27 Best Things To Do In Acadia National Park

Last updated September 7, 2025

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Escape the towering structures and crowded urban areas by enjoying a wonderful nature getaway at Acadia National Park.

Delight in a variety of enjoyable activities such as visiting a lighthouse, enjoying a beach day, hiking along different trails, and engaging in numerous water sports.

Also, discover natural attractions, have a picnic in stunning surroundings, and cruise along picturesque routes.

So, gather your belongings and essential items as you get ready for an unforgettable trip.

Here are the 27 top things to explore in Acadia National Park!

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1. Otter Cliff

This is a famous Acadia feature and is among the most popular destinations in the region.

It stands approximately 110 feet tall and is near several other sites like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.

While in the National Park, make sure to visit Otter Cliff together with a special person, loved ones, or friends before leaving the area.

It boasts a shoreline scattered with stones and boulders, along with an offshore rocky structure called the Spindle.

Take a tour of this area for sightseeing and explore this renowned cliff.

You can also pause from outdoor pursuits while enjoying the stunning sights of the rugged terrain, azure waters, and dense woodlands.

Otter Cliff and Otter Point are excellent spots for capturing sunset pictures.

You will even notice rock climbers within this location, and additionally sight Sand Beach far away.

2. Lobster Rolls Eating

Among the initial activities to engage in during a vacation to Acadia is enjoying a tasty lobster roll.

And oh my, the lobster rolls here are absolutely mouthwatering.

Ensure to indulge in them all weekend because they are magnificent.

3. Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is charming, vibrant, and exudes joyful, uplifting energy.

Situated just some miles from the national park, a trip to this bustling little town is essential.

It has numerous stores, eateries, ice cream parlors, lodging options, and pubs.

In fact, exploring this charming town ranks among the top activities near Acadia.

And one of Bar Harbor’s greatest activities is to dine.

There is a vast amount of seafood to consume here, and they're all incredibly tasty.

4. Precipice Trail

This is a famous hiking path for seasoned hikers.

It covers a 2.5-mile distance and requires approximately two to three hours to finish.

If you are an experienced hiker in search of difficult paths to explore during your outdoor getaway, the ideal place for you is the lovely Precipice Trail.

This remarkable trail provides stunning views and challenging ascents exceeding 1000 feet.

Ensure to put on supportive footwear while you embark on an ultimate hiking adventure with your buddies along this trail.

While hiking, you can engage in activities such as rock climbing, traversing steep ledges, ascending steel rails and ladders, taking in stunning vistas, and much more.

A lot of hikers ascend the trail and subsequently descend the Champlain NorthRidge Trail.

This Champlain Trail offers a fairly simple descent.

Even, the fun Precipice Trail remains among Acadia National Park’s top hikes.

However, it features numerous exposed areas and is not appropriate for individuals with acrophobia, young children, or pets.

Upon completing this hike, you will be rewarded with a magnificent Atlantic Ocean view.

5. Ocean Path Trail

This trail, measuring a 4.4-mile length, is a favored route for novice hikers.

So, for a more relaxed and easygoing experience in Acadia National Park, think about hiking this trail.

It’s also the ideal choice for you when you lack hiking experience and favor a simpler path to walk.

You can make enduring memories solo or alongside friends and family while you traverse this coastal path.

You can likewise partake in activities such as walking with your dog, exploring a fun nearby beach, or improving your photography skills.

6. Carriages Roads

If you're searching for affordable and fun activities to share with your companions that won’t strain your budget, consider Carriage Roads as an excellent choice.

Carriage Roads stretches approximately 45 miles and boasts around seventeen stunning arch bridges.

There, you can enjoy a variety of entertaining activities regardless of the season you decide to come.

For instance, you can engage in hiking, horseback riding, biking, and in the wintertime, skiing, snowshoeing, discovering the different bridges, and many other enjoyable activities.

7. Bar Harbor Downtown

This is a charming waterfront area with streets filled with numerous exciting opportunities.

On rainy or chilly days, when camping or hiking in the woods isn't feasible, you can choose to discover this delightful downtown district.

It offers numerous chances for enjoyment, along with amenities such as entertainment venues, accommodation spaces, dining establishments, and many more.

You'll really enjoy a relaxing and serene escape as you wander the avenues of Bar Harbor Downtown.

You can also experience other activities such as taking the trolley tour, receiving a spa massage, eating at any waterfront eatery, shopping in the many boutique shops, exploring exhibits at one art gallery, and seeing a theater performance.

8. Sand Beach

This beach is situated along Newport Cove’s banks and is among the few locations where you will have a relaxing swim.

It stretches 290 yards in length and has several amenities.

A great activity to enjoy with kids in Acadia is to take them on an enjoyable day trip to this fun sandy beach in the sunshine.

It offers various facilities such as seasonal lifeguards, accessible restrooms for ADA compliance, tidy changing areas, impressive waterfront vistas, a parking lot, coastal walking paths, and a peaceful and family-oriented atmosphere.

You can connect with your children by enjoying quality moments together on this beach.

