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Acadia National Park is one of the top places to visit in Maine, and for good reason. With rugged coastal views, scenic drives, historic carriage roads, and epic hiking trails, there’s something here for everyone.

Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, biking through forests, or hunting down the best lobster rolls! This guide breaks down 20 unforgettable things to do in Acadia National Park.

20 Activities in Acadia National Park

Here are my favorite Bar Harbor and Acadia activities!

Looking for something specific? Use the table of contents!

1. Drive the Scenic Park Loop Road

📍 Start: Hulls Cove Visitor Center
📏 Distance: 27 miles (one-way loop)

Driving the Park Loop Road is the best way to explore Acadia National Park by car.

This stunning drive takes you past Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Jordan Pond, offering incredible coastal views along the way.

The most important thing to know about Park Loop Road is that it is one-way, so you cannot turn around if you miss a spot. You will have to go entirely back around the loop, which can take around 40 minutes.

As you can see, the road is huge. You can download the full map here.

2. Hike The Southwest Harbor

While many of Acadia’s most popular trails are along Park Loop Road, venturing past it leads you to the Southwest Harbor area.

This quieter side of the park offers stunning coastal walks, fresh seafood restaurants, and a peaceful escape into nature.

I love coming here when I need a break from the main area of Acadia!

Read my guide on Hiking Acadia National Park’s Scenic Ship Harbor Trail, which is one of my favorites in the area.

3. Have A Beach Day At Sand Beach

📍 Location: Off Park Loop Road

One of Maine’s most beautiful beaches, Sand Beach is a crescent-shaped paradise surrounded by granite cliffs and evergreen forests.

The water is chilly year-round, but it’s perfect for sunbathing and sightseeing.

Read my guide to Sand Beach in Acadia: Everything You Need To Know. This blog showcases the hiking trails in the area too.

4. Go Whale Watching

📍 Best Tours: Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company

One of the best things to do in Acadia National Park is whale watching!

Hop aboard a boat and cruise the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where you can spot majestic whales breaching and playing in their natural habitat.

One of the best ways to experience an Acadia whale watching tour is by booking with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

Peak season: June – October

5. Try Lobster Ice Cream in Bar Harbor

📍 Where to Try It: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium

Nothing is better than a tasty ice cream on a hot summer day in Maine. The ice cream, combined with the salty ocean air, is a dynamic duo. Only one thing can make it even better: trying Lobster Ice Cream!

As we explored downtown, we stumbled upon a shop serving Lobster Ice Cream in Bar Harbor, Maine. It was too weird not to try, so I had to get one.

Read all about my experience eating Lobster Ice Cream in Bar Harbor, Maine!

6. Hike The Bee-hive Trail

📍 Trailhead: Sand Beach Parking Lot
📏 Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
⚠️ Difficulty: Hard (steep cliffs & iron rungs)

Hiking the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is an exhilarating adventure! This trail offers stunning views, but it’s known as the scariest hike in the park due to its cliffs and narrow pathways.

This iron-rung climbing route features steep ledges and exposed drop-offs, but the 360° summit views are worth the adrenaline rush.

Tip: Not for beginners or those afraid of heights!

7. Walk the Bar Island Trail (Only at Low Tide!)

📍 Trailhead: Bar Harbor (Bridge Street)
📏 Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

One of the most unique things to do in Acadia National Park is to walk the Bar Island Trail.

The Bar Island Trail is only accessible at low tide, allowing you to walk from Bar Harbor to Bar Island across a temporary land bridge.

Timing is everything! Check the tide charts to avoid getting stranded.

It was one of my favorite activities when visiting the National Park. 

Here is everything you need to know about Hiking The Bar Island Trail At Low Tide In Acadia.

8. Go Camping in Acadia

Camping in Acadia National Park is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Maine’s wilderness.

Best Campgrounds:

• Blackwoods Campground (closest to Bar Harbor)
• Seawall Campground (oceanfront views!)

Blackwoods Campground offers easy access to popular hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, while Seawall Campground has stunning ocean views!

Whether you prefer pitching a tent under the stars or parking your RV, both campgrounds provide basic amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.

You can book either campground at Recreation.gov.

9. Eat a Lobster Roll at Abel’s Lobster

📍 Location: Mount Desert, ME

We traveled around Acadia National Park trying every lobster roll we could.

I can confidently say that Abel’s Lobster Roll was my favorite, not only for its fresh lobster but also for the views and charm of the restaurant.

Here is my guide on A Local’s Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine.

10. Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

📍 Location: Southwest Harbor, ME

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a charming coastal landmark that will capture your heart.

One of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, is a must-visit at sunset for incredible ocean views.

There is a short walk around the lighthouse, making it a great way to spend a quiet morning in Acadia.

11. Eat Popovers at Jordan Pond House

Treat yourself to a warm popover with butter and jam at the historic Jordan Pond House.

Popovers are baked pastries with a light and airy texture. And, they are iconic in Acadia!

They are delicious, and the best place to get them in the National Park is at Jordan Pond House.

Here, they are served with butter and strawberry jam.

Tip: Make reservations in advance!

Here is everything you need to know about Visiting Jordan Pond House.

12. Hike The Jordan Pond Loop

📍 Trailhead: Jordan Pond House
📏 Distance: 3.5 miles

After enjoying your popovers and tea, hike the Jordan Pond Trail. This easy loop trail circles the stunning Jordan Pond, offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding mountains.

