How to Visit Acadia National Park in the Summer
Here is your summer guide to Acadia National Park! The perfect resource for anyone planning a trip to this breathtaking destination in northern Maine.
As an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Acadia offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, beach-going, forest exploration, biking, climbing, and camping. The opportunities for adventure here are truly endless, and the natural beauty of the park is simply amazing.
I spent a few days exploring Acadia National Park with my boyfriend and some friends in late July, we had the best time! This guide I’ve created has got you covered with all the information you need to make the most of your trip.
Let’s dive get into all things Acadia!
How to Visit Acadia National Park in the Summer
How to get to Acadia National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Acadia National Park, I highly recommend that you bring your own vehicle for getting around and to transport any camping equipment.
For those traveling from far away, the best option is to fly into Portland International Jetport in Maine and rent a car to reach your destination. If you’re able to drive, simply enter your destination – such as Mount Desert Campground – into your GPS and hit the road!
Thankfully, the drive to Acadia is relatively easy from any direction, especially during the summer months. As you make your way towards the park, you’ll be treated to stunning coastal views that are truly worth the trip. And about an hour outside of Acadia, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking with plenty of sights to see along the way.
Visit Acadia National Park in the summer
Summer is undeniably the best time to experience the beauty of Acadia National Park.
With lush trees and warm, sunny weather, it’s the perfect season to enjoy the ocean and all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. Although the summer months can get busy in Acadia, there are ways to avoid the crowds. Visiting on weekdays and starting your days early in the morning are great ways to beat the crowds and make the most of your time.
While Northern Maine can be quite chilly in the winter, the summer temperatures are ideal! You can expect mostly sunny days in Acadia and the surrounding areas during this time of year. Of course, there may be occasional overcast days, but don’t let that discourage you – New England weather is known for its rapid changes, and you might find the clouds clearing up before long!
Where to stay when visiting Acadia National Park
If you’re looking for the best camping experience in Acadia National Park, I highly recommend staying at Mount Desert Campground. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The location is unbeatable and the views are absolutely breathtaking – in my opinion, it’s the best campground in the area.
The campsites are situated along Somes Sound, offering beautiful water views. I recommend making your reservations as early as possible and choosing a site right on the water. During my stay, I was at campsite C9 which provided stunning views and direct access to the water. It’s definitely one of the best sites they have.
Even if your site doesn’t have water access, don’t worry – there’s a large public dock area that all campers can use. The campground is very well-maintained with shared water spigots, electrical outlets at each site, picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms with toilets, sinks, and showers scattered throughout. There are also areas to hang out with WiFi. I can’t say enough good things about Mount Desert Island Campground.
Keep in mind that this campground is in high demand, so be sure to make your reservations early to secure a spot!
If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of Airbnb options in the area, with most rentals being cabins or cabin-style homes. There are some really cool ones available for rent! You can also find inns and hotels nearby if that’s more your style.
Things to do in Acadia National Park
Hike in Acadia National Park
Hiking in Acadia National Park is an absolute must-do activity during your trip! With a wide range of trails available, you are sure to find something suitable for your skill level and preferences.
One of the most iconic hikes in Acadia is the Beehive Trail, which is perfect for those who want a moderate challenge with breathtaking views. This 2-mile trail takes around an hour to complete and offers stunning panoramic views of Sand Beach and the surrounding areas from the summit. Though I would not recommend if you have a fear of heights, here are some challenging sections where you will need to climb up rock faces using iron bars and walk along narrow bridge.
But don’t let that discourage you! The Beehive Trail is a fantastic hike that offers adventure and an exciting challenge. Just make sure you are prepared and aware of the trail’s difficulty before you start.
Watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in Acadia National Park, is an absolute must-visit. You have the option to hike up or drive up to the top. The best time to go is at sunrise. Witness the spectacular sight of the first place the sun rises in the United States, right from the top of Cadillac Mountain!
Be sure to check the weather the night before to ensure that it’s clear and plan accordingly for the sunrise time. It can get crowded, so make sure to get there early enough to secure a good spot and find parking.
The views from the top are truly breathtaking. The vibrant colors of the sunrise and the surrounding landscape make it a sight you won’t forget. Even though it may be tough getting up that early, you won’t regret it once you witness how beautiful it is!
SUP (stand up paddleboard) Acadia National Park
If you have your own SUPs (stand up paddle boards), bring them to Mount Desert Campground! You can use them here and it’s such a fun activity.
Make use of the floating docks, which are available for all campers to use. Simply carry your SUP over to the water, hop on and start paddling. There’s so much to explore and discover on the Somes Sound.
If your campsite is situated right along the water, it’s even easier to access the water with your SUP. Paddleboarding on the beautiful blue-green color and clear water of the Somes Sound is so relaxing, I highly recommend it!
Explore Downtown Bar Harbor
If you find yourself with some free time on a rainy day or if you finish hiking earlier than expected, take a short ten-minute drive to downtown Bar Harbor! This charming town has plenty of options for shopping, dining, and lodging.
The downtown area is situated right on the waterfront, complete with a beautiful park called Agamont Park and a small beach. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cold drink before exploring town. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, offering everything from fresh seafood to craft beer.
Beach day at Sand Beach in Acadia National Park
Spend a relaxing day at Sand Beach, one of the most beautiful spots in Acadia National Park that’s definitely worth a visit!
