Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has one of the most gorgeous views. I loved how the park is surrounded by mountains, cliffs, rocks and the water. All the evergreen trees! I wanted to buy a pine scented candle when I got home to remember that smell.
Here are some suggestions of what to see in Acadia National Park:
Hulls Cove Visitor Center — This is the ideal spot to start the adventure at Acadia Park. We paid our fee ($30 per car) here and got information/map as well suggestions from the park ranger. Our fee granted us 7-days access so it’s nice to not have to cram everything in one day. Did you know that Acadia Park is the first to see the sunrise in the United States? I recommend you to make plans to see it at least once!
Park Loop Road — This is the main road that takes you through Acadia National Park. It’s a two way street at first, but then it becomes one way. There are several pull over spaces or paved parking lots to check out the sights of the park. If you drive straight through the entire loop without stopping, it’s approximately 30-40 minutes. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to stop and enjoy the beautiful park! Don’t fret, there are multiple auto exits along Park Loop Road so you’re not stuck if you wanted to take a break.
Jordan Pond — There is a restaurant called Jordan Pond House there with panoramic view of the pond. There is also a path around the water body (Jordan Pond) that is beautiful. During our first time there, the water was so calm and clear that you could see to all the rocks at the bottom. It was a very picturesque scene.
Sands Beach — One of the most GORGEOUS beaches I’ve seen in my life. As soon I walked onto the beach, my jaw literally dropped. The color of the water was so blue. The sand was almost-white. The views of the pine trees everywhere, the rocky coast. Just stunning!
Thunder Hole — This was fun and the best spot to watch the waves crash against the rocks. There is a small inlet where the waves crashes into, making a thunderous noise hence the name. I suggest visit this spot early, before the water gets crazy! The waves can spray hight up onto the viewing platform.
Otter Cliffs — This is probably my favorite part of Acadia National Park. I love seeing the evergreen trees on the cliffs overlooking the water. It’s the most beautiful view. I enjoy sitting on the rocks, taking in the sights and smells of pine trees and salty water. I regret that we didn’t bring picnic lunch or dinner to eat there, so that’s what I would recommend you to do!
Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse — The lighthouse perches on the cliffs in Southwest Harbor in Trenton, ME. It isn’t right off the Park Loop Road so it’s a bit of a drive. It’s worth it to see, especially at sunset! The walk isn’t straightforward as you would have to climb some rocks to see the lighthouse.
Cadillac Mountain — The highest point of Acadia National Park. I loved the coastal views! This is highly recommended for sunrises but it can get crazy busy. In fact, in our recent trip we learned that you have to make reservations on-line 2-days ahead of time (between mid-May to mid-October) to visit Cadillac Mountain. So we didn’t get to see it on the recent trip, but it was amazing to see during our first trip. I recall that it was super windy too!
There are many hiking trails inside the park. Make sure you stop by the visitor’s center to get map, info, etc. The park does not have phone signal, but it was nice to connect with the nature. I could sit there all day to take in the beautiful sights!
See the Bar Harbor guide here.