A Week in Acadia

1. Take in the Views From Cadillac Mountain

   See the mountains, ocean and offshore islands from Acadia’s most famous summit. Sunrise is special, but a clear daytime visit is spectacular too. It’s a good first outing to get an overview of the island. Driving up requires a vehicle reservation during the reservation season, separate from your park pass. Plan your visit

2. Explore Sand Beach, Ocean Path and Thunder Hole

   Spend a morning along Acadia’s dramatic coastline. Start at Sand Beach, then walk toward Thunder Hole for granite cliffs and ocean views. Choose a short stroll or continue farther along the Ocean Path. Trail details

3. Enjoy Jordan Pond and Popovers

   Walk from the house

   Admire the view across the pond toward the Bubbles, explore the shoreline, and stop at Jordan Pond House for its signature popovers. Allow a leisurely half-day and check dining reservations ahead. Jordan Pond House

4. Bike or Walk Acadia’s Carriage Roads

   From the house

   Discover peaceful woods, lakes and historic stone bridges along the park’s carriage roads. Choose a distance that suits your group; the gravel routes include hills. Biking information

5. Take a Lobster Boat and Seal-Watching Trip

   Experience Mount Desert Island from the water and learn about Maine’s working waterfront. Lulu’s tours combine lobster-fishing demonstrations with seal watching. Book ahead and bring an extra layer. Tour information

6. Explore Downtown Bar Harbor and the Shore Path

   Browse the shops, stop for ice cream, and enjoy a waterfront stroll overlooking Frenchman Bay. It makes an easy afternoon or evening outing. About the Shore Path

7. Walk to Bar Island at Low Tide

   Cross the exposed gravel bar for a memorable outing right from Bar Harbor. Check the tide times and finish your return crossing within the safe window, generally 1½ hours before to 1½ hours after low tide. The route disappears as the water rises. Crossing details

8. Spend a Beach Afternoon at Echo Lake

   Pack a picnic and enjoy freshwater swimming on the island’s west side. It’s a relaxing break between sightseeing days and a great option for families. Beach information

9. Visit Bass Harbor Head Light Station

   See one of the island’s iconic coastal landmarks, and pair it with a woodland walk at nearby Wonderland. Aim for daytime: the lighthouse’s small parking lot becomes especially congested around sunset. Lighthouse information

10. Enjoy a Classic Maine Seafood Meal

    Make time for lobster or a lobster roll, chowder and blueberry pie. A waterfront meal is a fitting way to finish a day of exploring; Beal’s Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor is one option. Where to eat

An easy way to fit it into a week: combine Sand Beach and the Ocean Path into one outing, Bar Harbor and Bar Island into another, and the west-side sights into a third. Save your clearest day for Cadillac, book your boat trip early in the week, and leave time for spontaneous stops and relaxing at the house.

• Cadillac Mountain. Driving the summit road in the busy season takes a timed vehicle reservation from recreation.gov. Hikers and cyclists don’t need one.
• Bar Island. The sandbar is open about 90 minutes either side of low tide, so check a tide chart before you walk out.
• Abel’s. Book ahead for dinner on Somes Sound.
• The Lulu lobster boat. Runs May to mid-October, for ages 6 and up.
• Restaurant hours. Many island restaurants are seasonal; every listing in Where to Eat links to current hours.
• Getting around. The fare-free Island Explorer shuttle runs from late spring into fall, and you’ll need an Acadia park pass for the week.