Yayyy! You’re heading to Acadia National Park! It’s one of the most scenic national parks in the US and is incredible. This 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary covers the must-see highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s exactly how to spend your time in the park, including a realistic timeline each day.
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Acadia is gorgeous with its rugged coastline, granite mountains, peaceful lakes, and endless ocean views. This 3 day itinerary Acadia National Park style is perfect if you want full days, amazing viewpoints and time to soak it all in.
This guide covers a few of the most popular Acadia National Park hikes plus road-side attractions, must-see overlooks, Bar Harbor and more!
Alright, let’s get to it!
Acadia National Park itinerary: what to do on day 1
3 days in Acadia is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to hit the highlights, take a few hikes, and even relax in nature.
Morning: Ocean Path and Sand Beach
The Ocean Path runs alongside the rocky shoreline and offers constant ocean views. It’s mostly flat and great for first-time visitors who want scenery without a tough hike.
My kids’ favorite spot along this coastal hike is Thunder Hole, where waves crash dramatically against the rocks. I love how easy this walk was while still feeling like I was seeing the best of Acadia. And you can do as much or as little as you’d like.
Note: Parking is a disaster in the summer and it’s almost all parallel along the road. It’s a one-way loop road so find a spot early (as close to Sand Beach as you can), otherwise you’ll have to complete the full 20+ minute drive to loop back to the beginning.
After you get done walking the Ocean Path, spend some time at Sand Beach! It’s one of the most iconic spots in Acadia and a must for first-time visitors. Tucked between rocky cliffs along the Park Loop Road, this small sandy beach feels like a hidden cove and looks incredible from above.
The water here is cold, even in summer, but it’s still worth stopping to sun at the beach, walk along the shoreline, snap photos, or dip your feet in.
It’s also a great spot for a picnic lunch if you’d like to leisurely stay in the park for the day.
Timeline:
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Afternoon: drive the Park Loop Road
After leaving Sand Beach, head straight into Park Loop Road. This 27-mile loop connects many of Acadia’s most famous sights, making it perfect for your first day in the park
You’ll pass overlooks, trailheads, and coastal pull-offs with nonstop views. Here are some of my favorite stops along the Park Loop Road:
- Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole
- Otter Point
- Jordan Pond (see day 3 on this itinerary)
- Bubble Rock
Timeline:
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Evening: Cadillac Mountain
Evening: You may have heard Cadillac Mountain is amazing at sunrise because it’s one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise. And it is – but it’s also incredibly busy!
May through October, you’ll need vehicle reservations. So going for sunset is more relaxed, and also there’s more availability because there’s fewer crowds.
Grab a blanket to watch the sunset, or even a pizza or picnic dinner to enjoy the 360-degree views!
Timeline:
1-2 hours before sunset through sunset
Optional addition for day 1: hike to Bar Island at low tide
One of the most unique things to do near Acadia is hiking to Bar Island using the natural land bridge that appears at low tide. For a few hours each day, the ocean pulls back and reveals a rocky path you can walk across straight from downtown Bar Harbor.
This little adventure will take planning – you’ll want to start your walk to Bar Island an hour before low tide and make it back before the tide starts coming back up. If the tide comes in and you can’t make it across, you’ll be stuck on the island!
Day 2 on this Acadia National Park itinerary
Okay, so the second day you’re in Acadia National Park, there’s more adventure….
Morning: Bass Harbor Head Light
No itinerary Acadia National Park is complete without Bass Harbor Head Light. This lighthouse perched on rocky cliffs is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
Sunset is the most popular time, but visiting earlier in the day means fewer crowds. Either way, the view is dramatic and totally worth the stop.
I’ll say I was really surprised that the best photos taken were super far out onto the rocks. So if you have small kids or people in your group that can’t handle uneven surfaces, they might want to hang back on the trail.
Note: this really doesn’t take too much time on site, but the line to get into the parking lot can be very long.
