TRAVEL GUIDE: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine

Wow. What a year it’s been. I think it’s safe to say none of us saw any of this coming, but I was determined to make the best of 2020 and still get some exploring in this year! I decided to do a small road trip through New England and visited: Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Maine. I picked these three states because it’s where the coronavirus cases seem the most constrained, and there was no quarantine advisory for when I return to NY.

I was in Maine for about 4 days and totally fell in love. I really wasn’t expecting to love Maine as much as I did, but now I totally understand the hype. If you’re looking for a quick getaway close to nature, Maine is definitely the place to go! So, I thought I’d share some of my favorite things to do while exploring Maine.

Pandemic Precautions: Maine has one of the country’s lowest rates of coronavirus infections, so overall it felt pretty safe to go. Everyone was wearing masks in congested areas, including the national park. We kept our stops during the drive to a bare minimum, and stayed in a hotel with a direct exit from our room so we did not have to go through a crowded lobby or elevator. I took a covid test as soon as I came back just in case and tested negative.

When to Go: The best time to go to Bar Harbor is between May 15 and September 15.

Where to Stay: We stayed in Bar Harbor, Maine. Our main priority was staying close to Acadia National Park, so we could spend as much time there as possible. But we also really wanted to be close to where the restaurants and shops were — and we could not have picked a better town to stay in! Bar Harbor is considered the main gateway to Acadia National Park, and that’s where most park visitors will base themselves. I highly recommend staying at Bar Harbor Inn, but there are plenty of other lodging options in the area. Whether you’re planning on spending most of your time in the park or prefer to spend more of your time in the village, there’s plenty to do for everyone! Here are some of my favorites.

Acadia National Park

The best thing about Bar Harbor is how close it is to Acadia National Park! The day after we arrived, we got an early start and headed towards the park to drive Park Loop Road, the 27-mile stretch that covers most of Mount Desert Island with multiple stopping points along the way. Before you enter the park, you’ll need to buy a parking pass. It’s a one time fee for the whole vehicle and that will grant your entrance to the park for up to 7 days. The first big attraction on Park Loop Road (depending on which direction you drive) is Thunder Hole: a natural rock formation where high seas can cause a thunder-like sound and a giant splash. The best time to hear the noise is two hours before high tide, so make sure you check tide times before you go. You can continue along the road to Sand Beach and then Otter Cliffs. The views here are breathtaking, so enjoy a relaxing morning with nature. Next, head over to Jordan Pond and have a picnic lunch. Jordan Pond is the only place to purchase food in the park, so grab some from here of bring your own and take a nice lunch break by the water. You can also take a nice 3.4 mile walk around the pond if you have time. Jordan Pond’s restaurant is known for its popovers, so if you can wait on the line, definitely try them out. If you’re feeling ambitious you can try hiking the Beehive Trail, or head up to Cadillac Mountain to catch the sunset.

Taste Local Craft Beers at Atlantic Brewing Company

Unwind with some cold brews at Atlantic Brewing Company. The main location on Knox Road offers free tours, but you can also relax with a cold beer at their taproom in town.

Go Kayaking in Acadia National Park

Most of the coastal water you see is actually part of the National Park. You can book a guided kayaking tour, get a different view of the park, and possibly see some wildlife! The kayak tours also get booked very quickly during Bar Harbor’s peak season. Make sure to book your spot as soon as you can.

Bike through Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads

Rent a bike and explore Acadia Park’s carriage roads is a great way to spend the day. Carriage roads are biking trails that cover a big part of the park grounds. When you rent your bike, they’ll explain the different loops you can do, but the main one is the Eagle Lake & Jordan Pond loop. It’s about 10 miles, and there’s a lot of it that felt like it was uphill, so be ready for a strenuous bike ride.

Eat at Terrace Grille at Bar Harbor Inn

Make sure you stop by for a meal at Terrace Grille. The views are incredible, the food and drinks were great, and the service was excellent. What more could you possibly want?

Enjoy a Whale Watching Cruise

Unfortunately, I didn’t book a whale watching cruise in Maine early enough, so I went whale watching from Massachusetts. But it was honestly so much fun. I got to see 3 different kinds of whales, as well as a group of 5 humpback whales playing and feeding together, including a calf! Make sure to book your whale watching cruise in Bar Harbor at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your spot.

Grab a Drink at Ivy Manor Inn

Ivy Manor Inn has opened its front yard to the public and it is absolutely adorable. Grab a drink in the evening and see if you can snag a chair by the fire pit. I mean, is it really a New England summer if you aren’t drinking beer by a fire pit? The space if first come first serve, so be prepared to wait, especially during peak times.

Walk The Shore Path

The Shore Path is part of ‘The Museum in the Streets’ and is basically a long self-guided tour along the coastline that is marked with signs explaining the history of Bar Harbor. Shockingly, some of the historical buildings actually predate the national park! Between the 1880s and 1920s, some of New England’s most famous families — including the Rockefellers and President Taft — had homes or vacationed in Bar Harbor. Families also walk the Shore Path early in the morning and make rock formations by the water. Honestly, you can just sit here and watch the stunning boats sail by for hours. It’s so therapeutic!

Explore the Shops in Bar Harbor Village

Take a stroll around Bar Harbor’s downtown area. There are so many shops and stores to see! My favorites were the store with the sun catchers and In the Woods, a cute woodworking shop!