4-Day Nature Itinerary in Acadia National Park

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Bar Harbor, ME

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe This Way

Start your day with their famous blueberry pancakes and locally roasted coffee to fuel your adventure.
Located on Main St, only a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Acadia National Park Visitor Center

Visit the park's information center where you can gather maps and insight into the best hiking trails and viewpoints.
A 15-minute drive to the visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Hiking the Jordan Pond Loop

Enjoy a scenic 3.5-mile hike around Jordan Pond with the stunning backdrop of the Bubbles mountains.
Start at the Jordan Pond parking area, accessed via park roads.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Jordan Pond House

Indulge in their world-famous popovers with jam while overlooking the beautiful pond.
Located right next to Jordan Pond.
USD 20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Cadillac Mountain

Drive up to Cadillac Mountain and take in breathtaking views from the highest point on the east coast.
A 20-minute drive from Jordan Pond.
USD 30 (vehicle entrance fee), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Scenic Drive through Park Loop Road

Enjoy the views and pull off at various scenic overlooks throughout the park's 27-mile loop.
Begin at the top of Cadillac Mountain and head counter-clockwise on the loop.
Included in vehicle entrance fee, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Chart Room

Savor fresh seafood like lobster rolls and clam chowder while overlooking the harbor.
Drive back to Bar Harbor, 15 minutes from the Park Loop.
USD 35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Full Day in Acadia

Acadia National Park

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Jeannie's Breakfast

Try their famous breakfast burritos to start your day right before another adventure.
A short 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Biking the Carriage Roads

Rent a bike and explore the park's picturesque carriage roads that weave through the forest and along lakes.
Rental shop in Bar Harbor, followed by a 10-minute drive to the carriage roads.
USD 30 (bike rental), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic with local deli sandwiches and enjoy it surrounded by nature at a scenic spot.
Purchase provisions from a local deli before heading to your biking route.
USD 12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Trek to Beehive Trail

Ascend one of the park’s most popular trails featuring iron rungs and stunning views near the summit.
Located a short distance from the carriage road exit.
Free, 2-3 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Sand Beach

Unwind at this beautiful sandy beach and take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic ocean.
Drive 15 minutes from Beehive Trail to Sand Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Black Friar Inn & Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner featuring fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
A 10-minute drive back to Bar Harbor.
USD 40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Mount Desert Island Adventure

Mount Desert Island, ME

8:00 AM

Breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant

Savor an energizing breakfast with their famous eggs benedict before heading out for a day of exploration.
A 5-minute drive from your accommodation.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Schoodic Point

Visit the more remote section of Acadia National Park, perfect for breathtaking coastal views and fewer crowds.
A scenic 50-minute drive from Bar Harbor.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Walk the Schoodic Loop Trail

Experience the rugged coastlines on this 2-mile loop trail that showcases the stunning landscape.
Accessed at the Schoodic Point parking area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Galley Restaurant

Feast on fresh clam chowder and local specialties while overlooking the water.
Located at Schoodic by the Sea, a short drive from the trail.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Schoodic Institute

Engage with visitor programming or take part in their guided nature walks to deepen your understanding of the ecology.
Located within the Schoodic Peninsula area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Scenic Drive Along the Coast

Take a leisurely drive through the striking coastline and stop at scenic overlooks.
Follow Road 186 along the peninsula.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Salt Box

Relish a delicious meal with local Maine lobster dishes and desserts that capture the essence of the coast.
Return towards Bar Harbor, where the restaurant is located.
USD 35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Departure and Last Hike

Acadia National Park, ME

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, perhaps try their classic Maine blueberry waffles before concluding your stay.
Located a short drive from your accommodation.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike the Precipice Trail

For the adventurous, tackle this challenging trail with iron rungs leading to spectacular views at the summit.
Drive for 20 minutes to reach the trailhead.
Free, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Pack Lunch

Prepare a simple lunch from local groceries, perhaps wraps or salads for a quick meal at the park.
Pack before starting your hike for convenience.
USD 10, 30 minutes

1:00 PM

Final Exploration and Scenic Overview

Take a final stroll to the viewpoints around the park to soak in the last of the Acadian beauty.
Visit areas close to the Precipice Trail such as Otter Cliffs.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Departure

Head back to Bar Harbor to return your rental car and prepare for your journey home.
Return drive to Bar Harbor, around 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour
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