3-Day Acadia Itinerary for a Long Weekend (Use Just 1 PTO Day)
You don’t need a full week to experience Acadia National Park. With just one PTO day, you can plan an incredible long weekend filled with scenic drives, hikes, and coastal views!
Here’s exactly how I’d do it.
Arrival (Thursday Evening)
Fly in Thursday night to maximize your time.
While there is a park shuttle (The Island Explorer), I highly recommend renting a car, it makes everything easier.
You’ll likely stay in or near Bar Harbor, the town just outside of Acadia National Park.
Best airport options:
- Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – closest (15–20 min), but often pricier
- Bangor International Airport (BGR) – ~1 hour away, usually best value
- Portland International Jetport (PWM) – ~3 hours away
Arrive, grab your rental car, check in, and get some rest, you’ll want an early start tomorrow!
Day 1: Scenic Drive + Explore Downtown
Downtown Bar Harbor gets busy, especially 8–9 AM and 11 AM–1 PM, so plan to be downtown outside those windows.
Start with a quick coffee from town or at your Airbnb, then head straight into the park.
Coffee spots:
- Choco-Latte Cafe
- Coffee Matter
- Milagro Coffee Bar
Drive Park Loop Road
This 27-mile scenic drive is the best introduction to Acadia.
Time: ~2–4 hours with stops
Must-see stops:
- Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole
- Carriage roads
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Biking the carriage roads is also a really fun experience based on the time of year you visit! After your drive or biking, head back to downtown Bar Harbor for a late breakfast (after the rush).
Eat at: Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
Get the blueberry pancakes, you won’t regret it (they also have the BEST gluten-free pancakes!!).
Spend the afternoon walking around downtown, browsing shops, and enjoying the waterfront.
Optional: Book a sunset boat tour for your first night.
Day 2: Hikes + Best Views
Today is all about experiencing the park on foot! There are so many incredible walks and hikes to choose from.
Sunrise (Optional)
You can drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise (reservation required), but personally, I preferred the views from hiking, especially since I visited in the fall and it was very cold and windy on Cadillac.
If you’re not planning to do a more challenging hike like Beehive Loop Trail or Precipice Trail, it may still be worth it to get some good views. It’s a popular experience for a reason, and being able to drive to the top makes it a great, accessible option.
Choose Your Hike
If you want something adventurous:
- Beehive Loop Trail – short, steep, fun, and slightly exposed (worth it)
- Precipice Trail – more intense version
If you want something easier:
- Ocean Path
- Jordan Pond Path
Other great options:
- Bubble Rock / The Bubbles (short + iconic views)
- Gorham Mountain Trail
- Jordan Cliffs Trail
Timing:
- Morning hike: ~2–3 hours
- Afternoon walk/hike: ~1–2 hours
Lunch
Eat at Jordan Pond House (make a reservation if you can). The views of Jordan Pond are beautiful.
Dinner in Bar Harbor
Head back into town for seafood, try an iconic Maine lobster roll!
- Geddy’s (gluten free fish & chips!)
- Thirsty Whale Tavern
End with dessert at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium (great gluten-free cone, but PRICEY!).
Day 3: Options
Keep your last day flexible based on your flight time.
Option 1: Lighthouse Morning
Drive out to scenic coastal spots like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse or book a boat tour.
Option 2: Whale Watching
If in season (late spring–early fall), this is an amazing experience! Check departures times and make a reservation in advance.
Option 3: One Last Hike
Check out one more hike or stop along Park Loop Road.
Time: ~3–5 hours
→ If your flight is early, move this to Day 1 or 2.
Afterward, grab your bags and head to the airport. Leave extra time for rental car return.
Pro Tips
- Entrance passes are required for Acadia National Park (purchase online at Recreation.gov or in person at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center)
- Download AllTrails for trail reviews + navigation
- Download offline maps on your phone—service is limited
- Make reservations (restaurants fill up fast)
- Expect higher food prices in Bar Harbor → consider groceries for breakfast/lunch
When to Visit
Summer (July–August): Best weather, busiest crowds
Fall (September–October): Peak foliage + ideal hiking weather
Quick 3-Day Summary
Thursday:
Arrive at night → check in → rest
Friday (Day 1):
Coffee → Park Loop Road (2–4 hrs) → late breakfast → explore downtown → sunset activity
Saturday (Day 2):
Sunrise hike → second hike → lunch at Jordan Pond → relax/walk → seafood dinner
Sunday (Day 3):
Lighthouse or whale watching → airport
Madison is a Nashville-based traveler sharing itineraries, packing tips, and budget-friendly travel advice to help adventurous women plan epic trips and see the world.
