Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park: Best Towns for First-Time Visitors
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to Acadia National Park is figuring out where to stay.
At first, it seems simple. Just book a hotel near the park and call it a day, right?
Not exactly.
There are several different towns and areas around Acadia, and each one offers a completely different experience depending on your budget, travel style, and what you want to prioritize during your trip.
After spending three days exploring Acadia National Park, hiking some incredible trails, and visiting several of the nearby harbor towns, I’ve learned that there isn’t one perfect place to stay for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay near Acadia National Park and help you decide which option makes the most sense for your trip.
Where Should First-Time Visitors Stay Near Acadia National Park?
Here’s a super quick breakdown summarized for you. If you want a more detailed version, then scroll down to learn more about each area and who should stay there.
Stay in Bar Harbor if:
- It’s your first visit to Acadia and you want to make the most of it
- You want convenience
- Don’t have a car
- You enjoy being within walking distance of restaurants and shops
- You don’t mind paying higher prices
Stay Near Ellsworth if:
- You want to save money
- You still want reasonable access to the park
- You don’t want an extremely long drive every day
- You’re ok opting for an Airbnb
(Where we stayed) Stay in Hancock if:
- Budget is your top priority
- You’re okay with a longer drive
- You want a quieter and more peaceful experience near the water
- You prefer Airbnb
Stay in Southwest Harbor if:
- You prefer fewer crowds
- You like smaller inns, motels and bread and breakfasts
- You don’t need to be right in the middle of the action, but you’re still very close.
Bar Harbor: The Best Place to Stay for First-Time Visitors
If someone asked me where they should stay during their first trip to Acadia National Park, my answer would probably be Bar Harbor.
It’s the most convenient location, especially if you’ve never been to the area before.
Bar Harbor sits right next to Acadia National Park and serves as the main hub for most visitors. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, hotels, tour operators, and easy access to many of the park’s most popular attractions.
One of my favorite parts of visiting Acadia was exploring downtown Bar Harbor after a day of hiking. We spent time walking around town, grabbing lunch, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Guided Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
The biggest downside is the price.
Bar Harbor is usually the most expensive place to stay near Acadia National Park, especially during peak season and fall foliage season.
But if convenience and luxury matter more than saving money, it’s absolutely worth considering.
For a more in-depth look of Bar Harbor, check out my Bar Harbor Guide here.
Pros of Staying in Bar Harbor
- Closest to many popular attractions
- Plenty of restaurants and shops
- Walkable downtown area
- Great for first-time visitors
- Easy access to tours and activities
- Luxury hotels, inns and spas to stay at
- A lot of waterfront views
Cons of Staying in Bar Harbor
- Most expensive area near Acadia
- Hotels book quickly
- Can feel crowded during peak season
Planning a trip to Acadia and not sure when the best time to go is? Check out my guide for the best time to visit Acadia National Park
Hancock: (Where We Stayed)
During our trip to Acadia, we decided to stay in Hancock.
Our Airbnb sat right on the water in a quiet area surrounded by other homes along the lake. It was very peaceful, and while it seemed a little sketchy at nighttime with no light and no one else around, it actually was really beautiful.
At the time, saving money was one of our top priorities. The tradeoff was the drive.
Every morning, we had to drive into the park, and every evening we faced a 45 to 50-minute drive back after a full day of hiking and sightseeing.
In my opinion, it was worth it. The money we saved on accommodations allowed us to spend more on experiences during the trip, including a lobster fishing boat tour and enjoying some great local restaurants.
That said, if I were planning another trip to Acadia, I’d probably stay a little closer.
Not necessarily in Bar Harbor, but somewhere that reduced the daily driving.
Pros of Staying in Hancock
- More affordable accommodations
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- Beautiful waterfront properties
- Better option if going with a group
Cons of Staying in Hancock
- Long drive to Acadia
- Less convenient after long hiking days
- Fewer restaurants and attractions nearby
Ellsworth: The Smart Budget Option
Looking back on our trip, Ellsworth is probably where I’d stay if I wanted to save money while still staying relatively close to Acadia.
Ellsworth is often overlooked by first-time visitors because it’s not directly next to the park, but it offers a nice balance between affordability and convenience.
You’ll find more hotel options, grocery stores, restaurants, and services compared to smaller towns around Acadia.
For travelers trying to stick to a budget, Ellsworth is one of the best values in the area. More convenience getting to the park without paying Bar Harbor prices.
Check out the link here for a small group tour of Acadia National Park!
Pros of Staying in Ellsworth
- More affordable than Bar Harbor
- Restaurants & Grocery stores
- Shorter drive than Hancock
- Good balance of convenience and cost
Cons of Staying in Ellsworth
- Less charming than Bar Harbor
- Not directly inside the tourist area
- Still requires driving into the park
- Not as secluded as some smaller areas
Southwest Harbor: A Quieter Alternative
During our trip, we spent some time exploring Southwest Harbor and immediately noticed how much quieter it felt compared to Bar Harbor.
You’ll still have access to Acadia National Park, but you’ll avoid some of the crowds that come with staying in Bar Harbor.
For travelers who enjoy a slower pace and don’t need constant activity around them, Southwest Harbor can be an excellent choice.
Top 5 Hikes in Acadia for Beautiful Fall Foliage Views
Pros of Staying in Southwest Harbor
- Fewer crowds
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Scenic coastal views
- Good access to parts of Acadia
Cons of Staying in Southwest Harbor
- Fewer dining options
- Less nightlife
- Not as convenient for first-time visitors
- Usually, more expensive than other smaller towns
The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing Where to Stay
The biggest mistake isn’t choosing the wrong town.
It’s failing to think about what matters most to you as a traveler.
Check out my guide on 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Acadia National Park.
Before booking your accommodations, ask yourself: Would you rather save a few hundred dollars and spend more time driving? Or would you rather spend more money and maximize convenience and luxury?
Neither answer is wrong.
It’s simply a matter of deciding what you value most during your trip.
We chose an Airbnb in Hancock because saving money was important to us, and overall, I don’t regret the decision. Even though we had about a 45 minute drive into the park every day.
But I can also understand why so many visitors choose to stay closer to Bar Harbor.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay Near Acadia National Park?
If you’re visiting Acadia National Park for the first time and your budget allows, I would recommend staying in Bar Harbor.
The convenience, beautiful hotels, restaurants, and proximity to the park make it the easiest option for first-time visitors.
However, if you’re trying to save money, don’t overlook places like Ellsworth or Hancock.
At the end of the day, there isn’t one perfect place to stay near Acadia National Park.
The best choice depends on your budget, travel style, and what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be close to one of the most beautiful National parks in the country, with coastline views, plenty of tour options and some incredibly unique hikes.