Also, you can assist your children in creating sand sculptures and castles, relax while getting a tan, enjoy playful games together, have a picnic by the beach, swim in the cool water, hike through the surroundings, and do many more things.

9. Wild Gardens Acadia

This is a beautiful botanical garden featuring a natural environment and over 300 species of native plants.

While organizing an unforgettable date together with your partner and looking for Acadia National Park’s activities for couples, try out this picture-perfect garden.

It includes murmuring streams, numerous indigenous plant varieties, wildflowers, ferns, a timber walkway, several benches, and various other facilities.

Go ahead and enjoy a day together with your loved one, strolling while discovering Acadia's Wild Gardens' beauty.

Here, you'll also observe different plants, capture numerous photos together, relax on a bench, and explore the trails.

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10. Bass HarborHead Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located in Mount Desert Island’s southwest area.

This iconic lighthouse was built in the year 1858 and reaches a height of 33 feet.

During your exploration, a must-see spot in Acadia is this delightful lighthouse.

It's a renowned historical site in the region that includes a stone base, a sizable bell, free parking, a keeper's residence, and a rugged shoreline.

The lighthouse is essential to visit during your trip and is one of just three in Acadia, providing an ideal setting to practice your photography.

Before departing, take a photo with the lighthouse & its massive bell in the background.

11. Thirsty Whale Tavern

This is a popular gathering place and neighborhood pub that features a remarkable selection of tasty meals and drinks.

Enjoy revitalizing drinks and a delightful meal at this popular tavern and restaurant while spending some hours indoors to recharge your energy.

It will provide you with exceptional beers, outdoor dining, gluten-free and vegetarian options, along with a welcoming and friendly environment.

Also, enjoy a delicious meal while reconnecting with friends, family, or your partner.

You can enjoy delicious meals such as sandwiches, lobster rolls, grilled burgers, fresh fish, chicken wings, savory chowder, and other delectable choices.

12. Rock Climbing

As you drive along the scenic Loop Drive, you will see rock climbers scaling the cliffs adjacent to the beautiful ocean.

If you are a rock climber, I’ll suggest giving this fantastic sport a try, particularly in Acadia National Park.

13. Schoodic Point

Also known as Schoodic Peninsula, Schoodic Point covers approximately 2266 acres.

It's among the most famous and recognized locations in this national park.

It boasts a granite coast, backgrounds of thick forests and stunning mountains, established camping spots, a minimum of 7 hiking trails, seasonal ranger activities, and scenic picnic locations.

Discover the marvels of this well-known site without spending any money and connect with your trip companions by engaging in various enjoyable activities.

You can observe the waves hitting the rocky coast, hike in spruce-fir woodlands, have a picnic, camp, bike, and do many more things.

14. South Bubble

South Bubble, nestled adjacent to the lovely Jordan Pond, offers an excellent vantage point for a stunning Jordan Pond view.

You can reach the South Bubble summit in two different ways.

The first choice is to leave your vehicle at the specified parking lot of South Bubble.

Although this parking area appears clear, spaces for parking are quite scarce.

Then, another method is to leave your car at Jordan Pond House’s parking area and trek into South Bubble.

I'll prefer the second method for its convenience and the chance to walk near the pond.

Upon reaching the peak of South Bubble, I suggest visiting the North Bubble and Bubble Rock Peak as well.

15. Bass Harbor Cruise

This is a highly recognized local company that provides the best tour packages available in the region.

Visit their agency and prepare to enjoy an unforgettable waterfront journey.

They provide some of Acadia National Park’s finest boating tours, with a variety of options based on your preferences for activities and sights during the journey.

They additionally provide private charters so you can enjoy a more personal experience with a loved one, your friends, or your family.

So, rather than discovering this national park on land, choose to embark on an unforgettable journey across the water.

Based on the package you choose, you can enjoy activities such as fishing, discovering islands, learning to sail, taking a leisurely cruise, and many other experiences.

16. Echo Lake Beach

This beach is located on Acadia National Park’s southern side, and there’s a lifeguard present here from the Memorial Day until Labor Day.

This lake is considerably warmer than the lovely Sand Beach, therefore make sure to visit on a lovely summer day.

17. Jordan Pond

This is a glacially formed tarn that provides various recreational opportunities for visitors to experience and covers approximately 187 acres.

So, if you have the chance during the weekend to take a wonderful, long-awaited trip with your family and friends, and you are searching for enjoyable activities in Acadia, Jordan Pond remains the ideal choice for you.

It offers numerous facilities and amenities for your pleasure, including a nice gift shop, a restaurant, waterfront access, trails for different activities, and much more.

Have fun with your friends while experiencing an amazing adventure in the midst of nature.

You can also engage in activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking.

Then, following your time outside, you can visit their onsite tea house and restaurant to savor delightful options such as crab cakes, gourmet cheese platters, sandwiches, three-course meals, and lobster.

18. Whale Watching

Whale Company of Bar Harbor provides various whale watching tours all year-round.

These tours are also available for seals, lighthouses, puffins, and sunset viewing.

