One of the most visited national parks in America, Acadia National Park is packed full of exciting activities amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of the North East. An impeccable playground of around 49,000 acres of protected forests, beaches, mountains, and rocky coastline, Acadia plays host to over 2 million visitors each year seeking fresh air, beautiful landscape and active pursuits. Use Bar Harbor as your jumping-off point and get ready to embrace the outdoors with equal parts thrill and chill.

Very few would associate Acadia National Park with beaches with good reason although there is an exception in the gorgeous little Sand Beach.

Nestled between the mountains and the rocky shore, Acadia’s only sandy ocean beach is a popular spot for relaxing after a hike or just making a day out of playing in the sand. You can also easily access the nearby Ocean Path trail (a gorgeous 4 miles round-trip coastal path) which begins right here at the far end of the beach parking lot.

One thing you’ll immediately notice is the absence of swimmers even on the hottest of days… Only a handful of kids are brave enough to play in the arctic water which rarely exceeds 50-55 degrees in the middle of summer. Spontaneous squealing is a common sound bite whenever a rolling wave hits the shore.

Tide pools offer a much warmer alternative and play area for little ones and canine companions.

When you’re ready to get your legs moving and heart pumping, you only need to look across the parking lot and stare at the towering rock face of The Beehive – probably the most popular hiking trail in the park. This is where the ‘thrill’ portion of Acadia kicks in with this ‘ladder trail’ which is essentially a grown-up version of your childhood’s vertical rope and climbing courses. Not recommended for small children or people with a fear of heights, this trail is relatively short (only 2 miles) and fairly easy save for a few vertical cliffs to navigate using iron rung ladders and handrails.

The beginning is a pretty walk through the forest climbing gently before reaching an intersection.

Turn right at the warning sign to follow the Beehive as it starts to climb up more steeply.

As you ascend, the views keep getting better with Sand Beach slowly emerging to your right.

I must admit, the exposure can be intimidating at times but the views more than make up for the brief discomfort of standing so close to a vertical drop of unknown consequences…

The higher you get, the narrower the ledges become and that’s when you’ll start to see the iron ladders and handrails to help propel you up the rock scrambling sections. It’s really a lot of fun and an ingenuous way to reach one of the best peaks in all of the park.

Nearly there…just a few more rocks to climb over and the victory will be yours.

Finally, you reach the summit and one of the most bang-for-your-buck views on the entire east coast, 500 feet above where you started earlier. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic and to admire the ocean views with islands extending as far as the eye can see. Thankfully, the return route is not where you just came from but down a much more gentle trail through the woods on the opposite side.

Back at sea level, you can go relax at Sand Beach or keep moving and take a walk on the Ocean Path which starts right at the Sand Beach parking lot. This gentle 4-mile trail offers gorgeous Atlantic views the whole way with many options to stop and admire the scenery.

You’ll eventually meet with a crowd at Thunder Hole, a natural rock inlet that has been battered by sea waves for centuries.

What gives this attraction its name is the regularly occurring phenomenon of a thunder-like roar and powerful splash of water. It happens when the waves are coming in quick and strong enough to force the air that is trapped in a small cavern out, causing a thunderous boom and sometimes sprays as high as 40 foot!

Timing is key though. Somewhere in the middle of low and high tide is supposedly ideal. We only caught a small spurt of water but the sound was nevertheless very special to hear.

Once back to your car, be sure to drive the entire 27-mile Park Loop Road to get your bearings in the park. This is the main avenue for navigating to the main attractions and connects some of the prettiest spots in the park together. It can get some heavy traffic at times but this is the quickest way to see all the highlights in a short amount of time and a seriously pretty scenic drive you’ll want to do again and again.

If you want a gentle hike with amazing views, it’s hard to beat the Bubbles. Two connected trails lead to two different peaks, each with its own reward, and it can all be done under two hours with kids of any age. A word of warning though – the parking lot is on the tiny side so either get there super early or have a plan B… The 1.5 mile hike starts at the Bubbles Divide parking lot and climbs smoothly upwards on a wide wooded trail.

At the junction, turn left to follow the trail to the summit of South Bubble which is nice enough but not your final destination. Instead, turn back and follow the blue blazes for a few minutes…

…to reach Bubble Rock, the best-known boulder in the entire state of Maine!