Timeline:
9:00 – 10:30 am
Mid-morning: take the Ship Harbor Trail or Wonderland Trail
This area is less busy than many other spots in the park, and it’s actually really beautiful! I preferred the Ship Harbor Trail but also enjoyed the Wonderland Trail.
Wonderland Trail
1.4 mile out and back with scenic overlooks, and super flat. It’s perfect for families, dogs or those who just want a nice stroll. Go at high tide if possible as makes the hike prettier and more interesting.
Ship Harbor Trail
1.3 mile trail in the shape of a figure 8! Easy trail but not completely flat. Towards the loop or end of the 8, the views are spectacular along the coastline.
Timeline:
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Afternoon: Explore Bar Harbor (Cute, Coastal & Relaxed)
After days of hiking and sightseeing, slow things down in Bar Harbor, Maine. This charming town just outside the park is perfect for strolling, shopping and grabbing food.
The waterfront is beautiful and busy, but it never really felt too crowded. Spend some time walking through the cute town, enjoy the views and delicious food. It’s a great balance to your Acadia National Park itinerary 3 days.
Timeline:
At your leisure this afternoon/evening
Itinerary Acadia National Park – what to do your final day
Gah! Can you believe this park? It’s such a gorgeous area.
Morning: Jordan Pond Loop Trail
Start day two of your Acadia National Park itinerary with a peaceful morning at Jordan Pond. The 3.3-mile loop trail circles the pond and offers postcard-perfect views of the Bubbles (the hills) rising behind the water.
This trail is mostly flat, though there are rocky sections and wooden boardwalks that keep the hike interesting. Get there early for better parking and a calm, quiet, and like classic Acadia experience.
Note: the water is public water supply, so there’s no swimming, fishing, etc. This place is all about the views!
Timeline:
8:00 – 11:00 am
Mid-day: Echo Lake Beach (picnic, swim and relax)
After your morning hike, head to Echo Lake for a totally different side of the park. This freshwater lake is one of the best swimming spots in Acadia and feels like a hidden gem compared to the busy coastline.
The water is usually clearer and warmer than the ocean, making it perfect for a mid-day break. Spread out a towel, take a swim and soak in the mountain views! It’s the ideal way to slow things down and enjoy this gorgeous park during your 3 day itinerary Acadia National Park.
Timeline:
12:00 – 3:00 pm
Afternoon/evening: whale tour or sunset cruise to round out this 3 Day itinerary Acadia National Park
So while this isn’t in the park directly, it’s still worth adding to your 3 days in Acadia National Park itinerary. And you’ll have two choices here.
You can opt for a whale tour (in season, peak season is June – August), which typically leaves in the morning and afternoon tour. Whale tours give you the chance to spot humpback whales, fin whales, porpoises and a variety of other marine life.
Or, you can go for a sunset cruise at dusk. Sunset cruises focus more on coastal views, golden light, and relaxing vibes.
Both cruises will depart from Bar Harbor. You’ll want to plan to arrive a bit early and allow time for parking!
Either option fits perfectly into your days in the area.
Timeline:
Varies by tour
Additional option: Beehive Hike
And because we all like options, if you’re up for a little adventure, hiking the Beehive Trail is one of the most exciting experiences in Acadia. This short but steep trail uses iron rungs and ladders to climb the rocky cliffs, rewarding you with sweeping views over Sand Beach and the coastline.
I was actually super sad that I wasn’t able to do this trail. It wouldn’t have been possible with my two golden retrievers, and maybe even my kids!
If you’re comfortable with heights and want a big payoff in a short amount of time, the views from the top are incredible, from what I’ve heard!
Acadia National Park itinerary 3 days – that’s a wrap!
Whew! You’re going to have a fabulous time in Acadia National Park! It’s a phenomenal park with unforgettable sights and activities.
From the dramatic coastline to fun hikes and beautiful beaches, there’s so much to see and do in Acadia!
Related:
5 Fun Acadia National Park Hikes with Kids (+ the Trail to Skip)
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