6 Scenic Acadia National Park Drives to Experience with Kids

Acadia National Park is a true gem of the Northeast, offering families an incredible natural playground to explore. Situated in the scenic state of Maine, often referred to as “Vacationland,” Acadia National Park offers plenty of outdoor adventures perfect for your family. What makes the park even more appealing is its proximity to the charming town of Bar Harbor, making the town an ideal base for your adventures. With Acadia’s vast size, these six scenic drives provide an efficient way for you to see as much as possible during your visit. Read our guide to Acadia National Park with Kids to further help you plan your family’s trip.

Acadia Scenic Drive #1: 27-Mile Park Loop Road

We start this scenic drive at Hulls Cove Visitor Center. We’ll enter the loop at the intersection that points towards Sand Beach; this is where the road becomes one-way. This loop is incredibly popular as it takes you to the park’s most famous attractions. To avoid the hassle of finding parking, especially since many lots tend to fill up quickly, we highly recommend considering the convenience of taking the free Island Explorer shuttle through the park. We recommend dedicating a full day to the drive. Additional activities such as hiking can fill out your day’s activities.

Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Schooner Head

• Hulls Cove Visitor Center: As Acadia’s main visitor center, you can grab self-service maps, speak with a ranger, shop at the park store, and use the facilities. Park passes are available for purchase inside or at a kiosk outside the building. The center is also a stop for the free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus routes 1, 4, and 5.
• Sieur de Monts and Wild Gardens of Acadia: Begin your journey at Sieur de Monts, the park’s heart. Explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia, a serene oasis showcasing native plants.
• Precipice Trailhead: For the adventurous, visit the Precipice Trailhead. This challenging trail offers stunning views but is not recommended for young children due to its steep and exposed sections.
• Schooner Head: Continue to Schooner Head, a coastal gem offering panoramic ocean views.

Sand Beach to Thunder Hole

• Sand Beach: Relax at Sand Beach, a family-friendly spot to enjoy the sun and cool off in the ocean. Please note that the water can be chilly and no lifeguards are on duty.
• Ocean Path: Stroll along the scenic Ocean Path, a flat trail suitable for families with kids. Marvel at the coastline’s beauty and rock formations.
• Thunder Hole: Witness the natural spectacle at Thunder Hole, where the sea crashes into the rocks, creating thunderous sounds and occasional splashes.

Otter Cliff to Wildwood Stables

• Otter Cliff and Otter Point: Enjoy the breathtaking cliffs at Otter Cliff and the views from Otter Point. Further down the road, a small pebble beach allows exploration of the water up close.
• Little Hunters Beach: Discover the hidden gem of Little Hunters Beach, a quiet spot for relaxation and rock hunting. Look for a stairway down to the beach level. Due to strong undertows, swimming is not recommended.
• Carriage Road Bridge: Explore the historic Carriage Road Bridge, one of 17 bridge structures part of the park’s carriage road system.
• Wildwood Stables: If you’re interested in horseback riding or carriage rides, visit Wildwood Stables, where guided tours are available.

Jordan Pond to Cadillac Mountain

• Jordan Pond: Enjoy the serene beauty of Jordan Pond, and consider dining at Jordan Pond House for popovers and tea.
• Bubble Pond: Nearby, you’ll find the tranquil Bubble Pond, surrounded by the beautiful Bubble Mountains.
• Bubble Rock: Hike up to Bubble Rock, a massive glacial erratic balanced on the edge of South Bubble Mountain.
• Eagle Lake: Take a moment at Eagle Lake to appreciate its peacefulness and scenic surroundings.
• Cadillac Mountain: Finally, reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain, where you can savor panoramic views of Acadia National Park. It’s a must-visit spot, especially at sunrise or sunset. Note that a timed-entry pass is required to drive to the summit.

Acadia Scenic Drive #2: Eastern Shore Drive to Great Head Trailhead

Eastern Shore Drive is an easy 4.2-mile journey from Bar Harbor to the Great Head Trailhead. This scenic route takes you south from Bar Harbor on Highway 3 and Schooner Head Road, offering a mix of residential areas and stretches shaded by a lush tree canopy. While on this drive, it’s essential to be respectful of speed limits in residential sections to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Schooner Head Overlook and Great Head Trail

The first stop of this drive is the Schooner Head Overlook parking lot. Enjoy views of the coast and rocky cliffs from the parking lot or take a short walk, down to the rocks. Once you’ve taken in the scenic beauty, continue on Schoonic Head Road to the Great Head Trailhead parking lot.

