly direct into Bar Harbor Airport, you’ll miss out on the meandering trip up Maine’s Coastal Route 1, which can take about six hours by road from Boston through many of the country’s most beautiful coastal towns. Maine, depending on how many stops you make.
Additionally, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour 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 Airport (PWM) is another option, especially if you want to explore Maine’s largest city. The airport is about three hours south of Acadia National Park. Airlines serving this airport include American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, Breeze and United.
Rent a car near Acadia National Park
Whether you’re flying to Boston, Bar Harbor, Bangor, or Portland, you’ll definitely want to rent a car for your trip to Acadia National Park.
For a car rental from any of these airports, expect to pay around $120-$250 per day. The roads in Acadia are well-paved and accessible, with a modest total elevation gain of 1,530 feet. Although Acadia isn’t as demanding on your vehicle as other national parks, choosing a 4WD vehicle can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling in rainy or snowy weather. . A mid-size SUV is ideal.
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Acadia National Park entrance fee
The current standard entrance enters Acadia National Park is $35 per personal vehicle and $30 for motorbikes. For individuals without transportation, the standard pass is $20. These cards are valid for seven days from the date of purchase. There is an annual Acadia National Park pass ($70) that is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and if you plan to travel to at least one other national park this year, you may want to consider a pass annual. Beautiful American mountain passcosts $80 and gives you and everyone in your car free access to all national parks as well as national wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands, and lands The land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park
My favorite time of year to visit Acadia is late September through October: Tourist numbers are significantly reduced, mosquitoes are gone, and daytime temperatures are usually still pleasant enough for hiking and strolling. on the beach.
The truth is I have been to the area in all seasons and have something to say about each season. Winter brings wild, icy landscapes and a desolate, abandoned atmosphere. In spring, a cheerful mood is filled with tree buds and wildflowers. Summer brings warmth, family vacations and favorite pastimes Historic downtown Bar Harbor. Fall offers vibrant foliage, sunny days, and warmer temperatures in the evenings.
Where
If you notice that Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, and Bar Harbor are used interchangeably here, it’s because Mount Desert Island is where Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are located. Visiting any of them means you’ll be able to explore all three. The island is just big enough to accommodate a series of (small) hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, campgrounds, and other lodging facilities. But it’s small enough that no matter where you stay, you can explore the entire area.
Best spot hotels near Acadia National Park
If you’re using points for hotel stays there aren’t many options, but the setting is incredible compensation, no matter where you stay. Port Hampton Inn Bar is within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor and a three-minute drive to the national park entrance. There are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Rates start at 67,000 Hilton Honors points.
About a mile from downtown Bar Harbor and beyond to the entrance to Acadia, Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor overlooking Frenchman Bay, complete with swimming pool, bay views and 1,000 feet of ocean frontage. Rates start at 23,000 IHG points per night.
Camping in Acadia National Park
If you want to challenge it and embrace the outdoors, yes Many options for camping also located in Acadia National Park. Forest Blackwoods Campgroundlocated in the heart of Mount Desert Island, is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park and for good reason. It offers almost every amenity needed for a comfortable stay in the woods, including flushing toilets, running water, and a dump station, along with picnic tables and fire rings. This is a perfect spot for visitors who want to hike and climb in the park, and you can easily step out of your tent and hit the popular South Ridge trail up Cadillac Mountain.
Seawall Campground also offers quality facilities, but like Blackwoods, it tends to fill up quickly. Keep in mind that this location is a 45-minute drive from the park.
There are also quite a few independently owned campgrounds near Acadia, like Mountain desert campground. Bar Harbor Campground is also a great underserved option, especially for last-minute trips. Located just a 25-minute drive from the park, it offers convenience and accessibility although bathroom facilities are limited compared to other locations.
Those who still want to be one with nature but want a more luxurious experience should consider glamping options. Actually, the glamping brand Under Canvas recently joined World of Hyattnext Hyatt’s partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Smithand yes a beautiful outpost near Acadia located on 100 acres of riverfront land. Features include spacious tents (can accommodate up to seven people) with elegant furnishings and organic toiletries; amenities like s’mores and fire pits; free activities like live music and yoga classes; and on-site experience coordinator. Rates start at 26,000 World of Hyatt points.
Related: The best glamping resorts in America for an outdoor summer vacation
Although 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
In addition to exploring Bar Harbor and the rest of Mount Desert Island, Acadia itself offers plenty of outdoor adventures.
The best hiking in Acadia National Park
For a truly unforgettable experience, make reservations in advance to drive to the 1,529-foot peak Cadillac Mountain — the highest point on the North Atlantic coast — and witnessed the first sunrise in the United States. Hiking enthusiasts can choose to hike to the top of the mountain, albeit with an early wake-up call at 3am. Another great place to catch the sunrise is otter pointwhere you can stroll along the shore and enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean.
Beehive bypass is one of Acadia’s most popular step and step climbs. While not for the faint of heart, this 1.9-mile trail promises stunning views from the top. Many walkers choose to combine this route with The Abyssbecause the only way to continue the Beehive Loop is up. Parking is easily available along the street near Sand Beach for quick access to both trails.
For something closer to the coast, give it a try Ocean Trail. With stunning scenery and water views, this trail offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the area.
Ideal for families, the Road to Jordan Pond offers a fun 3-mile loop suitable for all ages. Be sure to make reservations in advance at Jordan Pond Housea charming spot to enjoy brunch in the wilderness. For those looking for more adventure, consider exploring Northern bubble ring Get off the road to climb Acadia’s iconic mountains.
Other activities in Acadia National Park
Sea kayaking, mountain climbing, walking around Bai Cat and stopping by Bass Harbor lighthouse are all popular activities of Acadia.
You can’t travel to Bar Harbor without stopping to hear the roar of the waves crashing into the rocky cove known as Thunder Hole. Don’t forget to grab a cheeky souvenir magnet or a fun postcard from the nearby gift shop.
And it wouldn’t be a visit to a national park without seeing some wildlife. Look out for harbor seals, peregrine falcons and other raptors as well as a variety of seabirds, herons, dolphins, whales and other marine mammals. There are also smaller, easier-to-miss wildlife species, such as salamanders and other amphibians.
At low tide, you can even walk across a sandbar from downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island. Be sure to keep an eye out for barnacles, hermit crabs and starfish scurrying in the tidal pools.
You’ll also have the chance to see otters, foxes, and if you’re lucky, even moose during your trip to Acadia National Park.
Bottom line
Visiting Acadia National Park offers the perfect combination of a rugged outdoor adventure with the comforts and conveniences of a bustling coastal town.
A trip to Acadia National Park is a great way to use those hard-earned points you’ve been saving for a vacation. It’s a rugged wilderness destination and a stunning stretch of East Coast.
Here are some other outdoor vacations you can enjoy:
Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman, Tate Gillie and Ellie Nan Storck.
