Things To Do
Making the most of Vacationland.
Acadia National Park
Simply put, when you visit Mount Desert Island you must see Acadia National Park. Full Stop.
While the entire park is accessible via a loop drive (so really - there are literally no excuses not to visit) the park is best experienced up close and on foot. Below are some of our favorite spots as a starting point for your own Acadia adventure!
Cadillac Mountain
The tallest point in Acadia, Cadillac Mountain is accessible by hike or by car and is the most famous destination in the park. From October through March, this mountain is the first place to see the sunrise in the United States! Whether you make it up there for sunrise or a nice sunset, this peak is a must see.
Little Hunters Beach
Little Hunters Beach has been a secret favorite of ours for years. Tucked away just off of the main loop road, this calm beach features incredible rounded rocks that roll in and out with the tide. Secret fact: Renee’s favorite sound in the world is the sound of rocks hitting other rocks that are just under the water. That sound originated here.
Jesup Path
Jesup Path is an easy hike for those that want to get out in nature without all the fuss of hiking up the face of cliff (see Beehive below) or deal with lots of navigating (it’s a straight line). If you only have a short time to explore the park, we recommend this option for some PRIME leaf peeping in the fall.
The Beehive Trail
This one isn’t for the faint of heart or the out of shape. The Beehive Trail offers spectacular views from the top but to get there you have climb straight up on iron rungs welded to the side of the mountain. This is Will and Renee’s favorite hike and if you think you can do it, it’s well worth a try.
Jordan Pond House
If you get hungry in Acadia the best place to be is Jordan Pond. The restaurant on the southern banks of the pond, Jordan Pond House, is famous for its popovers and afternoon tea. After enjoying the Pond House you can also take an easy hike around the pond and soak in The Bubbles from multiple viewpoints.
Waterfall Bridge
A favorite secret spot for Will, the Waterfall Bridge showcases both some of the amazing history of the park along with an incredible natural feature. Hadlock Falls is the largest waterfall in the park and yet rarely seen by the average park visitor. The bridge, built by the Rockefellers in the 1920s as part of the carriage road system, is an amazing place to stop and hang out while wandering the park.
Food & Drink
Beal’s Lobster Pier
No trip to Acadia with the Swetz family is complete without a trip to Beal’s Lobster Pier. This staple of Southwest Harbor carries one of the best lobster rolls on the island. An absolute must-go and a great drive is to be had along the way.
XYZ Restaurant
XYZ is the definition of a hidden gem. With owners that split their time in Maine and Mexico City, this place brings the authentic food of northern Mexico to a part of the world you’d least expect to find it. We highly recommend a meal and be sure to make a reservation if you’re serious about checking this place out.
Atlantic Brewing: Midtown
We love beer. Atlantic Brewing in Bar Harbor has the goods. Enough said!
There’s More!
Bass Harbor Lighthouse
If you’re a fan of spectacular sunsets, we recommend checking out the Bass Harbor Lighthouse for the golden hour while you’re on the island. People are known to climb all over the rocks to get the perfect shot, but just simply being there with someone you care about is just as rewarding.
Little Cranberry Island
A true MDI adventure awaits those who take the Beal & Bunker Mail Boat and Ferry to Little Cranberry Island. Both of the Cranberry Isles are kind of like their own territories - think no license plates on cars, few paved roads, and structures ranging from fully lived in to fully abandoned. There’s a great art gallery and restaurant on the pier as well!
Thuya Gardens
These gardens are right by the Asticou Inn and offer some great spots of solitude to load up on peace and tranquility. If you want to get away from it all for a moment and just take in the scenery of Northeast Harbor, this place is it!