Park visitors agree: riding along the 27-mile Park Loop Road is the best way to do a quick tour of Acadia (and makes a strong case for renting a car). Popular sights and trails like Sand Beach, Precipice Trail, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff can all be reached from here. Just start your trek at the Hulls Cove Visitors Center, then snake your way around the east side of Mount Desert Island.

Public restrooms are scattered along the loop, but with the lack of concession stands and eateries, it's probably wise to pack your own lunch. Also keep in mind that for a majority of the 27 miles, the loop's traffic goes one way. Recent travelers also recommended starting your drive early in the morning or late afternoon, as the road tends to get congested with tourists midday, especially in the busy summer months. Some reviewers also said that cell service was spotty, so make sure you pick up a map at the visitors center before you start your drive in case your GPS cuts out along the way.

Standing 1,530 feet high, Cadillac Mountain wins a lot of superlatives. Not only is it the tallest mountain in the park, but it's the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard. If you drive up the narrow and winding 3.5-mile Cadillac Summit Road, you'll need a timed reservation when visiting from late May to late October. Drive slowly, especially as the roadside cliffs get steep. Along the road, you'll find several small observation pull-outs: take advantage of those before you reach the top, where the crowds and tour buses congregate.

While recent travelers said a trip to Acadia isn't complete without a stop at Cadillac Mountain, they also cautioned the area gets crowded and parking can be challenging. If you're visiting during the winter months, you'll have to hike to the summit; the park closes the access road for the winter season. Pack blankets and hold on to your hats, too, as it gets chillier as you ascend.

The easy-to-moderate 3.3-mile Jordan Pond Path edges around the pond's uneven rocky shoreline with wooden boardwalks, footbridges and boulders. Along the way, enjoy eye-candy views of the pond's crystal-clear waters that mirror the surrounding mountains. But don't be tempted to take a dip (not even your toes!), as it's a public water supply. Jordan Pond is also a hub for the park's Carriage Road system, so you can get here by hiking, bicycling or even horseback, if you've brought your own steed. Pair a hike or a pedal with a stop at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves soups, lobster rolls and its signature popovers and tea both indoors and outside. It's open from late April to late October.

Recent travelers were equally impressed with the restaurant's menu as they were with the spectacular scenery. They also appreciated the restaurant's kid-friendly atmosphere. However, visitors warned that the restaurant can get very crowded around lunchtime, especially in the summer, and when dining outdoors, bees can be a problem. If you don't want to wait long for a table, try getting to the restaurant early (reviewers raved about the afternoon tea). If you can time your hike accordingly, you can also make reservations by calling the restaurant. And when you're ready to move on, the Perpendicular Trail, as well as a handful of other paths, start in the area.

The only portion of Acadia National Park that's actually located on the mainland, the Schoodic Peninsula, tipped by Schoodic Point, is located about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor. Yet far fewer people visit it, which is precisely why recent travelers found this area so special. Much like Mount Desert Island, Schoodic comprises a craggy shoreline, granite headlands and spruce-fir forests. But unlike the island, its removed location lends a feeling of secluded intimacy. Begin at the Schoodic Woods Campground Welcome Center and Ranger Station, where you can pick up info. Park here if you're planning to pedal either the park's 8.3 miles of gravel bicycling paths or the loop road, or hike the Buck Cove Mountain Trail or the short-hugging Lower Harbor Trail. Less than a mile beyond the welcome center is Frazer Picnic Area, with tables, fire rings, water fountains, restrooms and a dock. From there, the next 6 miles are one-way, with a two-way spur to Schoodic Point. Along the way are designated pull-outs for taking in the beautiful vistas; the Schoodic Institute's Rockefeller Welcome Center with exhibits on local flora, fauna and history; Schoodic Point and a handful of hiking trails.

