Acadia & Bar Harbor: 8 Things You HAVE to do When Visiting for the First Time
If you’re heading to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor for the first time, get ready for a trip full of jaw-dropping views, fresh ocean air, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re into hiking, eating, or just soaking in the natural beauty of the Maine coast, this list covers the must-do activities that will make your visit truly special.
Here are 8 things you absolutely have to do on your first visit to Acadia and Bar Harbor.
1. Hike the Beehive Trail
Let’s start with a thrill. The Beehive Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Acadia, and for good reason. It’s short, intense, and offers some of the most epic views in the park. You’ll climb iron rungs, hug the side of a cliff and feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins.
It truly is a hike unlike any other I’ve done. It’s about 2.5 miles long and most of it is uphill, climbing and scaling rocks. It’s tons of fun, however it can get a little nerve-wracking as you get higher and see the incredible views of the fall foliage and the water.
If you only have time for one hike, this is THE one to do. Trust me.
For more info on this one, check out my guide for the best hikes to do in Acadia National Park here
2. Try Lobster at Geddy’s in Bar Harbor
You can’t come to coastal Maine and not try the lobster.
Geddy’s in Bar Harbor is a classic spot that’s perfect for first-timers. The maritime theme in the restaurant is very unique, makes you feel like you truly are in a small fishing town which is the vibe you’re looking for in Bar Harbor.
Whether you go all in with a full steamed lobster, indulge in their creamy lobster mac and cheese, or warm up with a bowl of lobster bisque, you really can’t go wrong. The casual vibe and waterfront location make it a great stop after a day of exploring.
If you’re someone like me who isn’t a huge fan of lobster but still wanted the lobster experience. Try the Lobster Roll on toasted bread and doused in melted butter. It’s absolutely delicious.
3. Take a Whale Watching Tour
Unfortunately the weather and season didn’t cooperate with us to do a Whale Watching Tour, however if you’re going to the north Atlantic coast, doing a whale watching tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From Bar Harbor, you can hop on a whale watching tour and head out into the Gulf of Maine to spot humpbacks, minkes, and even fin whales. Most tours are a few hours long and also include sightings of puffins, seals, and maybe even a bald eagle or two. Make sure to dress warm though, it can get chilly.
This is THE best company to book your tours through in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor Whale Watching. They have a lot of other tours as well aside from just the whale watching.
4. Join a Lobster Fishing Tour
This is the tour that we booked and it was a blast. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was tons of funs.
You’ll head out with local lobstermen, learn how traps are set and hauled, and get a real look at this traditional way of life. We were able to hold the live lobsters as well! They will pull up traps, go by seals basking in the sun and teach you a lot about the lobster fishing industry.
It’s fun for all ages, very educational, and gives you a new appreciation for that lobster roll you’ll probably grab later.
You can book your Lobster Fishing tour here
5. Drive the Park Loop Road
This scenic drive is hands-down one of the best ways to see Acadia if it’s your first time. The Park Loop Road takes you through forests, along the rugged coast, past crashing waves at Thunder Hole, and up to Cadillac Mountain.
There are tons of pull-offs where you can stop for photos, short hikes, or just to breathe in that crisp fall air.
You can pull off at Otter Point, Hunters Beach, Jordan Pond and many other places!
6. Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
This picture-perfect lighthouse is perched on a rocky cliff on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Acadia, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
parking can be kind of difficult, a lot of times you wil have to wait in line for people leaving to get a spot. You really don’t need much longer than about 30 minutes here.
You can walk down to the viewing area, climb on rocks, overlook the ocean and snap great pics of the lighthouse.
Also in that area is the Ship Harbor and Wonderland Trail. These short and flat hikes are nice loops that take you down towards the water to walk along the rocky coastline for great ocean views and fall foliage. If you’re looking for more hikes, these are great options that we really enjoyed.
7. Watch the Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the tallest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and is famous for being the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise for part of the year.
If you’re willing to wake up early, the experience is unreal. The view from the top is wide open and absolutely stunning as the first light hits the ocean and nearby islands. You’ll need a timed vehicle reservation, so make sure you plan ahead.
You can use this link to plan a reservation. You either need to catch a shuttle up there or you can drive, but you need to register your car to be allowed up there.
8. Hike the Jordan Pond Trail
For something a little more peaceful and family-friendly, the Jordan Pond Trail is a must. It loops around the clear blue waters of Jordan Pond with views of the Bubble Mountains in the background.
The trail is about 3.5 miles round trip, it’s relatively flat and accessible, making it a great option for all skill levels. After your hike, stop by the Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers and tea. Another Acadia staple you shouldn’t miss.
Try to come here early in the day or later in the afternoon as the parking for Jordan Pond can be very limited and you may even miss out on a spot.
Final Thoughts
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are awesome. Especially if you’re not from the Northeast, it’s a truly very unique experience. Growing up near Buffalo, NY we get the fall foliage but not the coastal fishing town vibes.
If you’re limited on time, these are the 8 things that you can’t miss, in my opinion, to get the most of the park and the area. I went last year for a long weekend, and I really do wish we had stayed an extra day, but you can still see so much in a weekend.
Save this article, pack your hiking boots, sweatshirt, camera and bring an appetite to Acadia!