What to see in Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is a place where rugged coastline, granite mountains, deep forests, and pristine lakes all meet within one compact yet remarkably diverse landscape. Visiting Acadia feels like stepping into a world where nature is constantly shifting: the ocean pounds against pink granite cliffs, fog sweeps over evergreen ridges, and crystal-clear ponds mirror the sky with stunning clarity. The park offers an extraordinary range of places to explore, each with a unique character, and together they form one of the most breathtaking environments in the eastern United States.

If you're planning a trip to Acadia, here are some of the must-see attractions that will make your experience unforgettable:

Quick Reference: Best Places to visit in Acadia National Park

Attraction / Feature	What It’s Known For	Why It’s Special	Location
Cadillac Mountain	Highest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard	Famous for sunrise views, panoramic vistas	Mount Desert Island
Park Loop Road	Scenic 27-mile drive	Access to major attractions, coastal views, forests, cliffs	Main park loop on MDI
Jordan Pond	Clear glacial lake	Reflection of the Bubbles, Jordan Pond House popovers	Near Jordan Pond House
Thunder Hole	Wave-powered booming sound	Water can shoot up to 40 feet during heavy surf	Along Ocean Drive
Sand Beach	Rare sandy beach in Maine	Cold Atlantic water, dramatic cliffs	Between Great Head & Beehive
Precipice Trail	Challenging cliffside hike	Iron rungs, narrow ledges, major adrenaline experience	Champlain Mountain
Beehive Trail	Short but thrilling hike	Iron rungs, views of Sand Beach and Great Head	Near Sand Beach
Schoodic Peninsula	Quietest part of the park	Waves crashing on granite cliffs, fewer crowds	Mainland section of Acadia
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse	Iconic lighthouse	Sunrise/sunset photography, rugged coastline	Southwest MDI
Carriage Roads & Bridges	Rockefeller-built stone roads	45 miles of motor-free biking/walking paths	Across Mount Desert Island
Wildlife Viewing	Deer, foxes, seals, eagles, peregrine falcons	Rich ecosystems from coast to forest	Throughout the park
Isle au Haut	Remote island experience	Rugged coast, peaceful trails, fewer visitors	Offshore, ferry access
Bubble Rock	Glacial erratic	Easy hike, spectacular view of Jordan Pond	South Bubble Mountain
Otter Cliff	Dramatic seaside cliff	Rock climbing, incredible sunrise scenery	Along Ocean Path
Wild Gardens of Acadia	Native plant habitats	Over 400 plant species in small ecological sections	Near Sieur de Monts Spring

1. Cadillac Mountain – The Crown of Acadia

Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak along the North Atlantic seaboard and offers one of the first glimpses of sunrise in the United States during certain months. Standing at 1,530 feet, the summit provides panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, the surrounding islands, and the rugged coastline. You can either drive to the top via the Cadillac Summit Road or hike up several trails that lead to the peak, including the South Ridge Trail, which is popular for its moderate difficulty and stunning scenery.

2. Park Loop Road – Scenic Drive of a Lifetime

The 27-mile Park Loop Road is a fantastic way to experience the park’s highlights. It meanders through forests, along the rocky coast, and up mountains, offering access to key sites like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. It’s an excellent option if you want to see a variety of landscapes in a short period of time. Be sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way to soak in the beauty of the coastline, especially during sunrise or sunset.

 Park Loop Road

3. Jordan Pond – Tranquility at Its Best

One of the most iconic sights in Acadia is Jordan Pond, a clear glacial lake surrounded by mountain ridges. The crystal-clear water reflects the image of the Bubble Mountains, making it an ideal spot for photography. The Jordan Pond Path, a 3.4-mile loop trail, offers an easy and scenic walk around the lake, with sections passing through forests and boardwalks. Don't miss stopping by Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers and tea, a tradition dating back to the 1800s.

 Park Loop Road

4. Thunder Hole – Nature’s Coastal Orchestra

Thunder Hole is a naturally occurring rock formation along the coast where waves crash into a narrow cavern, creating a thunderous sound as the air is forced out. When the waves are just right, the water can splash as high as 40 feet, making for a thrilling experience. It’s best visited during mid-tide when the ocean swells are more intense. A paved path leads you to the viewing platform, offering a safe but exciting view of this powerful display of nature.

