Days 23-27: Unforgettable Hikes in Acadia NP, Bar Harbor, and the Ultimate Lobster Rolls
Despite our Airstream still in the shop, we didn’t let that stop us from exploring Acadia National Park! We tackled the thrilling Beehive Loop Trail, braved the chilling waters of Sand Beach, biked the Carriage Roads, and watched stunning sunsets from Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Bar Harbor kept us fueled with fresh lobster rolls. We made a scenic pit stop at Cape Elizabeth for one last seafood feast before heading to the White Mountains. Acadia’s breathtaking views, rugged hikes, and iconic coastal charm made every moment worth it! 🦞✨
Days 23-26: Hiking, Scenic Views and More Lobsters (Aug 04 – Aug 07)
Abington, MA to Bar Harbor, ME – 290 miles, 5.5 hours.
Our original plan was to make our way to Acadia National Park with a Harvest Host overnight stay, a visit to Portland, ME, and two nights at Sherwood Forest Campsite before settling into the Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday. Unfortunately, none of that was possible without our Airstream in tow (see what happened during our NYC Adventures).
Original Plan:
Days 19-20: Old Orchard Beach, ME – 137 miles. Portland’s seafood scene.
Days 20-23: Sherwood Forest Campsite – 65 miles. Beach and lighthouses.Days 23-28: Five days exploring Acadia National Park.
On Sunday, August 4 (Day 23), we packed everything into our rental Jeep, including the kids’ bikes, and set off for Acadia National Park at 11am.
We drove 2.5 hours to Portland, Maine for lunch and lobster rolls at Luke’s Lobster right by the marina at 60 Portland Pier. Convenient parking near by is $34 for 2 hours! But it was well worth the fresh sustainably sourced lobster rolls in a scenic waterfront setting on Portland Pier. Their signature rolls feature sweet lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo, lemon butter, and seasoning on a toasted bun. While the kids enjoyed a whole lobster with the claws in, I had to get my fix of lobster rolls. What’s unique about this place is you get to enjoy views of Casco Bay while savoring other seafood favorites like clam chowder, crab rolls, and oysters. A must-visit for an authentic Maine seafood experience!
Day 24: Bar Harbor Day 1-Arrival from Short-Lived Airbnb to Hotel
After our bellies we’re full with lobsters, we made our way to Bar Harbor, ME that evening and arrived at 8pm to the Airbnb room in a shared house we booked a few days before. The home has 11,000 books spread around, hundreds of cups and bowls, a secret private spiral door way down to the kitchen and bathroom. It was old, creepy, dusty, and just lots and lots of stuff.
While I can tell that we were getting a bit uncomfortable, we still heated up some Pho to eat dinner. As each minute went by however, Thao was beginning to get more distressed with the place. The fruit flies, stinky trash, and the unexpected cat that came out to hiss at Logan (he is allergic to cats), it was clear that we cannot stay here.
We scrambled to find different accommodations and managed a last-minute booking at a nearby hotel for three nights. Airbnb customer support worked with the host who agreed on refund except for the one night. Airbnb agreed to give us full refund.
Despite the unexpected changes, we covered many of Acadia’s iconic hiking trails and scenic spots in Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor in just two and a half days.
Day 25: Acadia Full Day 1-Beehive Loop Trail, Sand Beach and Cadillac Mountain
If case you weren’t aware, NPS runs an Every Kid Outdoors Program that provides Fourth Grade Students with free entrance to public lands. That includes free entry to hundreds of America’s natural wonders like National Parks and historic sites. If you were wondering, their family gets in for free too. Thanks Logan!
Beehive Loop Trail
On our first full day, we tackled the thrilling Beehive Loop Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views of the coastline. Don’t let the 1.4 miles round trip fool you though. Beehive is more like a climb to get to the summit with iron rungs and ladder trails so it is a difficult trail and will take you 1 to 3 hours.
There are steep granite staircases, and many rocky and uneven parts, including exposed cliff faces. Our 10 year old who was 53 inches tall had no problem challenging his body and mind as we ascend the 450ft cliff trail. Our 8 year old, who was about 47 inches tall needed some assistance as reaching some of the rung ladders was difficult.
Once up, we were rewarded with amazing views over Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine. While the kids had slight reservations about even doing the Beehive trail initially, by the time we made it back down in 2.5 hours, they wanted to do it again! Note, I would not do this trail in inclement weather as the granite becomes extremely slippery and can be very dangerous.
Sand Beach
Next up was Sand Beach, the largest sandy beach in Acadia. Beehive Loop Trail essentially connects over to Sand Beach and makes a great post hike cool down. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs.
