Half a Day in Acadia

⛰️ 🚗 Entry Prep & Trail Planning First, book your vehicle entry in advance—you’ll need to scan a QR code to get in. If your group wants to split up for different trails, set your meeting point at the start of Sand Beach. This spot is perfect: it’s the starting point for both the Beehive Trail (for those up for a climb), the Ocean Path + Gorham Mountain Trail, and even just relaxing on the beach—so it works for people who don’t want to hike and those looking for moderate-to-high difficulty routes! 🚶 Hiking Highlights: Sand Beach → Ocean Path → Gorham Mountain Sand Beach to Ocean Path: The Ocean Path follows the coastal road, with lots of winding side paths leading down to the rocky shore. Every step lets you hear the crash of waves against the rocks 🌊—the sound is so calming, it feels like nature’s own background music. Gorham Mountain Trail: This trail undulates along the coastline. When you reach the ridge, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view: the coastline, split into shades of blue and green, stretches out as far as the eye can see 🌌. I really loved this trail—Acadia’s most beautiful feature is the meeting of mountains and sea, and this path lets you soak that in perfectly. It’s not too strenuous to hike, but the scenery is absolutely top-tier! After the hike, we drove around to check out Jordan Pond and a few other spots—quick stops to soak in more of Acadia’s charm. 🏠 Stay: Hancock Coastal Airbnb We stayed at an Airbnb by the sea in Hancock, and it was a hidden gem! It had exclusive access to a quiet, empty shore—no crowds at all. The shallow waters were full of clams, so we could dig for them if we wanted 🦪. There were also kayaks by the shore that we could take out anytime—total coastal relaxation mode! 🛒 Shopping & Eats in Bar Harbor Most of our supplies came from Bar Harbor—super convenient for picking up snacks, drinks, or last-minute items. Two Cats Cafe: A solid spot for a casual meal—nothing fancy, but tasty and satisfying after a hike ☕. Seafood Steals (Fresh & Cheap!): Parson's Lobster and Seafood Shop: Great for unprocessed lobster 🦞—fresh and reasonably priced. Bar Harbor Oyster Co: Their oysters are cheap and fresh too—perfect if you’re craving seafood. ⚠️ Important Tip: Watch Out for Ticks! A heads-up—ticks are common here! We ended up having to go to the emergency room because of one, and the nurse greeted us with a cheerful “Welcome to Maine” 😂. It’s a lighthearted story now, but make sure to check yourself (and your gear/pets) for ticks after hiking—better safe than sorry! #Acadia #Maine #Portland