The iconic rock is perched precariously on the eastern edge of the summit of South Bubble and was apparently moved here by the powerful action of ancient glaciers over some 40 miles.

Retrace your steps to the junction and make a right this time to get to North Bubble. While there are no spectacular rocks perched up here, the views are fabulous. Jordan Pond lies right at your feet with the Cranberry isles in the distance.

Other gem right off the Park Loop Road is Little Hunters Beach. This little crescent of cobblestone beach is totally secluded from the road and much less crowded than Sand Beach. You’ll want to spend some time relaxing here and listening to the hypnotic sound of cobbles tumbling over each other when the surf comes in and out. 

The famous rocks found here have been carved by glacial activity and the constantly rolling waves. While they’re pretty to look at, they’re much more exciting to listen to as they roll over each other every time a wave crashes in. It’s like listening to a meditative ocean chime…

Back inland, get acquainted with the park’s indigenous flora at The Wild Gardens of Acadia.

This tranquil garden is rarely crowded and offers a quiet respite from the hiking crowds despite being close to Bar Harbor. What you’ll find here is an impressive field guide of over 400 plant species that are native to Mount Desert Island split into twelve sections that represent natural plant communities such as “mixed woods”, “meadow”, “seaside”, etc.

There are some short trails to explore right outside with great birdwatching opportunities. The Jesup Path is a gorgeous one on a boardwalk along a birch and hemlock forest with a few signs and benches along the route.

We even spotted a few barred owls up in the trees.

There are over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island and although they might not appear particularly high compared with the Adirondacks or Rockies, they’re actually the tallest points on the North American Atlantic coast. The tallest of them all, Cadillac Mountain, is a must on any visit to Acadia whether you decide to hike or drive to the summit. Just bear in mind that as the only attraction in the park that can be reached by car, it gets packed and COVID brought a new reservation system to limit the crowds. You’ll have to reserve your timed entry through this site preferably days or weeks before your visit especially if you’re keen on witnessing the sunrise or sunset.

We opted to view the sunset from the summit which was gorgeous. If you’re an early bird though and don’t mind the 5am wake up call and frigid temperatures, you’ll get some bragging rights as Cadillac Mountain is the first place to witness the sunrise in the United States from October through March….

Get there early and take a stroll on the easy Cadillac Summit Path which begins right by the parking lot. This short paved pathway yields panoramic vistas aplenty with viewing platforms describing some of the views and history of the park.

The pink granite, vivid green of the bushes and blues of the bays are truly awe-inspiring as the light goes out. Standing here at 1,530 feet, dominating the park gives all the meaning to Acadia’s reputation as the “crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” 

As the sun starts its final descent, walk back from the parking lot on the Summit Road down to the first pullout you’ll see to your right: The Blue Hill Overlook. It’s the best spot on the mountain to watch the sunset with plenty of space to stretch out.

Get down a bit more to see Eagle Lake pop out from behind and bid good night to this spectacular display from Mother Nature. After being cooped up inside for so long, I can’t think of a better getaway than visiting one of our amazing national parks and Acadia is surely among the very best.

Maine’s undeniable beauty is on full display on Mount Desert Island, home of both the town of Bar Harbor and the world-famous Acadia National Park. With easy access to the island’s outdoorsy pursuits and a wealth of B&Bs, shops, and restaurants, Bar Harbor remains the best launchpad to take it all in and quickly hop between hiking, photographing iconic lighthouses, and feasting on freshly boiled lobsters.

One would think that the town’s remoteness (the five-hour drive north from Boston is no easy feat) would keep the crowds at bay but Bar Harbor’s popularity, especially with families, is as high as ever. What used to be a summer haven for the rich and famous seeking the cool mountain and seaside breeze is now a fun and slightly kitschy getaway to enjoy nature at its finest.

With most attractions only a few minutes drive away, you can spend at least a day just strolling around town, browsing the shops , and people watching.

Start the day right with a giant breakfast at Cafe This Way, a quirky cafe in a leafy courtyard smack in the middle of town.

The blueberry pancakes (blueberries are Maine’s official state fruits and found absolutely everywhere) are a must: thin with crispy edges and filled with tiny, wild blueberries. They’ll set you up for whatever you’ve planned for the day ahead.

