Acadia National Park is a beautiful place with rocky coastlines, peaceful forests, and sweeping summit views that are worth every step it takes to get there. We recently spent a weekend exploring this gem on the coast of Maine and packed a lot into three days, from catching a famous Cadillac Mountain sunrise to hiking coastal trails and sampling lobster around the park.

In this post, we’re sharing our full 3-day itinerary along with everything you need to know before you go: park logistics, where to stay, when to visit, and our top tips for making the most of your time in Acadia. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, this guide is designed to help you feel prepared, inspired, and excited to hit the trails.

Acadia at a Glance

Where to Stay

Lindenwood Inn

We spent our Acadia weekend at the Lindenwood Inn, a charming and welcoming bed and breakfast tucked away in Southwest Harbor. It’s a perfect fit for travelers in their looking for a peaceful, more personal alternative. With its relaxed vibe, thoughtful design, and truly kind staff, it felt like a home away from home.

Each room is uniquely and tastefully decorated, combining coastal New England charm with modern comfort. But what really stood out were the shared amenities: a hot tub, seasonal outdoor pool, fireplace lounge, and tranquil garden areas open to all guests. After a day of hiking in the park, it was the perfect place to unwind—whether soaking in the hot tub or relaxing with a drink by the fire.

Breakfast here was another highlight. Served daily in the bright sunroom or on the deck, it was fresh, delicious, and made with care. Even better, the staff is incredibly accommodating. If you have a food allergy, they happily prepared a completely different breakfast without hesitation. That level of attentiveness and kindness really elevated our stay.

If you’re looking for a quiet, comfortable, and thoughtfully run place to stay near Acadia, Lindenwood Inn is a hidden gem worth checking out.

When to Visit

Winter in Acadia is peaceful and beautiful—but also very limited in terms of access. Many park roads, including Park Loop Road and Cadillac Summit Road, are closed to vehicles and only open for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. If you enjoy quiet winter landscapes and are prepared for cold weather, it can be a unique and rewarding time to visit. Just don’t expect full services or accessibility, and check conditions in advance.

Spring is a great time to visit if you want to avoid peak summer crowds and still catch the park coming back to life. Trails start to open up, wildflowers bloom, and the weather begins to warm—though it can still be chilly and rainy, especially in April and May. Some businesses and park facilities may not be fully open until late spring. It’s a solid choice for quieter hikes and scenic drives, as long as you’re prepared for unpredictable weather.

Summer is Acadia’s peak season. The weather is warm, most trails and roads are fully open, and you can take full advantage of the park’s coastal beauty. However, it’s also the busiest time of year, with crowded parking lots and popular trails. If you visit in summer, plan ahead with reservations (especially for Cadillac Mountain sunrise), use the Island Explorer shuttle, and start your days early to beat the crowds.

Fall is arguably one of the best times to visit Acadia, especially for the vibrant foliage. Crisp air, fewer bugs, and stunning leaf colors make hiking and scenic drives even more magical. It does get busy during peak foliage weeks (usually late September through mid-October), so expect some crowds and higher prices. Still, it’s absolutely worth it if you’ve ever wanted to experience a classic New England autumn.

Areas of the Park

How to get to Acadia National Park

The closest airport to Acadia National Park is Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), located just about 10–15 minutes from the park’s main entrance. It’s small and convenient, with seasonal flights connecting from Boston. If you can find a flight that works with your schedule and budget, this is by far the easiest option.

A more common choice is flying into Bangor International Airport (BGR), about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Acadia. Bangor has more flight options and rental car availability, making it a practical balance between convenience and cost.

If you’re looking for the best flight deals or traveling from farther away, Portland International Jetport (PWM) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) are also options—about 3.5 hours and 5 hours away by car, respectively. Both are ideal if you’re turning your trip into a longer New England road trip.

How to get Around

The best way to explore Acadia is with a rental car, especially if you’re staying outside of Bar Harbor or visiting during the shoulder seasons when public transportation is limited. Having a car gives you the flexibility to reach trailheads early, explore the less crowded west side of the park, and venture beyond Mount Desert Island if you’re planning to visit places like Schoodic Peninsula.

That said, during the busiest months (late June through mid-October), we highly recommend taking advantage of the Island Explorer shuttle. This system runs throughout the park and connects major destinations like Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Cadillac Mountain with towns like Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor. It helps you avoid the stress of limited parking, especially along the Park Loop Road, and lets you enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic. Even if you have a car, it’s worth using the shuttle for at least part of your visit.

3 Days in Acadia National Park

Day 1

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

We kicked off our trip with an early morning drive up Cadillac Mountain to catch the sunrise. Even though the morning was foggy, we were lucky enough to get a few magical glimpses of the sun peeking through the clouds. The low-hanging mist made everything feel calm and mysterious, and the light filtering through it created a dreamy glow over the landscape. It wasn’t the clear, colorful sunrise we hoped for—but it was still a beautiful and peaceful way to start the day. Don’t forget, you’ll need a timed-entry reservation if you’re driving up for sunrise during the warmer months, and it gets cold up there—definitely bring layers!

Exploring Bar Harbor

After warming up from the chilly morning, we headed into Bar Harbor to explore the town. It’s a great place to wander, with tons of local shops, bookstores, outfitters, and cute cafés lining the streets. We popped into a few stores, grabbed souvenirs, and took our time strolling around. The highlight? A stop at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, where we shared a triple scoop of coffee, cinnamon cardamom, and blueberry sour cream & crumble. Every flavor was unique and delicious, and it was the perfect afternoon treat.