The beach is spacious, so finding a spot to yourself won’t be a problem. The sand is incredibly soft and the water is a beautiful shade of blue/green that reminds you of the Caribbean. The beach is situated in a cove, surrounded by trees that make it even more picturesque. Keep an eye out for seals swimming in the distance!
The ocean water in Maine can be chilly, even during mid-summer, but it feels refreshing. You might even get lucky and find a sand dollar here at Sand Beach!
Drive Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
This is a “must-do” when visiting Acadia National Park! Take the 27-mile coastal drive at least once, but if you can, do it multiple times! The drive is simply breathtaking with some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever see. There are dozens of spots to pull over, get out, and explore.
Make sure to grab a map before starting the drive. With so much beauty to see, you’ll want to make sure you know what’s ahead. You can get a map at one of the park entrances when you purchase your pass.
Be sure to bring a camera and allow yourself plenty of time for the drive, around three to four hours. There are plenty of small hikes you can take to reach beautiful lookout points.
It’s best to do this on a sunny day so that you can take in all the stunning views along the way! I suggest starting early in the morning or waiting until later in the afternoon to avoid crowds during midday.
Search for sea glass
Looking for a fun and relaxing activity in downtown Bar Harbor? Try searching for sea glass! Head over to Agamont Park or the Bar Harbor Pier where you’ll find a small rocky beach. Be sure to plan your visit at low tide and you will most likely find an abundance of sea glass!
Visit Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park
Thunder Hole is definitely a must-see attraction in Acadia National Park! Located off Park Loop Road, it’s an easily accessible spot where you can witness a unique natural phenomenon. As waves roll into the naturally carved inlet, they create a loud thundering sound as the water and air collide. It’s a truly one of a kind sight and sound that you won’t forget.
To get the best views and experience, try to visit Thunder Hole 1-2 hours before high tide. You can get up close to the inlet and even feel the spray of the water. Don’t forget your camera!
Hangout at your campsite
Mount Desert Campground is a gem that offers tranquility and beauty. The peaceful atmosphere and respectful campers make it an ideal place to unwind and simply enjoy your surroundings.
If you’re lucky enough to secure a campsite along the water, you might find it hard to leave your idyllic spot. You can spend the day cooking delicious food, playing cards, sipping on some beer, listening to music, reading a book, or just lounging in a hammock. The campground offers plenty of space for you to have some alone time and relax.
Relax by the fire
Relax and unwind by building a cozy campfire at your site! You can easily find firewood for sale throughout town by driving around and spotting little sheds or piles of wood in front of people’s homes with a box to place your payment in. Make sure to stock up so you have plenty of wood for all the campfires you’ll want to have!
Gather around the fire with some music and drinks, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Acadia. On clear nights, the sky is filled with countless stars due to the limited light pollution in the area, it’s truly amazing.
Food
Cook at your campsite! While you can certainly use your campfire to cook up some meals, it’s always a good idea to bring along a propane stove as well. Get creative and look up some fun camping recipes to try out! After a long day of exploring, there’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking up a delicious meal at your campsite.
If you need to stock up on supplies, there’s a Hannaford nearby where you can find everything you need. But if you’re in the mood for a night out, head to downtown Bar Harbor where you’ll find plenty of great restaurants to choose from!
Know before you go to Acadia National Park
- Acadia National Park gets very busy in the summer. Try and plan your trip so you are traveling on the weekends and visiting during the week. The weekends get CRAZY busy here. It is a lot more fun being here during the week when it’s less hectic.
- Wake up early everyday! You have so much to explore and starting early makes such a difference. Early birds catches the worm in Acadia. Get to the beach early, start your hikes early, do the coastal drive early. Doing so will assure you will get parking and you can avoid the big crowds.
- Visitors are required to have and display a park entrance pass from their vehicle- a pass costs $30 for the private vehicle pass that is good for seven days in the park for a car full of people (15). This pass will allow you to explore all of Acadia National Park. You can buy it online ahead of time or at the park when you arrive. Be sure to always have it displayed on your vehicle.
- If there are any excursions you want to do, book them ahead of time.
- Be aware of animals at your campsite. Keep all food in the car, tent or locked away so animals cannot get to it. They will find it if you leave it out and make a mess.
Acadia National Park is a remarkable destination, especially for outdoor lovers! The park’s beauty is truly awe-inspiring, and there’s no shortage of activities and sights to experience.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a beach bum, or someone who simply enjoys soaking in nature’s beauty, Acadia has something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Acadia or have any questions about the park, feel free to drop a comment below. I’d be happy to offer some tips and advice to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible. And don’t forget to follow along with me on Instagram to stay updated on all things travel and adventure!
Safe travels! <3
Check out my Acadia Packing List Here! You can find lists for camping gear, clothes and food.
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! 🌞⛰️🌼🫶🏼🦋🌲📸🥾💛
6 Comments
Roisin Miller
This park wasn’t on my list before reading this, but it is now. Thank you for introducing it to me.
sierra
It’s amazing! Thanks for checking out my blog 🙂
simplyjolayne
This is a destination I would love to hike and explore a bunch. The sunset pics are awesome.
sierra
There is so much to explore and hike in Acadia…an incredible place to visit!
Q. Shaikh
I visited Acadia years ago and was astonished by how beautiful it was! Can’t wait to revisit again 😍 Thanks for the detailed info!
sierra
It’s just so beautiful…Thanks for checking out my post! 😀