Wander Far From Home are small snippets from our travels beyond North Georgia. Whether exploring the coast of Maine or the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Wander Far From Home shares our thoughtful recommendations about the best places to eat, wander, and stay from around the world.
Acadia National Park
Nestled along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a magical mix of mountains, ocean views, forests, and lakes. Spanning over 49,000 acres, the park is home to diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re drawn to sunrise hikes up Cadillac Mountain, leisurely walks along the Ocean Path, or cycling on the famed carriage roads, Acadia serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is perfect in that it mixes a variety of landscapes right next to each other, so one minute you can be in the forest and the next on a mountain top and the next on a coastline.
For the cliff notes version, check out our 1 minute of Acadia National Park including highlights from the Park Loop Road and our ferry trip across the island to Winter Harbor. Or jump over to our Acadia National Park playlist for some inspiration as you plan your trip.
THE LOBSTER
It’s going to be weird to begin our talk about one of the best National Parks ever with all the outdoor and nature you could possibly want by leading with food. But . . . lobster.
No trip to Acadia National Park would be complete without sampling the region’s best food. And no offense to “downtown” Bar Harbor but skip downtown and check out these two places on the outskirts of the park.
On the way into Bar Harbor, in Ellsworth Maine is Dorr Lobster Seafood Market. Probably the best lobster we had on the entire trip. Dorr’s is more a seafood market than a restaurant so be prepared to grab your food and sit outside or take it with you as there is no indoor seating or traditional restaurant setup. But their lobster rolls were awesome. Super simple menu geared for grab and go but totally worth it.
Inside Acadia National Park, check out Bar Harbor Lobster Pound. Located on the road that forms the outer ring around the island, Bar Harbor Lobster is away from the busiest crowds in the city central. While still packing a crowd, the line moves quickly and the vibe outside was spot on with outdoor seating, fire pits, picnic tables and more. We highly recommend both of these places.
Best Times to Visit and Travel Tips
The best time to visit Acadia depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. For the best Acadia experience, late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October) is ideal for the best weather. We went in the fall and the foliage in Acadia was insane, with the park transforming into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. This season also offers fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. But keep in mind the majority of the park closes down by mid-October as they prepare for harsher weather. So you need to time it right. We went two weeks before they closed the park for the season and while the crowds were a little rough and tight in some spots, we just planned our visits to the more popular spots during slower times of the day.
If you’re planning a visit during the busy summer months (July through August), be prepared for larger crowds, especially along popular trails like Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond. To beat the rush, try arriving early in the morning or exploring lesser-known trails. When planning your trip, make sure to check the park’s website for any permit requirements. Most of Acadia doesn’t require permits, but specific activities, like driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise, do. This sunrise reservation system can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as possible.
Parking can be challenging in the summer, but you can utilize the free Island Explorer shuttle service, which operates across Mount Desert Island and surrounding areas. This eco-friendly service is a great way to reduce congestion and explore different parts of the park without the hassle of finding parking. The Bar Harbor area, adjacent to the park, is a great spot to base yourself, with plenty of lodging, dining, and rental options.
Park Loop Road
One of our favorite parts in Acadia was driving the Park Loop Road and stopping anytime we saw something that looked interesting. The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is a scenic 27-mile drive that showcases some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. Winding through lush forests, rocky coastlines, and dramatic mountain vistas, it offers an immersive introduction to the beauty of Mount Desert Island. Starting near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the road passes several best spots in the park, including Sand Beach, a secluded cove bordered by pink granite cliffs, and Thunder Hole, where waves crash into a narrow inlet that booms and sprays everywhere during high tide. The drive also ascends Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. East Coast, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and Atlantic Ocean, particularly breathtaking at sunrise. Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the continental US that sees the sunrise every morning making it super popular so be sure to grab a permit on the park website.
Along the Park Loop Road, visitors can stop at Jordan Pond, known for its crystal-clear waters and the dramatic backdrop of the Bubbles, twin rounded peaks rising from the shore. The nearby Jordan Pond House is famous for its tea and popovers, offering a perfect spot to relax after a scenic hike. Another highlight is Otter Cliffs, one of the highest coastal headlands in North America, which provides opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife watching. Whether exploring by car, bike, or foot, the Park Loop Road is the ideal way to experience Acadia’s diverse natural beauty.
Little Hunters Beach
Little Hunter’s Beach was the hidden gem of the trip for us and is also tucked off the Park Loop Road, just south of Otter Cliff. Unlike the more popular sandy beaches, Little Hunter’s Beach is known for its smooth, rounded cobblestones, which get raked across the shoreline every time a wave comes in. The sounds they made as the rolled and tumbled back and forth from the shore to the ocean could put me to sleep on the spot it was so relaxing sounding. The secluded cove is surrounded by dense spruce forests and rugged cliffs, making it feel like a quiet retreat away from the park’s busier areas. Accessible via a short set of stairs, the beach is perfect for a quiet picnic or a spot to sit and read a book for a bit which is what we did. Just be careful and don’t get too close to the water or go too far out onto the rocks. The tide is always stronger than you think it is.
Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor Ferry
Hands down one of the best parts of our trip was renting bicycles in Bar Harbor and then taking a ferry across to Winter Harbor. If the crowds and hustle of the main section of the park is too much for you, then you’ll be blown away by how quiet and serene the fishing village of Winter Harbor is. Even with our son who was eight, we had no problem navigating around the island. We packed a picnic lunch and spent the day cycling around the island stopping every 15-20 minutes to rest and explore a new little nook. We saw seals and all kinds of wildlife and it was just overall, a great experience and one that we would do again in a heartbeat. The ferry ride itself was crazy beautiful and the captain even let our son drive the boat for a few minutes.
Acadia National Park is one of the best National Parks we have ever been to. From the bigger mountains to the quiet shoreline, every corner of the park offers something unique. Whether you’re hiking up Cadillac Mountain, watching the waves crash against the cliffs at Thunder Hole, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at Jordan Pond, Acadia offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. The park is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal destination for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a scenic getaway.
