Acadia and US North East

Another national park added to my growing list. I hear everywhere that no two U.S. national parks are alike;  diverse landscapes, the ever-changing weather, unique flora, and roaming fauna. This country is diligent in preserving the spectacular visuals for generations to come. How cool is it to set aside a chunk of unique land untouched and preserved? Out of the 63 beautifully maintained parks, the US and Acadia was the 10th park I visited.

This May, after an official trip to Boston, we decided to take the family up to the northeast corner of the United States.

We planned to cover Acadia National Park, Portland, and Bar Harbor in a few days and fly back to Chicago. Since the plan was tightly packed and we were running late, the goal was to hit the major landmarks, keep our kids captive in the car during the road trip, and, as always, eat as many lobsters as we could.

Portland, Maine

Every time we talk about Portland, the first question is: East or West? Yes, this is about Portland, Maine. Portland is most famous for its seafood scene, especially our favorite—lobsters. The place is also known for its iconic, postcard-perfect lighthouses, beautiful fall colors, and vibrant cityscape. 

Like Chicago, the city experienced a huge fire in 1866 and had to be rebuilt, wiping out most of its historic colonial-era buildings. The new brick architecture gives the city a unique character, with an Atlantic Ocean front and many small islands dotting its shore.

The first thing we did in Portland was to walk the cobblestone streets along Commercial Street. What is better than enjoying the vibrant old brick buildings, street musicians, and local art stores?

Old Port District

Stop at Luke’s Lobster for a good lobster roll or a steamed lobster. If you crave more (like me), visit Harbor Fish Market to get some more local seafood.

The famous authors Stephen King and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are from Portland. Perhaps because of these great authors, the street is peppered with many cute bookstores, and you’ll find a Stephen King novel in nearly every window. Make sure to pick one up for the spooky New England nights. The Wadsworth–Longfellow House is also a tourist attraction near downtown.

Here are some challenges for you 

Off Commercial Street, you can see numerous day cruises departing throughout the day. The cruises fill up quickly and typically last about 90 minutes. The cruise guides were very knowledgeable, and we got hands-on experience setting up lobster traps, measuring, and identifying the catch. We caught and released a few, and also spent some relaxing time in the cabin while cruising the bay.

Along the way, the tour guides explained the history of lobster fishing, the surrounding islands, and the numerous battles that took place in the area. We even got to wear aprons and gloves and really step into our fishing roles. Interestingly, I noticed a bunch of tiny shrimp-like creatures near the lobsters. They’re called sea fleas—scavengers of the ocean.

We also stopped to capture some great photos of lighthouses and nearby islands. These tours fill up quickly, so make sure you book in advance.

Portland Head Light house & Fort Williams Park

This is a place you don’t want to miss. You can either drive or take a trolley from downtown Portland.

Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest lighthouse, first lit in 1791 at the direction of George Washington. This is the iconic lighthouse featured on many postcards and is one of the most photographed locations in the United States. This is the view I imagine when I hear New England. 

The lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park, where Fort Williams, a major U.S. Army post, once stood. While visiting the lighthouse and museum, you can walk through the park and read about the historic significance of the fort. There is also a museum and a small rocky beach in the area. The place is ideal for a picnic and a short walk to enjoy the classic New England landscape

Local food, breweries   

The food scene in Portland is truly noteworthy. It’s especially known for its freshly caught lobsters, slathered in butter and served with a buttered bun and boiled corn on the side. There are also plenty of local breweries to explore.

While you’re at it, be sure to try the fresh oysters and poutine, both local favorites. Maine’s official state treat, the Whoopie pie, is just another sweet indulgence to enjoy during your visit.

Next stop: Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor and Acadia, Maine

Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park and is located about three hours northeast of Portland. The town is famous for its proximity to the park, as well as its glacial cliffs and scenic coastal islands. The Atlantic Ocean in this region is dotted with hundreds of islands, and Bar Harbor itself is situated on Mount Desert Island. Just east of it lies the next major peninsula, known as Winter Harbor.

Bar Island Trail 

The name Bar Harbor comes from a natural sandbar located right in the middle of town. This sandbar becomes visible during low tide, forming a land bridge to Bar Island. One of the best activities while visiting is to walk across the sandbar to Bar Island, then return during high tide to watch the path disappear beneath the water.

This trail is easy to navigate, but it’s important to check the tide schedule, as you won’t be able to walk back once the tide comes in.

Acadia

Visiting Acadia can be a great day trip. Start at the visitor center, and from there, you can either drive the Park Loop Road or, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore some of the trails. We mostly stayed in the car that day since we wanted to cover all the major areas—and it was raining on and off, making the trails slippery.

There are a few great spots to stop and spend time in Acadia. These are located right off the road, even if you decide not to hike. Be ready to watch for spot signs and pull over. The entire park is lush and beautiful, with moss-covered forests, streams dotted with beaver dams, and rocky cliffs on one side, and the stunning blue-green Atlantic Ocean on the other.