Walk over to Agamont Park for beautiful views of the harbor. This little hilltop park is a fabulous place to just relax and watch the boats slowly go by.

From the bottom of the park, you’ll see the beginning of the Shore Path – a half-mile path that hugs the coastline and offers views of nearby islands. It’s a delightful walk, so much so that I did it a few times at various times of the day to see different light, tide, and activity on the water.

You’ll also get a glimpse into the backyard of the best and chicest hotels lining the waterfront, once the residences of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers of days past.

Character rich old fences and wild roses encircle beautiful private mansions on one side with the granite-filled shore on the other. You can veer off the path and find a nice spot to sit on the rocks if you’d like – it’s a nice place to relax and breathe in that salty air.

With very limited eating options in the national park, coming back to Bar Harbor for lunch after a hike or a drive around the island is usually the best idea and there are tons of great casual places to grab a filling bite. Of all the many lobster rolls I ingested in Maine, the one at Side Street Cafe is very near the top and you shouldn’t leave town without trying it.

Huge chunks of lobster meat, probably the most generous portion I’ve seen, and a very decent cup of clam chowder are just what you need after an active morning.

The pub-like restaurant has a pretty large menu with burgers, tacos, salads, crab cakes, etc. and original drinks (yes, it’s blueberries at the bottom of that cocktail).

Another solid option is the Thirsty Whale Tavern.

Pretty decent lobster roll with a lovely lobster bisque on the side. It’s a little easier to get a seat here than at the crazy busy Side Street Cafe so this can be a good plan B if you’re starving…

If timing allows it, a great thing to do right in Bar Harbor is to walk to Bar Island via a natural land bridge that appears at low tide. Connecting Bridge Street in Bar Harbor to the western edge of Bar Island, this rocky bridge is unveiled twice a day and disappears about three hours later so you have to plan your trip back in time lest you want to be stuck on this uninhabited island for nine hours.

The water retreating unveils tide pools and a treasure trove of sea creatures kids and adults alike love to explore.

The rugged and forested Bar Island has an easy hiking trail about a mile long that will take you to the island’s highest point.

Views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay are splendid from this vantage point.

Back in town, kill the late afternoon hours by strolling through the leafy residential streets around downtown (it’s pretty small – you won’t get lost!) and admiring the mix of old cottages and grand mansions.

For a fun dinner or even just pre-dinner drinks and snacks, it’s hard to beat Project Social Kitchen & Bar.

Right on the main street, the cool tapas and cocktail restaurant has tables spread out all around the big house from the large courtyard and front porch to the inside salons.

Follow dinner with an evening walk along the pier and the Shore Path which takes on a lovely glow at sunset before settling in the park with an ice cream cone… as one does around here.

While most of the island is covered by Acadia National Park, driving around its perimeter and seeing the handful of coastal villages can be as enthralling as climbing to the island’s highest summits. In Northeast Harbor, the Asticou Azalea Garden is a worthwhile stop especially in the spring for obvious reasons.

Take a slow stroll through the manicured gardens and get your zen on – you’ll notice the strong Japanese influence and aesthetic at every turn.

The tranquil village of Somesville is the oldest settlement on the island dating back to 1761 and is now a National Historic District. Visitors come in to look at beautifully preserved examples of early New England architecture…

… and what must be one of the most photographed bridges in the state. The small white footbridge that arches over the stream flowing from Somes Pond to Somes Sound is as picturesque as it gets.

There’s even a modern art gallery – the Gallery at Somes Sound – for art enthusiasts and collectors with a nice mixture of fine art and sculptured furniture.

Besides being quaint and photogenic, another major draw of driving along the coast is the opportunity to eat lobster fresh off the boat in a secluded setting unlike the busy waterfront in Bar Harbor. One not to miss is Abel’s Lobster located right by a natural fjord.

Settle at a picnic table with calming views of boats bobbing on the water and get ready for a very memorable meal.

Whole lobsters are steamed and cooked in seawater over wood fire and served with drawn butter and an addictive paprika aioli. Cracking the shell and dipping huge chunks of tender lobster meat in warm butter while looking out over the sound is one of the best afternoon plan you can have – probably my favorite meal of the whole trip.