Lobster Dinner at Thurston’s

Later in the afternoon, we made our way to Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Southwest Harbor for an early dinner. Set right on the dock, the views of the harbor and working lobster boats make the whole experience feel extra special. We each ordered a full lobster dinner and shared a bowl of fresh mussels—it was simple, buttery, and absolutely delicious. The casual, no-frills vibe was exactly what we wanted after a long day. Going early meant we beat the dinner rush and scored a peaceful table by the water. If you’re visiting Acadia, this is a must-visit for the full Maine seafood experience.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse for Sunset

We ended the day at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, arriving early enough to walk both short trails—the Tower View Trail and the Cliff View Trail. Each offered a different perspective of the lighthouse, perched dramatically on the rocky coastline. The golden hour light was stunning, even with a few lingering clouds from the morning fog. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park for good reason, and it felt like a perfect full-circle moment after starting our day with a foggy sunrise. Just be careful on the cliffside trail—the rocks can be slick, but the view is totally worth the climb.

Day 2

Hike to Bar Island

We started the day with a visit to Bar Island, a tidal island accessible by a sandbar at low tide. It’s super important to check the tide schedule before you go—if you miss the low tide window, you could get stuck on the island! We chose to keep things easy and just explored the rocky shore and quiet paths since it was a very cloudy day. There is a “hike” on the island for those looking to explore further, but with the overcast weather, we opted to explore the shoreline.

Jordan Pond Loop Trail

Unfortunately, it was rainy and cloudy during our visit, so the views weren’t as clear as we’d hoped. Despite the weather, we made the most of our time, taking a leisurely walk around the 3.3-mile loop. The trail itself is gorgeous, with forest, mountain views, and the calm waters of Jordan Pond. Even on a gray day, the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air made the hike worthwhile.

Jordan Pond House

After our hike, we stopped at the iconic Jordan Pond House for a cozy break. Brandon and I both ordered two popovers each—these fluffy, eggy treats came with strawberry jam and butter. We comapred them to an eggy french toast. I went for the refreshing blueberry lemonade, which was good, while Brandon tried the blueberry tea. Neither of us are usually tea drinkers, but we enjoyed the tea. Next time, I think we’ll stick with the lemonade as our go-to drink. We also shared a cup of clam chowder which warmed us up on this rainy day.

Schoodic Peninsula

In the afternoon, we took a drive out to the Schoodic Peninsula, one of Acadia’s quieter and less-visited areas. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy rugged coastal scenery with fewer people around. We spent some time exploring the rocky shoreline and soaking in the serene views, appreciating the peaceful vibe that’s a bit different from the busier parts of the park.

Dinner at Bar Harbor Lobster Pound

For dinner, we stopped at the Bar Harbor Lobster Pound, which quickly became our favorite meal of the trip. We both ordered the house special—hot lobster rolls tossed in lemon garlic aioli. I paired mine with fries, while Brandon chose chips, and both were delicious. The house-made ranch dressing was a standout addition that we couldn’t get enough of. If you want a fresh, flavorful lobster roll with a little twist, this place is a must-try.

Udder Heaven Ice Cream Restaurant

To end the day on a sweet note, we visited Udder Heaven Ice Cream (across the road from Bar Harbor Lobster Pount) and tried their ice cream flight. The generous scoops came in four flavors: cotton candy, coconut almond fudge, strawberry cheesecake, and moose tracks. Every flavor was creamy and packed with delicious mix-ins—definitely a great way to cool down and treat yourself after a day of hiking and exploring.

Day 3

Beech Cliffs Hike

We started our final day with a morning hike on the Beech Cliffs Trail, a less-crowded but super scenic option in the park. This short but steep trail includes metal ladders and stone steps that lead to a stunning overlook of Echo Lake. It’s a great option if you want a little adventure without the crowds of more popular trails like Beehive. The views at the top were worth every step—and we enjoyed having the space to take it all in without feeling rushed. Again, this morning was rainy and cloudy but it was still a fun hike and we still got some views.

Visitor Center

We stopped by one of Acadia’s visitor centers to browse the gift shop and pick up a couple of keepsakes. It’s also a great place to ask questions, grab maps, and learn more about the park’s history and geology. Even on our last day, we were still learning new things about the area!

Beehive Trail

One of the most thrilling hikes in Acadia. This trail is known for its iron rungs and cliffside climbing sections, and while it’s not for the faint of heart, it’s a favorite for adventurous hikers. We carefully made our way up, pausing often to take in the sweeping views of Sand Beach and the ocean below. It’s a short but intense climb that rewards you with some of the best panoramic views in the park. Just be sure to avoid it if it’s wet or you’re uncomfortable with heights.

Ocean Path Trail

We slowed things down with a walk along the Ocean Path Trail. This easy, mostly flat trail runs from Sand Beach to Otter Point, offering nonstop views of the rugged Maine coastline. We took our time here, stopping at scenic spots like Thunder Hole and simply enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. It’s one of the best ways to soak in Acadia’s natural beauty without a strenuous hike.

Dinner at C-Ray’s Lobster

We made a stop at C-Ray’s Lobster, a casual seafood shack just outside Bar Harbor. Brandon went with a cold Lobster Roll, while I ordered the Lobster Melt—both meals came with a bag of chips. Everything was fresh and tasty, but we both agreed that Bar Harbor Lobster Pound from the day before was still our favorite. That said, C-Ray’s is a great quick stop for a classic lobster roll experience.

Fielders Choice Ice Cream

On the way back to Bangor Airport, we made one final stop at Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream, and we’re so glad we did. I tried the peanut butter coffee twist and added peanute, which was creamy and rich without being too sweet. Brandon went for a double scoop combo of mint chocolate and chocolate peanut butter cups—a perfect mix of refreshing and indulgent. It was a fun and satisfying way to wrap up our trip before heading home. Note: they only accept cash.