Most visitors park themselves on Schoodic Point's ledges to watch the crashing surf explode against its pink granite shoreline. When you're not admiring the waves, look to the west for incredible views of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island's glacier-rounded peaks. There are plenty of other things to do on the peninsula, including seven hiking trails. The leisurely Sundew Trail departs from the Schoodic Institute campus, weaves through woodlands and emerges on pink granite ledges. Three trails converge on Schoodic Head's summit: Schoodic Head Trail, Anvil Trail and East Trail pass through spruce-fir forests and pine woodlands with rocky outcroppings offering ocean views. The less-strenuous Alder Trail, which connects the Blueberry Hill parking lot to the Schoodic Trail, is especially popular with birders.

The Carriage Roads are network of paved paths that total 45 miles. They were created and funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. from 1913 to 1940. Throughout the course of the project, Rockefeller oversaw the paths' construction to highlight the best scenery the park had to offer, circling around Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake and Mount Desert Island. Highlights include 17 unique stone-faced bridges, cedar signposts, two gatehouses and the granite coping stones – known as "Rockefeller's teeth" – lining the roads. The roads (which are off-limits to motor vehicles) are great for those on bikes (including class 1 e-bikes), atop a horse or on their own two feet who want to explore some of Acadia's more rustic areas. Because the Carriage Roads are linked, it's easy to create a route that meets your abilities and schedule. In winter, the roads are open for hiking and snowshoeing, and volunteers groom and track some of them for cross-country skiing.

Recent travelers said a walk or bike ride here really allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of Acadia, and many highly recommended planning a fall visit just to see the spectacular foliage. Some comment on the hills and suggest renting e-bikes. Many also suggest booking a horse-drawn carriage ride along the trails for an unforgettable experience; be sure to reserve a spot early though, as they fill up quickly. If you want to avoid the crowds, reviewers suggest you get on the road early and try to visit on a weekday.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you have kids in tow, see Acadia from the water with Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater boat cruise. Diver Ed goes overboard with a camera (that feeds to a viewing screen onboard), explores the ocean floor and returns with sea creatures for kids to examine before they're returned to the water. – Hilary Nangle   

Acadia's Ocean Path – which runs 2.2 miles one-way – hugs the craggy shoreline between crashing surf and the Ocean Drive section of the Park Loop Road. Quiet, it's not, unless you find a cubby amidst the rocks and cliffs to escape tourists and road noise. But who cares! The hiking trail takes you by Thunder Hole, Monument Cove and Otter Cliff along the way. The path delivers nearly endless ocean views from Sand Beach to Otter Point, allowing you to oooh and ahhh without the frustration of finding a parking space. The trail surface is concrete in some places, packed gravel in others and uneven in places. It gradually climbs, descends and has a couple of staircases, but otherwise it's easy. If you're too tired to hike back, hop aboard the Island Explorer shuttle bus. 

The views from Great Head are worth the moderate effort necessary to hike this rocky loop with uneven terrain, a few short steep sections and rock scrambles. You'll find the trailhead at the far end of Sand Beach. The hike starts with a set of granite steps. As you climb the steps, look for a large millstone dating back to when the Satterlee family owned this land. The steps give way to ledges that deliver fine views over the beach and Beehive peak. Soon, the views reveal the coastline, with its crashing surf and open ocean. At the 145-foot summit, look for the ruins of a tower tea house and observatory the Satterlee family operated. As you descend into the woodlands, watch for a trail sign. Turn left for a shorter but steeper return to Sand Beach, a total of 1.3 miles, or keep straight for more ocean views before turning left at the next trail intersection for a 1.9-mile hike.

Recent Great Head hikers praised the stunning views and spectacular vistas. Some suggest hiking in the late afternoon for easier parking at Sand Beach. Others suggest that because the hike requires some scrambling over boulders, it might not be a good choice for wee ones or those with bad knees. While most visitors begin this hike at Sand Beach, an alternative access with a small parking lot departs from the end of Schooner Head Road. If hiking midday, consider taking the Island Explorer shuttle to avoid parking hassles.

