If I had been asked to advise President Obama and family on what to do while on Mount Desert Island, I’d have given them this Top 10+ list of things to do when visiting Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island:
• Loop-ti-doo
Drive or pedaling Acadia National Park’s Park Loop Road is a must, but do so either before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid the crowds and to catch the best light for photos. Don’t skip any of the big-ticket sights along the route: Sieur de Monts Springs, home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia, Sweet Waters of Acadia spring, Nature Center, and the original Abbe Museum (but don’t miss this museum’s main site in Bar Harbor for the best intro to Maine’s Native American heritage and culture); Sand Beach (go ahead, brave dipping your toes in the water, brrrrr); Thunder Hole (for the biggest ka-boom, time your visit with an incoming tide); and Cadillac Mountain (everyone raves about sunrise, but sunset is pretty spectacular, too).
• Road-eo
Thank you John D. Rockefeller Jr. for the 57 miles (44 open to bicycles) of meandering crushed-stone Carriage Roads crossing 17 unique stone bridges. Bike ‘em, hike ‘em, ride ‘em, but don’t miss ‘em. And afterward…
• I scream, you scream
Tea and popovers with jam and ice cream is an island tradition at the park’s Jordan Pond House, where as long as they sit on the lawn, even Beau is welcome. While that’s a must-do experience, the island’s best cream in outrageously creative flavors comes from Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (I’m salivating just thinking about their salt caramel, mmmmm).
• I can see clearly now…
You’re going to need to work off that ice cream, perhaps with a hike? Among my favorites are Great Head, Gorham Mountain, and Flying Mountain, all moderate with big views from the summits.
• Slimy sea critters! YES!
Diver Ed’s Dive-in Theater Boat Cruise is a way-cool, must-do for anyone with kids who want to see and touch slimy sea critters, view them in their natural habitat, and have a great time while learning about nature.
• Lobstah!
The Oceanarium is a low-tech, high-interest, kid-friendly site that encompasses a lobster hatchery, museum, salt-marsh walk, and more. (It doesn’t appear as much from the road, but trust me on this one). Afterwards, lobster at Thurston’s, overlooking idyllic Bass Harbor.
• A whale of a good time
Pair a visit to the Dorr Museum of Natural History at College of the Atlantic, where you can view whale-related exhibits (the college is affiliate with Allied Whale), with a Whale-watching tour. Be sure to bring heavy-weight clothing; I’ve gone out on days when it’s been near 90 in Bar Harbor, yet I was glad for my wool sweater, hat, and mittens at sea. Note: photo depicts the Bar Harbor Whale Museum which is seeking a new home.
• Birds and bees
Learn about Acadia’s birds and other wildlife on a private tour with biologist and Registered Maine Guide Michael Good of Downeast Nature Tours. Honest: I didn’t get birding’s appeal until I accompanied him one morning. It’s a gentle introduction to what might become a life-long hobby, and if you’re already an avid birder, he’ll help you add a few to your life list. While we’re on the subject of birds, another don’t miss is the Wendell Gilley Museum, housing more than 200 of the local carver’s astonishingly realistic bird carvings.
• Island hopping
Bring a bike aboard the passengers ferries servicing the Cranberry Islands, then get off first at Great Cranberry for a quick pedal and look-see, stopping at the Cranberry House to see the museum, followed by Little Cranberry (a.k.a. Islesford) for a tour of the museum followed by lobster at the Islesford Dock. Better yet, time the meal to coincide with sunset for delicious views. OR board Capt. Kim Strauss’s Island Cruises’ Lunch Cruise to Frenchboro aboard the R. L. Gott, which he built. Strauss has been navigating these waters for more than 55 years. His narration is lively, he points out sights and wildlife, he’ll haul a few traps, and you get to visit Frenchboro, an authentic lobstering community, where you can tour the local museum and have lobster at Lunt’s Dockside Deli.• Schoodic sampler
Board the passenger ferry to Winter Harbor, then after weaving through islands and around lobster boats hauling traps, either pedal or ride the Island Explorer bus through the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park. Don’t forget a picnic lunch (perhaps from Morning Glory Bakery, in Bar Harbor), so you can enjoy it on the slabs of pink granite marking Schoodic Point.
