Must-See Sights in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park: A Captivating Way to Experience Maine’s Beauty

acadia national park, maine, usa — Photo by ArtTower on Pixabay

This National Park is a breathtaking experience on Maine’s rocky coast. Acadia is a favorite destination for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and vacationing families.

Acadia National Park Islands

Most of this alluring national park is on Mount Desert Island. The four awe-inspiring regions of the park include:

Mount Desert Island
Isle au Haut
Schoodic Peninsula
Outer Islands

Mount Desert Island

Mount Desert Island is the second largest island on our country’s eastern seaboard. The four townships include:

Mount Desert
Bar Harbor
Tremont
Southwest Harbor

The year-round population of Mount Desert Island is 10,535. Each township on the island has a unique charisma and amenities to make visitors feel welcome. A substantial portion of Acadia National Park and the villages of Salisbury Cove, Town Hill, and Hulls Cove are on the island. The charming coastal town of Bar Harbor is approximately 11 mi from the park and is one of the country’s most famous places to visit. Bar Harbor was a summer retreat for the nation’s wealthy industrialists during the Gilded Age.

Aerial view of Bar Harbor, Maine. Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine and a popular tourist destination. — Photo by mandritoiu on Adobe Stock

Sailboats and fishing boats bob gently in the scenic harbor. Colorful shops, cafes, and galleries line the tranquil streets. The Shore Path begins at Agamont Park and extends to the island’s eastern shore. Early risers thrill to the sun breaking over the horizon. The brilliant gold and crimson sunset over Frenchman Bay is magical.

MAINE-MT. DESERT ISLAND-TREMONT — Photo by thomas on Adobe Stock

Tremont is a small, serene fishing community on the back side of Mount Desert Island. Bass Harbor Head Light in Tremont is a clifftop lighthouse built in 1858. The lighthouse is open each day until sunset.

Lupines blossom with boat in background on Fernald Point along Sommes Sound near Southwest Harbor, Maine — Photo by Craig A Walker on Adobe Stock

Southwest Harbor on the island’s southwest side is the choice for visitors seeking tranquility. The small town features unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Choose to stay in a charming inn, bed & breakfast, or vacation rental. Manset offers stunning views of the Cranberry Islands, Sutton Island, and Bear Island Lighthouse.

Isle au Haut

Sailboat at Island in Maine — Photo by Leon Bredella on Unsplash

Isle au Haut, or High Island, is a lobster fishing community with 75 full-time and some seasonal residents. Most of the island is part of Acadia National Park. Hiking, kayaking, and biking are among favorite activities. Duck Harbor Campground offers primitive camping sites. Isle au Haut is accessible from Stonington by mail boat. Robinson Point Light, or Isle au Haut, is the lighthouse below the tide line that connects to the lighthouse keeper’s house by a walkway. The house is now a vacation rental. Visitors thrill to seals and porpoises frolicking in the surf.

Schoodic Peninsula

The Schoodic Peninsula is the only region of Acadia National Park on the mainland. Schoodic Point offers stunning views of Cadillac Mountain and the Atlantic surf pounding the shore. Schoodic Point is 45 mi from Bar Harbor using coastal roads. Ellsworth, considered one of Maine’s most charming small towns, is 30 miles away on coastal road Route 1.