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Parking at Sand Beach

I read that parking can be difficult at Sand Beach. We are visiting in mid-July. In general, when would we need to arrive at the lot to get a spot?

Parking at Sand Beach in Acadia National Park can indeed be challenging, especially during mid-July, when the park sees a lot of visitors. The small parking lot at Sand Beach fills up quickly, and if you arrive late in the morning or early afternoon, you might find it difficult to get a spot.

When to Arrive for Parking: To maximize your chances of securing a spot, it's best to arrive early in the day. Here's a general guideline:

  • Arrive by 8:00 AM – This is usually the best time to get a parking spot. The lot tends to fill up quickly after 8:00 AM, so getting there before then will give you the best chance of finding a space.
  • Later Morning (9:00-11:00 AM) – By this time, the parking lot will likely be busy, and it may be difficult to find a spot. If you don’t want to risk missing out on parking, try to arrive closer to 8:00 AM.
  • Afternoon (After 12:00 PM) – By mid-day, parking will likely be very limited, and you may need to wait for a spot to open up. If you do visit during this time, consider parking in other areas and using the Island Explorer shuttle bus to get to the beach (a great option to avoid parking headaches).

Alternative Parking Options: If the main parking lot is full, there are a few alternative options:

  • Beehive Trailhead Parking – This parking lot is relatively close to Sand Beach and is less likely to be completely full, though it still fills up on busy days. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk from the beach.
  • Use the Island Explorer Shuttle – During the summer months, the Island Explorer shuttle buses run throughout Acadia National Park, including stops near Sand Beach. If parking is full, you can park at a nearby lot (such as the ones near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center) and take the shuttle to the beach. The shuttle is a convenient and stress-free way to avoid parking altogether.

To avoid the hassle of finding parking, it’s also a good idea to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when crowds tend to thin out a bit. Keep in mind that Sand Beach is a popular spot, so planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit!

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