Continue the gustatory high by visiting the Atlantic Brewery Company tasting room nearby.

With eight beers on tap, a tasting flight is in order and will reveal a few favorites. Their blueberry ale is famous and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was, bringing a few bottles home as well as their IPA and porter…great variety!

Continuing the drive clock wise, you can stop at Echo Lake Beach which is one of only two lakes on the island where swimming is permitted.

You can also visit nearby a traditional New England homestead (Carroll Homestead) to see how three generations of the Carrolls lived off the land almost 200 years ago.

Soon you reach the south of the island with beautiful vistas.

At the southernmost tip, you’ll find one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses (if not THE most photographed): Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. You’ll need to scramble down on the rocky shore to get a good shot and it’s worth it, just to see that iconic landmark from up close.

Back in Bar Harbor, you have your pick of restaurants for dinner from classic favorites to new adventurous hot spots. Seeing as we had lobster for lunch we opted for the international cuisine at CIAO Food + Drink.

From duck confit and ribs to bruschetta, it’s an eclectic mix in a charming little restaurant perfect for a date night with a good glass of wine. Hit the bed early because tomorrow you’re going to Acadia National Park and you’ll want an early start to beat the crowd and see as much as possible!

There’s nothing like the first few days of spring above 20°C (that’s in the 70s for you Americans!) to send us all toward the coast to feel that ocean breeze, get those first grains of sand between our toes, and gorge on succulent seafood fresh from the boat. Luckily for us based on the East Coast, choices abound and I set my first getaway this Spring on the picturesque coastal town of Mystic in Connecticut.

Small in size but big in attractions, Mystic is hugely popular during the warmer months so spring is an ideal time to visit before the summer hordes disembark. Located on the banks of the Mystic River, your first impression is of a quaint and manicured seafaring village with white Colonial period buildings gracing the shore – a picture straight from the 1830s.

Downtown Mystic is bisected by an imposing and rather cool looking bascule bridge – if you’re lucky you might witness its huge cement counterweights lift the drawbridge to let a boat through.

The town center is easy to walk around and full of small stores and restaurants neatly packed over a few blocks.

At the edge of it stands the source of a sizeable portion of the town’s fame in the iconic ‘Mystic Pizza‘. The location of Julia Robert’s 1980s movie hit of the same name has been drawing fans and curious folks (like myself) to the town ever since.

Yes, you can dine here and soak up the movie nostalgia while watching it on repeat on a TV screen up the wall, photos from the set and actors covering literally every inch of the place.

Daisy was pretty cool but Jojo always had my vote…

Only one thing left to do now: sample the namesake pizza. It’s pretty decent, not the best you’ll ever have but it’ll fill you up nicely for an afternoon of exploration.

Most things to see and do in Mystic are out in the open with the exception of the Mystic Museum of Art.

The smallish art gallery overlooking the river is a charming place to check out rotating art exhibitions and get introduced to lesser known American artists.

You’ll need a couple of hours or even a full day to tackle Mystic’s star attraction – the Mystic Seaport Museum.

This outdoor living history museum is a replica of a shipbuilding town from the 1830s-era, essentially what Mystic must have looked like in those days!

As the largest maritime museum in the United States, there’s a ton to see and do and lots of history to brush up on. You’ll discover that Mystic was busy building boats from the 1600s up to 1930s and the museum is dedicated to preserving that history with original boats, photos and artifacts from throughout that period.

Most of the buildings are open to visitors and set up to educate on the seafaring activities and work places of the era.

The chance to climb aboard and visit some of the original wooden vessels is a real treat and fun for all ages. One boat in particular reigns supreme here and it’s the Charles W. Morgan – the last surviving wooden whaling ship (the only one still in existence today).

If you’ve read Moby Dick, you’ll get a pretty good image of the ship’s cramped quarters (below was for the high ranking second in command) and living conditions to fulfill a captain’s obsession with the gigantic creature.

Strolling around the village while popping into the general store and pharmacy gives a glimpse into life as it was two hundred years ago. This would be a typical day trip from school and honestly is equally enjoyable as an adult with a much different perspective on life and living conditions from this bygone era.

A striking exhibition building (very much modern) holds shows and information about the museum.

Artefacts such as figureheads and ship carvings tell a fascinating story of culture across continents.

