Acadia National Park Itinerary for 1-3 Days (+ Tips for Planning Your Trip)

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Planning a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine and wondering how to make the most of your time? In this guide, we share Acadia National Park itinerary suggestions for 1, 2, or 3 days, along with practical tips on where to stay, when to visit, and the best things to do.

With its rugged coastline, scenic hikes, and charming Bar Harbor nearby, Acadia is one of the most visited U.S. National Parks. But with so many trails, viewpoints, and activities to choose from, planning your itinerary can feel overwhelming, especially on a short trip.

This insider guide, written by Emily from Emily Embarks, will help you plan the perfect visit. A Maine local who has explored Acadia dozens of times, she shares her best tips and favorite spots so you can enjoy the highlights, whether you have just a day or a long weekend.

TIP: Bar Harbor is the best town to stay in for exploring Acadia National Park. We recommend the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel – it offers a great price/quality ratio in the area. If you would rather stay at the waterfront, the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel is one of the best-value picks.

 

Here are our Acadia National Park itinerary suggestions:

One Day in Acadia National Park: Classic Tour

Further below, you can find our recommended self-drive itinerary for Acadia NP in a day. But first, our top recommendation for those who are short on time and want to see the best of the park in a day.

PRO TIP: The easiest way to cover the main sights in a short time is with a guided bus tour (run by the official organization Acadia National Park Tours). These tours take you to Cadillac Mountain (the tallest mountain on the East Coast!), Sieur de Monts Nature Center & Wild Gardens of Acadia, Thunder Hole, and more – without worrying about permits, parking, or directions. Just show up with your camera and some snacks.

Acadia National Park Tours offers narrated tours that are very popular. The 2.5-hour ‘classic’ tour hits all the main landmarks, while the 3.5-hour ‘premium’ tour gives you more time at each spot, smaller groups, and added flexibility. Private tours are also available if you want a more personalized experience. Booking in advance is recommended, as these tours often sell out, especially in peak season.

After your tour, if time allows, visit Bar Harbor to explore the local culinary scene. You can also rent an e-bike to ride the park’s carriage roads, go kayaking, or take a sunset cruise.

One Day in Acadia National Park: Self-Drive Trip

Thanks to Acadia’s convenient road system, you can see a lot in just one day. However, parking fills up quickly, and parking along Park Road can result in a ticket or a tow. Plus, from mid-May to late October, vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road.

If you have secured a reservation, aim to arrive early to make the most of your day.

Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary in Acadia National Park:

• Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain (via Summit Road and a short Summit Loop hike)
• Jordan Pond Loop Trail & The Bubbles Trail (optional)
• Thunder Hole & Sand Beach
• Anemone Cave & Schooner Head Overlook
• Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (optional)
• Shopping and dinner in Bar Harbor

TIP: This itinerary focuses on the best short hikes to maximize sightseeing time. Many popular hikes take half a day or more, which can limit what you see. If you only have time for one short hike, the Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail is the top choice.

Below, you’ll find more details about each stop – keep reading!

Cadillac Mountain Road & Summit Loop Trail

First thing in the morning, drive up Cadillac Summit Road for exceptional views of the Maine coastline and surrounding islands. Cadillac Mountain is one place that everyone visits in Acadia, so be sure to get to the top early. Not only is sunrise a great time to be here, but you will also avoid large crowds.

One of the best short hikes in Acadia National Park – Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail – starts here. If you do just one hike today, make it this one!

Accessible by driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain, this trail is only about 0.5 miles long and provides exceptional views overlooking the surrounding islands. The hike can be completed in about 30 minutes and the views here are phenomenal. It’s a great introduction to the park and a wonderful way to start your day in Acadia National Park.

Reminder: During peak season, Acadia NP requires timed-entry reservations for Cadillac Summit Road, even for sunrise visits. Make sure to reserve your permit in advance. More info here.

