The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor


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Do you dream of visiting the coast of Maine? Do you envision iconic lighthouses set on rocky shores, pots filled to the brim with bright red lobsters, pine trees towering overhead? 3 days in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor should do the trick!

That perfect Maine vision is what you will find on beautiful Mount Desert Island, home of both the town of Bar Harbor and the spectacular Acadia National Park. To get the most out of your visit, we’ve set up a 3-day itinerary Acadia National Park style.

This area is wonderful for travelers of all kinds, with an endless array of outdoor activities plus sightseeing, shopping, and dining for the less adventurous. Ideally, you’ll have a week or more to explore Bar Harbor and the surrounding area, but you can certainly fit the best of the best into a few days.

We had a fantastic time on our recent couples trip to this stunning area, and we’re going to share our Maine itinerary with you. There’s also a downloadable self-guided driving and walking tour of Acadia and Bar Harbor for your phone that could come in handy for your trip, too. If you only have 3 days in Acadia National Park, use them well! Let’s plan!

3 Day Itinerary Acadia National Park

A large body of water with a mountain in the background under a blue sky.
Only have 3 days in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor? Follow our 3 day itinerary for Acadia National Park.

Day 1 Bar Harbor

On day one, arrive on Mount Desert Island. If you’re wondering how to get to Bar Harbor, you have a few options.

By Car: You don’t necessarily need a car once you’re on the island, as the main area of Bar Harbor is walkable and there is a free shuttle that circles through Acadia. But driving to Bar Harbor is an easy way to get there. Bar Harbor is quite far north in the state of Maine, but it’s a fairly straight shot north on 95 towards Bangor. (Find the best car rental prices here). 

At that point, you’ll head east out to Mount Desert Island. Driving from Boston to Bar Harbor takes approximately 5 hours. Portland, ME to Bar Harbor is a drive of 3.5 hours.

By Air: There is a small regional airport (Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport) with free bus service to Bar Harbor (available only during the summer). An alternate option is to fly into the larger airport in Bangor and rent a car or take a bus.

Colorful downtown shops and restaurants line a road where cars are parked under a blue sky.
You’ll love exploring Bar Harbor Maine!

Right away, you’ll be charmed with how cute downtown Bar Harbor is. And today, we’re going to explore it! First, check into your accommodation. We loved the Bar Harbor Inn, where we stayed, and which is in an absolutely perfect location, but check out our whole list of best places to stay in the Acadia region, as well as these cozy Acadia cabin rentals.

Now for the rest of your Day 1 activities in Bar Harbor. You’ll be following a laid back schedule today, focused on exploring downtown Bar Harbor. The downtown area is made up of a small network of streets, and it’s easy to get around on foot.

You will spend this evening browsing Bar Harbor shops, grabbing a bite to eat, and, if you’re up for it, enjoying some of the casual nightlife.

In the foreground, a fountain is lit up with green and blue lights. The background showcases shops lining a busy street with cars at night.
Pretty Bar Harbor at night

Recommendations for Downtown Bar Harbor:

Entrance to a charming bookshop. The window showcases books on shelves, and a person can be seen through the window shopping.
One of the coolest places to visit in Bar Harbor Maine

Day 2 Acadia National Park Itinerary

Good morning! Day 2 of your Bar Harbor itinerary begins early with a drive through Acadia National Park. Grab your camera because the scenery is spectacular!

How far is Bar Harbor from Acadia National Park?

One of the great things about this region is how there’s so much to do within easy driving distance. Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park (and vice versa) is just a few minutes’ journey. You’ll be at the entrance to the park very quickly.

Read Next: The Top Things to Do in Acadia National Park, Maine

You’ll be driving the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile route that circumnavigates a large portion of Mount Desert Island. You can stop as much as you wish during the drive. There are multiple parking lots and pull-off points. You’ll be seeing Acadia National Park views like this:

A rocky, dramatic, cliff with bright blue water under a blue sky is seen with a forest in the background.
Dramatic, rugged cliffs are one of those gorgeous landscape features Acadia National Park has to offer!
A close up of a tree with fall foliage. The background features a body of water with a rocky cliff side in Acadia National Park in Maine.
Fall foliage in Acadia National Park is just a part of its autumn charm!