It was a lot to pack in for the first day so a really nice dinner is deserved. Mystic is not short on delectable meals and one of them can be had at the restaurant of The Whaler’s Inn, a boutique hotel spread between 5 historical buildings steps from the river.

Called The Shipwright’s Daughter, this fairly recent addition to the town’s culinary scene is the epitome of Mystic’s charm: a tasteful blend of vintage nautical with a modern twist.

Blue velvet upholstery, reclaimed oak flooring and brass accents throughout make you feel as if you’re on an old and distinguished vessel – and the stellar service contributes to that image as well.

The food is pretty outstanding and the inventive menu a breath of fresh ocean air. Local ingredients are the stars, unsurprisingly, and creative combinations will blow your mind, such as my ‘Sugar Kelp Wrapped Stonington Scallops‘ with pistachio hummus, fiddlehead ferns, ramps and ginger chive vierge…no words.

The espresso flan with kelp caramel and bittersweet chocolate was also a stunning end to the meal (not pictured here – all the oysters I ingested with my cocktail beforehand, too excited to take a photo!).

The following day, start off with a sugar high at local favorite Sift Bake Shop.

This French-inspired bakery has so many options from the flaky and buttery variety…

… to the sweet and decadent pastries and cookies.

Opened since 2016, Sift gained a huge following when its head baker and co-owner won “Best Baker in America’ on the Food Network… so you can be guaranteed that your croissants and macarons will be up to snuff.

Fueled and caffeinated, head early to Mystic Aquarium to beat the crowds and get up close with thousands of adorable (and a few scary) creatures.

While the aquarium is fairly small, there are quite a few interactive exhibits so this is a great one for the kids. The beluga whales are especially enthralling and know a thing or two about showing off their best angle.

They’re known to ‘photobomb’…

… and take a special interest in little ones.

Right next to the aquarium, you’ll find Olde Mistick Village, an outdoor shopping hub built like an old New England village.

Designed for the typical tourist, it still makes for a pleasant stroll as you gaze upon period features like a replica of a steepled New England meetinghouse…

… and a duck pond with a water wheel. You can grab a quick bite here in one of the many restaurants or visit the specialty shops.

For lunch, I’d recommend going back toward the river and stopping by Nana’s Bakery – an organic bakery and pizza shop.

You can’t go wrong with any of the carbs here. And while I normally don’t do pizza for lunch two days in a row, I made an exception for their white slice which was divine (and paired it with a roasted carrots and labneh salad to quiet my inner guilt).

Technically outside of Mystic, Harkness Memorial State Park is only 10 minutes drive away in the city of Waterford and is absolutely worth stopping by either on your way out or to while away your last afternoon in town. The park’s 200+ acres surround the stately Eolia mansion (1906) and its manicured gardens.

The Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion has 42 rooms and is opened for tours on the weekends in the summer months.

Spectacular gardens flank the mansion on both sides and offer panoramic view of Long Island Sound.

By the carriage house, in the cutting garden, you won’t be able to miss the stunning Japanese Feather Maple. The 100+ year old tree forms the most beautiful and peaceful canopy under which to reflect on and admire its gorgeous curves.

Bring a blanket and some snacks to fully relax and take in the incredible views from the Gatsbyesque estate.

Miles of windswept shorelines extend in both directions with fishermen and sunbathers posing for that quintessential costal tableau.

There’s a sandy beach at the end to complete the picture – settle here until you’re ready to head back, invigorated by the salty air and hair-tangling breeze.

For your last meal, pay a visit to the charming Oyster Club, a ‘sea-to-table’ restaurant with a raw bar, casual atmosphere and ‘treehouse’ outdoor terrace for those warm summer evenings by the water.

After getting your fill of oysters, pick from the inventive menu of small plates or go full comfort with their house burger or steak. I can never resist scallops and was frankly curious to compare with last night’s. These ‘burnt dayboat scallops‘ with almond gazpacho, sunflowers shoots & oil came very close!

The second course was kelp bucatini with kelp chili aioli and soy cured halibut – a umami-rich pasta dish that had me almost licking the plate.

Turns out, there’s a lot more to Mystic than pizza! A few days here and the town’s popularity is now clear as day with so much to do for everyone and a thriving culinary scene – a winning family weekend getaway.