Along the way, you’ll wander through peaceful forests and across charming wooden bridges, providing plenty of opportunities to soak in the park’s natural beauty.

I love admiring the lake!

13. Take a Sunset Nature Cruise in Bar Harbor

📍 Departure: Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

A sunset nature cruise is one of the best ways to experience Acadia’s coastline from the water.

You’ll spot lighthouses, puffins, seals, and even whales while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.

Want to know more? Take This Sunset Happy Hour Nature Cruise In Bar Harbor.

14. Watch the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

📍 Location: Cadillac Summit Road
⏳ Best Time: 30 minutes before sunrise

Wondering what to do in Acadia, Maine, for a thrilling adventure? Watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.

Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, and from late September to mid-March, it’s the first place in the country to see the sunrise.

As you climb the winding road to the summit, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding landscape, including the Atlantic Ocean, neighboring islands, and rugged coastline.

Once at the top, you can leave your car and watch the sunrise!

Tip: You do need reservations to watch the sunset in the summer, and the road is closed in the winter.

15. Walk The Ocean Path Trail

📍 Start: Sand Beach Parking Lot
📏 Distance: 4.5 miles round trip

Walking the Ocean Path hiking trail in Acadia is a delightful way to experience the beauty of Maine’s coastline.

This easy coastal hike connects Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Boulder Beach, offering amazing photo opportunities.

The trail leaves from Sand Beach and is easy and accessible for all ages, perfect for a leisurely seaside adventure or a tranquil sunset stroll.

16. Hike to the Fire Tower on Beech Mountain

📍 Trailhead: Beech Mountain Trailhead
📏 Distance: 1.2 miles round trip

One of the best hikes in Acadia National Park is Beech Mountain!

The hike to Beech Mountain is a short, moderate loop on Mount Desert Island’s west side.

On the way up, the trail provides hikers with endless views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain and access to one of the few remaining fire towers in the area.

The hike’s distance is a quick 1.2-mile round trip, but don’t let the short distance fool you.

You will go uphill most of the time as you climb to the top of Beech Mountain.

You can read my guide on Acadia National Park’s Fire Tower Hike on Beech Mountain.

17. Visit Thunder Hole At High Tide

📍 Location: Park Loop Road

Visiting Thunder Hole at high tide in Acadia National Park is an exhilarating experience!

As the waves crash against the rocky coastline, they create a booming sound and spray water high into the air, resembling thunder.

Visit during high tide, waves crash into Thunder Hole, sending ocean water up to 40 feet in the air—one of the most dramatic sights in Acadia.

Tip: Use this tide tracker to see when high tide will be on the day of your visit.

18. Stargaze

Stargazing in Acadia National Park is a magical experience that will leave you in awe of the night sky.

Acadia’s remote location and minimal light pollution offer excellent conditions for observing the stars and celestial wonders.

Some of the best stargazing locations are from the top of Cadillac Mountain and on the shores of Sand Beach.

I was lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in Maine a few times. Here is my guide: Northern Lights in Maine: Best Spots, Forecast & Tips!

19. Try Bar Harbor’s Seafood Restaurants

Bar Harbor has many seafood options. It can be hard to know where to dine when you are amongst many tourist restaurants.

But don’t worry—I have visited Acadia many times, and my favorite place isn’t a tourist trap.

The most delicious seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor is The Loft Raw Bar and Seafood Grill.

The Loft offers modern seafood dishes made fresh.

They cook in the main kitchen, the Raw Bar, and the Seafood Shack. You can try a variety of food, including their Seacutterie board.

Want to see more of the meal I had? Read my detailed guide on The Loft.

20. Bike the Historic Carriage Roads

📍 Start: Eagle Lake Parking Area
📏 Total Distance: 45 miles

Biking the carriage roads in Acadia National Park is a fantastic way to explore nature’s beauty without the noise and traffic of cars. T

These gravel pathways wind through lush forests and past serene lakes and offer stunning views of the park’s landscapes.

With over 45 miles of carriage roads, there’s a route for every skill level and interest.

Rent a bike from one of the nearby shops, or bring your own and spend the day pedaling at your own pace.

I have so much information about this! If you are interested in going, read Biking The Carriage Roads In Acadia: Your Ultimate Guide!

Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park

• Summer is the best time to visit Acadia National Park. This is when big attractions, such as Cadillac Mountain, are open.
  
• From June to October, you can enjoy Acadia during summer and early fall. The weather is generally mild during this time, with warm temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
  
• I love visiting in Winter! Here are 18 Things to Do in Bar Harbor & Acadia This Winter

Where To Stay Near Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park offers a variety of lodging options, from tent camping under the stars to cozy inns, hotels, and charming cottages.

I have stayed in almost ten cabins and hotels so far. If you are looking for the perfect place to stay, here are 13 Great Places To Stay Near Acadia National Park.

Where Is Acadia National Park?

The National Park is located in eastern Maine, near the Canadian border.

Explore More of Maine

Experience the best of Acadia by doing all of these top activities!

Looking for more exciting things to do in Maine? After exploring Acadia National Park, you can visit some of Maine’s State Parks!

You can also read A Local’s Guide To The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine for the best lobster rolls in the state.

If you love exploring U.S. National Parks like I do, you’re in for a treat!

I’ve visited 30 of them, and you can check out all my detailed National Park travel guides.

If you want to explore all of Maine, read all of my Maine Travel Guides!