• Sand Beach
  • Easy to miss if you’re driving too fast. This is a beautiful sandy shore and a great place to spend some time. Note that the Atlantic Ocean here can be unpredictable—the waves are often rough, and the water isn’t shallow. But the view is stunning. You can also reach Sand Beach by walking the Ocean Path Trail.
• Thunder Hole
  • A rocky inlet where waves crash with force, sending water several feet into the air and creating a thunderous roar. It’s a great stop for photos, especially at high tide.
• Jordan Pond and Trail
  • Freshwater pond formed by glacial melting. The water is crystal clear, and the 3-mile loop trail around the pond is scenic and peaceful. Most of the difficult and swampy areas are covered by wooden boardwalks, making it easy to navigate.
  • Be sure to visit the Jordan Pond House and try the famous popovers with tea. There is usually a long wait to get seated, so arrive early. Personally, it was a bit of a disappointment for me—it felt like an unsweetened muffin top, and I thought my time was better spent exploring other parts of the park.
• Carriage Roads & Stone Bridges
  • Take a walk (or rent a bike) on the historic carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. These trails are scenic and serene, with several beautiful stone bridges perfect for photos and quiet reflection.
• Cadillac Mountain
  • This is the highest point on the U.S. East Coast. If you’re adventurous, consider hiking to the summit via one of the steeper trails. We opted to drive up, which is also a fantastic option. Just remember to reserve a vehicle pass at least a day in advance, especially during peak season—due to the fragile ecosystem and visitor limits, passes are capped each day. Located in the heart of the park, this is a must-visit spot.
• Schoodic Peninsula & Winter Harbor
  • If you’re seeking fewer crowds and more solitude, head to the Schoodic Peninsula for unspoiled ocean views and crashing white sprays. Winter Harbor, located on the next peninsula northeast of Bar Harbor, offers peaceful Airbnb stays with cliffside views.
  • We stayed in Winter Harbor, and while driving around, we saw countless beautiful spots—cliffs overlooking the sea, artists painting, and photographers capturing the landscape. We also found several places selling fresh lobsters at half the price of those in tourist-heavy Bar Harbor. It’s a perfect place to indulge, and I definitely miss the dozens of lobsters I devoured during our two-day stay.

When I was planning my trip to Maine, my friend’s daughter, Samantha from New Jersey, was so excited to share her itinerary with me. Thanks to Samantha, I followed her advice and we enjoyed every bit of the tips she shared. Sharing her Itinerary here to cover anything I missed 

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Portsmouth → Portland → Bangor

• First Stop: Portsmouth, NH
  • Visited the USS Albacore at Albacore Park
  • Ate fresh lobster at Warren’s Lobster House
• Next Stop: Portland Head Light
  • Explored Maine’s most iconic lighthouse, took photos, and enjoyed the coastline
• Evening:
  • Drove to Bangor and stayed overnight at the Residence Inn

Day 2: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

• Morning:
  • Started at the Acadia National Park Visitor Center
  • Drove to Sand Beach — stunning views with crystal-blue waters
  • Continued to Thunder Hole — amazing wave action and rock formations
• Midday:
  • Lunch at Jordan Pond House
  • Tip: Make reservations in advance—very popular spot!
• Afternoon:
  • Drove up to Cadillac Mountain Summit
  • Tip: Sunrise or sunset is ideal! We went in the afternoon and still loved it.
• Evening in Bar Harbor:
  • Walked the Disappearing Bar Island Trail before sunset (a must-do!)
  • Dinner at Black Friar Inn — highly recommend the gumbo
  • Returned to the Bar Island Trail after dark to see it submerged — very cool experience
  • Tried ice cream from Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream and Ben & Bill’s. Favorite: Ben & Bill’s!
• Overnight: Back to the Residence Inn in Bangor

Day 3: Gardens, Lighthouses & Sunset

• Morning:
  • Visited Asticou Azalea Garden — a hidden gem filled with peaceful greenery
• Midday:
  • Drove to Bass Harbor Head Light Station
  • Late lunch at The Upper Deck — great clam chowder and more lobster
• Evening:
  • Back to Bar Harbor to watch the sunset from the Main Dock
  • Enjoyed more ice cream (because, why not?)
• Overnight:
  • Returned to Bangor, last night at the Hotel

 Day 4: Sunrise Adventure & Peaks Island

• 4:00 AM:
  • Woke up early and drove to Acadia to watch sunrise from the rocks near Thunder Hole. Tip: You can also do sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, but you need to book your vehicle pass well in advance
• Midday:
  • Drove back to Portland
  • Took the ferry to Peaks Island — charming small-town vibe with local shops and food
• Evening:
  • Returned to Portland, then drove back to Boston to meet family