I have recently found my love for National Parks. Growing up, I did not get many opportunities. I set out my journey of traveling once I turned 18 and was able to have my own income, car, etc. Needless to say, a few years back I traveled to Mammoth Cave National Park and bought a Passport book. I started researching National Parks and visiting them. Now, I have set it my goal to visit all National Parks! Here are my top 3 things you must experience in Acadia!
I was fortunate enough to visit Acadia in 2019, and absolutely fell in love.
Top 3 Things You Must Experience in Acadia
Now, we are getting to the good part, the part you’ve been waiting for. Keep reading to experience and learn about the top 3 things you must experience while in Acadia National Park. Hint: It includes the famous Park Loop Road and many other terrific destinations!
What are you waiting for? Lets dive in!
1. Cadillac Mountain
First, we’re going to talk about Cadillac Mountain. This area can get a little busy during peak season, but most usually you can find a parking spot at the top of the mountain. However, if you are visiting during high-traffic times it might just be easier to take the shuttle [check times to ensure they are running]. Cadillac Mountain makes for the perfect destination for sunsets and sunrises! As well as, beautiful day-time views of the valleys below. This is a must see area while visiting Acadia National Park.
2. Sand Beach
Next, is the beautiful and yet frigid Sand Beach. Honestly, I’m not a beach person AT ALL. So, I’m more of a throw me in the mountains type of girl but honestly this beach was highly enjoyable, so enjoyable it made it to my list of places you must experience in Acadia. Even though the water stays frigid, you can still dip your toes in or brave the cold! In addition, we visited in July and even then the water was pretty frigid.
This beautiful beach is at the start of “Ocean Trail” which I highly recommend as well. The Ocean Trail begins at the far end of the upper parking lot and then continues along the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island for approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) until it arrives at Otter Cliff and Otter Point (this would be 4 miles or 6.4 km round-trip).
3. Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road consisting of 20 miles of endless stopping points and destinations. You can either drive the loop, or take the shuttle [when in operation]. When I visited Acadia, the first day we took the shuttle and then the next day we drove to Cadillac Mountain and explored around that area some. Personally, the shuttle was highly crowded and I ended up having to stand a majority of the time due to lack of seating [this was in a high-peak time]. So, to not repeat that experience again the next day I took my own vehicle.
There are just SO many stops along Park Loop Road including:
- Thunder Hole
- Otter Cliff Overlook
- Sand Beach
- Egg Rock Overlook
- Sols Cliff Overlook
- Boulder Beach
Conclusion
In conclusion, Acadia is a beautiful destination that offers hiking, walking around the coastal line, views of the shores, ocean views, many photographic opportunities, and family-friendly fun! Needless to say there are many more things you must experience in Acadia National Park, these 3 things are just grazing the surface!
Have you ever visited Acadia National Park? What did you enjoy most about Acadia?
If you have a 4th grader, did you know you could get into Acadia for free? Click HERE to read about the “Every Kid in a Park” Program. If you enjoy visiting National Parks and have a 4th Grader, then this pass is for you! It will allow admittance to over 2,000 National Parks Nation-wide. The pass is good until August 31, 2021.
Check out Acadia National Park HERE.
