Things To Do
Jordan Pond
The spot we got engaged! A must see in the national park. This is a great ~3 mile flat walk around the pond. You can stop by Jordan Pond House for popovers and coffee before or after. Get here early to beat the crowds (parking tends to fill quickly).
Cadillac Mountain
You can’t miss the spectacular views on top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest mountain on the island. You can drive up to the top by purchasing a car reservation (more details within the linked site below), and you'll have 360 degree views the whole route. There are also several great hikes up - one of Mike's favorites is the South Ridge Trail. For any early-risers, we highly encourage trying your luck at the lottery for sunrise car reservations. Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise and we think it is a bucketlist-worthy experience. 30% of vehicle reservations are released 90 days ahead of each date, while the remaining 70% are released at 10am ET two days ahead. These go very quickly but it's worth the fight!
Beehive Trail
Very thrilling hike for anyone looking for an adventure. The beehive sits right on the edge of the island, so there are incredible ocean views. This hike typically takes an hour or less round-trip, but can get busy so it's best to go in the morning or evening to avoid peak afternoon crowds. Please note that you’ll be climbing up a few rungs and ladders, so those with fear of heights should avoid this one. For anyone looking for a less challenging hike with similar views, we recommend Gorham Mountain nearby (1.5 miles, 50-60 mins roundtrip hike)
Park Loop Road
A great way to see the picturesque coast is driving this one-way road that stretches through much of the national park. There are several spots to check out along the coastal portion of the road, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Point. Check out the linked site for more information!
Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park
Bikers - this one's for you! Biking the carriage roads is a great way to check out the park away from car traffic.
Echo Lake Beach
For anyone interested in swimming, we’ve learned that this is where the locals go! It should be less crowded than the more touristy Sand Beach (and definitely warmer water).
Penobscot Mountain Trail
One of our favorite hikes on the island - overlooks Jordan Pond with great views. This is a moderate hike around 3 miles, or you can combine it with the Jordan Pond Path loop to extend your route.
Side Street Cafe
One of our go-to spots for lunch or dinner. A great bar fare restaurant with outdoor deck seating. No reservations but you can join the waitlist ahead of time from the linked website below. This is also where our after-party is located on wedding night!
Havana
Great Latin American food. You can make reservations for Havana online, whereas the outdoor section (Havana Parilla) is first-come-first-served and less formal than indoors. Gotta try the seafood paella!
Atlantic Brewing Company
We know we have some beer-loving guests! This is the location of our Welcome Party on Friday night, but a great spot to hang out any time.
Cottage St. Pub
A small pub with great cocktails right in Bar Harbor. No food here but they do have a popcorn machine.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Awesome ice cream spot with a handful of unique flavors (the lines can get long though).
CJ's Big Dipper
When in Maine..get the blueberry ice cream!
Abel's Lobster
Great seated lunch or dinner spot ~10 min drive from Bar Harbor. Go when you can sit outside at the picnic tables on the water. Fun fact: Allison learned how to shell her first lobster here!
Quiet side of MDI
The west side of MDI is known as the quieter side and this is a great way to check out more of the local scene. We recommend doing any or all of the following if you're interested in exploring these areas (and keep scrolling for more info below on these spots): Southwest Harbor (20 min drive from Bar Harbor) • Bass Harbor Head Light • Claremont Hotel • Harbor Table • Beal’s Lobster Pier Northeast Harbor (20 min drive from Bar Harbor) • Sargeant Drive • Little Long Pond • Colonel's Restaurant and Bakery • Shopping along the main street- cute boutiques and gift shops
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
A nice view of the famous Lighthouse at the South West end of the island. We recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid crowds.
The Claremont Hotel
Located in Southwest Harbor - about 20 min drive from Bar Harbor. This is one of our all time favorite places! Grab a drink at Harry's Bar and sit on the porch overlooking the water. Or check out Batson River Fish Camp down closer to the water for drafts and appetizers.
Harbor Table
Great farm to table restaurant in Southwest Harbor. Mike claims he had the best seafood chowder of his life here. You can head next door for ice cream after dinner too!
Beal's Lobster Pier
Many claim Beal’s has the best lobster roll on the island, and their fried seafood is amazing as well. This is a lively spot to sit outside on the water for a casual meal and/ or drinks and snacks (even if it’s raining - lots of covered space) If there’s a line when you arrive don’t worry it moves quickly!
Sargeant Drive
Beautiful coastal drive heading in or out of Northeast Harbor. Google maps will route you to ME-3 West, but take Sargent drive instead for some incredible views of Somes Sound.
Little Long Pond
Located in Seal Harbor, this is a leisurely and pleasant 2.2 mile hike around a small pond (no elevation gain on this hike). The pond is not far from Northeast Harbor, so be sure to hit Colonel's afterward for coffee and donuts.
Colonel's Restaurant and Bakery
Donuts here are in Allison's top 3...don't miss them (especially the blueberry cake donut). Also a great spot for sit-down breakfast or lunch, located in Northeast Harbor.