Psst: Before you enter the park, you will need to buy an entrance pass. You can find out where to buy and specific prices here. If you’re traveling without a car, the Island Explorer shuttle passes through the park, or you can hop on a narrated bus tour with fellow travelers.

Planning to visit several national parks this year? The America the Beautiful Pass is an amazingly good deal, giving you access to more than 2,000 sites for an entire year. Get it here.

Thunder Hole

Your first main stop on the Park Loop Road is at Thunder Hole. This is a natural rock formation where high seas can cause a thundering boom and a huge splash. If you time it right, you can catch prime conditions for the thunder!

The best time to visit Thunder Hole is 2 hours before high tide. (Check tides here). This is when the waves are moving in and when booms and splashes are most likely. You may not catch the massive roar that Thunder Hole is known for, but you can still get an idea of this geological wonder.

Ocean Path: Sand Beach to Otter Point

Continue along the road for more beautiful sights and great places to stop, including Sand Beach (one of the best beaches in Maine!) and Otter Point. It’s worth just stopping and relaxing and enjoying the view. Acadia National Park is a popular place, so expect some crowds especially in the summertime.

There are definitely less crowded stops along the way. Even during a busy fall week, we were able to find a few spots all to ourselves. Hint: head down the paths and trails toward the water.

Jordan Pond House

Your next big stop is at Jordan Pond. This is a gorgeous body of water with two notable features to the rear. These hills are known as The Bubbles (and you can hike them). If time allows, go for a walk on the 3.4 mile Jordan Pond Loop Trail, an easy trail which takes you around the pond.

Deep blue waters surrounded by rocky green mountains under a blue sky.
Look at these beautiful views!
Body of water under a blue sky with a forest in the distance on Mount Desert Island.
Mount Desert Island has so many pretty sights to see.

Whether you do the hike or simply stop and admire the pond, one of the top things to do in any Acadia National Park itinerary is to eat at the Jordan Pond House. The restaurant offers a full menu, but what it’s famous for is POPOVERS.

Popovers are a light, hollow roll made with egg batter. They. Are. Delicious. If you’ve ever tasted Yorkshire Pudding, these are very similar.

Jordan Pond House has been serving popovers and tea since the 1890s, so having one (or two or three or four!) is an essential item on your list of Acadia National Park sites. Many friends suggested we give them a try, and we were very glad we did. The popovers come in groups of two, and honestly, two are enough to satisfy you. Spread them with butter and strawberry jam, and savor!

A plate of food and a cup of water on a table in Acadia National Park.
The famous popovers at Jordan Pond House.

Whale Watch/Nature Cruise

Head back into Bar Harbor. You’re ready to spend some time on the water! You should take a cruise with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

Depending on the time of year, you’ll have various options. You can see whales, puffins, seals, and seabirds, take a lighthouse tour, or take a more general nature cruise.

We took a scenic nature cruise during our visit to Bar Harbor in October, and it was a lot of fun. It was great to get out on the water and learn more about the coastline. Our guide was really well informed, and we learned a lot about the history of Acadia National Park and its residents.

Read Next: Where to Find the Best Whale Watching in Maine

White building with a red roof on a rocky island by the water.
One of the coolest coastal Acadia attractions!

A densely forested coastline is seen with a bird flying overhead under a blue sky.

Of course, we also spotted some wildlife (our favorite part)! While you don’t get super close to the wildlife on this cruise, you can spot seals and eagles from a distance. If you’re there during whale watching season, we’d recommend going on a whale watch, as those are an exhilarating experience!

Read Next: The Best New England Fall Foliage Tours Worth Your Money (2023)

A group of people on a boat in the water looking out at the scenic cliff side on Mount Desert Island
There are lots of great tours in Acadia National Park to take!

