Things To Do
Acadia National Park
Whether you drive, hike, or bike through Acadia National Park, it is a must! From the rocky cliffs, sand beach, island views, and breathtaking sunrise, it's no wonder that it's one of the top 10 most visited national parks in America. We personally recommend driving along the Park Loop Road and stopping at Sand Beach, the rocky cliffs, Thunder Hole, and stopping for a popover at the Jordan Pond House. Important to note that vehicle reservations are now required to drive Cadillac Summit Road (brings you to the top of Cadillac Mountain) which you can purchase on their website... 30% of these tickets will be available for purchase at 10am 90 days prior to your chosen reservation date. 70% of these tickets will be available for purchase at 10am TWO DAYS in advance of the reservation date.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Although we have never done a cruise in Bar Harbor, it's definitely on the bucket list. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. gets great reviews and has lots of options. Choose from whale watching, puffin and lighthouse cruise, lobster fishing and seal watching, and more.
Restaurants & Shops
Bar Harbor is known for its vibrant, scenic, coastal vibe with so many charming downtown attractions. A few restaurants we recommend are Porcelli's (italian), Choco-Latte Cafe (low-key breakfast and coffee), Salsa Verde Grill (Mexican), Lunch (Seasonal breakfast and lunch spot), Garden Lounge (outdoor beer garden to leave your husband while you shop), The Terrace Grille (Patio of the Inn right on the water), and of course Leary's Landing Irish Pub (Good vibes, pub fare, and where our after party will be held). There are so many other great options but these are just a few! We recommend making reservations when you can due to it being peak season and a lively town the month of August.
Other Towns To Visit
Whether you are front loading or back loading your Maine trip, here are some recommendations on coastal towns to visit based on family favorites and research. There are also thousands of lakes and ponds if you want to switch up the vibe and opt for a cozy lake cabin to conclude or start your trip. The towns are listed in order from most southern to most northern town to help you plan accordingly... Kennebunkport, Portland*, Boothbay Harbor, Rockland*, Rockport*, Camden* (Rockland, Rockport and Camden are all within 5 to 15 minutes of one another), and last but not least, Belfast* (closest town to our lake house).