Here Are The 8 Things You Must Do During A One-Day Trip To Maine's Acadia National Park
By Michelle|Updated on February 19, 2022(Originally published February 14, 2022)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Everyone has heard of Acadia National Park, but not everyone loves the idea of spending days and days exploring the great outdoors in Maine’s one and only national park. Others DO love the idea, but just can’t find the time to make the trip. Fear not, dear readers! Here are the things you must do if you’re only planning to visit this national park in Maine for one day. If you can manage to fit *all* of these things into your 24 hours in Acadia, you can count yourself a true Acadia National Parker. If there is such a thing. I think we just made that up.
Sand Beach is small in length - about 300 yards long - but it's full of beauty and has ideal southern exposure offering stunning views out to sea. Named one of the most beautiful beaches in America by MSN, Sand Beach is 300 yards of pure and pristine Pine Tree State splendor. The sand is made from crushed shells which gives it a pink tint. But be warned, at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the summer the water is downright cold.
This is one of the most beautiful bodies of water to visit in all of Maine, let alone Acadia National Park. It's also the perfect place to set your sights if you're looking to knock out a few birds with one stone. (But not literally, of course... though you will see plenty of sea birds at this pristine pond!)
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4. Pique your curiosity at the teetering Bubble Rock.
Bubble Rock, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock. It's actually a "glacial erratic" left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago, which appears to be teetering on the edge about to fall. By analyzing the type of granite within the rock, geologists have been able to discern that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its precarious perch all the way from Lucerne, Maine — 30 miles (48 km) away! For hikers, there's no better challenge than Bubble Rock -- it's an otherworldly wonder sure to stoke and fan the flames of any adventurer's wanderlust!
When it's time to break for lunch, the Jordon Pond House offers a traditional tea or more substantial meals (the lobster rolls here are particularly epic), while giving diners some truly awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy the incredible view of the Bubbles from the deck or the grassy area next to the pond. Sitting by the shores of Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park since 1893, Jordan's Pond House Restaurant is one of the most visited places in the park. Give it a try and you'll understand why it remains a perennial Pine Tree State favorite.
6. Be able to say you visited the more remote Otter Cliffs.
In terms of "jaw-dropping Maine scenery," Otter Cliff wins. These cliffs sits about 110 feet in the air and can be found at the close of the Ocean Walk hike. The beauty of this natural feature comes from the Cadillac granite that can be seen throughout Acadia. But don't expect to see any otters here; sadly, these animals were hunted into extinction.
Created by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1917, these roads don't allow any motorized vehicles and are a great way to explore on foot, bicycle or horse. Carriage Roads is one of the most unique ways to experience Acadia National Park, and a must-visit for anyone's bucket list.
8. And, lastly, drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain for the best sunset in Maine.
Cadillac Mountain is the tallest peak on the East Coast, north of Rio de Janeiro. Accessible by car, it's the highest point on the east coast of the United States. During parts of the year, it's also the first place in the U.S. to see the sun peeking up over the edge of the eastern horizon. You'll see the sunrise before anyone else in the country, and it's truly a moment that deserves top spot on any adventurer's bucket list.
When was the last time you experienced this superlative national park in the Pine Tree State? Acadia National Park truly is one of those places in Maine you’ll want to visit again and again. If we missed any of your favorites sites, trails, or points of interest in Acadia, please share them with us in the comments below!
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National park to visit in Maine
Sarah M.|February 19, 2022
When's the best time to visit Acadia National Park in Maine?
Acadia National Park is a beautiful place that's well-worth exploring any time of year, as each season brings with it new experiences and sublime views. However, take note: Acadia is fully operational from April 15 to Oct. 31. During the winter season, from Nov. 1 to April 14, the park remains open but with limited hours and services. You can read more about the park's hours and fees at the National Parks Service website.
