The Perfect Getaway Weekend: Acadia National Park & Portland Maine

Jess Ng
Jul 18, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Aug 16, 2021

Planning for a summer getaway or a staycation? Do you envision beautiful lighthouses set on rocky shores, pots filled with bright red lobsters, seafood boils, scenic hikes? Then it is time for you to visit Acadia National Park and Portland Maine.

This area is wonderful for travels of all kinds, with an endless array of outdoor activities plus sightseeing, shopping, and dining for the less adventurous. Everyone will find something to their liking! Ideally, you’ll want a week or more to explore Bar Harbor and the surrounding areas, but you can certainly fit the best of the best into a few ways.

A couple of friends and I decided to visit Acadia for a summer getaway. We've had a fantastic time exploring this stunning area and I even checked an item off my travel bucket list. I’m going to share my favorite Acadia National Park sites and experience with you now. But first, let’s go over some important information.

Visitor Checklist:

Park Entrance Pass

Required for all visitors
All vehicles must display a pass visible through the windshield
If you have a National Park pass (this doesn’t pertain to you)

Vehicle Reservation

Required only for Cadillac Summit Road, Sunrise to Sunset

Campground Reservation

Reserve ahead of time, a lot of campgrounds get filled
Online reservations are required to enter park campgrounds, there is no same-day availability for sites
Reservation for Select Ranger Programs

All Available Online Plan Ahead Fees Apply

Things to Do in Acadia National Park and Portland Maine

Tackle the Beehive Loop Trail

This was on my list of things to do in Acadia. I’ve heard from friends this was the funniest and most challenging hike. Honestly, this was one of the most enjoyable hikes we’ve ever done. It wasn’t too long of a trip, taking only 1-2 hours including stopping to take pictures. The route up is what makes this trail so amazing. Once you get to the top the views are amazing!

If you have a fear of heights, you may want to avoid the Beehive Trail. Much of the trail leads straight up the cliff face, and you will have to use railings and handles to help you on the way. Right next to the trail is Sand’s Beach. If you don’t want to do the hike, you can relax at the beach.

See the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

Read to get up early? I know I am! I woke at 3 am to drive to Cadillac Mountain to see the sunrise. Yes, I know 3 am is very early, but you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views of the island, ocean, and wilderness.

What’s makes Cadillac Mountain so special? It is the first site on the East Coast of the U.S. to see the first light from the summit. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the east coast of the U.S, providing magnificent views of glaciated coastal and island landscapes. In mid-June, temperatures can drop to 40 degrees at sunrise. Make sure to bring a blanket and extra layers of clothing to stay warm.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

A trip to Maine would be incomplete without a visit to a lighthouse. After a day of hiking, drive over to the other side of the island to visit the Bass Harbor Head Light. This location is super lovely at sunset and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. If I go again, I’d go earlier in the day, especially if you want to take pictures.

At sunset, it’s really packed. The parking lot is relatively small, with only one entrance and exit. It’s also tough to park, unless you arrive super early, you won’t have any space to set up a tripod and capture the perfect sunset shot.

Portland Maine

On the last night of the trip, we chose to stay at an Airbnb in Portland, Maine. After a few days of camping and bring out in the wildness, I was looking forward for running water, a bed, and a hot shower. That night, we did a seafood boil at the Airbnb. There are numerous fish markets in the area. We got fresh lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, steamers, and oysters. Thankfully the Airbnb had two big large lobster pot because the lobster would have not fit in the pots. It turns out almost and all Airbnb’s in Maine have a lobster pot.

Check out Duckfat the next time you’re in Portland, Maine. They are revolutionizing the fried food world and doing so with what the culinary tastemakers refer to as “liquid gold.” This isn’t any regular fried food; this is duck-fat-fried food. Duck fat gives fries and other fried foods a perfect, golden brown color while also offering crunch and incredible taste. Most of the items on their menu contain duck fast. You must try!