Acadia National Park is a hiking paradise. There are roughly 125 miles of trails in the park, ranging from gentle strolls through spruce-pine forest to sheer ascents up nearly vertical cliffs. Hikers can summit over a dozen peaks, offering the most dramatic coastal scenery in New England.

Filled with more shops, restaurants and hotels than all other towns on the island combined, Bar Harbor is the unofficial capital of MDI. Its narrow streets and ramshackle buildings, perched on a gentle hill overlooking the harbor, make it the quintessential Maine coastal town.

No visit to Bar Harbor is complete without a visit to the town’s namesake island. Twice a day when the tide goes out, a sandbar is exposed that temporarily connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island. The sandbar starts at the end of Bridge Street, about a half mile west of the Bar Harbor town pier. There’s a roughly 3 hour window (90 minutes before & after low tide) when you can walk across the sand bar and explore Bar Island. A half mile path on the island heads to an overlook 120 feet above sea level that offers terrific views of Bar Harbor. The path starts at the southern tip of Bar Island, continues past a large field, then bears left on the way towards the overlook. (Plan on a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Sand Bar to the overlook). Be sure to check local papers for the tide schedules before walking across to Bar Island.

This easy 3/4 mile path wraps around the eastern tip of Bar Harbor, offering terrific views of Frenchman Bay and Porcupine Islands.

This popular park, set on a gentle hill overlooking the shore, offers great views.

From the web: Established company providing whale watching, lighthouse & nature boat tours throughout the summer.

The Margaret Todd is a 151-foot, four masted schooner, offering two-hour cruises around Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. The Margaret Todd sails three times daily (10am, 2pm, sunset). All trips depart from the Bar Harbor Inn pier, where tickets are sold.

Twisting 27 miles through the eastern half of MDI. There are a few popular ways to explore the Park Loop Road: drive your own car, pay for a guided bus tour, take the free Island Explorer shuttle, or bike. Taking your own car offers the most flexibility, but traffic and parking can be a hassle in July & August. Guided bus tours offer narrated commentary and remove the hassle of driving & parking, but they whisk you through the park on a set schedule with little time to explore on your own. The Island Explorer Shuttle offers flexibility (it stops at popular destinations about every 30 minutes) and relaxation (no driving, no parking), but it doesn’t follow the Park Loop Road in a continuous loop (it’s broken up into two separate routes) and it doesn’t go to the top of Cadillac Mountain.

Home to a natural spring used by early settlers.

This small pond is home to several beavers, whose dam can be seen at the far side of the pond. Beavers are most active at dawn & dusk.

Marked by an obvious pull-off on the left side of the road, this overlook provides sweeping views of Frenchman Bay, Egg Rock Lighthouse, and Schoodic Peninsula beyond.

Past Egg Rock Overlook, the Park Loop Road descends alongside the sheer eastern flank of Champlain Mountain, which rises nearly 1,000 vertical feet above the road. These cliffs (steepest on the island) are home to the Precipice hiking trail.

On clear summer days, this beach gets very crowded. The water is very cold. Even in the summer, ocean temperatures rarely crack 60 degrees.

A narrow rock crevice that booms like thunder when waves hit it just right. The trick is to visit at just the right time (about 2 hours before high tide)

These vertical cliffs rise 110 feet above the ocean, making them irresistible to rock climbers in the summer and fall. Otter Cliffs is one of the only places on the eastern seaboard where you can rock climb directly above the ocean.

About half a mile past Otter Cliffs lies the Otter Point parking area on your right. From the parking area, a short path crosses the road and heads down to Otter Point, which at low tide is one of the best places in the park to explore tide pools.

A small cobblestone beach 2 miles past Otter Point. Look for a small wooden staircase on the left side of the road, then follow the stairs down to the beach.

Wildwood Stables offers horse-drawn buckboard rides ranging from 1 to 2 hours on the famous Carriage Roads. Two rides are available: Day Mountain, which offers views of the coast, and the Rockefeller Bridge Tour, which passes through the forest en route to several beautiful stone bridges.

As the Park Loop rises above the eastern shore of Jordan Pond, it heads between Penetic Mountain (on your right) and the Bubbles (on your left). Shift your gaze upward for a glimpse of Bubble Rock. For a upclose look, there is a moderate, 0.7 mile round trip trail that starts from the Bubble Rock parking area.

This small overlook offers sweeping views of Eagle Lake, the second largest lake on Mount Desert Island after Long Pond.