Sand Beach

This moderately rated trail is approximately 1.3- 1.8 miles depending on how you traverse the figure-eight loop. The full hike does include some rocky terrain that may be slippery when wet. You’ll have great views of Sand Beach, Newport Cove, Gorham Mountain, Schoodic Head, and Otter Cliff; many suggest a clockwise trek along the path. If you’re interested only in reaching Sand Beach, keep to the right at each trail fork to descend the granite steps to the sand dunes and beach.

Depending on how long it takes you to drive, hike, and your time at the beach; it is possible to complete this drive in half a day.

Acadia Scenic Drive #3: Highway 3 Loop – Eastern MDI Perimeter

The Highway 3 loop around Eastern Mount Desert Island offers a fun journey through Acadia’s natural beauty. Starting in Bar Harbor, this scenic drive takes you on a route around the island’s perimeter, providing opportunities to explore some of the park’s less visited areas.

Bar Harbor to Otter Creek

Starting in Bar Harbor, take Highway 3 south to begin your adventure at the Dorr Mountain Trailhead, where you can embark on a hiking expedition. You’ll find six distinct hikes to explore, each offering its own unique challenges and experiences. These hikes include Dorr Mountain Ladder Trail, Kurt Diederich’s Climb, Kane Path, Schiff Path, Emery Path, and Horman’s Path. It’s important to note that all of these trails are considered moderately to difficult in terms of difficulty. Some of them feature sections with iron rungs and ladders to assist hikers in tackling steep terrain. Know your family’s hiking style and ability when choosing a trail.

As you continue along the highway, you’ll pass through Otter Creek. The village was established in 1789 and you’ll find a restaurant, market, and a camping store with showers available. Blackwoods Campground with over 300 sites is nearby.

Seal Harbor to Barley Beach

A small lot at Day Mountain Trail Parking Area gives access to several hikes including the Connors Nubble Trail. The trail is a short, 0.4-mile round trip, but steep ascent to Connors Nubble, a smaller peak adjacent to Day Mountain. You can also access the 3-mile round trip Day Mountain Carriage Road Loop. Note that horse-drawn carriages frequent the loop.

As you journey further, you’ll reach the idyllic Seal Harbor, known for its pristine beauty and waterfront homes. The Seal Harbor Beach parking lot has about 30 spots and is a great place to stop and get out of the car to enjoy some water time. The beach is across the road and during our visit had minimal visitors. If you want a quieter beach than Sand Beach, we recommend Seal Harbor.

Next on the route is Little Long Pond. The 9-10 car pullout at the trailhead gives Little Long Pond Carriage Road access. Or cross the street and enjoy Bracey Cove at Barley Beach. While it’s a good place to stretch your legs or have a picnic, the rocky beach is not ideal for swimming.

Northeast Harbor

Continuing west, you’ll arrive at Northeast Harbor, a charming village with a lovely marina and shops worth exploring. Located on the eastern side of Somes Sound, you’ll have access to scenic boat tours offered by the Beal and Bunker Mailboat Ferry. Tours take you to Cranberry Island, Little Cranberry Island, and Sutton Island. Other great activities include visiting the Great Harbor Maritime Museum, Asticou Azalea Garden, or Thuya Gardens.

Upper Hadlock Pond to Suminsby Park

Head north on Highway 3 and stop at Upper Hadlock Pond and Lower Hadlock Pond. Upper Hadlock features a scenic hiking trail along its southern and eastern shores, eventually connecting to one of the carriage roads. The trail leads to the summit of Bald Peak, which reaches an elevation of 974 feet. Parking options include a small area at the pond’s southern tip and a larger one, Parkman Mountain Carriage Road Trailhead, on the eastern side of Route 3 & 198 at the north end. The latter offers convenient access to the Haddlock and Around the Mountain Carriage Loops.

Both ponds serve as catch basins for streams descending from the peaks southwest of Sargent Mountain. While swimming and wading are prohibited in these public water supply ponds, the surrounding trails provide hiking opportunities amid wonderful scenery.

Looking at a map, you’ll see Sargeant Drive hugging the coastline of Somes Sound. Most of this road from Northeast Harbor to Sargent Point is residential or has thick trees blocking the view. However, 1.3 miles north of Parkman Mountain Carriage Road Trailhead on Highway 3, you can turn at the northern intersection of Sargeant Drive and continue south for about 0.8 miles to Suminsby Park. A small parking lot gives you access down to the water, picnic tables, and a grassy area.

Finally, head back to Highway 3 and take Highway 233 back to Bar Harbor, completing your loop around the eastern side of Mount Desert Island.

