Acadia National Park is the easternmost national park in the continental U.S., and it sits on the stunning rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It only takes a moment here to realize what a special place Acadia is, and you’ll find many unexpected surprises as you explore this area!
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. This park has an adventure for everyone in your group, and I can’t wait to share my list of the best things to do in Acadia with you.
Whether this is your first time in Acadia or you’re looking for new things to do here, this list will help you have a fantastic experience!
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 10 Things To Do in Acadia
When you visit Acadia for the first time, you want to be sure to see all of the highlights! Combat your fear of missing out with this list of the top things to do in the park.
If you make it through this top ten list, you can relax knowing that you’ve had a completely immersive tour of Acadia National Park!
When you are ready for more detailed information on these top things to do, including driving directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Acadia.
Beehive Trail
This exciting trail is unlike any hike you’ve ever been on!
You’ll scale the steep cliffs of the Beehive with the help of iron rung ladders and bridges anchored into the rocks.
Jordan Pond
The idyllic Jordan Pond is a great place to soak in the views, do some hiking or horseback riding, and eat as many famous popovers as you can!
Cadillac Mountain
Standing on top of Cadillac Mountain is perhaps the best way in Acadia to get spectacular 360-degree views. If you can be here for sunrise, you’re in for a real treat!
Reservations are now required to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Ocean Path
The Ocean Path travels along the beautiful pink granite cliffs that meet the Atlantic Ocean.
This path is a leisurely way to travel between several other fun stops along the Park Loop Road.
Gorham Mountain Trail
If you’re looking for a fabulous summit hike for the whole family, try the Gorham Mountain Trail.
You’ll make your way through the forest to the peak of Gorham Mountain, with a fun (optional) iron rung section that’s fun for everyone!
Bar Island Trail
When the tide is low, a hidden pathway emerges from the ocean that makes hiking to Bar Island possible!
This trail is a great way to explore the ocean landscape surrounding Acadia National Park.
Sand Beach
Although Acadia borders the Atlantic Ocean, you won’t find many sandy beaches here.
Sand Beach is a popular way to spend some time near the ocean waves while relaxing on a lovely sandy beach!
Carriage Roads
The history of Acadia is fascinating, and the carriage roads that travel through the park are one of the best ways to learn more about the creation of the national park and the people who made it possible.
Bike, hike, or go on a horseback ride along these wonderful motor-free roads.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Maine is famous for its lighthouses, and you’ll find a beautiful one here in Acadia.
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a stunning piece of history perched on the cliffs over the ocean.
South Bubble
Hike to the top of South Bubble for amazing views of Jordan Pond and a fun family-friendly adventure!
For more trip-planning information (including driving directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Acadia.
How long does it take to see the top ten things in Acadia?
Plan on around three full days to get through this top ten list, but if you can give yourself four days, that’s even better! With four days, you’ll have time to see all of these sights, plus some fabulous off-the-beaten-path spots too.
If you’d like more help, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend in Acadia.
Planning a trip to Acadia can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Acadia Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Acadia National Park has a wide variety of activities and adventures, no matter your skill level or age! Now that we’ve covered the top ten things to do in the park, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do in Acadia With Kids
Acadia is a great family destination, and if you’re traveling with kids, here are some of my favorite things to do in the park!
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Acadia, and you’ll find several excellent easier options for kids. Some of my favorites are the Ocean Path and hiking to the top of South Bubble. You can read more about the best easy hikes in Acadia for more information and additional trail options.
Acadia is a seaside national park, so be sure to get out and go tidepooling. You’ll love discovering creatures with your family and enjoying the gorgeous ocean scenery! I recommend checking out the Wonderland or Ship Harbor trails for some great tidepooling opportunities.
You’ll find one sandy beach in Acadia (aptly named Sand Beach) if you’d like to spend some time playing in the ocean. Swimming at Sand Beach is a family favorite activity for us, even though the water is typically quite chilly!
Carriage rides are a fun way to travel Acadia’s famous carriage roads with your kids. You can choose from a variety of tours and tour lengths to best suit your family’s needs.