A raucous natural phenomenon, this semi-submerged cave booms an hour or two before high tide. Waves fill the cave in such a way that the slapping is as loud as a thunderstorm – hence the name – and water can spray as far as 40 feet, so wear a poncho if you want to stay dry.

To catch the big boom, there's an element of luck, as well as timing. Recent travelers said the best time to visit is an hour or so before high tide. Visitors also warned that it can be difficult for those with limited mobility to enjoy since the rocks can be uneven. However, those who can't make the descent can still see and hear the waves from an accessible upper viewing deck. If you venture outside of the viewing platform (which includes a railing and level steps), walk carefully; the rocks will likely be wet and slippery. Stay well back from the edge, as rogue waves can splash over granite rocks. When you're not admiring the spectacular show, take a moment to take in the views: you'll spot Schoodic Peninsula in the distance, Sand Beach to left and Otter Cliff to the right.

If you're seeking Acadia's rugged, cliff-edged and spruce-lined shorefront, you'll find it here. Another classic stop along the Park Loop Road, Otter Cliff is a giant 110-foot-high granite precipice with one of the most breathtaking ocean views on the East Coast. Be careful not to fall off the ledge as you burst through the spruce trees that cap the cliff. In the summer, you'll see adventurous rock climbers scrambling up the granite and whale pods spouting off the shore. In the fall, giant flocks of ducks gather here in the waves before migrating south for the winter. What you won't see here are sea otters. Park rangers suspect the name refers to river otters as there are no sea otters in the region.

Recent visitors said a stop here is a must for the views alone, but they also point out that Otter Cliff is much less crowded than some of the park's other top spots like Sand Beach. Travelers said the lack of crowds made their visit especially peaceful. And although you can't see the sun rise out of the ocean, they report it's especially gorgeous at sunrise.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Garden lovers should visit the Land & Garden Preserve's gardens. Both the Japanese-inspired Asticou Azalea Garden, and Thuya, a formal English bedded garden paired with a terraced trail, are in Northeast Harbor, each $5. You'll need reservations ($15) for the spectacular Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, an English walled garden with Asian artifacts in Seal Harbor. – Hilary Nangle

Sieur de Monts showcases the beauty of inland Acadia. At this stop along the Park Loop Road, you'll find sights and activities highlighting the park's natural treasures and cultural history. Acadia National Park was created as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916, named after a French nobleman and explorer; it became Acadia in 1929. Exhibits and programs at the park's family-friendly Nature Center explain the work of park biologists. Behind the Nature Center is a springhouse covered by a Florentine canopy. In the adjacent Wild Gardens of Acadia, paths weave through 13 natural habitat collections displaying more than 400 labeled plant species native to Mount Desert Island. Follow signs to the original Abbe Museum, which shows a small selection of Wabanaki Nations and other archeological artifacts (also visit the more extensive Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, a Smithsonian affiliate sharing the story of Maine's Indigenous Americans told from their viewpoint). A handful of the park's memorial trails ascending Dorr Mountain's face, such as the Emery Path and Homans Path, depart from Sieur de Monts, and most comprise winding granite stairs built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Interpretive signage, boardwalks and benches make the level, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible Jesup Path a joy to explore. Given the variety of habitats, Sieur de Monts is a favorite among birdwatchers in the early morning and late afternoon.

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting Bass Harbor Light Station, head to Thurston's Lobster in Bernard, a classic Maine lobster shack hanging over lobster boat-filled Bass Harbor. Feast on lobster, chowder, salads or sandwiches, while drinking in views of Acadia's western mountains. – Hilary Nangle

Constructed in the mid-1800s, Bass Harbor Head Light Station is considered one of the most picturesque lighthouses in all of Maine. It even appeared on the America the Beautiful 2012 quarter. The U.S. Coast Guard still maintains the beacon, but it transferred ownership to Acadia National Park on July 8, 2020. Visitors may not enter the house, but it's best observed from outside, anyway.