Now for the water. For Texas bodies comfortable with the Gulf waters, Sand Beach felt brutally cold to us! Our kids said their extremities were frozen and lips were turning blue! They had fun running in and out of the water as the waves came in, kinda like mini cold plunges!
For Thao, not so much fun. She quickly became a magnet for black flies that enjoys biting you! I counted at one point a dozen of them just clinging on to her legs. These flies are quite rude, they don’t even fly away when you move your legs or swat their air space. The Deet bug spray didn’t do a single thing to repel them.
Cadillac Mountain
We reserved Cadillac Mountain for 6:30pm that evening. Vehicle reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Rd during the summer to mid-fall months. Cadillac Mountain is a popular spot being the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S.
Both the east and west sides of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park offer amazing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and foliage. The east side is busy, especially during sunrise, and is where the Cadillac Summit Center is with gift shop, snacks, restrooms. The west side is the ultimate sunset experience. Be sure to arrive an hour before sunset. This allows time to find a good viewing spot and soak in the scenery as the sky transforms.
Bar Harbor Downtown & Dinner
After enjoying the sunset view at Cadillac Mountain, we returned to Bar Harbor for dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound. After filling our bellies with some lobster again, we strolled the downtown area while visiting various souvenir shops before calling it the night.
Day 26: Acadia Full Day 2-Acadia Visitor Center, Jordans Pond, Carriage Trail, and Bass harbor Head Light Station
Our second full day started at the Acadia National Park Visitor Center where Thao got her cancellation stamps, kids earned their junior ranger badges, and I got my lapel pin collection of various Acadia attractions.
Jordan Pond
From there we made our way to Jordan Pond, one of Acadia National Park’s most pristine lakes. We really love the mountain scenery here and the various trails you can hike surrounding the scenery.
First we had to try the famous tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House. Or so we thought. Unfortunately, popovers weren’t available to-go and getting a table was over an hour wait. We continued on to visit Jordans pond for a picnic lunch, walked the trail surrounding the pond and enjoyed the view of Bubble Rock from afar.
Carriage Roads
The kids wanted ride their bikes on Carriage Roads which was conveniently accessible from Jordan Pond House. Carriage Roads is a network of 45 miles of historic, crushed-stone paths, perfect for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 20th century, they feature stunning stone bridges, sweeping views of the park’s landscapes, and serene, car-free exploration. I really appreciate how the roads were built to preserve the line of hillsides and save trees, align with the contours of the lands, around lakes, and up the hills, offering a scenic way to experience Acadia’s natural beauty.
After hiking along with the kids on their bikes, I went on a solo excursion as I wanted to hike to Cobblestone bridge. We met back at the car at 5:30pm to make our way to our next spot.
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
We made it just in time for sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light Station, a picturesque lighthouse perched on a rugged cliff in Acadia National Park, offering iconic views of Maine’s coastline. Built in 1858, it remains an active navigational aid and is one of the most photographed spots in the park. We spent an hour exploring the grounds, hopping between rock formations, enjoying panoramic views of the harbor, and of course, capturing stunning shots while anticipating the sunset.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse at Acadia National Park
Note that the parking lot is small, with limited spaces that often fill up quickly, particularly during sunset when the lighthouse is a prime spot for photography. We arrived at 6:00pm with about 12 cars ahead of us waiting to enter the tiny parking lot. It took about 20-minutes for a spot to open up for us. Patience and bit of planning are key to enjoy this gem!
Day 27: Acadia Day 3-Bar Island Path, Agamont Park
Originally, we had planned four full days in the Acadia National Park area, but limited hotel availability (and high prices) meant we had to cut our visit short. On our final morning, we had planned to cross the sandbar to Bar Island during low tide, but unfortunately, we missed the timing. Instead, we enjoyed a relaxing lunch picnic at Agamont Park, a charming spot in downtown Bar Harbor with beautiful views of the harbor, before heading out to our next destination mid-afternoon. And yes, one more round of Lobstah rolls.
Pit Stop at Cape Elizabeth
That evening, we enjoyed dinner at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, perfectly timed with a stunning views and sunset over the ocean. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is a beloved seafood spot in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offering classic New England dishes. The lobster rolls here were only $24 (cheap relative to the $40 in Boston an Maine!). The outdoor picnic tables overlooking rocky shores and crashing waves is pretty cool!
If you are in the area and have time, go check out Two Lights State Park just down the street. It was already dark so we did not make it unfortunately. Afterwards, we drove another two hours to check into our next destination in North Conway, NH to begin our next adventure in the White Mountains!
