Help with itnierary in fall 2025

Question

I'm planning a trip from Austin to Acadia National Park with a toddler and would love some guidance on the best itinerary.

Since I’m traveling with a little one, I’m not interested in hiking but would love to experience scenic drives and beautiful viewpoints.

I also need recommendations for accommodations that are family-friendly and conveniently located. Any sample itineraries or links to helpful resources would be greatly appreciated!

I'm planning 6-8 days trip and yet to finalize on it. This forum provides the best details so i dont want to mess up by doing any sort of bookings before i hear the very helpful people here. Thank you in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you're in for a fantastic trip to Acadia National Park! Since you're traveling with a toddler and prefer scenic drives and beautiful viewpoints over hiking, I've put together an itinerary that focuses on accessible, family-friendly experiences. Acadia is stunning in the fall, with the colorful foliage and crisp air making it an ideal destination for relaxed outdoor exploration. Here's a suggested itinerary and some accommodation recommendations to help make your trip memorable and stress-free:

Suggested 6-8 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Settling In - Arrive in Bar Harbor (the closest town to Acadia National Park). Depending on your arrival time, take a leisurely walk around the town, explore the harbor, and get familiar with the area. - For a relaxed evening, enjoy a casual dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants in Bar Harbor. Some great options include Mache Bistro or Side Street Cafe.

Day 2: Scenic Drive – Park Loop Road - Start your day with a drive along Park Loop Road, the main scenic route through Acadia National Park. The entire drive is about 27 miles and offers stunning views of the coastline, mountains, and forests. There are plenty of pull-off points where you can stop to admire the views and take family photos. - Key stops on Park Loop Road include: - Sand Beach – A beautiful, sandy beach that’s perfect for a stroll with a toddler. - Thunder Hole – A natural rock formation where waves crash dramatically against the rocks (if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the action!). - Cadillac Mountain – For breathtaking panoramic views of the park, Bar Harbor, and the surrounding islands. You can drive all the way to the summit, which is perfect if you’re not hiking. The views from Cadillac Mountain at sunrise or sunset are unforgettable.

Day 3: More Scenic Drives – Ocean Drive and the Schoodic Peninsula - If you’re up for exploring more scenic roads, drive along Ocean Drive on Mount Desert Island, which offers some of the most beautiful coastal vistas in the park. - In the afternoon, consider taking the drive over to the Schoodic Peninsula. It’s a bit off the beaten path but offers quieter, less crowded scenic drives and viewpoints.

Day 4: Acadia’s Quiet Side - Today, you can explore Acadia’s quieter side, which is perfect for families who want to experience the beauty of the park without the crowds. Head to Jordan Pond for a leisurely walk around the pond (the walk is flat and easy, perfect for little ones). The view of the Bubbles (the two mountains) across the water is iconic. - If you’d like a break from the park, consider visiting Mount Desert Island's Wild Gardens or checking out Somes Sound, a fjord-like body of water that’s a peaceful spot for a family picnic.

Day 5: Explore Bar Harbor and Surroundings - Spend a day exploring Bar Harbor itself. Take a scenic cruise around the harbor or visit the nearby Abbe Museum to learn more about the Native American history of the area. - Take a stroll along Bar Harbor’s Shore Path (about 1 mile round-trip), a lovely walk along the water that’s very toddler-friendly.

Day 6: Explore the Northeast Harbor Area and the Asticou Azalea Garden - Spend the day in the Northeast Harbor area, which is a charming, quieter part of Mount Desert Island. - Visit Asticou Azalea Garden, which is beautiful in the fall with its colorful foliage. It's a peaceful place to relax with your family. - If time allows, you can also take a boat tour to see the surrounding islands.

Day 7-8: Relax and Explore at Your Own Pace - Spend the final couple of days relaxing and doing a bit more exploration or visiting other nearby attractions. If you enjoy the outdoors, consider renting bikes to ride on the Carriage Roads, which are car-free paths in Acadia that are perfect for families with young children. - Another great option is to spend some time at Echo Lake Beach, which is a quieter, family-friendly spot ideal for a relaxing day by the water.

Accommodation Recommendations: Family-Friendly and Conveniently Located

Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – Located right on the water, this hotel offers a scenic location with easy access to both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. It has spacious rooms, a pool, and is very family-friendly. It’s within walking distance of downtown, making it convenient for meals and shopping.
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center – Located just outside of downtown Bar Harbor, this hotel has stunning views of the ocean and Acadia. They offer a range of room sizes, including family suites, and they have a heated outdoor pool. It’s also a very peaceful spot, perfect for families looking for a relaxing stay.
Coastal Inn – This is a great option for families who are looking for a budget-friendly place to stay. Located just outside of Bar Harbor, Coastal Inn offers comfortable accommodations with a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great choice if you want to stay close to the park without breaking the bank.
Hampton Inn Bar Harbor – A family-friendly, modern hotel that’s close to Acadia National Park. The Hampton Inn offers free breakfast, which is always helpful when traveling with a toddler, and it has convenient amenities like a heated indoor pool and fitness center.

Since you’re still in the planning stages, I’d recommend looking into these accommodations and booking once you've confirmed your exact dates. All of these hotels are great for families and are well-situated for exploring both Acadia and Bar Harbor.

In terms of resources, I recommend checking out the official Acadia National Park website and also looking for some detailed travel guides for Mount Desert Island. Websites like TripAdvisor and family travel blogs can also provide helpful, up-to-date tips on what to do with young children in the area.

With a 6-8 day trip, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the beauty of Acadia and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace. Enjoy your time in Acadia, and I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family!

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