Things to do in Acadia National Park
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Asticou Terraces & Azalea Garden
Asticou Terraces & Azalea Garden, designed in 1900, is simply lovely. This 200 acre garden is laced with paths, little shelters and ornamental Japanese-style bridges. Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom profusely from mid-May to mid-June. Don’t neglect to wander up the garden’s Thuya Lodge, the depository of botanical books, where there’s a reflecting pool and well-tended perennial gardens. The terraces zigzag through the woods and down to the water.
reviewed
-
Burning Tree
One of the best restaurants on Mt Desert Island, Burning Tree prepares a rich and eclectic assortment of dishes, with local seafood taking pride of place. Among the crowd pleasers: prosciutto-wrapped sea scallops, squash blossom appetizers, chili-glazed monkfish and Earl Grey ice cream. This place is popular, so do reserve a table. It’s 4 miles south of town, along ME 3.
reviewed
-
Jordan Pond House
For a memorable afternoon break, head to Jordan Pond House, sit on the lawn overlooking the pond and order the afternoon tea served with warm popovers and homemade strawberry jam. The park's sole restaurant also has lobster rolls at lunchtime and prime rib dinners.
reviewed
-
Red Bird
This colorful, stylish place serves excellent curry chicken salads, prosciutto sandwiches and other high-end bistro fare in a pretty setting near the harbor. More substantial seafood dishes and grills are served in the evening. Reserve ahead.
reviewed
-
Tan Turtle Tavern
You’ll find an enormous menu of tasty, nicely prepared fare at this popular new restaurant on Main St. Zingy salads, fresh fish, sandwiches, burgers, chops, fajitas, barbecue and smoothies are just a few of the choices.
reviewed
-
Captain’s Galley
For serious seafood sustenance and local atmosphere, everyone heads to this casual spot on Beal’s pier. Grab a picnic table and dine on chowder, crabmeat rolls and, most importantly, lobster.
reviewed
-
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Overlooking Bass Harbor in Bernard, this casual waterside spot serves amazingly fresh lobster to superb views. Among locals, Thurston’s serves the best crustacean on the island.
reviewed
-
Atlantic Climbing School
With all that granite, Acadia National Park is a Mecca for rock climbers. A Bar Harbor outfit offering guided trips and instruction is the Atlantic Climbing School.
reviewed
-
Thunder Hole
Stop at Thunder Hole, south of the Overlook entrance, for a look at the surf crashing into a cleft in the granite. (The effect is most dramatic with a strong incoming tide.)
reviewed
-
St Saveur-Flying Mountain Loop Trail
For a walk on the more secluded 'backside' of the island, try the St Saveur-Flying Mountain Loop Trail. Make sure you wear proper hiking boots to avoid an injury.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop
Acadia National Park’s 45 miles of carriage roads are excellent settings for cycling. You can rent bikes at Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop.
reviewed
-
National Park Sea Kayak Tours
Numerous Bar Harbor–based outfits offer tours of Acadia National Park and also rentals, including National Park Sea Kayak Tours.
reviewed
-
Acadia Air Tours
For scenic glider and biplane trips over Mt Desert Island, book a flight with Acadia Air Tours located north of the Trenton Bridge.
reviewed
-
Coastal Kayaking Tours
Numerous Bar Harbor–based outfits offer tours of Acadia National Park and also rentals, including Coastal Kayaking Tours.
reviewed
-
Acadia Mountain Guides
Gear up with Acadia Mountain Guides, a highly regarded and fully accredited climbing school.
reviewed
-
Otter Cliffs
Otter Cliffs, not far south of Thunder Hole, is basically a wall of pink granite rising right from the sea.
reviewed
-
The Beehive
For a nice, easy hike, consider making the quick (20-minute) ascent of The Beehive.
reviewed