Thunder Hole

5. Sand Beach – A Rare Gem on the Maine Coast

Nestled between granite cliffs and backed by forested hills, Sand Beach is a small but stunning stretch of coastline. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in Maine, where most of the coast is rocky. The beach is a perfect spot for relaxing, picnicking, or dipping your toes in the Atlantic (though the water remains cold year-round). The Great Head Trail, a short and relatively easy hike that starts at the beach, offers fantastic views of the coastline and surrounding forest.

Sand Beach

6. The Precipice Trail

For adventurous hikers, the Precipice Trail is one of Acadia’s most challenging and exhilarating hikes. This steep, non-technical climb ascends over 1,000 feet, taking hikers up iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges to the summit of Champlain Mountain. The trail is not for the faint-hearted, but those who tackle it are rewarded with breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands. It’s important to note that this trail is often closed in the summer due to nesting peregrine falcons, so check for updates before planning your hike.

7. Beehive Trail

Similar to the Precipice Trail but slightly less strenuous, the Beehive Trail is another popular hike in Acadia that offers a thrilling climb with iron rungs and steep ledges. The hike culminates at the top of the Beehive, providing sweeping views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and the surrounding coastline. If you're looking for a challenge without committing to the intensity of the Precipice Trail, this is a great alternative.

8. Schoodic Peninsula – Acadia’s Quiet Side

The Schoodic Peninsula offers a quieter, less crowded experience compared to the main section of the park on Mount Desert Island. Located on the mainland, about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor, it provides stunning views of the coastline, granite cliffs, and lighthouses. Schoodic Point, in particular, is known for its dramatic waves crashing against the rocky shore. This part of the park also offers hiking, biking, and opportunities for wildlife spotting in a serene setting.

9. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – A Classic Coastal Icon

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, perched on a cliff at the southern tip of Mount Desert Island, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England. Built in 1858, this iconic structure offers spectacular views of the rocky coastline and is particularly picturesque at sunset. Though the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the grounds and nearby trails provide excellent viewpoints.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

10. Carriage Roads and Bridges – Rockefeller’s Legacy

Acadia is home to 45 miles of historic carriage roads, which were built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940. These roads are closed to motor vehicles and are perfect for walking, biking, or horse-drawn carriage rides. The paths wind through forests, over stone bridges, and along lakes, offering a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park. The stone bridges, in particular, are architectural gems, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Carriage Roads and Bridges

11. Wildlife Viewing

Acadia’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, red foxes, and harbor seals along the coast. Birdwatchers will delight in the park's avian diversity, with species such as peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and ospreys making regular appearances. The park is also home to beavers, porcupines, and a range of marine life, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.

12. Isle au Haut – Acadia’s Remote Island

For a more remote experience, consider taking a ferry to Isle au Haut, a lesser-visited part of Acadia National Park located offshore. The island offers rugged landscapes, quiet beaches, and miles of hiking trails. With fewer visitors, it's a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the crowds of the mainland. You can explore rocky coves, dense forests, and high cliffs, as well as enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Isle au Haut

13. Bubble Rock – A Geological Curiosity

Bubble Rock is a glacial erratic—a massive boulder perched precariously on the edge of South Bubble Mountain. The boulder was transported by glaciers from miles away, and today, it offers an interesting geological marvel for visitors. A relatively easy 1-mile hike takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy views of Jordan Pond and try to nudge the massive rock (though it won’t budge!).

Bubble Rock

14. Otter Cliff – A Climber’s Paradise

Standing 110 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, Otter Cliff is one of the most dramatic coastal headlands in the park. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and rock climbers. Even if you don’t climb, the views from nearby Ocean Path are stunning, especially during sunrise or golden hour.

Otter Cliff

15. Wild Gardens of Acadia – A Botanical Treasure

Located near Sieur de Monts Spring, the Wild Gardens of Acadia showcases over 400 native plant species in various habitats, including meadow, forest, and wetland zones. It’s a compact, peaceful space for learning about Acadia’s plant diversity and spotting butterflies and songbirds.

Wild Gardens of Acadia