3-Day & 2-Night Travel Guide to Acadia National Park, Maine

I just wrapped up a road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park—chasing sunrises and sunsets, hiking mountains, gazing at the ocean, and stargazing. It was such an amazing time! 💕 Below are my top recommendations, with ⭐️ marking the must-visit spots. Day 1: Boston → Portland (Lighthouse Visit) → Freeport Outlets → Bar Harbor (2-Night Stay) Start in Boston and drive to Portland first, where you can stop to admire the iconic lighthouses. Next, head to Freeport Outlets: Don’t miss Patagonia Outlet (one of only 6 worldwide!) and the global flagship store of L.L.Bean (Freeport is L.L.Bean’s hometown). End the day by checking into a hotel in Bar Harbor and stay here for 2 nights—this town is the perfect base for exploring Acadia. ❤️ For a detailed breakdown of this day’s itinerary, check out my other post! Days 2 & 3: Exploring Acadia National Park 🌅 Sunrise Spot Cadillac Mountain ⭐️: Famous for being one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise. The view of the first rays lighting up the sky and ocean is absolutely breathtaking—not to be missed! 🌄 Sunset Spot Bass Harbour Lighthouse ⭐️: A lighthouse perched on rocky cliffs. Watching the sunset paint the sky orange and pink behind the lighthouse is incredibly romantic and photogenic. 🌌 Stargazing Spot Sand Beach: Visit around the new moon 🌙 for the best stargazing—with no bright moonlight, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. 🔶 Practical Tips for the Park Visitor Center: Open seasonally. If you visit during the off-season, you can still get your national park passport stamped at the entrance booth. One-Way Loop Road: Most attractions are along the park’s one-way loop road. Follow the loop in order to avoid backtracking. Pro tip: Park at the Sand Beach parking lot first—you can walk to the next 3 attractions from here without moving your car! 📍 Must-Visit Attractions & Trails Beehive Trail ⭐️: Known as one of Acadia’s most scenic trails. It’s 1.5 miles long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete—expect steep sections (with metal handholds) and stunning ocean views. Sand Beach: A small but charming beach with light-colored sand. Great for a quick walk or picnic (note: the water is cold even in summer!). Ocean Path: A 4.5-mile coastal trail that takes around 2 hours to finish. You don’t need to walk the whole thing—focus on these highlights: Thunder Hole ⭐️: A natural rock formation where waves crash loudly (like thunder) at high tide. The landscape is dramatic and perfect for photos! Otter Cliff ⭐️: Rugged cliffs where rough waves pound against the rocks. You’ll often see rock climbers here—their courage is impressive! Otter Point ⭐️: A peaceful spot with unobstructed ocean views—great for watching waves or spotting seabirds. Jordan Pond Path ⭐️: A 3-mile loop around Jordan Pond (takes ~1.5 hours). This is a classic “postcard spot” with crystal-clear water and mountain backdrops. If you’re short on time, even a short walk here for photos is worth it. The Bubbles Trail ⭐️: Split into North Bubble and South Bubble trails—both are worth hiking! North Bubble: Offers panoramic views of Jordan Pond—you’ll get the best photo of the pond from here. South Bubble: Ends at Bubble Rock, a huge boulder perched on the edge of a cliff. The sight of this “balanced” rock is truly (stunning)! 🔶 Tide-Related Fun Spots Bar Island Trail: A natural “tidal bridge” connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island. You can walk to the island only at low tide—check the tide schedule beforehand! Anemone Cave Trail: A hidden cave that’s only exposed at low tide. Exploring this tide-dependent cave feels like uncovering a secret! 🍦 Local Treat Not to Miss Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium: Try their famous lobster ice cream—it has tiny chunks of lobster meat mixed in, and it’s surprisingly delicious! 😋 #Acadia #AcadiaNationalPark #AcadiaMaine #PortlandMaine #BostonLife #BostonDayTrips #NYCSurroundings #Maine