The Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park (A Local’s Guide)
Why Acadia National Park Belongs on Your Bucket List
Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine, is one of the most visited national parks in the United States — and for good reason. With dramatic ocean cliffs, granite mountain summits, serene lakes, and charming carriage roads, Acadia offers an unmatched variety of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another season, here are the best things to do in Acadia National Park, as recommended by our local guides at At Your Service Tours.
1. Watch the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet, is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States. From October through March, it is the first place in the country to see the sunrise. Watching the sky turn from deep purple to brilliant orange from the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our 4-Hour Private Van Tour includes a stop at Cadillac Mountain’s summit, giving you time to take in the views without the stress of driving and parking.
2. Explore the Carriage Roads
John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated over 45 miles of broken-stone carriage roads to Acadia National Park — a gift that remains one of the park’s most beloved features. These motor-free roads wind through forests, over hand-crafted stone bridges, and past stunning vistas. They are perfect for cycling, hiking, and horseback riding. Our local guides know the most scenic stretches and can point them out on your private tour.
3. Drive the Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the classic Acadia experience, passing Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Jordan Pond. While you can drive it yourself, navigating parking and traffic during peak season (June through October) can be frustrating. A private van tour with At Your Service Tours lets you sit back and enjoy every overlook without worrying about finding a parking spot.
4. Visit Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a natural rock formation on the Ocean Path where waves rush into a narrow inlet and compress the air, creating a thunderous boom and dramatic spray. The best time to visit is two hours before high tide when the waves are at their most powerful. Our guides know exactly when to time your visit for the most spectacular show.
5. Discover Somes Sound — America’s Only Fjord
Somes Sound is the only true fjord on the East Coast of the United States, a dramatic glacially carved inlet that cuts nearly five miles into the heart of Mount Desert Island. The views from the surrounding hillsides are breathtaking. Our 4-Hour Tour and Sea to Sound Tour both include stunning views of Somes Sound.
6. Stroll Along the Ocean Path
The Ocean Path is a flat, easy 4-mile round-trip walk along the rocky Atlantic shoreline from Sand Beach to Otter Point. It is one of the most accessible and rewarding walks in the park, offering sweeping ocean views, dramatic rock formations, and opportunities to spot seabirds and harbor seals.
7. Take a Private Van Tour with a Local Guide
The single best way to experience Acadia National Park — especially if it’s your first visit — is with a knowledgeable local guide. At Your Service Tours offers private van tours ranging from 3 to 6 hours, all departing from Bar Harbor with free hotel pickup. Our guides bring the park to life with stories of its geology, history, and wildlife that you simply won’t find in a guidebook.
Choose from our 3-hour, 4-hour, or 6-hour private tours and experience Acadia the way the locals do.
Plan Your Visit to Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is open year-round, though peak season runs from June through October. Bar Harbor, the gateway town to the park, offers excellent dining, lodging, and shopping. If you’re planning a trip to Acadia, we recommend booking your private tour in advance, as spots fill up quickly during the summer months.
Ready to explore? Contact us or book your private Acadia tour online today.