Acadia Scenic Drive #4: Highway 102 Loop

Departing from Bar Harbor, your road trip adventure along Highway 102 is a great way to explore West Mount Desert Island. Begin by heading west on Highway 233 toward Somesville, then drive south onto Highway 102 to start the loop. starting with Acadia Mountain.

Acadia Mountain to Echo Lake Beach

The first stop is the Acadia Mountain Trailhead parking lot which gives access to the Acadia Mountain summit by Acadia Mountain Trail. Along the way, panoramic views of Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains unfold. This moderately challenging hike is a must-visit on the quieter side of Acadia National Park.

For a change of pace, schedule a couple of hours at Echo Lake Beach. This sandy beach on Echo Lake invites families to a fun day of sun and water. The amenities include flush toilets, changing rooms, and foot wash stations. During our exploration, the beach was pleasantly uncrowded.

The drive continues to Flying Mountain Trailhead, where you’ll find a short 1.5-mile, relatively steep hike. The hike loop provides views of Somes Sound to the east and the ocean to the south.

Southwest Harbor

Your next stop is Southwest Harbor, a quaint strip along the highway and a perfect lunch stop to recharge before continuing. You’ll find the vibe a lot more relaxed here compared to Bar Harbor. Check out Charlotte Rhodes Butterfly Gardens and Wendell Gilly Museum. We suggest having lunch at Eat-a-Pita, where you can enjoy generously filled pita sandwiches packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy meal during your vacation, especially when the typical fare often includes burgers and chicken nuggets.

Seawall, Wonderland, and Ship Harbor

Don’t miss the left turn onto Highway 102A/Seawall Road. You’ll find two looped parking lots at Seawall Picnic Area, which make it a convenient stop for exploring the beautiful granite and cobblestone beach. This area is perfect for relaxation, picnics, and even tidepool exploration during low tide.

Your next stops on 102A include Wonderland and Ship Harbor Trails. Wonderland Trail in Acadia National Park is a scenic coastal hike that’s approximately 1.4 miles long. This easy, family-friendly trail meanders through picturesque coastal woodlands and offers stunning views of the shoreline.

Ship Harbor Trail is another family-friendly hike in Acadia National Park, spanning about 1.3 miles. This easy trail takes you through beautiful coastal scenery, including woodlands and rocky shorelines, providing a peaceful and scenic escape.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

For the next well-known attraction, turn left onto Arnold Road, leading to the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Perched on rugged cliffs, this picturesque lighthouse looks out to Atlantic Ocean views. It’s a photography enthusiast’s dream, with the most photographed angle accessible by carefully descending behind the house and out onto the cliffs. The small parking lot means you’ll find a long queue of cars waiting to park but most visitors stop for a quick visit.

Swans Island

After checking out the Bass Harbor Marine area, you can hop on a ferry to Swans Island, located six miles from the coast of Maine. You can drive your car onto the ferry or ride across as a passenger. The island is home to the popular Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, located 3.5 miles from the ferry landing. You’ll also find The Swan’s Island Lobster and Marine Museum, four beaches with public access, and a popular spot for swimming at Baird’s Quarry.

Seal Cove

Continue the drive on 102A and keep an eye out for the left turn onto Highway 102, leading you to Tremont. After Tremont, take the left turn on Cape Road for a short half-mile drive to Seal Cove Picnic Area. It’s a good place to take a breather, stretch those legs, and let the kids wear off some energy.

Once you’re all set and ready to roll again, head north on Highway 102 to your next pit stop, the Seal Cove Auto Museum. This spot’s got a cool collection of old cars and motorcycles dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Pretty Marsh Picnic and Beech Mountain

Move on to our next stop, the serene Pretty Marsh Picnic Area, surrounded by lush marshland, giving you some great bay views. Take the wooden stairs down to the shore.

For our final stop, make your way to the Beech Mountain Trailhead parking lot by turning onto Ripples Road from 102. The 1.2-mile round-trip hike is a good sunset option. As you ascend to the summit, you’ll encounter a fire tower that grants access to breathtaking views of Somes Sound, Echo Lake, and Acadia Mountain.

To wrap up the drive, follow Highway 102 back to Somesville, then connect to Highway 3, leading to Highway 233 for your return to Bar Harbor.

Acadia Scenic Drive #5: Schoodic Peninsula Loop

While Western Mount Desert Island (MDI) is often referred to as the quieter side of Acadia, it’s surprising that only around 10% of the park’s visitors explore the Schoodic Peninsula. We highly recommend joining this minority because we found the area to be a fantastic destination well worth the drive.

