6 Quaint Towns Near Acadia National Park to Stay In

So you are considering visiting Acadia National Park, one of New England’s most visited national parks? These six quaint towns near Acadia National Park have plenty of places to stay and eat during your visit.

When planning your visit to this iconic national park, choosing the perfect place to stay is important. It can set you up for easy access to the park while enjoying nearby coastal communities’ charm and activities.

Luckily there are many different types of hotels, inns, and campgrounds to choose from in the towns near Acadia National Park.

I’ll share the best hotels and restaurants to try on your visit—everything to plan an amazing time at Acadia National Park.

Whether you’re seeking a vibrant coastal atmosphere, a tranquil retreat, or a blend of both, these tips will help you decide on an unforgettable stay. Make sure you plan enough time to explore the towns near Acadia National Park too!

What do I need to know about visiting Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is located on the rugged coast of Maine in the northeastern United States. It covers a large portion of Mount Desert Island, several smaller islands, and a part of the Schoodic Peninsula.

The region and towns near Acadia National Park are known for their breathtaking views. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the East Coast, offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Park Loop Road provides access to many other scenic viewpoints. This scenic drive is a great way to explore the park by car. It connects major park attractions and offers stunning coastal and forest views.

Acadia National Park has a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s like choosing your own outdoor adventure!

You can go hiking, biking, birdwatching, kayaking, and even rock climbing.

Want views from one of the highest Atlantic coastlines? Check out Otter Cliffs on the east side past Park Loop Road.

Prefer winter sports? Then try cross-country skiing at Acadia.

The park, and the towns near Acadia National Park, are popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The best thing about Acadia National Park is that there is truly something for everyone.

In “10 Tips for your visit to Acadia Park” by the National Park Service (Maine), visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance, purchase a park entrance pass, and purchase a vehicle reservation pass online for Cadillac Summit Road.

Another thing to know about Acadia National Park is the carriage roads. Constructed by John D. Rockefeller between 1913 and 1940, these roads were originally designed for carriages. Now the roads are used for hiking trails, biking, and nature walks.

There are approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) of carriage roads within Acadia National Park. Some of the most popular routes include the Jordan Pond Path, Witch Hole Pond Loop, and Eagle Lake Loop.

What is the closest city to Acadia National Park?

The closest city to Acadia National Park is Bar Harbor. Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor has convenient access to the park’s entrances.

Bar Harbor is a popular hub for visitors exploring Acadia’s natural beauty and attractions. As one of the towns near Acadia National Park, it is popular with tourists and visitors that enjoy the inviting coastal community.

What is the closest airport to Acadia National Park?

Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is the nearest airport to Acadia National Park. This regional airport is located in Trenton, which is about 10 miles from Bar Harbor.

The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport only has regional flights with Jet Blue and Cape Air. This quaint town has a few stores, and is 10 miles from Acadia’s Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

The Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the closest international airport to Acadia. It is about 50 miles from Acadia National Park, which is about an hour’s drive depending on traffic. The Bangor International Airport has more flight options than BHB, but still limited choices.

The largest airport in Maine is the Portland International Jetport (PWM). The Portland International Jetport is 3 hours south of Acadia but offers more major airlines and international flights.

Acadia National Park Map

How many days should you stay in Acadia National Park?

The perfect length of your vacation in Acadia National Park is based on your interests and the activities you enjoy.

Do you want a more adventurous vacation?

Or something chill and relaxing?

The idea is to plan for at least 3 to 4 days to experience all Acadia offers. This timeframe allows you to enjoy some popular trails and enjoy stunning coastal views.

Extra days can also mean shopping and dining at local spots, which supports the community.

If you’re interested in a more in-depth adventure and want to participate in various activities, like wildlife watching and kayaking, extending your stay to a week might be a better choice.

Personally, I would recommend families stay about 5 days to fully explore the area, including the towns near Acadia National Park.

