Two Swimming Beaches
Sand Beach, on the Park Loop Road, is Acadia’s famous ocean beach, set between granite cliffs. The ocean water is cold, even in summer. For warmer water, Echo Lake Beach is a freshwater lake beach on the west side of the island.
Things to Do a Short Drive Away
A short drive from the house: Acadia’s big hikes and beaches, the Park Loop Road, climbing, boats to the islands, and Bar Harbor. The Park Loop Road entrance is about a minute away, and Bar Harbor is 13 minutes.
Jordan Pond From the Bubbles
More Hikes and Runs
Cadillac Mountain
The tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Hike up, or reserve a drive up the summit road on recreation.gov in season.
Penobscot and Sargent
The ridges west of Jordan Pond climb to wide-open granite summits with views across the whole island.
Hunters Cliffs
In the Land & Garden Preserve, a rugged trail with sweeping ocean views that descends to Hunters Beach.
Witch Hole Pond Loop
A favorite run or ride: a hilly 3.3-mile carriage road loop past Witch Hole Pond, Halfmoon Pond and Duck Brook, near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Getting Around
- The fare-free Island Explorer shuttle runs from late spring into fall, linking Bar Harbor with park stops like Jordan Pond and Sand Beach.
- Pick up an Acadia park pass for your stay, and find current details at nps.gov/acad.
Beaches, Paddling and Town
Paddling
Northeast Creek is perfect for a canoe or kayak, especially in fall color. Outfitters in Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor rent kayaks and run guided sea kayak tours.
The Rocky Shore
Much of the island’s coast is pink granite ledge, glowing in late-afternoon light. Bring a picnic and watch the tide come in.
Bar Harbor
Restaurants, shops and harbor tours, 13 minutes away. Come home to the game room, the fire table on the deck and the balcony telescope.
Tip: Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake are drinking-water ponds, so save your swims for the beaches and Echo Lake.
More Adventures
Climb a sea cliff, take the mail boat out to the islands for dinner, or catch a show downtown when it rains.
Climbing
Bar Harbor
Acadia Mountain Guides
Guided rock climbing on Acadia’s sea cliffs and inland crags, with half-day outings tailored to first-timers and experienced climbers alike.
Acadia Mountain Guides websiteTrenton
Volta Climbing
An indoor climbing gym that welcomes beginners, with family lessons that teach you the ropes. Perfect for a rainy day.
WebsiteBoats, Paddling and Islands
From Northeast Harbor
Little Cranberry Island
Ride the mail boat out to Little Cranberry for dinner at the Islesford Dock Restaurant, one of the best meals in the Acadia area.
Islesford Dock websiteBar Harbor
Lulu Lobster Boat
Two hours on a working lobster boat: watch the traps come up and look for seals along the way.
Lulu Lobster Boat websiteLong Pond, near Somesville
Kayak or Canoe Long Pond
Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard by the hour or the day from National Park Canoe & Kayak, right on Acadia’s largest lake. Reservations are recommended.
Rental websiteRainy Days
Bar Harbor
The Criterion Theatre
A 1932 Art Deco movie palace with a rare free-hanging balcony, back in business with concerts, films and shows.
WebsiteBar Harbor
Reel Pizza Cinerama
Pizza and a movie in a cozy, living-room-style theater by the Village Green.
WebsiteBar Harbor
The Oceanarium
A Gulf of Maine aquarium, a museum and a salt marsh trail.
Oceanarium websiteNortheast Harbor
Northeast Harbor Library
A lovely spot to wait out the rain with a book, plus a children’s room with free storytimes for kids.
Library websiteAt the house
A Day In
Board games and puzzles, the game room, a full gym, or a movie on the large TV and couch with your own streaming apps.
More Guides
A Short Walk AwayCarriage roads, Jordan Pond House, Pemetic and Seal Harbor, all from the front door.
Acadia With KidsEasy hikes, tide pools, waterslides, a lobster boat and rainy-day fun.
Where to EatLobster on the water, dinner, pizza and pubs, breakfast, drinks with a view.
Acadia With Your DogOff-leash hours at Little Long Pond, the carriage roads and the rules.
“The house was perfect for our big group! Had everything we needed and more. Loved the location. Walking to Jordan pond, take the seaside path instead of carriage road as it’s way faster. … Would definitely stay again!!!”
Questions
Where can we swim?
Seal Harbor Beach is a 15-minute walk from the house. In Acadia, swim at Sand Beach in the ocean or Echo Lake Beach in fresh water. Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake are drinking-water ponds, so they’re for admiring.
Do we need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?
To drive the Cadillac Summit Road in the busy season, yes, a timed vehicle reservation from recreation.gov. Hikers and cyclists don’t need one.
Plan Your Stay
See live availability and the full price, including fees and taxes, and book online.
Questions? Call or text Jen at 207-801-8661.
More Ways to Stay
- SummerBeach days, harbor paddles, popovers at Jordan Pond House and fireworks over Frenchman Bay.
- FallFall color on the carriage roads and long evenings at the fire table.
WinterPlowed driveway, a warm house, and carriage roads for skiing and snowshoeing when there’s snow.
SpringWaterfalls running with snowmelt, spring birds, and the Park Loop Road by bike before it opens to cars.