Acadia and Bar Harbor in June

Question

I need a little help. I've looked all around, but can't quite find the answer. We are looking to spend a few days at Acadia and Bar Harbor at the end of June (before July 4th). Where is the best place to stay? In the park? Downtown Bar Harbor? Somewhere in between? I keep reading about traffic downtown and also getting on the island? Not sure if it's better to stay near the park and drive into town, or do the opposite.

We are a family of 3 (Mom, Dad, 13 year old boy) and love national parks. We love hiking, enjoying nature and seeing local sites. We also love new towns/cities and enjoy eating out. We will be coming from the Boston area.

If there are any places that you would recommend we also check out on the way up/back to Bar Harbor...I'm happy to hear it! Thank you :)

Answer

For your trip to Acadia and Bar Harbor in June, you'll want to weigh convenience, accessibility, and the experience you're looking for when deciding where to stay. Here's a breakdown of the options:

1. Staying in Downtown Bar Harbor: - Pros: Staying in downtown Bar Harbor puts you right in the heart of the action with access to restaurants, shops, and harbor views. It's also close to the Island Explorer bus system, which is free and can take you into the park and around Bar Harbor, saving you the hassle of parking in high-traffic areas. You’ll be able to easily walk to places like the waterfront, and you’ll have a variety of dining options nearby. - Cons: Traffic and parking can be a challenge, especially during the busy summer months. If you plan on visiting Acadia's more popular areas like Cadillac Mountain or Jordan Pond, you may have to deal with heavy crowds and limited parking.

2. Staying Near Acadia National Park (in or near the park): - Pros: Staying closer to Acadia means you'll be right next to nature and hiking trails, with easy access to park entrances like the main Hulls Cove Visitor Center. You'll be away from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor and can start your hiking adventures early in the day without having to deal with traffic in town. There are some charming inns and B&Bs in nearby areas like Otter Creek or Seal Harbor. - Cons: You'll need to drive into Bar Harbor for dining and shopping, and you’ll be further from the convenience of town amenities. However, the trade-off is being closer to the park and avoiding the worst of the town's summer congestion.

3. Staying Between Bar Harbor and Acadia: - Pros: This could be a good compromise, offering you a balance between proximity to Acadia and being just a short drive away from the dining and shopping options in Bar Harbor. Some inns and cottages near the park entrances or along Route 3 may offer a quieter experience but still allow for easy access to both the park and downtown. - Cons: This could mean more driving if you want to explore both the park and Bar Harbor itself, but it’s usually not too far of a drive.

If you want the best of both worlds (nature and convenience), staying in Bar Harbor is often the most recommended option for first-time visitors, especially for families. You can always use the Island Explorer bus or drive short distances to the park. Just be aware of the parking situation, especially in popular areas like Cadillac Mountain or Jordan Pond. Many visitors find it worth it to arrive early in the morning or visit the more popular spots during off-peak hours.

As for your route to Bar Harbor, here are a few great places to check out on your way from Boston:

Rockport and Camden (on the mid-coast): These picturesque coastal towns offer beautiful views, quaint streets, and great places to grab lunch.
Boothbay Harbor: Known for its maritime charm, you can stroll along the harbor, enjoy some seafood, and even explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Camden Hills State Park: If you're into hiking, Camden Hills offers some great trails with sweeping views of Penobscot Bay. It’s a lovely spot to stretch your legs before continuing north.

Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, I recommend checking out the Abbe Museum for local history and Native American culture, Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views, and Sand Beach for a beautiful, sandy spot to relax. If you enjoy seafood, try Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound for a casual but fantastic lobster experience.

Let me know if you need more details about any specific activities or accommodations, and I hope you and your family have an amazing trip to Acadia!