acadia national park where to stay
Acadia National Park, nestled on Maine’s stunning Mount Desert Island, is a dream destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking breathtaking coastal scenery. But planning a trip isn’t complete without figuring out where to stay! This guide breaks down the best places to stay near Acadia, catering to various budgets and travel styles. From charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts and convenient campgrounds, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the options!
Choosing Your Base: Understanding the Areas Around Acadia
Before diving into specific accommodations, it’s helpful to understand the different towns surrounding Acadia National Park and what each offers:
- Bar Harbor: The largest town and most popular base. It boasts the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, shops, and tours. It’s centrally located within the park and offers a vibrant atmosphere. Touristy, but undeniably convenient.
- Southwest Harbor & Bass Harbor: Quieter, more laid-back options on the southwestern side of the island. Popular for boating, fishing, and a more rustic experience.
- Northeast Harbor & Seal Harbor: Exclusive, picturesque areas known for their beautiful homes, yacht clubs, and high-end lodging. Expect a more refined and peaceful setting.
- Ellsworth: Located on the mainland, approximately 20 minutes from the park entrance. Offers more budget-friendly options and amenities not always found on the island.
Accommodation Options
Bold Red Hotels and Resorts
For those seeking comfort, amenities, and a touch of luxury, the hotels and resorts around Acadia offer impressive choices.
Luxurious Options with Stunning Views
- The Bar Harbor Inn: The Bar Harbor Inn sits right on the water with panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Expect classic New England charm, multiple dining options, and a heated pool. This is a top choice for special occasions.
- Westin Acadia Resort & Spa: The Westin Acadia Resort & Spa provides a modern, upscale experience with a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and easy access to Acadia’s trails. Perfect for families or couples desiring relaxation.
- Acadia Hotel: Acadia Hotel is a charming, centrally located option renowned for its detailed architecture and uniquely designed rooms.
Mid-Range Comfort
- Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor: Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor is a reliable and family-friendly choice, with a pool and various room types, often offering good value.
- Bar Harbor Grand Hotel: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel : A recently renovated hotel offering a blend of charm and contemporary amenities, centrally located in Bar Harbor.
Bold Red Bed and Breakfasts & Inns
Acadia’s surrounding towns are brimming with delightful bed and breakfasts and inns, offering a more personal and intimate experience.
Quintessential New England Charm
- The Primrose Inn: The Primrose Inn – A beautifully restored Victorian home in Bar Harbor offering cozy rooms and a delicious homemade breakfast. A great option for a romantic getaway.
- The Quimby House Inn & Restaurant: The Quimby House Inn & Restaurant – Expect a historic atmosphere, personalized service, and a fantastic restaurant right on-site in Bar Harbor.
- Harbor View Inn: Harbor View Inn – Located on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island, this inn provides stunning water views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Bold Red Vacation Rentals & Condos
For families, groups, or those seeking more space and amenities, vacation rentals and condos are a popular option.
Space and Flexibility
Websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer a massive selection of rentals in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and other areas. Look for homes with kitchens, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces. This can be a particularly cost-effective solution for longer stays or families.
- Consider: Book well in advance, especially during peak season (summer and fall foliage). Check reviews carefully and be clear about amenities.
Bold Red Camping & RV Parks
For the adventurous traveler wanting to immerse themselves in nature, camping and RV parks offer a fantastic experience.
Embrace the Outdoors
- Blackwoods Campground (Acadia National Park): Requires advance reservations through Recreation.gov – incredibly popular! Recreation.gov. Offers a great location within the park and access to hiking trails.
- Seawall Campground (Acadia National Park): Also requires Recreation.gov reservations. More remote than Blackwoods, offering a quieter experience.
- Hulls Cove Campground (Acadia National Park): Offers a mix of tent and RV sites. Recreation.gov.
- Smuggler’s Cove Campground: A privately owned RV park with full hookups.
Comparison Table: Accommodation Options
| Feature | Hotels & Resorts | Bed & Breakfasts/Inns | Vacation Rentals/Condos | Camping/RV Parks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $$$ – $$$$ | $$ – $$$ | $$ – $$$$ | $ – $$ |
| Amenities | Full service (pool, restaurant, spa) | Breakfast included, personalized service | Kitchen, laundry, more space | Basic amenities, access to nature |
| Location | Central, often near attractions | Scattered throughout towns | Variable, check location | Within or near the park |
| Privacy | Less private | More private than hotels | Most private | Varies by campground |
| Best For | Luxury travelers, families | Couples, those seeking charm | Families, groups, longer stays | Nature enthusiasts, budget travelers |
| Booking | Hotel websites, third-party sites | Inn websites, booking platforms | Airbnb, VRBO | Recreation.gov, campground websites |
Tips for Booking Your Stay
- Book Early: Acadia is incredibly popular, especially during the summer and fall. Reserve your accommodations months in advance.
- Consider Shoulder Seasons: Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices.
- Factor in Location: Think about how much time you want to spend driving within the park and choose your base accordingly.
- Read Reviews: Before booking, check online reviews to get a sense of the accommodations and service.
- Check for Packages: Many hotels and inns offer packages that include activities or dining options.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect place to stay near Acadia National Park! Enjoy your trip!
Sources:
- Acadia National Park Official Website: https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
- Recreation.gov: https://www.recreation.gov/ (for camping reservations)
- Visit Bar Harbor: https://www.visitbarharbor.com/
