Acadia National Park: A Visual Diary

As home to Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine and one of the most beautiful locations I've been able to visit. I touched on the magic of this region in my last post, but needless to say there is more to its beauty than just the sky's colors. 

On this long weekend trip, my family and I ventured to experience the island from all angles -- by land, air, and sea. Between stunning summit views, rocky beaches, and crystal clear waters, I'm not sure any words can accurately depict the region's landscape. For that reason I'm letting the photos of this post lead the way, but don't worry, I won't conclude it without adding some personal travel tips should you ever decide to visit Mount Desert Island. And I highly recommend that you do.

Must-Sees in Acadia National Park:

• Park Loop Road (map here)
• Sand Beach + Ocean Path
• Jordan Pond Loop
• Thunder Hole (shortly before high tide)
• Cadillac Mountain (at sunrise and/or sunset)
• Gorham Mountain Trail -- highly recommend for a moderate hike with rewarding views!

Navigating Downtown Bar Harbor:

• Stay at Atlantic Oceanside Hotel (and wake up for an ocean view of sunrise!)
• Dine at Havana, Galyn's, and Stewman's Lobster Pound
• Grab dessert at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
• Explore the sandbar at low tide only, leading to Bar Island
• Venture out to sea with LuLu's Lobster Boat and the Margaret Todd
• Observe by air with Scenic Flights of Acadia

What To See Outside Bar Harbor:

• Bass Harbor Head Light
• Somesville Bridge
• Southwest Harbor
• Thurston's Lobster Pound
• Quietside Café (sweetest family owners EVER)

Where are you headed to this summer? Let me know in the comments below!