Best Outdoor Activities in Acadia National Park

"One of Acadia's most surprising features is this beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline tucked between mountains on the east side of Mount Desert Island. The beach is around 300m long and attracts sunbathers, strollers and a few intrepid souls willing to brave the 55ºF/12.7ºC (summertime) water temperatures for a dip. A beautiful hiking trail starts from here."

"Maine has some gorgeous beaches, and Acadia National’s golden jewel is the popular Sand Beach. Nestled on the east side of Mount Desert Island, this idyllic shoreline perfectly sums up Maine’s natural beauty. Evergreen forest encircles the wide, sandy shores and granite mountains rise above the inlet."

"Sand Beach, the most sought-after destination in the park is a gorgeous beach nestled between the rocky cliffs and mountains. It is beautiful and perfect to spend a day there relaxing. The clear blue waters and sparkling sand are inviting and soothing."

"Echo Lake Beach is between Somesville and Southwest Harbor on the “quietside” of Mount Desert Island. You can access the lake from a few points: one being at the official beach and one being from the boat landing (which is ‘before’ the beach driving towards Southwest Harbor.) In both places, the water remains shallow for a good distance from the shore so it’s easy for kids or others wanting to ease in to get in. The official beach has sand, is roped off for safety/children, and has  a lifeguard from Memorial Day until Labor Day."

"Location: 44.315067, -68.336025 Distance to Acadia East Campground: 34.4 Miles, 48 Minutes. The best freshwater beach, within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, is Echo Lake Beach. Located on the quieter, west side of the island, Echo Lake Beach was recently given a new spacious parking area and green Island Explorer shuttle bus stop: Route 7 Southwest Harbor."

"This beach is a bit of a drive from Bar Harbor, but the water is warmer and children will be able to stay in a bit longer. It also features a roped off swim area with a lifeguard. There are bathrooms and changing areas for the little ones."

"Little Hunters Beach is located near Hunters Head, southeast of Otter Cliff and Otter Cove, on the southeast side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. The Park Loop Road provides access to Little Hunter Beach, however the view from the road is essentially blocked. A stairwell on the left leads down to the beach."

"Location: 44.298228, -68.211896 Distance from Acadia East Campground: 45.3 Miles, 69 Minutes. Next on the Park Loop Road from Boulder Beach is a very different option: Little Hunters Beach. Perhaps equally as postcard worthy, Little Hunters Beach leaves the sand behind in exchange for beautifully round, polished stones."

"Commonly referred to by locals simply as Hunter’s Beach (so you get confused and/or become exhausted searching for Big Hunter’s Beach). Little Hunter’s Beach is a local favorite. It is just off the Park Loop Road near Otter Cliff and Otter Cove."

"Bubble Rock is undoubtedly Maine’s most well-known boulder and one of Acadia National Park’s most popular destinations. This massive geological formation, perched precariously on the eastern side of South Bubble’s top, is an exceptional example of a glacial erratic. The massive boulder was carried here by the tremendous activity of previous glaciers."

"The walk up to the rock took around 30 minutes at 4-year-old pace and was mostly through the shade of the forest. The Bubble Rock is a large round boulder which teeters on the edge of a cliff edge like it is about to tumble off into the valley below. The rock was shaved off a mountain 42 miles away!"

"Hiking TrailsFernald Point Road, Southwest Harbor, ME MoreLess Info. Even though the mountain is one of the lowest peaks in Acadia, the Flying Mountain Hiking Trail offers great views due to the lack of obstacles at the top. The trail is variable since it can be completed as a 0.6-mile inner loop or an outer loop of 4.6 miles."

"These two very popular Acadia National Park hiking trails are found about a mile apart on the southwest shore of Mount Desert Island."

"Champlain Mountain, at just over 1000 ft, provides stunning views of the eastern side of Mt Desert Island. It is also accessible via the Cadillac Mountain South and North Ridge Trails, but for a fun challenge try hiking the daunting Precipice Trail. The trail, which involves an exhilarating climb up the face of Champlain Mountain using iron rungs, handrails and ladders, is not for little kids or anyone with a fear of heights."

"1 Main St, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04679-4603AmericanDinnerReservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service+1 207-244-7101http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rogue-Cafe/132633246806815"

"Stunning panoramic views, delicious seafood dishes, and dog-friendly outdoor seating are awaiting patrons at the casually upscale Looking Glass Restaurant. A tantalizing menu features tasty offerings such as New England clam chowder, lobster bisque, local crab cakes, salmon sliders, Maine lobster roll, shrimp carbonara, seared local halibut, and for landlubbers, Italian sausage sandwiches, chicken piccata, and grilled petite tenderloin beef tips. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at deck umbrella tables."

"Located within walking distance of the heart of Bar Harbor, the Looking Glass Restaurant sits high on a hilltop at the site of Mary Roberts Rinehart's old estate. Spectacular views of Bar Harbor."

"1 Main St, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04679-4603AmericanDinnerReservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service+1 207-244-7101http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rogue-Cafe/132633246806815"

"If a departure from lobster is more in order, you might try Poor Boy’s Gourmet, a local favorite casual hangout where everything is delicious on the way in to Bar Harbor. Arrive in Bar Harbor in time to check in at either Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B or Aysgarth Station B&B, both just a few short blocks from one another and Bar Harbor’s bustling downtown area. Enjoy a complimentary afternoon refreshment, and explore the locally owned Main Street shops and eateries."

"Full service restaurant serves lobster, steak, pasta, and yummy desserts such as chocolate carrot cake and chocolate pecan pie. Outside seating area welcomes dogs."

"La Bella Vita is a delightful Italian-style restaurant in Bar Harbor, focused around ideas of local cooking, community gathering, and health-conscious produce and oils infused in a variety of excellent traditional entrees. Dinner service focuses on classic rustic dishes such as veal parmigiana, chicken saltimbocca, and veal scallopini, served up alongside land and sea plates such as rustic shellfish stew, braised boneless short ribs, steak frites, and Old World-style bella filet duos. Diners can also enjoy quattro formaggi or margherita brick-oven pizzas and specialty paninis or create their own pasta entrees from a variety of pasta, sauce, and topping options."

"La Bella Vita has made a name for itself as one of the finest Bar Harbor, Maine restaurants by combining Italy's culinary passion with garden-fresh ingredients and authentic Old World recipes perfected over generations. With earthy tones, copper pots, handcrafted Italian mosaics and al fresco patio dining, La Bella Vita offers an exceptional Bar Harbor dining experience that builds on the traditions of an Italian trattoria."