Sunset over Acadia National Park's granite summits and coastline
America's Best Idea National Parks Series

Acadia
National Park

Maine's Mountains, Coast & Hidden Gems

Ocean, granite, and forest in one compact park — explored free, budget, mid-range, or luxury. A research-based guide to planning your days.

🎟
$35
Park Entry
7-day vehicle pass
🏔
$6
Cadillac Summit
Reservation May–Oct
🚌
FREE
Island Explorer
Fare-free shuttle
🌕
May–Oct
Best Season
Full services
~1 hr
From Bangor
BGR airport
Why Acadia?

Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Bass Harbor Head Light on the granite coast of Acadia

One of America's most compact great parks.

Acadia brings Atlantic shoreline, exposed granite peaks, spruce forest, quiet ponds, and historic carriage roads into one destination. A well-planned day can move from ocean to mountain to forest without spending it all behind the wheel.

The best approach isn't to collect every viewpoint — it's to choose a few anchor experiences, start early, and leave room for weather and crowds.

⛰ Scenic Drives
The 27-mile Park Loop Road links the classic stops.
🚶 Iconic Hikes
From level boardwalks to iron-rung climbs.
🏞 Coastal Beauty
Granite headlands, lighthouses, and tidepools.
🕊 Carriage Roads
45 miles of motor-free stone-and-gravel paths.
Four Ways to Experience Acadia

Plan It Your Way

5 Can't-Miss Experiences

The Places That Define Acadia

Plan Your Trip

Turn Inspiration Into a Plan

Free Ultimate Adventure Planner

Budget calculators, packing checklists, and a heads-up when each new guide drops — all free. Grab it and plan your trip the easy way.

Get the Free Planner →