What are the best months to visit Acadia National Park?

The best months to visit Acadia National Park are typically late spring, summer, and early fall. Here’s a breakdown of these seasons:

1. Late Spring (May to June):
   • Late spring offers mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s trails.
     
   • The park is less crowded than during peak summer months.
     
   • Some services and facilities may start to open in late May, making it a good compromise between avoiding crowds and having access to amenities.
     
2. Summer (July to August):
   • Summer is the park’s peak season when most facilities, services, and attractions are fully operational.
     
   • The weather is generally warm, making it perfect for outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc)
     
   • Popular events and programs, including ranger-led activities, occur during this time.
     
   • Remember that summer can be very crowded. Be sure to plan ahead and arrive early at popular spots.
     
3. Early Fall (September to October):
   • Early fall is another excellent time to visit due to comfortable weather, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds than summer.
     
   • The fall foliage in Acadia National Park is beautiful – something not to be missed!
     
   • September is a popular month for people that want smaller crowds.
     
   • October might see fewer amenities available and cooler temperatures, but the trade-off is the fall scenery and less crowded.

It’s important to understand that weather conditions can vary. Also, some facilities may have different opening and closing dates each year.

Can you go camping at Acadia National Park?

Yes, you can go camping at Acadia National Park. There are four campgrounds at Acadia National Park, and they require reservations in advance. The campgrounds are:

• Blackwoods Campground
• Duck Harbor Campground
• Seawall Campground
• Schoodic Woods Campground

Unfortunately, in-person reservations are unavailable, so be sure to book in advance on the National Park Service website. There are no campsites available for request if you arrive without a reservation.

Quaint Towns near Acadia National Park To Stay

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is on the northeastern coast of Mount Desert Island, which is the largest island off the coast of Maine. Bar Harbor is one of the most visited towns near Acadia National Park.

The coastal town offers a range of activities for visitors, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching, and exploring the many trails and viewpoints within Acadia National Park.

Overall, Bar Harbor is a popular destination for those wanting natural beauty and a relaxing coastal experience in Maine.

Distance from Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park:

Bar Harbor is about 1.3 miles from the Cadillac Mountain Entrance. But with traffic, it may take longer.

Best places to stay in Bar Harbor:

As the largest town on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor has the most options for lodging. It is also close to the ferries if you want to explore the area. Here are some of the top places to stay in Bar Harbor:

Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
1 Newport Drive
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
55 West Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Best restaurants in Bar Harbor:

Downtown Bar Harbor is fun and offers many restaurant choices. It has the most shopping and dining options of the towns near Acadia National Park. These are the most popular, so try to book a reservation ahead of time!

Geddy’s
19 Main St
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Menu

Side Street Cafe
49 Rodick St
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
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Thirsty Whale Tavern
40 Cottage St
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
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Southwest Harbor

On the quieter side of Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor offers a more secluded atmosphere than the popular Bar Harbor. As one of the towns near Acadia National Park, it is also popular with tourists but offers a less crowded, relaxed pace than Bar Harbor.

Distance from Southwest Harbor to Acadia National Park:

The Southwest Harbor is less than 2 miles west of the Southern entrance of Somes Sound.

Best places to stay in Southwest Harbor:

The Southwest Harbor is known for its quaint inns and adorable B&B’s. Here are some you should check out:

Lindenwood Inn
118 Clark Point Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

The Harbor Cottage Inn Bed and Breakfast
9 Dirigo Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Best restaurants in Southwest Harbor:

The Beal’s Lobster Pier
182 Clark Point Road
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Menu

Common Good Kitchen Cafe
19 Clark Point Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679

Whether seeking a vacation escape, a connection with nature, or exploring local culture, Southwest Harbor offers a more laid-back alternative for your Acadia National Park adventure.

Northeast Harbor

Found on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, Northeast Harbor presents a unique blend of natural beauty and upscale elegance.

