A Complete Acadia National Park Itinerary for Every Traveler

Hi! My name is Heather, and I’m an avid RVer who loves finding adventures with my best sidekick, Dotty.

I’m excited to share tips and tricks for having the best time at Acadia National Park, which has been high on our list of favorite travel destinations. (Spoiler alert: It’s also pet-friendly!)

In my experience, very little is better than getting some insider tips from someone who has “been there, done that” before heading to a new destination!

I’m going to dive into the resources I’ve put together so that when you’re done with this article, you’ll feel equipped and ready to tackle your visit to Acadia, too.

Let me help you plan your perfect adventure with this ultimate Acadia National Park itinerary! This guide includes top hikes, scenic drives, pet-friendly tips, where to stay, and how to avoid the crowds—straight from an experienced RV traveler.

Let’s go!

Bonus: Cindy edited this article, and she likewise loves Acadia! So, you are getting trip advice from two avid planners and RVers who admire our nation’s National Parks and the great outdoors!

Acadia National Park Overview

Nestled along Maine’s rugged coastline, Acadia National Park is an absolute gem. It offers 45 miles of historic carriage roads to bike and 125 miles of trails to hike.

The park is a premier destination for the adventurer, with its ocean shoreline, coastal forests, remote islands, rocky mountains, and historic lighthouses.

Acadia National Park Fun Facts

Acadia National Park was named in 1929, but its beginnings date back to 1916.

Urged by land preservation enthusiast George B. Dorr, President Wilson established Sieur de Monts National Monument. The monument was redesignated as Lafayette National Park in 1919, making it the first national park east of the Mississippi River.

John D Rockefeller, Jr. played a significant role in the park’s development, financing much of the carriage and motor road construction.

Acadia is one of the smallest National Parks (only 47,000 acres). Yet, it attracts over 4 million visitors a year—more than Yosemite!

Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?

Acadia National Park is a tiny national park with an extensive list of things to do and see.

It’s a truly unique experience filled with must-see items like driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the “first light” (the first place in the United States where visitors can see the sunrise), visiting Thunder Hole, or driving out to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Depending on the amount of time you have, you can visit the more popular attractions in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island and then branch off to the less-congested outlying areas, like the Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut.

When is the Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park? 

Acadia National Park has a longer season than many other national parks. The soft season opens in April, and the park will be in full swing by Memorial Day.

One thing to consider is that from May until early June, it is still primarily mud season, which means that the carriage roads will be closed, and the hiking trails will be very messy.

The majority of visitors come for the summer season from June to August, when everything is fully open.

September through October may be ideal if you’re looking for slightly cooler weather and the chance to see fall colors. However, this is also when cruise ship season takes over the town of Bar Harbor. The area will become very crowded, which may make your visit a bit more complicated.

The park begins its winter closings around mid-October. 

Are There Any Seasonal Road and Trail Closures to Note?

Some trails, including the much-loved Precipice Trail, are closed from March until early August during the Peregrine falcon nesting season.

Mother Nature is in charge, and this park can experience many weather-dependent changes, so visit the nps.gov site for up-to-date information.

How Do I Get to Acadia?

There are many ways to reach Acadia National Park, but here are some insider tips to help you plan the best route.

Flying to Acadia National Park

Technically, the closest airport is Bar Harbor Airport, which offers regional service in a smaller airport convenient to reaching downtown Bar Harbor and the park. However, it can be a bit pricey, especially if you are flying from across the country.

You could also fly into Bangor International Airport, which is just over an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor, or Portland Jetport, which is a few hours’ drive to Bar Harbor.

However, the best option for the most connecting flights may be to fly directly into Boston Logan Airport and drive approximately 4 hours north.

Driving to Acadia National Park

Are you driving North from Portland? Get off I-295 at Freeport (and stop at the famous L.L. Bean flagship store to shop for any last-minute items), and then take US-1 the rest of the way, which hugs the coast and gives you much better views.

