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Acadia Essentials: Top 10 Things to Do on Mount Desert Island
Acadia Essentials: Top 10 Things to Do on Mount Desert Island
Planning Acadia and short on time? We wrap our third visit into a crisp, no-fluff Top 10 for Mount Desert Island—what’s actually worth it, how to dodge crowds, and a few splurge-or-save decisions. You’ll get practical tips on parking, reservations, and timing so you can see more and stress less.
What we cover
1) Drive the Park Loop Road (first!)
Use an audio guide app (We recommend GuideAlong) for context and trailhead callouts; drive at golden hour for easier parking.
2) Ride the free Island Explorer buses
Funded by L.L.Bean; perfect for Sand Beach, Jordan Pond House, and Bar Harbor days without the parking stress.
3) Get on the water
Sunset harbor cruise to Egg Rock Lighthouse or a seabirds & puffins run. We recommend Acadian Nature Cruises.
4) Explore the Carriage Roads
Walk, bike (mind e-bike rules), or book a horse-drawn carriage tour to see Rockefeller’s stone bridges. Check out Acadia by Carriage for carriage tours.
5) Jordan Pond House tea & popovers
Book in advance on Resy; outdoor seating is iconic but expect aggressive bees in peak summer—inside may be happier.
6) Explore Bar Harbor and the towns on the Quietside
Bar Harbor is a town with a lot of history and where you will find lots of restaurants and shops. But, be sure to check out the smaller towns like Southwest Harbor or Bass Harbor.
7) Hit the trails
There are many great hiking opportunities in the park for all ability levels. Christopher recommends trying a ladder trail if you're up for it! To learn more about the trails in the park, this article from Acadia Magic is very helpful.
8) Lobster (and wild blueberry pie)
Beal’s Lobster Pier (Southwest Harbor) and Thurston’s (Bernard) were standouts; prices aren’t 2019 anymore—budget for it.
9) Beyond the main loop
Schoodic Peninsula (ferry + Island Explorer) for rugged coast with fewer crowds; note Isle au Haut for the truly intrepid.
10) Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset
Summer/fall require a timed entry via Recreation.gov. For sunset in peak summer, aim for a 7:00 pm entry window.
Bonus ideas
Paddle a pond/lake: Echo Lake was a calm favorite; Jordan Pond is gorgeous but parking/logistics are tricky and it’s a drinking water source (no swimming).
Camp: Seawall & Blackwoods (NPS) are rustic; Smuggler’s Den (private) is convenient for hookups and location.
Timing & logistics cheats
Do your full Park Loop drive once by car; use Island Explorer after.
Mid-to-late afternoon often opens parking at Sand Beach/Jordan Pond.
If seasickness is a thing, pick harbor/sunset cruises over offshore puffin runs.
Ladder trails close seasonally for peregrine falcons—check status at NPS.gov.
Wine Break
A quick detour to Tuscany: what IGT means, how it differs from DOC/DOCG, and why some “Super Tuscan” styles feel bold but food-friendly.
If this helped you plan smarter, follow/subscribe and share with a friend who’s Acadia-curious.
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By Go See Do Explore
5
33 ratings
Acadia Essentials: Top 10 Things to Do on Mount Desert Island
Planning Acadia and short on time? We wrap our third visit into a crisp, no-fluff Top 10 for Mount Desert Island—what’s actually worth it, how to dodge crowds, and a few splurge-or-save decisions. You’ll get practical tips on parking, reservations, and timing so you can see more and stress less.
What we cover
1) Drive the Park Loop Road (first!)
Use an audio guide app (We recommend GuideAlong) for context and trailhead callouts; drive at golden hour for easier parking.
2) Ride the free Island Explorer buses
Funded by L.L.Bean; perfect for Sand Beach, Jordan Pond House, and Bar Harbor days without the parking stress.
3) Get on the water
Sunset harbor cruise to Egg Rock Lighthouse or a seabirds & puffins run. We recommend Acadian Nature Cruises.
4) Explore the Carriage Roads
Walk, bike (mind e-bike rules), or book a horse-drawn carriage tour to see Rockefeller’s stone bridges. Check out Acadia by Carriage for carriage tours.
5) Jordan Pond House tea & popovers
Book in advance on Resy; outdoor seating is iconic but expect aggressive bees in peak summer—inside may be happier.
6) Explore Bar Harbor and the towns on the Quietside
Bar Harbor is a town with a lot of history and where you will find lots of restaurants and shops. But, be sure to check out the smaller towns like Southwest Harbor or Bass Harbor.
7) Hit the trails
There are many great hiking opportunities in the park for all ability levels. Christopher recommends trying a ladder trail if you're up for it! To learn more about the trails in the park, this article from Acadia Magic is very helpful.
8) Lobster (and wild blueberry pie)
Beal’s Lobster Pier (Southwest Harbor) and Thurston’s (Bernard) were standouts; prices aren’t 2019 anymore—budget for it.
9) Beyond the main loop
Schoodic Peninsula (ferry + Island Explorer) for rugged coast with fewer crowds; note Isle au Haut for the truly intrepid.
10) Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset
Summer/fall require a timed entry via Recreation.gov. For sunset in peak summer, aim for a 7:00 pm entry window.
Bonus ideas
Paddle a pond/lake: Echo Lake was a calm favorite; Jordan Pond is gorgeous but parking/logistics are tricky and it’s a drinking water source (no swimming).
Camp: Seawall & Blackwoods (NPS) are rustic; Smuggler’s Den (private) is convenient for hookups and location.
Timing & logistics cheats
Do your full Park Loop drive once by car; use Island Explorer after.
Mid-to-late afternoon often opens parking at Sand Beach/Jordan Pond.
If seasickness is a thing, pick harbor/sunset cruises over offshore puffin runs.
Ladder trails close seasonally for peregrine falcons—check status at NPS.gov.
Wine Break
A quick detour to Tuscany: what IGT means, how it differs from DOC/DOCG, and why some “Super Tuscan” styles feel bold but food-friendly.
If this helped you plan smarter, follow/subscribe and share with a friend who’s Acadia-curious.