Questions on July 2025 trip

Question

Hello! My husband and I are just beginning to plan a trip to Acadia in late July of next year for our anniversary. As a bit of context on the trip as a whole, we are road trip lovers and are driving from IL. This will include 2 nights at Cuyahoga NP on the way there, a night somewhere in probably Vermont, 4 nights in Acadia, a night in somewhere in NY on the way back, another night at Niagara Falls, and then a couple days to complete our drive home. I posted about the stops en route and back home on the Road Trips forum.

But I would like some help on the following questions related to just the Acadia portion:

1) For lodging I would prefer somewhere that is roomier than just a hotel room. Two bedrooms is ideal but if not two bedrooms, for sure a king bed. Would like to keep this to below $400/night. I was initially looking into vacation rental or property rental companies but am finding most require a full week stay in high season. So now am considering Edgewater Motel and Cottages and booking one of the cottages. However, I was also hoping to stay in Bar Harbor and this looks outside of town. Will I regret not staying right IN town or is the drive from this location not that big of a deal?

2) What boat tour would you most recommend? I'd like to get out on the water. Would absolutely love to see whales someday but after reading reviews that it's a 5+ hour tour, half the boat ends up sea sick, and other issues, I am thinking of saving the whales for another vacation at another location like Alaska when maybe we have more time to dedicate to something like this. Would still love to see wildlife if possible (puffins?) but hoping for a shorter trip and not so far out in the open ocean (I have never ever gotten seasick and have been on a lot of boats, but reading reviews of those whale trips now has me nervous lol)

3) Do you think dedicating time to a carriage ride is worth it on such a short trip? We are not really bike riders, so I was hoping for a way to enjoy some of the carriage roads beyond just walking since that limits how far you can go. My understanding is these aren't small carriages that are private rides but have larger groups in them?

4) Lastly (for now) we like shorter, easier hikes. Definitely NO exposure/drop offs etc. So far on my list I have walking around Jordan Pond, hiking from Sand Beach, the loop at the top of Cadillac Mountain (I know that needs reservations - thinking of just grabbing daytime reservations rather than sunrise since sunrise is SO early in the summer). Was also considering a day trip to Schoodic, as well as driving the park loop road. Anything else you'd recommend for someone who likes shorter, easier hikes?

Thanks for any help you can give. We typically vacation in the mountains out west and I have never been to the NE except to a childhood trip to NYC so I am very excited about this :)

Answer

Sounds like an exciting trip! Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas are absolutely beautiful, and it’s great to hear you’re planning a road trip there. I’ll try to address your questions one by one:

1) Lodging in Acadia and Bar Harbor
The Edgewater Motel and Cottages is a lovely spot, but you're correct that it’s a little outside of Bar Harbor. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Bar Harbor, which isn't too bad, but it depends on what you're looking for in terms of convenience and ambiance. The area surrounding Bar Harbor can get quite crowded in the summer, and finding parking can be tricky, so staying a bit outside of town could be a peaceful alternative. However, if you'd prefer to be right in the heart of things, here are a few options to consider:

Bar Harbor Inn & Spa: A little higher in price, but they offer suites and rooms with king beds. It’s located right on the water, offering great views, and it’s within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants in Bar Harbor.
Acadia Hotel – Downtown: Located right in the center of Bar Harbor, this smaller, charming hotel offers a more intimate feel. While they don't have cottages, their rooms are spacious and well-rated.
Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor: Located just a short drive from downtown, this is a good option if you’re looking for a mix of comfort and proximity. They also offer suites with two beds.

Ultimately, staying just outside of town will provide more tranquility, but staying in the heart of Bar Harbor means you can easily walk around, enjoy more restaurants and shops, and not worry about parking. It comes down to your preference for convenience versus peace and quiet.

2) Boat Tour Recommendation
If you’d like to see wildlife but prefer a shorter, less intense boat ride, I would suggest a nature cruise around Acadia and Bar Harbor. The Acadia National Park Tours and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offer shorter tours that focus more on scenic beauty and wildlife, like puffins and seals, rather than going out far for whale watching. These tours tend to last about 2 to 3 hours, which is a much shorter commitment than the 5+ hour whale tours. Most of these boats also stay closer to shore, so they won’t venture into open ocean, reducing your chances of feeling seasick. It’s a wonderful way to experience the area from the water without the long haul.

3) Carriage Ride
The carriage ride in Acadia is a fantastic way to experience the park, especially since you’re not keen on biking. The rides are led by a guide and offer a scenic view of the carriage roads and the natural surroundings. The tours usually last around an hour, and while they aren’t private (there can be other guests), they are still a relaxing and informative experience. It’s one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the park's interior, and it can be a highlight of your trip. However, if you're short on time or don't enjoy group settings, it might not be a must-do for you. The carriage roads are also accessible by foot, so if you prefer, you can walk some of the routes instead.

4) Shorter, Easier Hikes
Acadia offers some beautiful and easy hikes that would be perfect for you. Since you prefer shorter, less exposed trails, here are some recommendations:

Jordan Pond Path: This is a relatively easy, 3.3-mile loop with great views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. The path is mostly flat with a few gentle ascents, and it’s a great way to enjoy the park’s beauty without feeling too challenged.
Ocean Path: A very easy, 2-mile walk along the coastline between Sand Beach and Otter Point. It offers stunning views of the ocean, cliffs, and some of Acadia’s most famous spots without any major elevation gain.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail: The summit of Cadillac Mountain is a popular spot, and while the full trail to the top is a bit long, you can take the shorter South Ridge Trail for a 2.5-mile hike. It’s a great way to reach the summit without the full exertion of other trails.
Schoodic Peninsula: If you make it to Schoodic, I’d recommend the Schoodic Head Trail—it’s a relatively short and easy trail with amazing views, and it’s less crowded than the main park area. You can also just enjoy driving around the peninsula, which has breathtaking coastal views.

If you’re looking to explore further beyond the park, consider a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, which takes you to many of the best sights in Acadia, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.

It sounds like you’re going to have an incredible time in Acadia! If you need more specific recommendations, feel free to reach out. I hope these suggestions help you get the most out of your trip, and I’m sure your anniversary celebration will be unforgettable!

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