Are you in an RV? No problem! The town of Freeport offers RV parking (including overnight) on Depot Street, near downtown and within walking distance of L.L. Bean. 

What’s the Cost Associated with Visiting Acadia National Park

All visitors must have a pass to enter or drive through the park.

The standard pass, which is good for seven days, costs $20-$35, depending on whether you have a vehicle.

You can buy an annual pass for $70 that covers Acadia, or if you are planning to visit more than one National Park in a year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful pass for an annual fee of $80 ($20 for seniors).  

Also, should we know about any reservations or important park policies?

Once you have your pass, don’t forget to book your reservation for Cadillac Mountain, which is required for timed entry for driving access during the day or sunrise.

The sunrise reservations are tricky to get during busy times. Reservations open on April 15 at 10 am, so book ahead if you know when you plan to visit.

Parking is not guaranteed, and you are not allowed to park in undesignated areas, so be sure to arrive early (recommended 30 minutes) to secure parking before your timed entry.

Getting around Acadia:

You can drive most of the routes, like Cadillac Mountain, but another great way to get around without having to worry about traffic or finding parking is using the extensive Island Explorer Free Shuttle Bus, which has routes linking the campgrounds, village centers, hiking trails, carriage roads, and more! 

It’s also really popular (and fun!) to bike the carriage roads throughout the park. You can rent bikes right outside of the park in Bar Harbor.

Acadia National Park Itinerary:

Depending on how many days you have to spend at the park and in the surrounding area, here is what Cindy and I recommend for trips of one to five days in length:

One Day in Acadia National Park

I’m splitting the first day’s guide into advice for two different types of travelers: the Relaxed and the Adventurous.

One Day Acadia National Park Itinerary for the Relaxed Traveler

Are you looking to experience Acadia National Park at a more leisurely pace but only have one day to visit? No problem! Here’s the best of the best things to do with just one day:

Cadillac Mountain

Be sure to make seeing the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain your priority!

The summit is accessible by car and is the highest point on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. It offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. (This also means you’ll be among the first to see the sunrise in the United States!)

Jordan Pond House

After visiting Cadillac Mountain early, make the trip (just 20 minutes away) to Jordan Pond House for the much-acclaimed Popovers and afternoon tea with a gorgeous view of Jordan Pond.

Be sure to make your reservations and arrive early so you don’t miss your reservation, as parking is extremely limited. Want to try visiting without a reservation? Arrive before 11:30 am or after 4 pm. 

Jordan Pond Path Walk

Next, enjoy a scenic walk along all or a portion of the 3.3-mile loop around the shore of the prominent Jordan Pond on the Jordan Pond Path. Keep a lookout for local birds and beaver spotting opportunities while also taking in the spectacular mountain views all around the lake.

Drive Park Loop Road

After your walk, get back in your car and take a leisurely drive around Park Loop Road. If finding parking along the road doesn’t seem fun, get on the Island Explorer shuttle.

The Wild Gardens of Acadia, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point are popular stops that don’t require much walking to enjoy.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

End your day with sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Arriving one hour before sunset should be perfect for golden hour viewing.

One Day Acadia National Park Itinerary for the Adventurous Traveler

This guide is for those looking to pack in as much adventure as possible while visiting Acadia National Park! If you only have one day to visit, here’s the best of the best things to do with just one day:

Sunrise Hike

You have a couple of options for a sunrise hike:

1️⃣: Those who want to experience Cadillac Mountain can hike up to the summit on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail (4.4 miles) or the South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles), which connects you to the summit’s parking lot.

There is no public transportation up to the summit, so if you do plan to hike up, you must return down the trail to an Island Explorer shuttle stop or parking area.

2️⃣: If you love a challenge and aren’t afraid of heights, you’ll want to hit the famous iron rung trails! Beehive Trail faces east, making it the best of the iron rung trails for sunrise. (Make sure to watch your footing and bring a headlamp.)

For Hiking Enthusiasts

If you value packing in breathtaking hikes, hike more of the iron rung trails, which include the Precipice, Jordan Cliffs, and Beach Cliffs Trails.

