Maine Road Trip – 3-Day Acadia Getaway

You have to visit Acadia at least once during summer on the U.S. East Coast—it’s a coastal paradise you won’t forget! Here are the top experiences to add to your list: 1. Deep-Sea Fishing Deep-sea fishing is one of those activities where experiences vary a lot—mostly depending on how much you catch. Luckily, we had a total “beginner’s luck” vibe! We reeled in 10 fish total: 8 Atlantic mackerel and 2 cod. Even better, we had two double kills (catching two fish at once) and one triple kill (three fish at once)! Most people on our boat came up empty-handed, so our good luck made the fun doubly sweet 😆. And there was a bonus: After fishing, we got to feed seagulls! Watching dozens of seagulls dive for food was chaotic but so joyful—definitely an unexpected highlight 🐦. 2. Hiking to Cadillac Mountain Summit The mountain top has two parking lots, each with unique views: East Parking Lot: Perfect for sunrise, with vistas of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean. It also has a gift shop and restrooms—super convenient if you’re hiking up instead of driving 🚻. West Parking Lot: The go-to spot for sunset! You’ll see winding mountain roads and Eagle Lake glowing in the golden light 🌅. Pro tip: If you’re driving, book your sunrise/sunset ticket in advance—they sell out fast! 3. Lighthouse Sunset No Acadia trip is complete without a sunset (sunrises are just too early, let’s be real 😩). We recommend two spots: Cadillac Mountain or Bass Harbor Head Light. We chose the latter for its unique charm—and it didn’t disappoint! ⚠️ Heads up: The parking lot at Bass Harbor Head Light is tiny, so you’ll probably have to wait in line. Don’t arrive right at sunset—you’ll miss the best light! Once parked: Turn right if you want to get up close to the lighthouse. Turn left to find the sunset viewpoint—you’ll walk down a short cliff path, then pick a rock to sit on and wait for the sky to turn pink and orange 🗼. 4. Wildlife Spotting To see animals, timing is key—they usually come out in groups after the sun sets. We had some great sightings: A fox trotting through the woods late at night 🦊. White-tailed deer grazing near Southwest Harbor at dusk 🦌. Our only regret? We didn’t spot a moose—next time, we’ll keep our eyes peeled even harder 🫎! 5. Food Recommendations Acadia’s food scene is all about fresh seafood and Maine’s famous blueberries—here’s what to try: Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium: Their candy, blueberry pie, and gelato are pure summer sweetness 🍦. Geddy's: Order the mussels and pasta—hearty and full of coastal flavor 🥘. Havana: Their ham and mussels dish is a tasty twist on classic seafood 🐚. Jordan Pond House Restaurant: Don’t leave without trying their popovers—fluffy, buttery, and perfect with jam 🥐. Everywhere: Fresh oysters (they’re briny and sweet!) and Old Soaker blueberry soda (refreshing with every sip) 🫐. 6. Hidden Gem – Late-Night Mountain Drive Here’s a secret: The Park Loop Road costs $35 to drive during the day, but after the park closes (when staff leave), there’s no fee! ⚠️ Warning: The park has zero streetlights—once you turn off your car lights, it’s pitch-black, like being in a black hole. If you’re easily scared, skip this! But if you’re up for it: Watch the ocean under the full moon—it shimmers like silver 🌙. Stargaze for the Milky Way—with no light pollution, the stars are brighter than you’ve ever seen 🌌. #USNationalParks #Maine #SummerCoolingEats