In the northeasternmost reaches of the country lies one of her most visited attractions and beautiful places in the U.S.: Acadia National Park. Known as the "Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast," this scenic wonder in Maine boasts caves and peaks, coastline and forests, and historic and current events. From lighthouses to carriage roads, from puffins to whales, from strenuous hikes to bus tours, Acadia National Park is fully prepared to provide an unforgettable experience to all who journey through this breathtaking corner of the nation -- including one of the most amazing national park hotels in the US.
Welcome to Bar Harbor, Maine, home of one of the top ten most popular parks in the United States: the beloved Acadia National Park.
This stunning natural wonder is well worth a spot on your bucket list, and passing through miles of Maine's beautiful, varied, remote countryside to get here is part of the thrill.
Acadia National Park is less than five hours north of Boston by car. Alternatively, book a flight from Boston's Logan Airport to Hancock County Airport, a 10-minute drive from the park. Another option within an hour of Acadia is Bangor International Airport.
Upon arrival, the sky is the limit when it comes to places to see and things to do, but there are certain experiences that stand out even above the rest.
Plan to summit the peak of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise.
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.
Seek out one or more of the lighthouses perched on Acadia's rugged shoreline: the Bass Harbor Head Light (pictured), the Bear Island Light, and the Baker Island Light, all within the boundaries of Acadia National Park itself.
Other nearby lighthouses include Egg Rock Lighthouse, Isle au Haut Lighthouse, and Winter Harbor Lighthouse, all visible in the distance from various points of the park on a clear day.
Explore pristinely preserved, authentic carriage roads, gatehouses, and stone arches largely planned out by John D. Rockefeller himself.
There are also many other trails of varying difficulty levels throughout the park, both for driving and for hiking. Park Loop Road is one of the best options when adventuring through Acadia by car; Beehive Loop Trail is a popular choice for hikers eager to see more of the scenic views the area is known for.
Revel in the fabulous juxtaposition of beach and mountain as you enjoy the sand and sun at the base of Acadia's towering peaks.
Sand Beach (pictured) is a popular choice, as is Echo Lake Beach.
Venture down to Thunder Hole at dusk to bask in the muted evening colors and the mighty power of this coastal cave that can spray up to 40-foot plumes of water as the tide ebbs and flows at its base.
Glimpse the vastness of space with a stroll under the stars; Acadia boasts some of the darkest skies in the nation, and the park is situated far enough north to occasionally be treated to a glimpse of the northern lights flashing along the horizon.
And above all, whichever aspects of this incredible area you choose to explore, be sure to bring along your camera.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a scene that isn't pristinely photogenic.
General Information:
Accessibility: The park offers many wheelchair-accessible options, including multiple visitor centers, museums, restaurants, shops, beaches, trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Accommodations for those with all levels of hearing loss or low vision are also available. Service animals are welcome but must remain leashed at all times.
Pet Friendly: Pets are permitted only on certain trails and in certain campgrounds in Acadia, provided they are kept on a leash of 6 feet or less in length.
Parking: Parking is free with a park pass and plentiful throughout the park. Buses and RVs are limited to certain routes through the park. Don't pass up the opportunity to road trip through Acadia, one of the best road trips in the USA.
Seasonal Access: Acadia is fully operational from April 15 to October 31. During the winter season, from November 1 to April 14, the park remains open but with limited hours and services.
Cost: From May through October, a park pass is required for entrance into Acadia. Park passes vary in price, but a 7-day pass for a private vehicle with up to 15 passengers who do not qualify for any discounts costs $30.
For more information on how to plan a trip to visit this stunning Atlantic Coast gem, visit the National Park Service's website here.
And if you need a place to stay that's conveniently located to Acadia National Park so you can explore the park at your leisure, consider Terramor Camping Resort in Bar Harbor, which offers luxurious glamping accommodations perfectly suited to this bucket list adventure.
Free Entrance Days: Throughout the year, the National Park Service offers a handful of admission-free days. These are excellent times to visit Acadia National Park, although, with fees waived, the park is likely to be busier. Some of the free entrance days include the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 16th), the first day of National Park Week in April, the Anniversary of the Great Outdoors Act (August 4th), National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day. For more information, be sure to visit the official National Park Service.
Restrooms: You'll find bathrooms at the visitor center. Also, there are a handful of vault toilets located throughout the park, primarily at campsites and picnic areas.
For a breathtaking view of Acadia National Park, be sure to watch the following video. You'll undoubtedly be inspired to plan your trip!
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous features of Ruby Falls in Tennessee, Hoh Rain Forest in Washington, and the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
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