For Biking Enthusiasts

If you want to spend the rest of your day biking, rent a bike in Bar Harbor, take it to the park, and bike some of the 45 miles of scenic carriage roads. This is a fantastic way to break a sweat while still seeing a lot of the park!

For Paddling Enthusiasts

And for those who love being on the water, you can rent a canoe or kayak to take out on Long Pond for some calm water time and animal spotting. Or, if you’re looking for more of a challenge, go out on a sea kayaking tour!

Two Days in Acadia National Park

If you have two days, plan on seeing Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond, but also add Sand Beach to your itinerary.

Located on Park Loop Road and surrounded by cliffs, this small stretch of beach is open to swimming and is a great place to cool off after a long hike. (Beware that the ocean water can be shockingly cold, even in summer!)

Sand Beach is just 11 minutes away from Bar Harbor and can be reached by car. However, it is also accessible by the Island Explorer Shuttle. As you can see in this timelapse video, it is also a fantastic spot for stargazing.

Three Days in Acadia National Park

Those wondering how to spend three days in Acadia National Park should add a stop to Isle au Haut, one of its most quiet sections, to the above itinerary.

This “High Island” is linked to the mainland by a year-round, passenger-only ferry from Stonington to the Isle au Haut Town Landing or the Duck Harbor Boat Landing. (The ferry is first come, first served.)

Biking: There are five miles of paved and seven miles of rough, unpaved roads on the island for biking (mountain bikes are recommended). 

Hiking: The island boasts eighteen miles of trails exploring rocky shorelines, wooded uplands, marshes, bogs, and a mile-long freshwater lake. Be prepared for rough trails and bring adequate foot gear, warm clothing, and rain gear. 

Camping: You can stay in one of the five lean-to shelter sites at Duck Harbor Campground, but reservations are required. Keep in mind there are no private campgrounds and almost no services available. 

Birding and Animal Viewing: Isle au Haut is the least visited part of Acadia National Park but features a unique opportunity to watch migratory stopover warblers, shorebirds, and terns.

On your ferry ride over, you can also watch for Northern Gannet, Black Guillemot, and Common Elder, among other sea ducks and pelagic birds.

While camping on the island, there are also plenty of opportunities to spot other wildlife, including otters and deer.

Four to Five Days in Acadia National Park

The best way to really enjoy all that Acadia has to offer is by extending your stay.

Insiders recommend planning 2-3 nights staying in Bar Harbor to be close to all the action that is easily accessible. Then, venture out for a few nights to stay in one of the park’s quieter, less-traveled parts.

One of these is the Schoodic Peninsula.  

The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park found on the mainland. The scenic landscape is similar to areas of Mount Desert Island but in a much more secluded setting.

It is a minimally developed, low-visitation area, perfect for rounding out a busy week’s visit. The drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Mount Desert Island to the Schoodic Peninsula is about one hour. 

You can drive the 6-mile one-way loop around the peninsula, utilizing the vehicle turnouts to stop and enjoy the beautiful lighthouses, seabirds, and forested islands. Some highlights to visit are Schoodic Point, Schoodic Head, Schoodic Institute, and Frazer Point.

RVs are permitted, but only on the section of the Schoodic Loop Road that accesses the Schoodic Woods Campground.

You can enjoy biking the Schoodic Loop Road and 8.3 miles of bike paths. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities. 

Other Things To Do Near Acadia National Park

One of the best additional things to do near Acadia National Park is to explore the charming town of Bar Harbor!

When looking for lunch and dinner ideas during your park days, be sure to check out all that Bar Harbor has to offer in terms of dining.

Tours of Acadia National Park

Viator tour operators offer many different ways to explore the park and surrounding areas, from guided e-bike tours to self-guided driving audio tours and more!

For animal lovers, this company offers a Puffins and Whale Watching Tour out of Bar Harbor for only $67 for adults and $28 for children. Or you can join one of their lighthouse cruise for $63 for adults and $25 for children. Both cruises last 2 to 3 hours.