This charming village offers a refined ambiance that appeals to those looking for a sophisticated retreat near Acadia National Park.

Basically, it’s the “fanciest” of the towns near Acadia National Park.

Distance from Northeast Harbor to Acadia National Park:

The Northeast Harbor is located a few miles from Acadia National Park.

Best places to stay in Northeast Harbor:

Asticou Inn
15 Peabody Dr
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662

Kimball Terrace Inn
10 Huntington Rd
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662

Best restaurants in Northeast Harbor

Colonel’s Restaurant and Bakery
143 Main St
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
Menu

Milk and Honey Kitchen
3 Old Firehouse Ln
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662

For those seeking a refined experience near Acadia National Park, Northeast Harbor offers a blend of elegance and outdoor beauty.

Trenton

 Located just outside the entrance of Acadia National Park, Trenton serves as a gateway to the state park.

As one of the towns near Acadia State Park, it is an easy choice for visitors looking to combine easy park access with the convenience of nearby amenities.

Distance from Trenton, Maine, to Acadia National Park:

It is approximately 7 to 9 miles from Trenton to Acadia National Park, depending on your exact route.

Best places to stay in Trenton, Maine:

Isleview Motel and Cottages
1169 Bar Harbor Rd
Trenton, ME 04605

Acadia Sunrise Motel
952 Bar Harbor Rd
Trenton, ME 04605

Best restaurants in Trenton, Maine:

Maine is known for delicious food and lobster rolls, so check out these popular spots:

Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound
1237 Bar Harbor Rd
Trenton, Maine
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Smokey’s BBQ & Lobster Pound
1061 Bar Harbor Rd
Trenton, ME 04605
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Ellsworth

This quaint town near Acadia National Park is known for its hiking trails and biking routes. Great Pond Mountain and Frenchman Bay Conservatory are two trails to enjoy while staying in Ellsworth.

Distance from Ellsworth, Maine to Acadia National Park:

The distance between Ellsworth and Acadia National Park is 16 miles. The road distance is 22.6 miles

Best places to stay in Ellsworth, Maine:

Hampton Inn Ellsworth / Bar Harbor
6 Downeast Highway
Ellsworth, ME 04605

Comfort Inn Ellsworth – Bar Harbor
130 High St
Ellsworth, ME 04605-1712

Best restaurants in Ellsworth, Maine:

Union River Lobster Pot
8 South St
Ellsworth, ME 04605
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Riverside Cafe
151 Main St,
Ellsworth, ME 0460

Winter Harbor

Located south of Gouldsboro, Winter Harbor is a beautiful little town next to the Schoodic Peninsula, next to Birch Harbor, and Prospect Harbor. 

Often considered the “quiet side” of Acadia, Winter Harbor is a timeless escape from the busyness of modern-day life.

Distance from Winter Harbor to Acadia National Park:

It is approximately 40 miles from Winter Harbor to Acadia National Park, depending on your exact route. You can also take the ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor.

Best places to stay in Winter Harbor, Maine:

Winter Harbor has lots of cabins and cottages to enjoy while visiting. Here are some of the unique finds in the area:

Mainstay Cottages and RV Park
66 Sargent Street
Winter Harbor, ME 04693

Winter Harbor Inn
298 Main St, Suite #1
Winter Harbor, ME 04693

Best restaurants in Winter Harbor, Maine:

Chase’s Restaurant
193 Main St
Winter Harbor, ME 04693

The Gallery
15 Chapel Ln
Winter Harbor, ME 04693

These six towns near Acadia National Park offer a wide range of dining and lodging options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, or pizza, there’s a restaurant that will satisfy your cravings.

And when it comes to lodging, you can choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins, or campgrounds. No matter where you stay or eat, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality that will make your trip to Acadia National Park memorable.

I hope you enjoy your time in this beautiful region. And be sure to support and explore the towns near Acadia National Park to enjoy the region fully.