Jordan Pond Loop Trail & The Bubbles Trail

Afterwards, drive back down the mountain and make your way over to Jordan Pond, a little over 3.5 miles south of Summit Rd. from where you turn back onto Park Loop Road.

The parking lot at Jordan Pond fills up very quickly, so if it’s full when you get there, I suggest trying the North Parking Lot instead (there will be signs leading you there). 

Jordan Pond is a beautiful lake and you can see some nice scenery without hiking much. But if you feel like it, you can take the scenic 3.4-mile Jordan Pond Loop Trail all around the pond. It’s a relatively flat trail following the pond and offering several breathtaking vistas. On your way, you’ll have a charming walk through the woods, but also stunning views of the popular North and South Bubbles.

If seeing the Bubbles makes you want to hike them, go for it! There’s a short trail that forks from the Jordan Pond Loop and brings you along the North Bubble, the South Bubble, and Bubble Rock Overlook for outstanding views of Eagle Lake. You can then easily reconnect with the Jordan Loop Trail after taking this detour.

Thunder Hole & Sand Beach

After exploring this region, hop back in your car and head over to Thunder Hole via Park Loop Road. Thunder Hole is an inlet between the rocks where – when sea conditions are right – the water spouts out with a deep rumbling sound like a clap of thunder.

This is just a short scenic stop and the coastline is very nice, so check it out. If you could time it to be here an hour or two before high tide, it’s the best time to see the thunder splash in action.

Next, head to Sand Beach. One of the most popular beaches in Maine, visits here are unparalleled. In summer, you can go swimming in crystal clear (and cold) Maine waters alongside striking cliffsides and pine trees. It’s not your typical day at the beach, but the scenery is outstanding! And otherwise, it’s a nice place to go for a walk, in any season.

Anemone Cave & Schooner Head Overlook

Next, stop at Anemone Cave. This is my favorite secret spot in Acadia, only known to locals. Located a short walk through the woods from the Schooner Head Overlook parking lot, you’ll find yourself standing atop a steep cliff with views of the glittering Atlantic Ocean. 

At low tide, you’ll be able to make your way into Anemone Cave, but be extra cautious. The cave is quite slippery and fills up quickly with an incoming tide! If you’re worried about your safety or have children with you, the cave is clearly visible from the right side of the cliff and can also be enjoyed from a distance.

The cave is the prettiest during sunrise when you can watch a bright orange sun fill the walls of this hidden gem covered in starfish and other underwater wildlife. However, with just one day in Acadia, you can’t be everywhere at the same time…

If the tide is low in the morning, this could be a nice alternative sunrise spot to start your day before heading to Cadillac Mountain. So check the tides before your trip and see what makes the most sense.

Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Depending on the season – before or after going to Bar Harbor – you could also drive to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. This is one of the most photographed places in Acadia National Park and a great place to be at sunset.

It’s about 20 miles, 30 minutes drive from Bar Harbor. And – frankly – there’s not much else to do here than see the lighthouse. As long as you know what to expect – or are going for the iconic picture – it’s worth it. However, the parking lot here is very small as well and you might have to wait for a spot.

If you drive here for sunset (when everyone lingers longer), it’s best to arrive a few hours in advance. There’s often a line of cars waiting for a spot long before sunset, even more so on the weekends.

Otherwise, head straight to Bar Harbor, go for a walk along Bar Harbor Shore Path, and have a nice dinner. It’s a perfect place to end your day in Acadia National Park.

Bar Harbor

To finish off your Acadia National Park day trip, make your way over to nearby Bar Harbor where you’ll find everything from unique souvenirs to delicious, local seafood. 

At the end of the article, you can find some recommendations for where to eat and where to stay.

Two Days in Acadia National Park

With two days in Acadia National Park, you could follow a similar one-day itinerary as above. In addition, on day 2, you can choose between hiking, a day at the beach, or explore the historical carriage roads. See below for more information.

