Enjoy your own Private Tour of the major highlights of Acadia National Park featuring stops at Cadillac Mountain summit, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Point!
The itinerary encompasses more of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park by including a scenic route that travels past boat docks and the quaint harbor villages of Otter Creek, Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor, Maine. This excursion accentuates Mount Desert Island's treasured fjord, located in the middle of the island, with an ocean-side drive along Somes Sound up Sargent Drive.
Created and crafted over the past decade by your own personal local Guide Woody, this Tour gives you and your loved ones more of a "wide angle view" of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island!
Immerse yourself in the smell of pine needles, the sounds of the ocean and the sensation of the salty sea mist on your face and tongue! Over 100 happy groups have left rave reviews about their experiences on TripAdvisor over the last decade!
Pickup included
Enjoy Acadia National Park's Cadillac Mountain. The drive up and down is breathtaking. From the comfort of your seat, you can see Bar Harbor village below and all the boats and islands out on Frenchman's bay. Enjoy a 20 minute walk around a cement & granite path at the summit if you so desire. Be sure to bring a wind breaker! The wind can really bring the temperature down at the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Sand Beach is Acadia National Park's largest recreational beach for tourists. Many daring souls can't resist a dip in its very cold waters, usually in the hot months of July and August. Putting your feet in the icy Atlantic Ocean waters is a great activity any time of year. Maybe Sand Beach is better for enjoying a book, or perhaps working on your next landscape. The sound of the ocean waves will serenade you and become your muse!
Thunder Hole is one of the most popular ocean-side attractions inside Acadia National Park. It is a significant formation of granite shoreline sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean's pounding waves and Mother Nature since the last Ice Age. At a few hours before the high tide, you have the best chance of hearing the thunderous sound of the ocean pounding into Thunder Hole's cave. It is named "Thunder Cave" on some old maps. If you get too close you can get drenched. You will feel the granite shake underneath your feet if the wave is big enough. The granite has a beautiful salmon-pink color all along the shoreline nearby, and at Thunder Hole in particular. During stormier days, Acadia National Park's rangers will restrict or shut down access to this attraction.
Otter Point is the highest cliff face on the entire seaboard of the contiguous United States. Acadia National Park's loop road takes us over and around Otter Point. Everything is visible from the vehicle. If you would like a stop, it is possible.
The ringing buoy nearby is charming to most ears.
Bring your quarters because Otter Creek has coin operated showers. We go past this little island hamlet on our way to Seal Harbor village. Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park is near by and you will see some campers heading that way. We often see hikers getting ready to conquer the South Trail of Cadillac Mountain. Do not blink or you will miss it!
Wind along Mount Desert Island's coastal roads and as you listen to stories of famous historical figures such as John Rockefeller Jr. and Edsel Ford. Both spent many summers with their families here in exquisite Seal Harbor, Maine. Today, celebrities such as Martha Stewart frequent Seal Harbor Yacht Club. Enjoy beautiful mansions along this route, local homes, wharves, docks and boats. Enjoy the environs as we take a short stop at the Seal Harbor pier for pictures and a stretch.
This Japanese Strolling Garden is the legacy of Beatrix Farrand, Landscape Architect for John Rockefeller Jr. himself. For a suggested donation, visitors can easily enjoy the peace and tranquility of this meticulously maintained garden. An island treasure for sure!
Sargent Drive is just minutes away from Northeast Harbor village center. The natural mix of sea and mountains here form the only fjord on the Northeast seaboard of the United States. Sargent Drive is part of Acadia National Park and runs for a few miles along the ocean side at the center of Mount Desert Island. Tall sail boats and lobster boats are a common sight because Somes Sound fjord allows for the Atlantic ocean to reach almost two thirds into the middle of the island. This route takes us onward around the northwest side of Eagle Lake on the way back to Bar Harbor village.
We go right over Eagle Lake Carriage Road Bridge on the route back to Bar Harbor. Enjoy views of Eagle Lake and the largest Beaver Lodge known to this island!
Acadia National Park surrounds the village of Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is a quaint New England fishing port and a sea food lover's paradise. Lobster doesn't get any fresher or more succulent than from these very icy Atlantic Ocean waters. Bar Harbor is visible from many different points as you move along during your excursion. The best view is from the summit of Cadillac Mountain one quarter of a mile above Bar Harbor. We drive through most of the village pointing out historical interests.
Try to park at the far end of the parking lot away from the buses and heavier activity. The parking area is very big. You will see your guide next to a Grey minivan with Acadia on the license plate and signs that say Bar Harbor Coastal Tours.
Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town in Maine, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and proximity to Acadia National Park. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and New England charm.
A stunning national park with rugged coastline, forested mountains, and diverse wildlife. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and scenic drives.
The highest point on the Atlantic coast in the U.S., offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and ocean.
The heart of downtown Bar Harbor, featuring a picturesque green space surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
A historic restaurant and tea house located on the shores of Jordan Pond, known for its famous popovers and scenic views.
A natural ocean inlet where waves crash dramatically against the rocks, creating a thrilling spectacle.
A classic New England sandwich featuring fresh lobster meat served on a buttered, toasted bun.
A creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and other vegetables, often served with oyster crackers.
A sweet pie filled with wild Maine blueberries, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This is the most popular time to visit Bar Harbor, with warm weather, long daylight hours, and all attractions and accommodations fully open. It's perfect for outdoor activities and exploring Acadia National Park.
United States Dollar (USD)
GMT-5:00 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4:00 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT) during daylight saving time
120VV, 60HzHz
Bar Harbor is a generally safe destination for travelers. Common safety concerns include petty theft, traffic accidents, and outdoor hazards. Exercise normal precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Downtown Bar Harbor
Free shuttle service connecting key attractions, parking lots, and downtown Bar Harbor. Runs seasonally from June to October.
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Car, Bike
A quieter alternative to Acadia National Park, offering stunning coastal views, hiking trails, and a charming fishing village.
A picturesque lighthouse located at the southern tip of Mount Desert Island, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Charming coastal towns offering a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic beauty.
Price varies by option