Following your cruise, it’s time for dinner and relaxation. If you’re up for it, head out for a sunset hike or drive to a beautiful spot along the Park Loop Road.

READ NEXT  8 Scenic Drives in Maine that are Perfect for Fall

Day 3 Acadia Itinerary Continued

Ready to get up early? If you are, you can join the throngs of people who head up to the top of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. We’re told this is gorgeous and worth the early rise. (It didn’t work out for us to check out Cadillac on this last trip, but we’ll definitely do so in the future…it’s got to be one of the most romantic things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine).

You don’t even have to hike to the summit, though you certainly can. There is a road you can take to park at the top. If you do go, plan to arrive especially early as it can be busy, making parking a challenge.

The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting Acadia National Park. People come here for the fabulous hikes. We’d love to return and do some camping and more hiking. Since we were short on time, however, we wanted to pick the best of the best when it came to hikes. A suggestion that we kept hearing was the Beehive.

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The Beehive Loop Trail

After some research, we decided to hike the Beehive Loop Trail. Honestly, this was one of the most enjoyable hikes we’ve ever done. It was not too long of a trip, taking only a couple hours to complete. What makes this trail so amazing is the route up.

If you have a fear of heights, you may want to avoid the Beehive Trail. Much of the trail leads nearly straight up the cliff face, and you will have to use railings and handles embedded in the rocks to help you on the way.

This is the fun part. It’s so awesome to feel like a climbing monkey as you scale the cliffside. This trail will require your whole body, and I’d recommend having some flexibility and comfort with supporting your own weight, but it is not as taxing as it might seem.

Man climbing up a metal ladder on rocks in Acadia National Park

I (Amy) was somewhat nervous before the hike, as I wasn’t sure if it would be too strenuous. (I’m not a stranger to hiking, but I’m sliiiightly out of shape.) It turns out, I did just fine!

I felt the toughest part of the hike was the beginning, when you’re heading up rocky stairs. This is the most exhausting part of the path, especially for someone with short legs like me. But there is plenty of time throughout the hike to rest and regain your energy. And if you need an excuse to take a breather, the views are absolutely crazy!

Aerial view of the coastline filled with plush fall forests.
Just look at these stunning Acadia views!

Rock path up high with a forest in the background in Acadia National Park

Fall colors dot a forest with the water seen in the distance.
Just look at these fall colors in Acadia National Park!
Landscape view of the coast in the distance under a blue sky. The foreground features bright forests with fall folilage.
So many fantastic views to take in during your long weekend in Acadia.

Spend time at the summit soaking up the gorgeous Acadia scenery, which is especially incredible as the fall foliage bursts into view. You can continue on to another summit called the Bowl, or head back down the Beehive Loop. Don’t worry–you don’t have to go back the way you came! The route down is much more traditional!

Still have some energy? That’s the spirit! If you’re up for it, go out and tackle another hike! Here’s a great list from Travel & Leisure featuring some of the best trails for your Acadia National Park trip itinerary.

Bass Harbor Head Light

You can’t visit Maine without stopping by a lighthouse. The Bass Harbor Head Light, located on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island, is definitely worth a visit. Surrounded by tall pines, it teeters on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the sea. It doesn’t get more iconic “Maine” than this.

After your day of hiking, drive over to the other side of the island to visit the Bass Harbor Head Light. This spot is super lovely at sunset, but if I visited again, I’d go earlier in the day, especially if you want to take photographs.

It’s very, very crowded at sunset. It’s tough to park, and unless you arrive super early, you won’t have any space to set up a tripod and grab that sunset photo you’re after. In fact, there are very few places to stand, and the rocks are slippery and uneven. And some of the photographers who are there REALLY do not like people getting in their shots!!!

We did achieve a sunset shot of Bass Harbor Head Light, but to get this, I ended up sitting on sharp rocks among the water and seaweed itself! The things we travel bloggers will do for a photo! 