Here’s how your 2-day Acadia National Park itinerary could look like:

Day 1

• Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain (via Summit Road and short Summit Loop hike)
• Jordan Pond Loop Trail & The Bubbles Trail
• Thunder Hole & Sand Beach
• Anemone Cave & Schooner Head Overlook
• Shopping and dinner in Bar Harbor

Day 2

Today, you could opt for one of the longer hikes (see below), a beach day, explore the historical carriage roads of the early-1900s, or a combination of two of these. End the day with sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse or a sailing cruise.

Here are some of the things you could do on the second day:

The Carriage Roads & Bridges of Acadia National Park

Exploring the network of carriage roads, built from 1913-1940, is a great way to get a bit off the beaten path in Acadia and see some stunning scenery! Originally built for horse-drawn carriages, the roads are now open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Be sure to check out Deer Brook Bridge or even hop off the carriage roads and follow the meandering network of trails that run alongside the carriage paths. 

Good to know: The best way to explore the carriage roads and see a lot in a short time is by e-bike. You can rent an e-bike in Bar Harbor and have a wonderful day exploring Acadia on your own. Alternatively, join this highly-rated bike tour to see the highlights without having to wonder where exactly to go or how to best plan your time.

Best hikes

If you decide to go hiking in Acadia, here are some of the very best trails:

• Beehive Loop. ~1.4 miles RT, 1-3 hours (moderate). This classic Acadia hike is considered a must and offers spectacular views. This is a highly exposed hike with multiple rock scrambles, but although challenging, it is well worth the effort. You take steep, granite steps up, followed by iron rungs for climbing up the rock face. Afterwards, there are a few narrow sections along the cliffside with rungs for support. From the top, you have amazing views of Sand Beach and the sweeping Maine coastline. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic and also a great place to watch the sunset. More info about this hike here.

• Cadillac Mountain via Cadillac South Ridge Trail. ~ 7 miles RT, 2-4 hours (moderate). This is a popular hike in Acadia National Park. The views are amazing and many people hike here in the dark to catch the sunrise from the top. More info here. Of course, you can just take the easy road to Cadillac Mountain via the Cadillac Summit Road and then it’s just a short walk to the top, as described earlier. Or – if you do this hike – then you can skip Cadillac Mountain on day one of this itinerary.

• Gorham Mountain Loop. ~ 3.5 miles RT, 1-3 hours (moderate). Or you can just opt for the easier section, Ocean Path which is very popular and quite crowded. More info here.

• Champlain Mountain via the Precipice Trail. ~ 3.2 miles RT, 2-3 hours (very difficult). You can do this hike as an in-and-out hike or as a loop that takes about 3 hours. This is a very popular and heavily trafficked trail in Acadia National Park, but also an extremely difficult trail with a 1,000 ft climb and iron rungs for climbing, so not recommended for those with a fear of heights. If you are up for the challenge, however, this is one of the most rewarding hikes in Acadia National Park. More info here, or for the loop here.

Since most of these hikes don’t require more than half a day, you could attempt two of them on the same day or go to the beach in the afternoon. See below for suggestions.

Beaches, gardens & sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

We recommend one of the following beaches in Acadia National Park: Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, or Seal Harbor Beach. They are all nice for walks, but if you want to go swimming, Sand Beach is the best option.

In addition, you could explore the various gardens of Acadia (e.g. Thuya Garden and Azalea Garden) and also stop for a picture in Somesville.

In the evening, heard to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for sunset. Be sure to arrive well in advance to secure a parking spot.

Alternatively, consider this popular sailing cruise, which often offers a sunset departure (book ahead!).

Three Days in Acadia National Park

Personally, I think three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Acadia National Park. You’ll have time for big and small hikes, can relax on the beach for a few hours, take in the scenery around the local lakes and ponds, stroll the carriage roads, and explore the quaint shops of Bar Harbor. You could even take a culinary walking tour through town.

