Acadia is the jewel of the New England coast: granite mountains rising from the Atlantic on Mount Desert Island, with lakes, carriage roads, sandy coves and the lighthouse-and-lobster-shack Maine of the postcards. From October to March, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places in the US to see the sunrise.
Best things to do in Acadia
Cadillac Mountain sunrise
The highest point on the US Atlantic coast (1,530 ft). Driving the summit road needs a timed vehicle reservation in season, released in blocks on recreation.gov — sunrise slots go fast.
Park Loop Road
27 miles past Sand Beach, Thunder Hole (where waves boom into a narrow inlet at mid-tide), Otter Cliff and Jordan Pond.
3Jordan Pond & popovers
Tea and warm popovers with strawberry jam on the lawn of Jordan Pond House, facing the “Bubbles” mountains, then the 3.3-mile path around the pond.
4The Beehive
A short, thrilling climb up iron rungs and ledges above Sand Beach. Not for anyone afraid of heights; the Bowl trail is the gentler way up.
5The carriage roads
45 miles of broken-stone roads and granite bridges built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., closed to cars: rent a bike in Bar Harbor.
6Bass Harbor Head Light
The classic Maine lighthouse on a cliff, on the quieter west side of the island. Best at sunset.
Acadia entrance fees and reservations
Since 1 January 2026, foreign visitors pay a $100 surcharge here. Do the maths before you go.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $35 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $20 |
| Non-US residents aged 16+ | +$100 per person, on top of the entrance fee |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- Cadillac Summit Road: a vehicle reservation is required from late May to late October.
Where to stay in Acadia
Bar Harbor is the base; the quieter villages on the west side of the island suit a calmer stay.
Our 2 hotel picks in Acadia
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$Balance Rock Inn
Bar Harbor, on the Shore Path above Frenchman Bay
A 1903 summer cottage on the Shore Path, with a heated oceanside pool and a AAA Four Diamond restaurant.
Mid-range$$$$Acadia Hotel – Downtown
Downtown Bar Harbor, beside the Village Green
An 1880 captain's house by the Village Green, with free breakfast, a hot tub and suites with mountain views.
Bar Harbor
$$$$Best for: first-timers
Inns, restaurants and the free Island Explorer bus into the park.
Hotels in Bar Harbor partner linkSouthwest Harbor
$$$$Best for: quiet
A working fishing harbor on the “quiet side”.
Hotels in Southwest Harbor partner linkEllsworth & Trenton
$$$$Best for: value
Motels 20–30 minutes from the park.
Hotels in Ellsworth & Trenton partner linkWhere to eat
Steamed lobster on a picnic table by the water is the Maine ritual.
Jordan Pond House
In the park
Popovers since the 1890s.
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Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Bernard
Pick your lobster, eat it on a deck over the harbor.
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Beal’s Lobster Pier
Southwest Harbor
A working pier with lobster rolls and chowder.
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Weather in Acadia by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Acadia: your questions
Do you need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?
Yes, to drive the summit road from late May to late October. Hikers and cyclists do not need one.
When is the best time to visit Acadia?
Late June to mid-October. The first two weeks of October bring peak fall colors and big crowds.
How many days do you need in Acadia?
Two days for the Loop Road, Cadillac and a hike; three to add the carriage roads and the quiet side.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.