Be sure to pick up a Jr. Ranger book at the visitor center. These books have activities that your kids can complete to earn their very own ranger badge. This is a great way to keep them engaged and excited about Acadia — you’ll probably even learn something too!
Things to Do in Acadia if You Love to Hike
Acadia National Park has some of the most adventurous hiking trails in the national park system, so if you’re hoping to put some mileage on your hiking boots, you’ll love these challenging trail options!
Acadia has a variety of iron-rung trails that are perfect if you’re looking for a hiking adventure. These trails are characterized by iron rungs and ladders that are bolted into the cliffs to aid you as you hike to your destination. The most famous of these trails is the Beehive (which is definitely worth your time!), but if you’re looking for a longer, less-visited iron rung trail, check out the Precipice, Jordan Cliffs, Beech Cliff, or Pemetic Mountain.
You’ll find plenty of mountains to summit in Acadia National Park! A few of my favorite summit hikes are Acadia Mountain, Gorham Mountain, and Beech Mountain. You can find more information about all of these trails on the official Acadia website.
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Things to Do in Acadia if You Don’t Want to Hike
If hiking isn’t something you are able to or want to do in Acadia, you’ll find many amazing alternative activities that showcase the beauty and history of this national park. A few of my favorite non-hiking activities are birdwatching, exploring the gardens, and paddling.
Acadia is often referred to as “the warbler capital of the world” and is one of the best places in the United States to go birdwatching. Over 308 different species of birds and 20 species of warblers have been spotted breeding on the island, and you can see them for yourself all over the park!
Another unique activity in Acadia is to wander through the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Here you’ll find several hundred species of plants on a level, narrow, hard-packed trail that weaves its way through the gardens. This trail is next to several other wheelchair-accessible points of interest, such as the Sieur de Monts Nature Center.
Paddling in one of Acadia’s charming lakes is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park. You’ll find several great options for canoeing or kayaking while you’re here. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, ocean kayaking is an option as well!
Winter Activities in Acadia
Acadia turns into a winter wonderland full of peace and solitude! If you’re up for an adventure and would like to see a different side of Acadia (without all of the crowds), try cross-country skiing, ice fishing, or snowmobiling in the park.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in Acadia. You can access the Sand Beach area and Jordan Pond during the winter months, so there are plenty of trail options along those routes. But one of the very best options for cross-country skiing in Acadia is on the carriage roads! 45 miles are open (and often groomed by volunteers) for cross-country skiing.
Ice fishing is a fun way to enjoy Acadia in the winter. You’ll find several ponds that freeze over and are perfect for getting out on the ice. Click here for more information about fishing in Acadia.
Bring your snowmobile to Acadia National Park! You can ride to the top of Cadillac Mountain for astounding 360-degree views of the park. The Park Loop Road system is also available for you to enjoy on your snowmobile during the winter months.
Things to Do in Acadia if You Love Ranger Programs
Participating in ranger programs will make your trip to Acadia unforgettable! You’ll learn interesting facts, meet other travelers, and connect with someone who loves the park and knows it well! Acadia National Park has an impressive selection of adventurous programs you can join.
Like most national parks, Acadia offers a wide variety of traditional daytime and evening ranger programs. Rangers cover a range of topics relating to the park in various settings. These programs typically occur at a campground amphitheater or along a park trail.
For a ranger program unique to Acadia, check out the Peregrine Falcon Watch. You can join park rangers at the base of the Precipice Trail to watch the peregrine falcons nest on the mountain above. They provide special equipment for viewing the falcons. For a special treat, visit during July to watch the baby falcons learn to fly!
Stargazing is one of Acadia’s most popular activities, so why not go relax on Sand Beach and listen to a park ranger tell you the stories of the stars? You’ll learn about the park’s history and the skyscape of Maine as you relax on the beach and look up into space!
Rangers in Acadia also guide bike tours and boat tours. These programs vary in length and difficulty, and you’ll want to plan ahead to secure your reservation. I highly recommend taking a boat tour to an outer island if you have time!