Here’s what your 3-day Acadia National Park itinerary could look like: 

Day 1 

• Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain (Summit Road & Summit Loop hike)
• Jordan Pond Loop Trail & The Bubbles Trail
• Thunder Hole & Sand Beach
• Anemone Cave & Schooner Head Overlook
• Shopping and dinner in Bar Harbor

Day 2

With three days in Acadia, you could opt for one of the more challenging hikes today (Beehive, Precipice, etc. – see above for details). Alternatively, rent a bike or explore the historic Carriage Roads on foot. See the 2-day itinerary above for more details.

In addition, after hiking or biking, you could explore more of Mount Desert Island. One of the nicest places for a quiet visit is Asticou Azalea Garden and also Thuya Garden. The gardens are especially beautiful in late spring – early summer, and also in the fall when the leaves change color.

Also Somesville Museum and Gardens are worth a short visit. This is one of the oldest settlements in the area and a nice photo stop between Bar Harbor and Bass Harbor.

End your day with sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse or a sailing cruise.

Day 3

On the third day, you could opt for something a bit quieter. Here are several options of nice things to do in Acadia National Park (and you could also combine several of these on the same day):

• Beaches of Acadia. You could spend the entire day exploring one or several beaches of Acadia. We recommend Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, or Seal Harbor Beach. For all three of them, I suggest getting there by 9 am on weekdays and by 8 am on weekends. Parking gets difficult here during the day in summer, but if you are mainly looking to enjoy the scenery, you can also visit in the late afternoon when most people start to leave.

• Local food. One of the most popular tours in Bar Harbor is this culinary walking tour. This is a great way to explore Bar Harbor a bit deeper, talk to locals, and sample all kinds of local specialties. These tours usually run late morning – noon, so you’ll still have time for other activities afterwards.

• History. If you want to learn more about the history of Bar Harbor, there’s also a guided historic tour. Tours usually start in the afternoon and take just 2 hours, so they can easily be combined with some other activities in the morning and in the evening.

• Acadia NP is also known for its vast opportunities for spotting wildlife, including peregrine falcons, humpback whales, dolphins, seals, moose, deer, foxes, loons, and countless others! You could opt for a sailboat tour to see the beautiful coastline and marine mammals, go kayaking, hike to the top of The Bubbles to spot peregrine falcons soaring, or walk to the northern tip of Jordan Pond where loons are often seen nesting. The best time for wildlife is early morning or around sunset.

TIP: Plan these activities ahead of time and if you decide to do any tours, be sure to book in advance.

If you have more time…

In addition to the suggestions above, here are some more great options if you have 4 or more days in Acadia National Park and are looking to do more hiking or see the other parts of Acadia NP as well. Here are some more hikes that are well worth checking out if you have plenty of time and can’t get enough of the amazing scenery in Acadia:

• Dorr Mountain via Ladder Trail. ~3.5 miles RT and takes between 3-5 hours (moderate to difficult). This is one of the lesser-known trails in the park so you are likely to experience less crowded trails and uninterrupted views from the top. Hikers are also rewarded with a giant rock mound summit and views of the impressive Cadillac Mountain. It can easily be combined with Cadillac Mountain for those looking for a full day of hiking. This is one of my personal favorites, in addition to the most popular hikes such as Beehive Loop, Cadilac Mountain, and Champlain Mountain via the Precipice Trail. More info about this hike here.

• Echo Lake & Beech Cliff Ladder Trail. ~2 miles RT and takes about 2-4 hours. This is a very nice trail with amazing views. Take the ladders up and the long way down. More info here.

• Champlain Mountain via North Ridge Trail. ~ 1.9 miles RT and takes between 1-2 hours (moderate difficulty). This is an easier way to get to Champlain Mountain and the 360° views are amazing. More info here.

• Sargent Mountain via Jordan Cliffs Loop. ~ 5 miles RT and takes between 3-4 hours (difficult with steep cliffs, not recommended for children or in inclement weather). This is also a beautiful hike to do in the fall – the views in combination with colorful foliage are amazing. More info here.

In addition to hiking, you could also visit Schoodic Point and Winter Harbor. Schoodic Peninsula is located in a totally different area of Acadia National Park and is out of the way from all the other places. Nonetheless, well worth visiting in its own right.

Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park

With over 3.5 million visitors flocking to Acadia every year, it can be tricky to plan your trip so you aren’t elbow to elbow with tourists but still have nice weather. My personal recommendation is to plan a visit to Acadia in the fall. See below for more information on what to expect in each season.

Summer is by far the best time weather-wise, but also the busiest time to be in Acadia NP. June, July, and August are extremely busy with tourists flooding the hiking trails, parking lots, and the restaurants and shops of Bar Harbor. This is also when you’ll experience the least chance of rain and beautiful, untamed wildflowers throughout the park, but you’ll need to make your accommodation reservations a minimum of four months in advance (at least two months for popular campgrounds).

Maine boasts extreme temperatures throughout the year making the summer months quite unpleasant at times. To avoid the crowds and extreme heat, plan your visit to Acadia NP for the shoulder season months of April through May and late September through early November. 

In April and May, you’ll experience mild to cool weather and only serious hikers on the hiking trails. Bar Harbor is beginning to reopen its doors and camping conditions are decent (as long as you come prepared with proper rain gear!)

From late September to early November, the majority of tourists have left the park due to school reopening. This is my personal favorite time of the year to visit Acadia National Park, as the crowds have fleeted and the warm days and cool nights have set in.

This is the ideal time for camping with a low likelihood of rain and popular campgrounds become vacant. Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in October when you can enjoy the most beautiful autumn colors.

Acadia National Park is also open in the winter boasting quintessential cold, rugged coastlines and snow-capped peaks. Between January and March, be sure to bring your crampons, snowshoes, and extreme winter gear. Temperatures drop into the negatives on chilly nights and snow creeps its way up the sides of houses (getting several feet of snow in a single night is not uncommon!).

In the winter, you’ll have the park (almost) to yourself. The only other people you’ll see will be the locals ice fishing on Jordan Pond or dog sledding through the woods.

How Much Time You Need

Typically, visitors spend between 1-3 days in Acadia National Park. Since the park is on the smaller side and is easy to get around, you can explore some popular hikes, hit the beach, window shop in Bar Harbor, and go wildlife spotting in a relatively short amount of time.

While one day is enough time to see the main highlights, planning a trip for 2-3 days will also give you some time to go hiking and explore Acadia a bit deeper. However, if you’re looking to tour the popular Park Loop Road, add a schooner trip around Mount Desert Island, or spend more time hiking in the 26 mountains the park has to offer, you’ll definitely want to account for more time.

I recommend at least 3 days in Acadia National Park, but if you like to do more hiking, be sure to add a few extra days.

Staying for 4-5 days will allow you to see all the highlights of Acadia NP, hike a few of the most popular trails, visit beautiful coastal areas and beaches, explore carriage roads and historic bridges, and see some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Where to Eat

When it comes to eating in Acadia National Park, there are plenty of good – and not so good – restaurants to choose from. 

Avoid the tourist hotspots like the Jordan Pond House Restaurant and instead make your way down to Northeast Harbor and check out The Nor’Easter Pound & Market or The Bucking Lobster, where you’ll find fresh, local seafood. 

For a larger variety of cuisines, head to Bar Harbor and check out Jordan’s Restaurant for breakfast (be sure to try the blueberry pancakes with their homemade Maine blueberry syrup!), Side Street Café for the best burger in town, and Veranda Bar at Balance Rock Inn for small plates and decadent cocktails with a stunning view of the ocean. 

Where to Stay in Acadia NP

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is really the best place to stay for visiting Acadia National Park, where you’ll have a good choice of bed and breakfasts, inns, cottages, and hotels. Still, it’s a relatively small town and accommodations in high season sell out long in advance. So be sure to book well in time, especially if planning a trip in the peak summer months or during the weekends in autumn.

Here are some personal recommendations for places to stay in Bar Harbor:

• Bar Harbor Inn (picture below) and Atlantic Oceanside Hotel are fabulous waterfront hotels. Both are among the nicest and most popular accommodations in the area – book well ahead!

• Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. This top-rated hotel in a super central location offers excellent value and a great base for exploring the area.

• For a quaint, homely hotel with a nice local atmosphere and good price/quality ratio, check out Acadia Inn, one of the top picks in Bar Harbor.

• For a luxurious, cozy stay, check out The Inn on Mount Desert.

Camping

For a true Acadia National Park experience, I highly recommend staying in a campground for at least one night. With short walks to the ocean, hygienic bathroom conditions, and well-preserved roads, the campgrounds in Acadia are considered luxurious to the common camper! 

Acadia National Park has two main campgrounds on Mount Desert Island: Blackwoods and Seawall. Personally, I prefer Blackwoods Campground as it is about 20 minutes closer to all of the main attractions in the park, allowing for you to get a better jump start on the parking spaces in the morning.

However, both offer great facilities, sites, and nearby ocean views. You’ll find everything from “tent only” sites (no electricity) to deluxe RV sites with every water and power hookup you could need.

Here you can find all the information about the campgrounds in Acadia National Park.

Practical Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park

Entrance pass and vehicle reservations!!! If you are planning to visit by car, be sure to make reservations for the Cadillac Summit Road in advance. In addition, you’ll need to pay to enter the national park (annual America the Beautiful passes are also valid).

Book your accommodations or campsites ahead. Campsites become available for booking several months in advance and disappear within hours. Once you know your travel dates, book immediately if possible. 

Parking lots. If your itinerary starts to fall through because you got a late start to the park, don’t sweat it! Parking lots fill up fast so if you get to one and it’s full, just head to the next stop on your itinerary. Everywhere in Acadia is beautiful, so don’t worry about doing things in a specific order.

Shuttle bus. During the peak summer months, you can also opt for a free Island Explorer bus. It’s a good way to get to the popular hiking trails and you can also opt for one-way hikes instead of having to get back to the same place where you started.

Get a trail map. Available for sale in Bar Harbor, online, and at most visitor centers, a trail map is essential if you are looking to do a lot of hiking in Acadia. Service is scarce on Mount Desert Island, so don’t assume you’ll be able to look up trails or directions once you’re there.

Pack sunscreen and bug spray: In Maine, especially in late spring-summer, it’s likely you’ll experience swarms of mosquitoes and beaming sunshine. Pack accordingly! 

Bring a tarp. If you’re camping, camping tarps are essential for keeping your sleeping area dry and dirt-free. Before heading to Acadia, be sure to check out everything on our travel essentials list.

Firewood. The National Park Service does not allow any wood from outside the park to be brought in to avoid bringing in outside invasive bacteria. Firewood can be purchased throughout the park along Park Loop Road and at all campgrounds. 

Park closures. Park Loop Road is closed throughout the winter and it’s not uncommon for some parts of the park to close during different seasons. Some hiking trails close for nesting peregrine falcons, and many places close during the muddy season to prevent unnecessary destruction of vegetation and alpine zones. It’s essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date conditions when planning your trip to Acadia National Park, but also once you are there because the situation may change at any time.

So this is our travel guide and itinerary suggestions for Acadia National Park. As you can see, there’s no shortage of amazing things to see and do, especially if you love hiking.

Acadia National Park is full of stunning scenery, rolling landscapes, rugged coastlines, and exciting wildlife. No matter if you have one day or a few weeks, you can be sure you’ll have a wonderful visit if you take part in our adventurous itineraries and follow our insider tips.

Have a great trip! 

READ ALSO: Best National Parks to Visit with Kids

More U.S. National Parks travel inspiration:

• Best National Parks to Visit in January
• Best National Parks to Visit in February
• Best National Parks to Visit in March
• Best National Parks to Visit in April
• Best National Parks to Visit in May
• Best National Parks to Visit in June
• Best National Parks to Visit in September
• Best National Parks to Visit in October
• Best National Parks to Visit in November
• Best National Parks to Visit in December

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