Sand Beach is filled with sharp shells and its water rarely warms above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But still, this is the most popular of the park's three beaches. Why? Because the views here are outstanding. Sandwiched between two walls of solid pink granite and surrounded by towering evergreens, the approximately 900-foot shoreline is not your average beach. When you're not admiring the views from the shore, consider hiking up the Great Head Trail for an even better vantage point. This trail, which starts at the eastern end of the beach (the opposite end of the parking lot), has ascending granite steps that start at the base of the cliffs. Once you get to the top, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the beach and be able to spot the Beehive, a mountain that attracts experienced hikers thanks to its difficult trail.

You'll find this beach off Park Loop Road, just south of the east entrance pay station. If you choose to drive, you'll find a parking lot off Park Loop Road (this is also where the beach's changing rooms are located). The lot often fills by 9 a.m. in summer, so consider taking the free Island Explorer shuttle instead. You'll need to descend a long stairway to reach the beach. Sand Beach is open year-round.

Acadia's Beehive is surpassed only by the Precipice Trail in difficulty, and like Precipice, it's not a trail for those with a fear of heights. But the rewards for climbing the granite steps; navigating the narrow ledges, ladders and rungs; and scrambling over rocks are 360-degree views over Sand Beach, Great Head, Frenchman Bay and beyond from the 520-foot summit.

Park or disembark from the Island Explorer shuttle at Sand Beach. The blue-blazed Beehive Loop begins across from the beach on the Bowl trail, which intersects with Beehive in less than a half-mile. That's when you'll start ascending the cliff's face. Along the way, you'll also cross narrow ledges. Once you've topped the cliff, there's still another 200 feet to the summit. Once you've absorbed the views, descend via the Bowl trail to return to the start point. You won't have to negotiate rungs, ladders or cliffs, but you will be treated to a spring-fed mountain pond ideal for a break (and maybe a dip). Keep in mind: park officials advise against descending the Beehive trail the way you came up (via ladders and rungs) as it's dangerous.

The Precipice Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the park for physically strong, experienced hikers who aren't afraid of heights. The challenging, 3.2-mile round-trip route ascends 1,000 feet in nearly a mile, has visitors scrambling up the Champlain Mountain's face over boulders and via iron rungs and ladders fixed to exposed cliffs. Your prize is a scenic summit with unparalleled views over Sand Beach, Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. You return on the North Ridge of Champlain Trail, a steep granite path.

Unfortunately, the trail isn't one size fits all. If you're on the fence about whether you're up for the mental and physical challenge, recent travelers suggest you first try tackling the Beehive Trail – a strenuous but shorter trail on the park's east side. They also recommend avoiding this trail after rain, as it can be slippery and some sections leave no margin for error. To avoid being stuck behind fellow hikers, start your climb early.   

When you want to escape the crowds and experience the most rugged and remote section of Acadia National Park, visit Isle au Haut. Almost half of the island is parkland. The village and town dock are on the northern end, and the park occupies 2,900 acres on the southern end. Isle au Haut lures hikers with 18 miles of trails, stargazers with low light pollution, bird lovers who want to add to their life list and backcountry campers with five lean-to sites. Now, add mossy spruce forests, cobbled beaches, a lake for swimming and headland viewpoints that will leave you breathless. And because access is limited by the park service, crowds don't exist.

Unless you have a boat, the only access is via the Isle au Haut Boat Service's passenger ferry from Stonington, which tips Deer Isle at the base of the Blue Hill peninsula. Plan a trip between mid-June and mid-September when a boat heads to the park's Duck Harbor dock. Otherwise, it's a 5-mile walk along the rough road or on a trail into the park. It's essential to make boat reservations. The park boat departure times varies depending on both the season and the month. Check the website for up-to-date information. If you're staying on Mount Desert Island (where the majority of Acadia's attractions are), allow at least two hours to get to Stonington, park and pick up tickets. A park ranger meets the ferry at Isle au Haut's dock, provides an overview of this section of Acadia, helps day visitors find suitable activities and checks in campers.