A 3.5-mile road turns off the Park Loop Road and heads up Cadillac Mountain. Highest point on the U.S. East Coast. About 1.5 miles from the start a pullout on the right offers western views of Eagle Lake, Sargent Mountain and the back side of the Bubbles. The road then twists east to reveal sweeping panoramas of Bar Harbor. After passing a hairpin turn with southern views of the Cranberry Isles, you’ll pass the turnoff to Blue Hill Overlook, the most popular sunset destination on MDI. At Cadillac summit there’s a large parking lot. Head to the Summit Trail, an easy 0.3-mile loop with spectacular 360-degree views of MDI.

Looking for a great place for breakfast and locally sourced foods? Be sure to add Cafe This Way to your list of place to eat during your visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. The interior has a fun vibe with retro-tables, comfortable chairs, and funky decor. The restaurant prides itself as part casual and part gourmet with it’s international cuisine.

Vegetarian and Vegan options, kid’s menu, outdoor seating, gluten-free substitutes.

2 Cats Restaurant is a popular dining spot located in Bar Harbor, Maine. Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast and brunch offerings, it's a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is particularly praised for dishes like blueberry pancakes, lobster benedict, and various omelets, often incorporating local Maine ingredients. If you're visiting Bar Harbor and looking for a delightful breakfast experience, 2 Cats is definitely worth checking out!

This restaurant, which has been serving guests for over a century, is one of the highlights of Acadia. Located on the southern shore of Jordan Pond, it offers spectacular views. Lunch & dinner are served, but many people come just for the house specialty: oven-fresh popovers and tea.

Amazing roadside food truck with the best lobster rolls we had on the island and great cornbread too! Friendly staff and good value.

The Side Street Cafe has something for everyone in this family-run cafe. The friendly staff serves sandwiches, soups and is one of the downtown Bar Harbor restaurants that is sure to impress. As its name suggests, it is on a side street just a few blocks from the main tourist area. This is where the locals dine and enjoy the island vibe!

Lobster Rolls, Macaroni and Cheese, Blueberry Pie.

Indoor/Outdoor seating options, Popular- so make reservations or dine early/late.

Geddy’s is a family-friendly restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere (pub-style) and has been a staple in Bar Harbor for over 40 years. Located off the main street and near the town pier, Geddy’s serves a variety of fare including lobster, burgers, pizza, and fresh drinks. With a fun atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s another popular spot for locals and tourists.

The Thirsty Whale Tavern is a great option if you are looking for a laid back place to enjoy some good food. The staff is friendly with quick service and the food is pub style and delicious. You can order the typical lobster dishes or switch things up with fried oysters, hearty sandwiches and a good drink from the bar. This spot also offers affordable prices. Get yourself some fish & chips and a local root beer (or adult beer)

Galyn’s Restuarant has been a staple in the Bar Harbor area for over 30 years. Located right off the main street in downtown Bar Harbor, it is an easy place to locate and pop into for a nice lunch or dinner. This family-run restaurant is housed in a building originally used as a boarding house for local sailors and now has two floors of dining space with views of Agamont Park.

Sitting on the front porch is a great place to people-watch while you eat. Make reservations in the busy season.

The West Street Cafe re-opened in 2018 with a beautiful new interior and a revamped menu. They are best known for their “Downeast Special” which includes 1 1/4 lbs of fresh Maine lobster, a cup of clam chowder, french fries, coleslaw and a slice of blueberry pie.

If you are looking for waterfront dining, then Stewman’s Lobster Pound is the place to visit. Its menu focuses mostly on seafood options, including their lobster bake with melted butter for dipping and a choice of side. They also have sandwiches, salads, burgers, and non-seafood fare. Open seasonally, this is the place to enjoy the surrounding harbor and the benefits of fresh seafood caught daily.

Outdoor seating with views, on the pricey side, large portions.

If you are looking for a traditional lobster pound, then head to Trenton where they’ve been cooking up delicious seafood for over 60 years. This is where you’ll find fresh seafood boiled over an open fire in large pots of saltwater. The restaurant is simple and the focus is on the food. Pick out the lobster of your choice and then sit back while it is cooked. The menu also includes clams, blueberry pie, sandwiches, and drinks. This is one of the top voted Bar Harbor seafood restaurants, so don’t miss it!

Seating is outside (covered or uncovered)

Located on a nub jutting into Somes Sound a few miles from Northeast Harbor, this place hums on summer nights as adults grab a drink from the outside bar, kids and dogs romp, and folks angle to watch lobsters cook in an open-air kitchen before eating at tables about the sloping lawn; the window-lined mid-century wood-walled dining room has views from every table. There are separate menus for each dining space though there is some overlap including the wood-fired boiled lobster, a lobster roll, fried clams, and the 9-ounce house burger. Mussels steamed with mushrooms, herbs, and cream and served with housemade focaccia bread are a delightful dinner-only appetizer.

