What is the best city to stay in to visit Acadia National Park?
When planning a visit to Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s rugged Mount Desert Island, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference in your experience. Several nearby towns offer easy access to the park’s many wonders, but each has its unique charm, amenities, and distance to the park entrances. Here’s a guide to the best cities and towns to consider staying in when visiting Acadia National Park.
1. Bar Harbor: The Popular Choice
Proximity to Acadia: Located directly adjacent to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is the most popular town for visitors. It offers the closest and most convenient access to the park, especially the popular Park Loop Road and trailheads for famous hikes such as Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond.
What to Expect: Bar Harbor is bustling, especially during peak season (June to October), with an abundance of dining options, local shops, and attractions like the Abbe Museum and waterfront activities. The town has a variety of accommodations, including upscale resorts, budget motels, cozy inns, and vacation rentals, catering to a range of tastes and budgets.
Why Choose Bar Harbor?: For travelers who want to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere and close to the park’s entrance, Bar Harbor is ideal. The town is also a hub for tour companies offering guided hikes, kayaking excursions, and scenic boat cruises, making it a top pick for families and first-time visitors.
2. Southwest Harbor: The Quiet Retreat
Proximity to Acadia: Located about 20 minutes from Bar Harbor on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor provides access to the less crowded western side of Acadia National Park.
What to Expect: Known for its tranquility and local charm, Southwest Harbor offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. You’ll find locally owned seafood restaurants, art galleries, and cozy inns. The town is close to some beautiful parts of Acadia, including the Seawall Campground, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and quieter hiking trails on Western Mountain and Acadia Mountain.
Why Choose Southwest Harbor?: If you’re seeking a relaxed, low-key experience with a slower pace and fewer tourists, Southwest Harbor is a great option. It’s perfect for those looking to explore the park’s less frequented areas, making it an ideal choice for travelers who appreciate a quiet setting while still being relatively close to the park’s main attractions.
3. Northeast Harbor: Charming and Upscale
Proximity to Acadia: Northeast Harbor is roughly a 15-minute drive to the Hulls Cove Entrance of Acadia National Park and offers easy access to the park’s carriage roads and several hiking trails.
What to Expect: Known for its quaint elegance, Northeast Harbor is smaller and quieter than Bar Harbor but with a sophisticated charm. The town has upscale accommodations, boutiques, and galleries, as well as beautiful views of the harbor. Northeast Harbor is close to the Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden, adding to the scenic appeal of the area.
Why Choose Northeast Harbor?: Northeast Harbor is ideal for those who want a peaceful yet refined base close to the park. It offers a blend of upscale amenities without the crowds, making it an appealing option for couples or anyone seeking a quiet, picturesque escape.
4. Ellsworth: The Budget-Friendly Gateway
Proximity to Acadia: Located about 20 miles north of Mount Desert Island, Ellsworth is the last major town before you reach the island and Acadia National Park. The drive to the park’s Hulls Cove Entrance takes around 25-30 minutes.
What to Expect: As a commercial hub, Ellsworth has a larger selection of budget-friendly hotels and motels, chain restaurants, and shopping centers. While it doesn’t have the quaint island atmosphere of the other towns, Ellsworth can be a practical choice for visitors looking for affordable accommodations.
Why Choose Ellsworth?: For those traveling on a budget, Ellsworth offers more economical options while still allowing relatively easy access to Acadia. It’s a great choice for visitors who don’t mind a slightly longer drive in exchange for significant savings on lodging.
5. Trenton: Close and Convenient
Proximity to Acadia: Trenton is the town you pass through before crossing the bridge onto Mount Desert Island, where Acadia National Park is located. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
What to Expect: Trenton offers a mix of accommodations, including cabins, motels, and campgrounds. It also has a few lobster pounds and other local dining options, providing a taste of Maine’s coastal culture. Though smaller and quieter, it’s conveniently close to the park.
Why Choose Trenton?: Trenton is ideal for visitors who want to stay just off Mount Desert Island while being within minutes of the park. It’s also a good choice for families, with easy access to campgrounds, and it offers a middle-ground experience between Ellsworth’s affordability and the island towns' charm.
6. Blue Hill: Scenic and Remote
Proximity to Acadia: Located on the mainland approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Acadia National Park, Blue Hill is one of the most distant options but offers a uniquely serene setting.
What to Expect: Blue Hill is a charming coastal town known for its artsy community, art galleries, small farms, and local artisan shops. It’s also near the scenic Blue Hill Mountain, offering outdoor activities in a beautiful, less-visited region of Maine.
Why Choose Blue Hill?: Blue Hill is best for travelers who enjoy a balance of nature and culture. While the commute to the park is longer, staying in Blue Hill allows visitors to experience both Acadia and the cultural richness of Maine’s coastal countryside.
