3 days in Acadia-itinerary

Question

Our group of five 55-65 year olds are headed to Maine next week. We are flying into Portland and then renting a van to drive to Acadia for three days. I would love any input anyone has on this itineray as well as suggestions-recommendations (food, things to do, etc).

Day 1 we will arrive at 10am. Get our bags and van and we plan to stop to get groceries. Would love a recommendation for a late breakfast/lunch. We will then drive to Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (bucket list to see the trolls) and then Pemaquid Lighthouse and go to the top. From there we will continue to our accomodations at Sunnyside Cottages and Motel.

Day 2 Should we use the shuttle or drive? We are interested in the following stops Bubbles Trail, Jordan Pond and Restaurant, Hunters Beach Trail, Beehive Trail, Wild Garden and Bar Harbor to island at low tide.

Day 3 we have sunrise reservations at Cadillac Mountain. Then we plan to stop at Thunder Hole and Otter Point before driving to Corea. We plan to eat at Lunch at the Wharf and then two of our group are doing a Lobster boat tour and the others will continue to explore. Items on our list are Corea Heath Preserve, Schoodic Point, see if US bells are pouring and then on the way back to Sunnyside stop at Tidal Falls Preserve at low tide.

Day 4 we will explore anything else we haven't hit on our lists and then drive to Boston for a few days.

Our days in Boston will be less structured but on our itinerary there are: Freedom Trail tour, stroll Harvard and visit their art museum, Holocaust Museum, Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Cheers bar, find stacked turtle sculpture (I love turtles) and maybe the Tea Party re enactment. Drive to places or public transportation?

We finish up our trip driving back to Portland for a couple days before flying home. Items on our potential agenda are Casco ferry to Peaks Island, Portland Head Light, Portland Observatory, Congress Street, Bug LIght Park, cliff side walk Fort Williams Park, Duckfat Restaurant. Should we drive to places or is there public transportation?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Answer

It looks like you have a wonderful trip planned for Acadia and beyond! I'll provide some input and suggestions for each day of your itinerary, as well as tips for food, transportation, and must-see spots. Enjoy your trip, and I hope these ideas help enhance your experience!

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Coastal Maine

Your Day 1 sounds like a great start to your Maine adventure! Here are some thoughts:

Late Breakfast/Lunch Spot: Since you'll be arriving around 10am and heading toward Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, you might want to stop for brunch on the way. A good option in Portland is The Brunch Box, known for its delicious sandwiches and breakfast options. Alternatively, Beal's Lobster Pier is a good spot if you're looking for something more coastal and casual (they also have great seafood). If you prefer a more hearty option, Hot Suppa in Portland is great for breakfast/lunch and offers Southern-style comfort food.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: The trolls are definitely a highlight! The gardens themselves are beautiful, especially the "Wild Garden" area and the forest trails. Make sure to leave time to enjoy the garden's walking paths, as well as the coastal views from the property.
Pemaquid Lighthouse: Pemaquid is a stunning lighthouse, and climbing to the top offers amazing views of the surrounding coastline. If you're interested, the nearby Pemaquid Point Beach offers a nice spot to relax for a while before continuing your drive to Acadia.
Accommodation: Sunnyside Cottages and Motel is a good spot for a comfortable stay, and it’s centrally located for exploring the surrounding areas.

Day 2: Exploring Acadia National Park

For Day 2, here are some thoughts on getting around and your planned stops:

Shuttle vs. Driving: If you plan to visit several popular spots in Acadia (like Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain), the Acadia National Park Shuttle is a great option. It runs seasonally and is very convenient, especially for parking at crowded spots. If you're looking for flexibility and prefer a slower pace to explore some of the more hidden gems, driving yourself may be more suitable. However, note that parking can be tricky at popular spots like Jordan Pond or Cadillac Mountain, so be prepared for potential waits.
Bubbles Trail: The Bubbles Trail offers great views of Jordan Pond, and it’s a relatively easy and short hike, making it perfect for your group. You can also stop by Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers and tea.
Beehive Trail & Hunters Beach: Both hikes are beautiful, though the Beehive is more challenging (steep and with iron rungs), so if anyone in the group prefers a less strenuous hike, consider skipping this one. Hunters Beach is a lovely, more relaxed spot if you want to take in the scenery.
Wild Gardens of Acadia: This area offers a peaceful walk with gorgeous views of Acadia's flora. It’s less crowded than some other spots, so it’s a good spot for a tranquil walk through diverse landscapes.

Day 3: Cadillac Mountain Sunrise & Coastal Exploration

What a perfect way to start your day with a sunrise reservation at Cadillac Mountain! Here are some tips:

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise: It’s a magical experience, but be prepared for crowds. You’ll want to arrive early to get a good spot. Also, the temperature can be chilly in the early morning, so bring layers!
Thunder Hole and Otter Point: Thunder Hole is particularly impressive when the tides are high, so check the tide schedule in advance. Otter Point is a quieter alternative with beautiful views, and it’s a great spot for a leisurely walk along the shore.
Schoodic Point & Corea: Schoodic Point is quieter and less visited than the main Acadia area, so it offers a more peaceful experience with beautiful coastal views. Corea is a charming little fishing village—perfect for a scenic lunch at Wharf Restaurant.
Tidal Falls Preserve: Tidal Falls offers a great opportunity to see the dramatic effects of the tide on the landscape. It's especially interesting at low tide.

Day 4: Exploring Acadia & Heading to Boston

After exploring Acadia, you can spend the last morning in the park before heading south:

Acadia Exploration: If there are any additional spots you’d like to visit, you can check out some of the quieter trails like Garden Pond Trail or the Penobscot Mountain Trail for some great views of the surrounding area.
Drive to Boston: The drive from Acadia to Boston is about 4-5 hours, so plan to leave in the early afternoon to allow for a smooth transition into your Boston adventure.

Boston: Freedom Trail & More

Boston is full of history and culture, and your planned activities look great!

Transportation: In Boston, public transportation (the MBTA) is very convenient for getting around, especially the subway (the "T"). Many of your destinations are easy to reach by public transit. You might want to consider buying a CharlieCard for discounted fares. However, taxis or rideshares like Uber/Lyft are also available, especially for more distant spots like Harvard.
Freedom Trail: The Freedom Trail is a must-do for history lovers, and it’s great that you’re planning a tour. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes since it’s about a 2.5-mile walk.
Harvard & Museums: Strolling Harvard is a lovely experience, and the Harvard Art Museums are fantastic (don’t miss the Fogg Museum!). The Holocaust Museum is very moving and worth visiting for an emotional and educational experience.
Tea Party Reenactment: If you have time, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum offers an interactive experience where you can reenact the event, which might be fun and informative.

Portland: Final Stops

As you head back to Portland, here are a few thoughts:

Transportation in Portland: Portland has a great walking area, especially around the Old Port, so you can walk to many of the attractions. If you're planning to visit places like Peaks Island, taking the ferry is a fun and scenic way to get around. For places outside walking distance, you can use a taxi or rideshare.
Dining: Duckfat is an excellent choice for fries and a casual meal, and you can explore many great local restaurants in Portland’s Old Port area.

Enjoy your trip to Maine and Boston! It sounds like an unforgettable adventure.