Owners Michael Boland and Deirdra Swords’ colorful, upscale restaurant blends local ingredients with Latin American cuisine for sublime takes on classics like a lobster-filled moqueca, the coconutty Brazilian stew; saffron-infused paella brimming with mussels, scallops, and more; and a punchy mojito starring Stone Pier rum from Three of Strong Spirits in Portland, Maine. An acclaimed, globetrotting wine selection also showcases local gems like Morphos pét-nat from Oyster River Winegrowers and Bluet’sChampagne Method wild blueberry wine. If you can’t score a reservation, try The Parilla, Havana’s patio, which only takes walk-ins for more casual fare like mixed grill platters.

From the web: Unpretentious backstreet hangout with a leafy patio & bocce serves up an inventive bar menu.

This trail provides unbeatable views of Sand Beach & Great Head Peninsula.

The Bowl Trail starts across the Park Loop Road from Sand Beach parking area.

Follow the Bowl trail 0.2 miles to its intersection with the Beehive Trail, which veers off to the right. A few steep sections require climbing iron rungs.

Distance: 1.6 miles, round trip

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Elevation change: 520 feet

Rating: Strenuous

Rising nearly 1000 feet up the sheer east face of Champlain Mountain, the Precipice might be the most challenging trail in the park. A jungle gym of iron rings guide hikers up this sheer cliff, which offers thrilling ascents and tremendous views of Frenchman Bay. Despite the hype, it takes more mental strength than physical strength to conquer the Precipice.

The Precipice Trail starts from the Precipice parking area off the Park Loop Road, 2 miles south of Sieur de Monts entrance off Rt. 3.

Distance: 2.5 miles, round trip.

Elevation change: 978 feet

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Rating: Strenuous

Easy, 2 mile path that parallels the Park Loop Road and offers fantastic views of the rocky shoreline between Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs.

Gorham Mountain offers the best views of any moderate hike in the park. Great for families with young children. The trail rises to the summit of Gorham Mountain, providing dramatic views of Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach and the gorgeous stretch of shoreline along Ocean Drive. Cadillac Cliffs, a short spur trail that branches off from the main trail, passes by an ancient sea cave. After reaching the summit, follow the trail north to the Sand Beach parking area. From the parking area, stroll back to the Gorham Mountain trailhead along the easy Ocean Path.

The Gorham Mountain Trail starts from the Gorham Mountain parking area, located on the right side of the Park Loop Road about half a mile past Thunder Hole.

Distance: 3.2 miles, round trip

Hiking time: 1-2 Hours

Elevation change: 525 feet

Rating: Moderate

There are four possible routes up Cadillac, but I like the North Ridge Trail, which offers terrific views of Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands. After reaching the summit, follow the dirt path next to the gift shop to the island’s true peak (look for the USGS marker embedded in the bedrock) and continue down Cadillac’s South Ridge Trail. The South Ridge Trail ends at Blackwoods Campground, where you can catch the Island Explorer Shuttle back to downtown Bar Harbor or the North Ridge trailhead.

The Cadillac North Ridge trailhead is located along the Park Loop Road, 1/3 of a mile past the Y-intersection where the Park Loop Road becomes one-way. There’s a small pull-out across from the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Elevation change: 1463 feet

Rating: Strenuous

A dramatic hike up a bare granite ridge with spectacular views of the Gulf of Maine. The trail starts near the Jordan Pond House and rises quickly through dense forest. After scrambling over a few iron rungs, you’ll reach Penobscot Mountain’s ridge. After passing over the summit, the trail dips back into the forest and descends rapidly to Jordan Pond along the Deer Brook Trail, which passes under a carriage road bridge. From the northern tip of Jordan Pond you can follow the Jordan Pond Trail back to the Jordan Pond House. Tip: Fresh popovers at Jordan Pond House are even more delicious after a strenuous hike.

The Penobscot Mountain Trailhead is located behind the Jordan Pond House. Follow the trail into the woods and look for a carved signpost.

Distance: 3.7 miles, round-trip

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Elevation change: 973 feet

Rating: Strenuous

At 1,373 feet Sargent Mountain is Acadia’s second highest peak, just 157 feet shy of Cadillac Mountain. Like Cadillac, Sargent has sweeping 360-degree views. Unlike Cadillac, it’s not swarming with tourists who arrive by car. In fact, because Sargent Mountain is one of Acadia’s most remote and challenging hikes, you might have the views all to yourself. There are several possible approaches, but my favorite heads up and over Parkman Mountain. From there head up the western face of Sargent Mountain along the Grandgent Trail. As you climb the steep Grandgent Trail, be sure to rest and take in the views of Somes Sound to the west. After reaching the summit, head down Sargent’s southern ridge to the Hadlock Brook Trail, which passes gurgling streams, cascades and one of the Carriage Road’s most spectacular stone bridges.

