Morning: Fly into Bangor International Airport and pick up a rental car, then drive the scenic 45‑minute route to Bar Harbor, checking into your waterfront hotel. Take a leisurely walk along the town’s historic Main Street, browsing local boutiques and the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
Afternoon: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a waterfront restaurant before strolling the Shore Path, where you’ll catch stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the distant silhouette of Mount Desert Island. Stop by the Abbe Museum to learn about the Wabanaki heritage.
Evening: Dine on lobster rolls at a local tavern and then relax on the harbor’s dock, watching the sunset paint the sky over the islands.
Find HotelsMorning: Enter Acadia National Park and drive the iconic Park Loop Road, making your first stop at Sand Beach for a quick tide‑pool exploration. Continue to Thunder Hole to witness the dramatic sea spray.
Afternoon: Arrive at Jordan Pond for a leisurely hike around the crystal‑clear lake, then indulge in the famous popovers and tea at the historic Jordan Pond House.
Evening: Return to Bar Harbor for a sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay, spotting seals and possibly a glimpse of the lighthouse at Bass Harbor.
Find HotelsMorning: Beat the crowds and hike up Cadillac Mountain via the North Ridge Trail to experience one of the earliest sunrise views in the United States.
Afternoon: Descend and explore the historic Carriage Roads, renting a bike to glide over granite bridges and past serene forest groves, stopping at the Beehive Trail for a short, exhilarating climb.
Evening: Unwind with a casual dinner in Bar Harbor’s harbor district, then attend a ranger‑led night sky program at the park’s Schoodic Peninsula visitor center.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin with the Ocean Path trail, strolling beside rugged cliffs and stopping at iconic spots such as Great Head and Otter Cliffs for breathtaking ocean vistas.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch at Seawall Picnic Area followed by a gentle hike to Bubble Rock on the South Bubble Trail, offering panoramic views of the park’s interior.
Evening: Return to your lodging for a relaxed evening; consider a sunset walk on the Bar Harbor Shore Path to cap the day.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the lesser‑known Schoodic Peninsula, beginning at the Schoodic Loop Road and visiting the rugged Schoodic Point lighthouse.
Afternoon: Hike the Anvil Trail to the dramatic sea‑stack formation, then enjoy a beachside lunch at Schoodic Beach, often quiet and perfect for a quick dip.
Evening: Head back to Bar Harbor for a farewell dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, followed by a leisurely stroll under the starry night.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up and take a final walk through Bar Harbor, picking up any last‑minute souvenirs or fresh baked goods from the local bakery.
Afternoon: Drive back to Bangor International Airport, stopping at the scenic Camden Hills State Park for a short overlook if time allows.
Evening: Depart for home with memories of Acadia’s rugged coastlines, mountain vistas, and charming New England hospitality.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider adding a day to explore the Mount Desert Island’s inland trails like the Precipice Loop or spending a night camping at Blackwoods Campground. To shorten the itinerary, combine Day 4 and Day 5 by focusing on the main Loop Road attractions and skipping the longer Schoodic Peninsula drive, which will still give you a fulfilling Acadia experience in five days.