7 Places to See in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, or the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, is one of America’s most visited national parks. This area, which protects most of Maine’s Mount Desert Island, was first designated as a National Monument in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1919, it was officially declared a National Park.

There are many beautiful places to see in Acadia. This park is known for its rugged coastline, gorgeous fall colors, and wildlife. I first visited Acadia during the peak leaf changes (October) and was blown away by the vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. If you are flexible, I suggest planning your trip around the fall colors.

Regardless of when you go, there are a few sites you will always want to check out. Keep reading to learn more about the 7 can’t miss places to see in Acadia National Park.

Cadillac Mountain

Seeing the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain seems like a right of passage for visitors to Acadia. Before visiting, I was a bit skeptical if the sunrise would be worth it. After all, you have to get up pretty early to make it in time.

I camped in the Blackwoods Campground and set my alarm for 4:20 am. Cadillac Mountain is just under 30 minutes from the campsite. Once I got ready and made it to the parking lot, it was 5:30 am. Sunrise was set for 6:48 am that morning. There were a few other cars in the lot, but at that time there were still plenty of spots. We left the car to go scope out a spot, but soon realized just how cold it was outside. We sat in the car until 6:15 am, then grabbed our blankets and headed back to the mountain.

Sure, it was early and I was cold. But the sunrise was absolutely worth it. From October to March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in America to see the sunrise. There were plenty of great spots to sit and watch the colors break over the water. I’ve never experienced a sunrise quite like this before and there is a reason it is in the number 1 spot on this list.

Head’s up, if you want to watch the sunrise, you do need to get here early. The parking lot filled up quickly and you are not supposed to park on the side of the road. Give yourself plenty of time so you don’t miss this unique experience! After, make your way to Bar Harbor for a classic Maine breakfast. I enjoyed some delicious blueberry pancakes from Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast just after the sunrise!

Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road was the highlight of my time in Maine. Driving this road is a great way to get a taste for Acadia’s landscape. During the fall, you will drive past trees with vibrant yellow, red, and orange leaves. There are many great spots to pull over to soak in the views or take pictures.

Many of the park’s iconic sights (which are also included later on this list) can be visited off Park Loop Road. As you travel around, you can stop at Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole. Budget a few hours to half a day to fully appreciate this route and the stops along the way.

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is a perfect spot to appreciate Maine’s glacier-carved landscape. This is Acadia’s deepest lake (150 feet) and situated in front of the iconic Bubble Mountains. Here, you can take a relaxed stroll or bike ride along the 3.3 mile-loop path that surrounds the lake.

Next to Jordan Pond, you will see the Jordan Pond House. This first opened in the 1890s, although the original building sadly burned down in the 1970s. The rebuilt location still continues the tradition of popovers and afternoon tea, which have been served here for more than 100 years.

Even if you don’t visit the Jordan Pond House, the lake is a great place to see in Acadia. Here you will also find a small gift shop with take-away food, which is perfect if you are looking for a quick lunch. Sit on the patio overlooking the lake for a great view with your meal!

Sand Beach

Acadia reminded me of Washington‘s Olympic National Park in many ways. One of my favorite things about both parks was the fact that you could go hiking through the forest and visit a beach in the same day.

Sand Beach is a small sandy beach surrounded by rocky cliffs and green trees. During the summer months, a lifeguard is on staff and you are allowed to swim, although the water only gets to about 55 F. Even if you don’t plan on swimming, take some time to enjoy a nice stroll along the sand. The beach is conveniently located off Park Loop Road. There are even a few hiking trails leading from the beach, including the Great Head Trail and Ocean Path Trail.

Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is an area on the coast near Sand Beach. This small cavern gets its name from the loud sound made when water is forced out of the rocky inlet. When the waves are rough enough, the water sounds like a clap of thunder and water is spewed 40-feet in the air.

During my visit, the waves were relatively calm so I experienced a tame version of Thunder Hole. Even though I didn’t hear the iconic “clap”, I still enjoyed my time in this spot. There is a nice trail along the water where you can soak up Maine’s coastal scenery.

Head’s up, Thunder Hole does get crowded (especially since many tour buses stop here). Don’t be discouraged, there are plenty of spots to stand and watch for the waves.

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Did you really go to Maine if you didn’t see a lighthouse? That’s exactly how I felt. The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the only one in Acadia, so I made a point to stop here during my trip.

This lighthouse was built in 1858 and is now maintained by the US Coast Guard. Although you can’t go inside the lighthouse, you can get a nice view from the rocky shoreline trail.

Hull Cove Visitor Center

When in a National Park you have to stop at a visitor center! The Hull Cove Visitor Center is the main one in Acadia. This visitor center is known for the 52 steps you have to follow from the parking lot to the building’s entrance. (Think of it as your first hike in the park!) The staircase winds through the woods and you can catch a glimpse of some beautiful leaves from this path.

Once inside the visitor center, you can purchase souvenirs or get your National Park’s Passport stamped. This is also a great place to speak to a ranger and learn more about the park’s offerings. Plus, there are clean restrooms inside.

I hope you enjoyed my list of the 7 can’t miss places to see in Acadia National Park! Are you planning a trip to Maine soon? What are you most excited about?