Southern Coast
Greater Portland
Mid-Coast
Penobscot Bay
Blue Hill Peninsula
Acadia Region
Down East
Aroostook County
Maine Highlands
Kennebec Corridor
Western Lakes & Mountains
And of course I would add that anyone can follow in the Obamas footsteps: stay at the Bar Harbor Regency (they were in the Vanderbilt Suite, http://www.barharborregency.com), eat at Stewman’s Lobster Pound (recently completely renovated — he arrived by boat, http://www.stewmans.com) and unwind with tennis or a dip in the pool at the Bar Harbor Club (www.barharborclub.com). Acadia National Park is one of the nation’s treasures, available to all. And a family vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine (I remember our car trip from MA in 1969) is one that anyone can experience for themselves!
Thanks for this post and all your posts! I grew up in CA, but currently live in NYC with my husband and two kids. I’ve dreamed of coming to Maine for several years and I finally made it here (just last night). So far, I’ve found your site to be the best resource for the things we are hoping to do. Just finalizing our plans for our week vacation here in Maine! So excited!
Thanks. Hope you have a fabulous time.
So glad I found your website! Any suggestions for a solo woman traveler? Traveling from Portland going North. I have 5 days to explore. Arriving Sept. 12. I plan on going to Acadia for the last day of the Night Sky Festival, then I’m open.
I have so much territory to cover for the books that I travel solo a lot in order not to have to kennel our dogs too often. Maine’s pretty safe, as long as you keep your wits about you and follow the same general precautions you would use anywhere (dark street at night in the city–don’t walk it alone, that kind of smarts). If you enjoy outdoor activities–hiking, biking, birding, paddling–you easily can spend five full days in Acadia National Park alone. So much depends upon your interests. If you’ve never spent any time in Portland, you might want to give yourself a few days there. Great small city (more like a big town). Don’t be surprised if you want to move there permanently. There’s a reason it keeps ending up in the top 10 of the best places to live, work, play in national magazine listings.
Hi Hilary, Just found your site and what good timing. My husband and I are going to Bar Harbor next week for my birthday. Great suggestions! I will keep reading your site for more places to visit.
Thanks for the tips! We followed a bunch of your suggestions and had a blast! Great ideas!
I am traveling with my 6 yr old daughter after dropping off my 11 yr old at whale camp for a week. Which is the best location to stay at Bar Harbor Regency or Harborside Hotel & Marina? Any suggestion would be appreciated. We cannot wait!
Hi Jeanmarie,
That depends upon your interests. The Regency is just outside of town, not really within walking distance, but it’s a lovely property with grand views. The Harborside is smack downtown on the harborfront in Bar Harbor, making it easy to walk to sights and restaurants, but you sacrifice the privacy.
Hilary,
Great article! Gives me a lot of great ideas about our stay this coming July. We have camped in the White Mountains a bunch but want to broaden our perspective. What campground would you recommend a family of four with 2 boys (ages 5 and 2) to stay with our 31 foot travel trailer. We would like to do Cadillac Mountain, sand beach, thunder hole….Hopefully alot of the things your recommended in your article. We would like to be able to “book: the campground so it kind of leaves out Bar Harbor Campground. We don’t want to travel 7 hours to have to turn around! What do you think? thanks!
Hi Nathan,
There are quite a few commercial campgrounds on MDI that cater to RVs and trailers, but none are in the park itself. Without knowing you or your interests, it’s hard to make any specific recommendations (plus, I’m not an RV camper). Check out Hadley’s Point, Bar Harbor, and Smuggler’s Den and Seawall, both in Southwest Harbor. There’s also a KOA at the head of the island. Do note, that campgrounds on the island tend to be quite pricey when compared with other locales.