The availability of tours is determined by the season.

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19. Beehive Trail

Approximately a 1.4-mile round trip, the fun Beehive Trail offers an exciting hiking adventure for hikers.

For more experienced hikers searching for exceptional and demanding paths to explore with friends or a partner, the lovely Beehive Trail remains an excellent option.

Completion time here ranges from one to three hours based on your pace, and includes steep sections and a drop of 450 feet, among other features.

You will experience an unforgettable trek with your fellow travelers as you navigate this captivating trail.

During your journey, you can engage in activities such as rock scrambling, walking on granite steps, ascending iron rungs, hiking along rough trails, and much more.

This Beehive trail is an excellent option if you’re visiting Acadia during the Peregrine Falcon’s nesting period.

It resembles the scenic Precipice trail but is less difficult and shorter.

This trail offers Sand Beach’s stunning vistas and is yet another fantastic scrambling/climbing route.

It may pose a difficult challenge for those who fear hiking, still it remains simpler than the Precipice Trail.

20. Sunset Watching

Sunset Beside the Bass Harbor Lighthouse

While visiting Acadia, a must-do activity is to view the sunset beside the beautiful Bass Harbor Lighthouse.

Note that space is limited for the crowd that gathers to witness this event.

However, if you're determined to capture sunset images, here are some suggestions for achieving the ideal photos.

Arrive one hour prior to sunset to secure a prime location and drive to their parking area to check for available spots.

Some people may stand directly in your camera’s front but politely request that they step out.

The stones here are quite jagged, so you may consider bringing a thick blanket to make yourself more comfortable.

Also, remember to appreciate the lovely hues and enjoy yourself.

21. Park Loop Road

This road, measuring about 27 miles in length, is a top picturesque route.

It offers numerous viewpoints and showcases enchanting natural scenery.

For those who enjoy road trips and extended drives, this road is the ideal option.

It provides some finest vistas of the national park, including its stunning mountains, vibrant foliage, glistening water bodies, impressive trees, and many more.

So, get your playlist ready, pack some snacks, and power up your camera for an amazing trip with family, friends, or your significant other.

While you relish driving through the beautiful landscape, you may visit a nice sandy beach, pause at viewpoints to take in the sights, or stop at any visitor center for additional details about the region.

22. Beech Mountain Fun Trail

Looking to escape crowds? This section of Acadia National Park has less foot traffic while offering a fun fire lookout and amazing views.

You will really like this hike, especially if you are with a few individuals on the path.

23. Great Head Trail

This is a cherished hiking path that winds through coniferous woods.

It also provides breathtaking vistas of the sea.

This trail presents a flawless view with tall trees and lakeside spots, and is suitable for every skill level.

Bring along your essentials such as snacks and water while you savor a fantastic hiking adventure on this well-known trail.

As you hike through the region, you can partake in bird watching, relax on Sand Beach’s shorelines, visit picturesque overlooks, and explore additional well-known sites along the route such as the granite cliffs.

24. Popovers Eating

Jordan Pond’s Restaurant is among Acadia National Park’s top dining spots.

Renowned for its iconic popovers, this eatery is essential for your Acadia experience.

Due to the restaurant's popularity, securing a table here during peak hours can be challenging.

And they no longer accept reservations. It is currently available on a 1st come, 1st serve basis.

25. Cadillac Mountain

This mountain is among the tallest points in this region, rising up to a 1530-foot height.

It was previously called Green Mountain until it was renamed in the year 1918.

Embark on an incredible outdoor journey here by exploring one of Acadia National Park’s top highlights.

In the whole of the USA, Cadillac Mountain is recognized as the earliest location to witness the sunrise from Oct 7 to Mar 6.

It has ideal hiking paths, a little gift shop, lookout spots for the landscape’s stunning views, a knowledgeable information center, and many additional amenities.

Bring your travel companions too on an unforgettable nature getaway at the summit of Cadillac Mountain.

There, you can engage in activities such as hiking along beautiful trails, enjoying romantic moments with your loved one while watching the sunset, and honing your photography skills.

26. Carriage Road Biking

Another attraction of Acadia is the carriage roads of 45 miles constructed by John Rockefeller from 1913 to 1940.

These carriage roads serve as an ideal location for cycling in the national park.

Bicycle rentals here can be found at the Acadia Bike and an express shuttle for bicycles is also available that will collect your bike and you just one block from the available bike shop.

I suggest printing the map of the Acadia carriage roads in advance.

27. Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is a tiny cove famous for loud sounds created by the waves crashing against its rocks.

A brief stop at this stunning tourist attraction is essential for your Acadia National Park’s trip to be truly complete.

Thunder Hole remains one of Acadia’s most renowned spots, where the enormous wave can reach heights of 40 feet and create booming sounds along its shoreline.

It includes a nice viewing area, adjacent wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and a conveniently reachable parking lot.

Bring along your friends to observe and hear the magnificent waves crashing onto the rocks.

Capture lots of photos together to remember your trip and have a relaxed hike in the surrounding area.

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