More information about each of these ranger programs can be found here.
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do in Acadia
If you’ll be exploring Acadia National Park in a wheelchair, you’ll be happy to know that many points of interest and guided tours are accessible!
Many viewpoints, campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers in Acadia have handicapped parking stalls and ramps. The official park website has detailed information about each area of the park and its accessibility.
The Sieur de Monts area has several beautiful wheelchair-friendly pathways through the gardens and areas of interest. This is a fabulous place to learn more about the cultural history of the park.
Echo Lake has an accessible beach area that is perfect for enjoying the lake. This is a popular area for swimming and kayaking during the summer.
Several of Acadia’s carriage roads are mostly flat, well-packed routes that can be traversed in a wheelchair. Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake are the best places to start for pathways that are best suited for sightseeing in the interior of the park.
Several trails in Acadia are wheelchair-friendly, including portions of the Jordan Pond Loop, the Ocean Path, Ship Harbor, and the Cadillac Summit Loop. You can find out more about each of these trails and a few others in this article (near the end).
Things to Do in Acadia With Your Dog
Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the country — you’ll be able to see a good portion of the park with your furry friend! Click here to learn more about visiting Acadia with a dog!
High Adventure Activities in Acadia
If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline going or to push you out of your comfort zone, consider biking, rock climbing, ocean kayaking, or hiking an iron-rung trail in Acadia!
Biking is a popular way to explore this park, and you’ll find several awesome bike-friendly areas. You can bike the famous carriage roads, which I highly recommend!
Have you ever wanted to rock climb down the cliffs to the ocean below? Your chance has come! Acadia’s sea cliffs make a fantastic rock climbing experience for people of all ages and skill levels. You can bring your own equipment or hire a guide in Bar Harbor to bring you climbing in the park.
Acadia has water everywhere, so it’s easy to find a great place to paddle. You’ll find several ponds that are perfect for calm paddling, but if you want to amp up the excitement, head out to the ocean! Experienced paddlers can go ocean kayaking along Acadia’s rocky shoreline, with or without a guide.
For the ultimate hiking experience, scale the mountain cliffs on one of Acadia’s famous iron-rung trails! These trails can only be completed with the help of iron rungs and ladders bolted into the cliffs, and the drop-offs from these rungs are dramatic! Start with the Beehive, and then work your way up to the Precipice or Jordan Cliffs trails.
Things to Do in Acadia if You Love to Bike
Acadia is a biker’s paradise! You’ll find miles and miles of fabulous pathways that are perfect for biking.
If you love to bike, you definitely need to spend some time on Acadia’s carriage roads. This network of roads was designed to help people enjoy the scenery of Acadia without a car! You have access to 45 miles of hard-packed gravel paths that meander through some of the most beautiful areas of the park. To look at a map and learn more about biking on these roads, click here.
I personally prefer to stick to the carriage roads when biking in Acadia, but you can bike along the Park Loop Road if desired. This road stays busy for most of the day and doesn’t have a shoulder (traffic is usually terrible here during the peak season), so be on your guard if you decide to bike this main road.
Biking on the more remote Schoodic Peninsula is extremely enjoyable. This section of the park is less visited, and the scenery out here is wild and rugged!
Things to Do Near Acadia
Truthfully, you can spend a ton of time just exploring Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. But here are a few things nearby that might pique your interest while you’re in the area:
Many people come to Maine to see lighthouses! If you don’t mind a little coastal road trip as you make your way toward Portland, you can visit quite a few along the way.
If you’re flying to Acadia, you may choose to fly into Boston. Spend some time in the city either before or after your time at the national park. We also love stopping in Salem as we make our way up or down from Maine for a bit of witch history.
Canada isn’t too far from Acadia as the crow flies, but if you have time to spare and don’t mind the drive, you can make it to Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia in about 6 hours!
I hope you have an incredible time working your way through this list of things to do in Acadia. Safe travels!
More Acadia Trip Planning Information
How to Get to Acadia — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Acadia? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Acadia Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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