Trailhead: head to the small parking area north of Upper Hadlock Pond, next to the Norumbega Mountain trailhead. The Haddock Brook Trail starts across the street from the parking area.

Distance: 4.6 miles, round-trip

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Elevation change: 1152 feet

Rating: Strenuous

Acadia is located on the western side (aka the quiet side) of Mount Desert Island. The trail starts in a shady spruce-fir forest, then scrambles over a large granite ledge en route to the top of Acadia Mountain. The view from the peak is nice, but there’s an even better viewpoint a short distance farther. Just past the viewpoint the trail drops roughly 600 feet in half a mile. Near the base of the mountain a small trail leads to Man ‘o War Brook Waterfall, a small cascade where 18th century ships would replenish there water barrels. From Man ‘o War Brook, follow the dirt access road back to the trailhead. Tip: after hiking Acadia Mountain, head to Echo Lake Ledges for a swim.

Trailhead: the trail starts across the street from the Acadia Mountain parking area on Route 102, about 2 miles north of Southwest Harbor.

Distance: 2.6 miles, round-trip

Hiking time: 2 hours

Elevation change: 581 feet

Rating: Strenuous

This lovely hike, far removed from the crowds on the eastern side of MDI, reveals some of the park’s most overlooked and underrated scenery. From the Beech Mountain parking area, follow the Beech Mountain Trail until it forks. This is the start/finish of the Beech Mountain Loop. I suggest hiking clockwise. After hiking uphill 0.4-miles through the forest, you’ll arrive at the Beech Mountain summit. The fire tower on the top of Beech Mountain is occasionally open to the public (check local papers or visitor center) and offers even better, 360-degree views. To return, follow the western branch of the Beech Mountain Trail back to the parking area, making sure to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of Long Pond.

Trailhead: follow Route 102 south to Somesville, then turn right onto Pretty Marsh Road. After 0.3 miles turn left onto Beech Hill Road, which heads south for 3 miles before ending at the Beech Mountain parking area.

Distance: 1.1 miles, round-trip

Hiking time: 1 hour

Elevation change: 360 feet

Rating: Moderate

Up early and looking for a place to grab a coffee and bagel or breakfast sandwich, then head over to Choco-Latte located just off the main street in downtown Bar Harbor. Known for its home-made bagels, delicious chocolates and baked goods sourced from nearby Mount Dessert Bakery (also on our list). They also have amazing coffee that is nitro infused to get your zip in the morning! Not a coffee drinker? The hot chocolate is divine!

Specializing in hand-crafted specialty coffees from around the world, this coffee bar is sure to serve something to delight your palate. Need a bite to eat with your coffee or smoothie, they also serve crepes varying from savory (ham and cheese) to sweet (Nutella and powdered sugar).

A bit off the beaten path, but less than a mile away from the Main Street, you’ll find this Bakery oozing with delectable treats that are baked fresh daily. A family-run operation that prides itself on bread and pastries baked from scratch. So cozy up and enjoy a slow morning with coffee in one hand and a pastry in the other.

Handmade candies, fudge and ice cream will delight you. Are you daring enough to try the Lobster Ice Cream?

The place gets busy on the weekends, so wiggle in. A bit pricey, but large portions, so you might want to share a scoop. Sorbet options for those with lactose intolerance or vegans.

Another great ice cream shop to help melt away the summer sun. Perfect for enjoying while window shopping, lazing in nearby Village Green or sitting on a bench and people watching along Main Street. Made with real ingredients and made in small batches to keep the ice cream fresh and ready.

Blueberry sour crumble is amazing! Crunchy caramel bits with smooth blueberry ice cream flavor. Another favorite is the Sweet Maine cream.

There are multiple locations, but this recommendation is for the Firefly Lane location off Main Street. It’s a popular spot, so the line is often out the door. Lots of unique options, so open your mind and try them, but if the kids MUST have chocolate chip, you’ll be out of luck.

Delicious ice cream and fudge with free samples, need I say more? Located near Agamont Park and closest to the harbor, it’s a great spot to grab a sweet treat before lazing in the park to enjoy free music in the summer and watching the boats come and go from the harbor. Support a local business who has been around for over 80 years!

No single scoops, but you can split a double into two cones. Classic and fun flavors to choose from.

House wine has a great selection of local, regional and international wines to suit every palate. They also offer beer, but no liquor. The staff is friendly and helpful in pairing your items together. They also offer wine tastings on select days, check their website for more details.

They are open early, so grab a cheese/meat platter to enjoy inside Acadia National Park or in the many green spaces scattered throughout Bar Harbor.