Acadia hikes/activities input

Question

We will be in Acadia for 5 nights towards the end of July. Two travelers - my husband and myself in our late 30s/early 40s. We're doing a road trip so will have a car. Arriving about mid-day on a Saturday and departing the following Thurs right after breakfast. Staying in the cottage at Holbrook House.

These are the things we have set in stone as we have reservations already:

Sunday at 2:00 PM we have daytime Cadillac Mtn. reservations

Tuesday we have sunrise Cadillac Mtn. reservations

We do not do strenuous hikes (and definitely no to anything with drop offs, rungs, etc). From my research, these are the hikes we're interested in:

Ocean Path

Wonderland Trail

Jordan Pond Path

Ship Harbor trail

Jesup and Hemlock Paths

Bar Island Trail

In addition, we'd like to:

visit Schoodic Peninsula one day

visit the Bass Harbor Lighthouse

take a lobster boat tour

eat at Jordan Pond House

eat at a lobster truck

Lastly, the last night of our visit is our wedding anniversary so would be doing a nice dinner that evening.

My questions are:

1) What are the best activities to lump together? Minus the Cadillac Mtn. reservations, I was going to try to have a few days of activities we have lumped together and then decide what day to do each plan based on the weather when we arrive. As an example, I would probably try to do lunch/popovers at Jordan Pond House the day we hike around that pond. It also looks like low tide for the Bar island Trail will be in the afternoons when we visit, so that is something else with a set time (the other low tide each day is in the middle of the night).

2) For Jordan Pond house reservations, I see online you can reserve the dining room. Is that inside? If we wanted to sit at the outdoor tables on the lawn that I see on their website, can we request that or are those first come, first serve?

3) I was planning on booking Lulu Lobster Boat. Does anyone have experience with them and how far in advance I should book it? Probably shouldn't wait until we arrive but was hoping to get an idea of weather (though that may be impossible as I know weather forecasts aren't super reliable far out).

4) For celebrating our wedding anniversary - what is your go-to nicer restaurant in Bar Harbor? Someplace with a nice water view would be great if possible. We are pretty open to any cuisine and price point.

5) Are there any other easy hikes that I don't have listed that you feel are must-dos?

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned for your time in Acadia, and you're already set with some great activities! I’ll answer your questions in order and provide suggestions for the best ways to structure your days. Here’s what I would recommend:

1) Best Activities to Lump Together: Based on your interests and the activities you've listed, here are a few ideas for grouping your activities together depending on the weather:

Day 1: Bar Harbor and Jordan Pond – You could start with an easy hike on the Jordan Pond Path (a 3.3-mile loop) in the morning, which has beautiful views of the pond and surrounding mountains. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch and popovers at the Jordan Pond House, which is located right by the pond. The outdoor seating area is a great spot to relax and take in the views. This will be a more relaxed day, with a combination of walking and dining.
Day 2: Schoodic Peninsula and Bass Harbor Lighthouse – If the weather is good, a trip to the Schoodic Peninsula is a great day trip. The peninsula offers beautiful coastal views and a variety of scenic spots for easy walks. Afterward, head to Bass Harbor Lighthouse to catch the iconic lighthouse view. It’s not a long drive between Schoodic and Bass Harbor, so this would make for a nice scenic drive day.
Day 3: Wonderland Trail and Ship Harbor Trail – These are both relatively easy trails with beautiful coastal scenery. Consider doing these two in one day since they’re nearby each other and offer a peaceful, nature-filled experience. The Wonderland Trail (1.4 miles) and Ship Harbor Trail (1.3 miles) are both short and relatively flat, so they’re perfect for a laid-back day of hiking.
Day 4: Bar Island Trail (Low Tide) and Sunset Lobster Boat Tour – Since the Bar Island Trail is only accessible at low tide, plan to go in the afternoon, then enjoy a lobster boat tour afterward. This would be a fun combination of land and sea, with the Bar Island Trail offering great views of Bar Harbor and the surrounding area, followed by a lobster boat tour in the evening. This will give you a full, scenic day.

2) Jordan Pond House Reservations: The dining room at Jordan Pond House is indoors, but the outdoor tables on the lawn are first-come, first-serve. However, you can request outdoor seating when making your reservation, and while they can’t guarantee it, they will try to accommodate you if space allows. It's always worth asking, especially since the outdoor seating is one of the best spots in Acadia for a meal with a view.

3) Booking a Lobster Boat Tour: For the Lulu Lobster Boat tour, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially in July when Acadia is busy. I would recommend booking as soon as you can to secure your spot, as tours often fill up quickly. While you might be tempted to wait for better weather, Acadia is known for its rapidly changing conditions, and the weather in July tends to be fairly consistent, so booking in advance is your best bet. A week or two ahead is ideal.

4) Best Restaurant for Your Anniversary Dinner: For a special anniversary dinner with a nice water view, here are a few options in Bar Harbor:

Jordan Pond House – A fantastic option for a memorable meal with a beautiful view of Jordan Pond. It’s known for its lobster stew and famous popovers, so it would be a perfect way to celebrate an anniversary lunch or dinner.
Stewman’s Lobster Pound – Known for its waterfront location and excellent lobster dishes, Stewman’s offers a nice atmosphere for a special meal. You can enjoy views of the harbor while dining on fresh lobster.
Red Sky Restaurant – A great option for an upscale dinner with a cozy atmosphere. It’s known for its seafood and steak, and it’s perfect for a romantic anniversary dinner with a great menu.

5) Other Easy Hikes to Consider: In addition to the hikes you’ve already listed, here are a couple of other easy, must-do hikes that would be a great addition to your itinerary:

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail – While this is longer (about 7 miles round-trip), it is a gradual ascent with fantastic views of the park and the surrounding area. It might be a bit more challenging than the other hikes on your list, but it’s manageable if you’re comfortable with a bit of elevation gain. Consider it as a backup plan if you feel like you can handle it after the Cadillac Mountain sunrise hike.
Beehive Trail – While it does have some sections with iron rungs, it is still one of the most popular hikes in Acadia for its spectacular views. If you're not comfortable with the rungs, you can skip this one. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, it could be a great addition to your list.
Hadlock Pond Loop – A very short (1.5 miles) and easy hike around a lovely pond, this is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic walk without much elevation.

I hope this helps you plan a fantastic trip! Acadia is such a beautiful place, and with your mix of activities, you're sure to have a wonderful time. Enjoy your anniversary celebration!