Quick Details
Tour Length: 3 hours
Tour Start Times: 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 1 p.m.
Vehicle Options: minivan or 14 passenger van.
Tour Attractions & Sites: Park Loop Road, Granite Coastline, Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Somes Sound.
6 Passenger Minivan
Private Tour - Price for whole vehicle
$ 525
14 Passenger Van
Private Tour - Price for whole vehicle
$ 1025
Acadia’s Coastal Cliffs & Gilded Age Estates Driving Tour
This comprehensive driving tour focuses on the rugged southeastern coastline, the prestigious historic summer colonies, and the rare glacial geology of Somes Sound.
Tour Highlights
- The Granite Coast (Park Loop Road): Explore the iconic stretch between Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs, famous for high pink granite formations and the park’s most powerful surf.
- Somes Sound (Sargent Drive): A specialized scenic route along the fjord’s edge. Note: This road has weight limits and is restricted to passenger vehicles.
- Asticou Azalea Garden: A Japanese-inspired sanctuary in Northeast Harbor that offers a tranquil, manicured contrast to Acadia’s wild terrain.
- Hidden Gem (Seal Harbor): A quieter, more exclusive look at Maine’s maritime culture compared to the bustling Bar Harbor waterfront
Why Take This Tour?
- You’ve Already Seen the Summit: Having already experienced the panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain, you are now ready to discover the “other side” of Acadia. This route moves beyond the high-altitude overlooks to immerse you in the crashing surf, deep fjords, and exclusive coastal history that the summit simply cannot show you.
- The Rare Fjord Experience: Witness Somes Sound via Sargent Drive—the only glacial fjord in the contiguous United States—offering dramatic, steep drop-offs right at the edge of your vehicle.
- A Gilded Age Perspective: Transition from wild nature to manicured history as you pass through Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor, viewing the “summer cottages” of the American elite.
- Escape the Crowds: By focusing on the southern loop and the “Quiet Side” inlets, you enjoy a more intimate maritime culture away from the peak summit congestion.