Things to do in Acadia National Park

There are so many amazing things to do in Acadia National Park in Maine it is hard to fit all of them in one list. Today we are excited to share our favorite ways to spend a day in Acadia!

Things to do in Acadia National Park

Drive the Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. The majority of the Park Loop Road is a one-way road that leads you to amazing highlights within Acadia NP. The scenic park loop is open from April 15 through November, 24 hours a day, weather permitting (small portions remain open all year).

Visit Jordan Pond House

Jordan Pond House is world-famous for its popovers. These puff pastries are served with fresh jam and butter. You won't believe how amazing the view is from the lawn in front of the Jordan Pond House. This restaurant fills up quickly so make sure and call to get your name on the list.

Reservations: [207] 276-3316
Open daily from 11 am – 9 pm
From 11 am – 4 pm Parking at Jordan Pond House is limited.

Take a guided tour by Boat

Seeing Acadia NP by boat is a great way to get a scope of just how big and amazing Acadia is.

Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise - 2.5 hours. Sails daily in July and August, 10 am
Municipal Pier, Northeast Harbor, (207) 276-5352,www.cruiseacadia.com

Baker Island Cruise - 5 hours. June 19 through Aug 30, Tue, Wed, Thu, 8 am to 1 pm
Harbor Place, 1 West Street, Bar Harbor(207) 288-2386,www.barharborwhales.com

Frenchman Bay Cruise - 2 hours. Starts in mid-May. Sails daily in July and August, 2 pm
Bar Harbor Inn Pier, (207) 288-4585, www.downeastwindjammer.com

Take a guided tour on a Bike

Carriage Road Bike Tour - 2.5 hours. July and Aug, Tue, Wed, Thu, 8:30 am
Coastal Kayaking Tours/ Acadia Bike. 48 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, 800-526-8615 www.acadiabike.com/group-tours/

Become a Junior Ranger

The Acadia National Park Junior Ranger Program can be picked up at the visitor center. Make sure and pick it up at the beginning of your visit so you have time to complete all the activities. The program does ask you to take a boat ride, a tour or visit specific areas of the park or you can interview an Acadia NP Park Ranger.

If you do not have time to complete all of the activities just talk to the park rangers at the visitor center and show them what you were able to complete.

Watch sunrise or sunset from Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain stands at 1,530 feet above sea level. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the Eastern Seaboard.

Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit Cadillac Mountain. Make sure you are prepared for the crowds and give yourself extra time to find a parking spot.

Explore the Carriage Roads

The Carriage Roads in Acadia NP are a 57-mile long network of paved paths created and funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. from 1913 to 1940. You can explore the carriage roads on a tour, on a bike, or by walking.

Visit Bass Harbor Head Light

Bass Harbor Head Light is an iconic view in Acadia Np. One thing to know if there are quite a few stairs and a hike to get the best shots for photos. Make sure you have shoes that you can climb on rocks with. Bass Harbor Head Light is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island. The lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Coast Guard.

The lighthouse is located off Route 102A in the Town of Tremont

Explore Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond trail is an easy walk for the entire family around one of the most scenic areas of Acadia National Park. The trail is the perfect way to walk off a popover or two after tea.

This is just a glimpse of all the things to do in Acadia National Park! Make sure and give yourself a minimum of a few days to explore the park. Trying to fit it all into one day in the park can make for a super crazy overwhelming day.

Check out all of our posts on Acadia National Park!

Check out what to expect when planning an Acadia National Park Camping trip!

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.