Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Acadia packs granite peaks, rocky coastline, and a historic carriage road network into a small footprint, which makes it one of the most efficient national parks to explore in just a few days.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Acadia are watching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, walking the Ocean Path from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff, cycling the carriage roads, having popovers at Jordan Pond House, and listening for Thunder Hole at half-tide.
Cadillac Mountain
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, and from early October through early March it's the first place in the country to see sunrise. A summit road reservation is required during peak season (typically late spring through fall) for sunrise and sunset visits.
- Highest point on the Atlantic coast
- Reservation required for sunrise/sunset drives in peak season
- Also reachable by hiking trail
Ocean Path And Thunder Hole
The Ocean Path is an easy, mostly flat 2-mile trail along the coast from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff, passing Thunder Hole, where incoming waves compress into a small inlet and boom loudest around half-tide.
Carriage Roads
John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s 45-mile network of carriage roads, closed to cars, is one of the best cycling and walking systems in the national park system, complete with 17 hand-cut stone bridges. Bike rentals are available in Bar Harbor.
Jordan Pond And Bar Island
Jordan Pond House is Acadia's classic stop for popovers with a view of the twin peaks called the Bubbles. At low tide, a sandbar opens a walking path out to Bar Island for tide pooling, but check tide tables carefully to avoid being stranded.
Plan And Track This Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous thing to do in Acadia National Park?
Watching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is Acadia's signature experience, especially in fall and winter when it's the first sunrise in the continental U.S.
Do you need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?
Yes, a vehicle reservation is required to drive up for sunrise and, during parts of the season, sunset, typically from spring through fall — check current NPS dates before you go.
Is Acadia good for biking?
Yes, the 45-mile carriage road network is car-free and one of the best biking systems of any national park, with rental shops available in Bar Harbor.
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Where to stay
Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park
Compare where to stay near Acadia National Park, including Bar Harbor, inside-park campgrounds, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Ellsworth.
Itinerary
Acadia National Park Itinerary
Plan an Acadia National Park itinerary for one, two, or three days with Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, carriage roads, and coastal hikes.