Places to Stay in Acadia National Park

There are no lodges in Acadia National Park, so camping is the primary method of overnight stay.

Tent and RV Camping in Acadia National Park

There are four campgrounds within Acadia National Park: Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, Schoodic Woods Campground, and Duck Harbor Campground.

The first three welcome RVs. The primitive Duck Harbor Campground does not.

The sites range from $20 to $60 per night and require reservations.  

Where to Stay near Acadia National Park

Outside of Acadia National Park, there is an abundance of lodging options!

Tent Camping near Acadia National Park

There are plenty of camping options on Hipcamp near Acadia National Park, from Bar Harbor to the surrounding communities on Mount Desert Island.

If you are traveling to the Schoodic Peninsula, check out Acadia East Campground. 

RV Camping near Acadia National Park

RV spots are available at Bar Harbor Camping Resorts (which features a private beach), West Bay Acadia RV Campground, and HTR Acadia.

Also, check Campspot or Campendium for a full listing of available sites.

Hotels near Acadia National Park

Book a few nights in a hotel or motel, or find a unique bed & breakfast! 

Acadia Vacation Homes

Are cabins or cottages more of your vibe?

You can find a list here or through VRBO of places where you can rent an apartment in Bar Harbor or a cottage in Steuben with stunning ocean views!

Essential Packing List for Your Visit

Packing for Acadia? Layers are essential! The weather can vary dramatically depending on when you plan your visit.

Here’s Cindy’s advice on what gear to bring when hiking and backpacking.

Pet-Friendly Activities in Acadia National Park

Unlike many national parks, pets are allowed in Acadia National Park! They must be leashed and attended to at all times, and their owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of waste in designated trash receptacles.

Pets are allowed on the carriage roads, some hiking trails, campgrounds, and Isle au Haut (for day hiking only). They are also permitted to visit Sand Beach and Echo Lake at certain times of the year.

Pets are restricted from most of the park’s lakes, as they are public water supplies. They are also not allowed in public buildings or on ranger-led programs.

Refer to Acadia’s “Visiting with Pets” guide for complete information and guidelines.

Visiting Acadia National Park FAQs

Here are answers to some questions I’m commonly asked about visiting Acadia National Park:

What are the must-see attractions in Acadia?

Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond are commonly considered the two “must-visit” spots in Acadia.

Can I camp in Acadia National Park?

Yes!

How many days do you need in Acadia National Park?

While you can see many of the highlights in 1 to 2 days, 4 to 5 is optimal for a more relaxed trip and gives you extra time to enjoy Bar Harbor and less visited spots like Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut.

What is the best town to stay in when visiting Acadia National Park?

Bar Harbor is the best spot to stay when visiting Acadia if you’re looking for ample amenities.

What are the top five things to do in Acadia National Park?

There’s so much to see in Acadia National Park! However, the sites that everyone should try to see while in the area are:

1️⃣ Cadillac Mountain
2️⃣ Jordan Pond House
3️⃣ Sand Beach
4️⃣ Park Loop Road
5️⃣ Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Do I need a reservation to enter Acadia National Park?

No. Reservations are not needed to enter Acadia National Park.

However, if you would like to drive Cadillac Summit Road between May 21, 2025, and October 26, 2025, you will need a vehicle reservation for that portion of your trip. Reservations open on April 15, 2025, and are available here.

Also, be aware that the Island Explorer shuttle bus does not serve this road.

What to wear in Acadia?

Layers! Bring sturdy hiking boots and pack for potential rain or fog in the morning, as well as sun protection during the day.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Acadia Experience

Acadia is a small but mighty national park with so much to see! Whether you drive, bike, hike, or boat, there’s an Acadia National Park itinerary for everyone (including pups!).

With a balance of busy tourist must-sees to more off-the-beaten-track finds, visiting Acadia will not disappoint. Plan your trip early, stay as long as you can, and soak in this beautiful Maine gem.

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