Spending A Day in Acadia National Park
Things to see on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
If you’re visiting Acadia National Park for the first time and you want to maximize your day, we’d recommend a drive down the Park Loop Road. Make sure to plan plenty of time to stop and get out and take photos – there are many beautiful sights to see. If you’re planning on packing a picnic, there are a few stores on the way in to grab ice and sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. The only place inside the park to eat is the Jordan Pond House, and we cover our favorite places to eat in Bar Harbor at the end of this article.What to Bring
We definitely recommend bringing lots of water and some light snacks, and grabbing them before you hit the park. We also recommend bringing a blanket, a camera, a wind jacket, and hair tie or baseball hat. You should be wearing hiking shoes, and bring some flip flops for the car. There’s no cell service inside the park, so make sure to remember to turn your phone on airplane mode to conserve batteries. We recommend downloading some Spotify/Google music/offline playlists prior to your journey, too. Finally, refer to our What to have in your Emergency Hiking Kit post f you’re hiking, and don’t forget to bring your Acadia trail map and Acadia Guide!
First stop: Hull’s Cove Visitor Center
You’ll want to start by heading into the Hull’s Cove Visitor’s Center and exploring! You will get a good overall view of what to expect, and pick up your map and park pass. Also, you can use the restroom!
Purchase your park pass at the Visitor’s Center or at the entry gate, then head into the Park Look Road
Driving Up Cadillac Mountain
Once you head into the park loop road, your first stop should be Cadillac Mountain – make sure to take your time exploring the top! You can see for miles and the area has great views of Bar Harbor and the surrounding islands. Reservations are required as of 2021. You can get them here.
Plan to spend at least an hour here. We recommend two, and checking out the gift shop is a must do. We love leaving with postcards, posters, or other local art.
Wen you come out of Cadillac, take a RIGHT and head down the park loop road, leaving Jordan Pond for later.
Extra: Stop at Schooner Overlook
People like to explore the Schooner Overlook you can access a nice coastal walk this way. This is also a Winter Access Point via the Schooner Head road if you are into winter hiking. Here’s how to access Acadia National Park in the winter.
Next check out Sand Beach.
Click on the link to learn all about what you can do here! Hikes, exploration, and relaxation are on the list.
Next Stop: Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is one of Acadia National Park’s most iconic natural attractions, where the ocean’s power meets the rugged coastline in a spectacular way. This unique rock formation creates a small inlet, and when waves rush in, they’re forced through a narrow channel, causing a loud, thunderous boom—hence the name. During high tide or just before a storm, the water can shoot up to 40 feet into the air, accompanied by a dramatic spray of ocean mist!
To visit Thunder Hole from Sand Beach, you can take the scenic Ocean Path along the shoreline, offering stunning views of the coast as you walk.
Bonus: While you’re here, don’t miss Otter Cliffs and Monument Cove—both nearby and perfect for a photo op or a peaceful break. This area also makes a fantastic picnic spot, so stretch your legs, relax, and enjoy the raw beauty of Acadia’s coastline!
Little Hunter’s Beach
Click the link above to read more. It’s delightful!
Heading through Bangor, Maine and wanting to rent kayaks for your trip to Acadia National Park? Give us a call! We’ve got kayaks available for rent by the day, half day, or week! 207-814-7710
Visiting Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the iconic Bubble Mountains. Whether you’re hiking the Jordan Pond Path, enjoying a picnic, or savoring the famous popovers at the Jordan Pond House, you could easily spend an entire day here. For more tips on how to make the most of your visit, check out our full post here. The view of the Bubbles is the highlight, and you can access it by taking the right turn from the Jordan Pond House.
There’s so much more to do on the Park Loop road. Plan to spend all day and stop and get out many times.
Here’s a Google Map of the Park Loop road. It’s a 27 mile long loop, and can take about 45 minutes to drive with no stops.
Other things to do in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
Here’s our rundown of where to eat in Bar Harbor!
We’ve got a ton of hikes listed here – just search “Acadia National Park” or click the category on the menu. If you’re interested in additional activities, here are some things we’d recommend!
Rock climb with Equinox Guide Service
There are limitless possibilities in Acadia National Park. I hope you enjoyed this summary of what to see on the Park Loop road!
Want to read more about adventuring in Maine? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Katahdin!
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