Bright white light house is perched on the side of a rugged cliff by the water under a sunset sky.
Bass Harbor Headlight at sunset.

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor

During your 3 days in Bar Harbor, you’ll want to enjoy the local dining scene. There are some fantastic restaurants here. We took the advice of friends (and Yelp) and ended up at some total gems.

Side Street Cafe

Oh wow. This has got to be one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor. The Side Street Cafe is, predictably, on a side street. Just a few blocks from the main tourist area, this tasty place is tucked away waiting for you. Though you might not stumble upon it, you should make plans to head here ASAP. It’s where many locals like to dine, and with good reason.

Awesome food. Awesome prices. Incredible mac ‘n cheese. Great beer. Happy hour. We promise it’s awesome.

Blue and orange sign that says Side Street Cafe, with the cafe in the background under a dark blue sky in Bar Harbor Maine.
One of the top places to eat during your long weekend in Bar Harbor.

The Thirsty Whale

This tavern is relaxed and pleasant. It has the laid back, unassuming air of a sailor’s tavern, with hearty dishes and good drinks. Try the lobster bisque for sure. This spot also offers affordable prices. More info on The Thirsty Whale.

Other Suggested Bar Harbor Restaurants:

  • The Reading Room, Bar Harbor Inn
  • 2 Cats Restaurant
  • C-Ray Lobster
  • Lompoc Cafe

Read Next: The Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary (Flexible 2-3 Week Itinerary)

Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park

Check out our article on the top Acadia and Bar Harbor accommodation here!

Want a great place to stay in Bar Harbor? Camping is lovely in Acadia, and there are tons of excellent Bar Harbor campgrounds to choose from, as well as cute and cozy cabins and vacation rentals.

But for Acadia hotels, you will love the Bar Harbor Inn. It has a wonderful location just steps from shops, restaurants, and the harbor. You can sit outside on the lawn and enjoy beautiful views out over the water. Two on-site restaurants mean you don’t even have to go far to have a good meal. There’s also a spa, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, free continental breakfast, and many rooms with ocean views.

People sit on a lawn in comfortable chairs enjoying the weather. A white historic inn is seen in the distance under a blue sky.
This is definitely one of the prettiest places to stay near Acadia!

We really enjoyed our stay. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and the inn was perfectly cozy. If you stay here, spend some time in the lobby, where a roaring fire greets you on cold days and fresh baked cookies are waiting regularly.

Front of a white building that says Bar Harbor Inn at night. A pumpkin is perched in the foreground near Acadia National Park.
Beautiful Bar Harbor Inn at night.
A historic room filled with furniture and vase of flowers on a table near Acadia National Park
Just look at this pretty hotel near Acadia National Park!

How Many Days to Spend in Acadia National Park?

  • There are enough hikes and other activities to fill a week, but even if you only plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Acadia National Park, the recommendations provided here will give you a good taste!

Don’t forget to pack these items for your trip to Maine!

  • Good footwear, like sturdy boots. This is especially important in the colder months, or if you want to do some serious walking around in the outdoors. Plus, you’ll look very Maine-stylish with the right footwear. PS: Don’t forget the right socks.
  • Maine is all about LAYERS. A windbreaker or waterproof jacket will do just fine. Whether you’ll be boating or camping, the temperatures can drop quickly in Maine, even in the summertime. Be prepared with the right garments, and you’ll feel great in any weather! REI has some ideal sweatshirt options that are also pretty cute!
  • Going camping? Grab a tent and sleeping bags, plus other essential camping gear.

If you’ve only got a few days to explore this beautiful Maine national park, this 3 day Acadia National Park itinerary will help you plan your trip so you can enjoy the top sights in Acadia!


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Our stay in Bar Harbor was in partnership with Visit Maine. Our accommodations and select activities were provided courtesy of Visit Maine & partners. As always, all opinions are our own and reflect our true experience.