Once covered in summer homes for the rich and famous, Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island are now known as relaxing seaside destinations for travelers from all over the country. The only national park in the New England area, is the main attraction on Mount Desert Island and covers about half of its landmass, as well as sections of other nearby islands.

The park contains over 130 miles of hiking trails, about 45 miles of old carriage roads for cycling and horseback riding, and countless gorgeous natural vistas of the rugged Maine coast. If you find yourself visiting Mount Desert Island but don’t spend time in Acadia, you’ve done yourself a disservice.

With that being said, there’s certainly more to the island than just the park. The other half of Mount Desert Island is dominated by Bar Harbor and other small seaside communities, perfect for a little beachfront R&R. If you’re a fan of seafood, make sure you take the time to enjoy Bar Harbor’s famous lobster cuisine, or you can take a fishing trip for yourself.

The area is also home to a number of small but interesting local museums, including the Abbe Museum, dedicated to the area’s native Wabanaki heritage. Other popular museums include the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, the D’Alessio Gallery, and the Seal Cove Auto Museum, which features a large collection of cars over a century old. If you want to relax on the shore, head out to Fine Sands Beach, a local favorite nestled within the otherwise rocky coast. For even more picturesque views, take the ferry out to Swan’s Island.

To make the most of your trip to Mount Desert Island, check out our Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking and Driving Tour.

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