From Bar Harbor take Highway 3 west through Trenton and turn right onto Highway 204, heading east. Turn right onto Highway 1, also known as the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, and head east to Highway 186. The highway leads you through Winter Harbor and then Schoodic Loop Road.

Schoodic Woods and Frazer Point Picnic Area

At the visitor center near the Schoodic Woods Campground, you’ll find essential amenities like flush toilets, helpful rangers to assist with trip planning, maps, and the option to purchase a park pass. Next, you will pass the Frazer Point Picnic Area, with tables, fire rings, comfort stations, drinking water, and a big grassy area to run around along with seacoast views of islands, coves, and rocky beaches.

As you traverse the 6-mile one-way loop, you’ll encounter rocky beaches and cliffs along the road hugging the rugged shoreline. The entire scenic drive covers a total of 11 miles. We enjoyed it so much that we completed the loop twice.

NSGA Winter Harbor and Rockefeller Hall

The peninsula houses the former United States Navy base, NSGA Winter Harbor, which has been transformed into a National Park Service training center. Be sure to stop at Rockefeller Hall to learn about Schoodic’s’ Naval Heritage. Educational displays inform about sailors who listened and intercepted communication signals, deciphering secret codes to learn about enemy ships.

At the southern tip of the peninsula, Schoodic Point‘s granite and dark basalt rocky cliffs are fun to climb and watch the waves crash on the shore.

Blueberry Hill

The Blueberry Hill Parking Area is another worthwhile stopping point, with a large rock beach and views of Schoodic Island, Little Moose Island, and The Anvil, a 180-foot promontory that can be reached via a trail.

Keep following Schoodic Loop Road along the Schoodic Harbor shore until you reach two parking lot trailheads: Wonsqueak Bike Path or Bunkers Harbor Bike Trail. At Wonsqueak, the one-way road becomes two-way and passes by Wonsqueak, Bunker, and Birch Harbors before connecting with Highway 186.

Prospect Harbor

From Birch Harbor, you have two options: continue east to Prospect Harbor or head west back to Winter Harbor and drive to Bar Harbor. If you choose to head east to Prospect Harbor, you’ll get a chance to see the Prospect Harbor Lighthouse.

Next, head to Sand Cove Beach, located at the mouth of Gouldsboro Bay, offering seven miles of soft sand. Your final stop on this route is Gouldsboro, where you can explore historical buildings and the town’s history.

Make your way back to Bar Harbor to complete the loop.

Acadia Scenic Drive #6: Stonington/ Isle au Haut

This final scenic drive on our list is perfect for your last day in the area. As you head south along the coast from Bar Harbor to Stonington, you’ll bid farewell to Acadia and transition to your next destination or your journey back home. The drive from Bar Harbor to Stonington typically takes around 2 hours without stops.

Along the way, take the opportunity to explore the Blue Hill Peninsula and pay a visit to the Blue Hill Bay Lighthouse. You can also enjoy some downtime by the waterfront, soaking in the coastal beauty.

Stonington

Stonington, often dubbed the lobster capital of Maine, awaits your arrival. In 2021, this charming fishing town boasted an impressive lobster catch of nearly 11 million pounds. While here, explore the town’s rich history through a self-guided walking tour. Don’t miss other noteworthy spots like Sand Beach, Discovery Wharf at MCC, and the Stonington Opera House.

Isle au Haut

Isle au Haut, the most secluded part of Acadia, offers a unique experience. The ferry service operates from mid-June to late September and is on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited day visitors. If your family is interested in exploring the island by bike, rentals are readily available.

Upon reaching the island, the Duck Harbor Campground provides a rustic camping experience with essential amenities. The village itself boasts a general store, church, school, and town hall. Make the most of your time on the island by hiking along its dozen trails covering 18 miles. Among them, the 0.7-mile Cliff Trail stands out, offering breathtaking coastal views.

While you can admire the Isle au Haut Lighthouse from the grounds, please note that it isn’t open for visits. To reach the lighthouse, begin your journey at the Robinson Point Trailhead and hike to Robinson Point, viewing the island’s rugged beauty along the way.

Don’t let time slip away! Give yourself time to get back to the ferry to make the journey back to Stonington.

As you conclude your journey through Acadia National Park via these six scenic drives, we hope you fully enjoyed the breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures this park has to offer. Don’t stop here—there’s more to discover! For an even deeper dive into the wonders of Acadia with your kids, check out “Acadia National Park: Guide to Visiting with Kids (including Maps, Itinerary, and Tips).” From itineraries to tips, this guide has all you need for an unforgettable family experience in this remarkable natural wonderland. Click to read all our national park and memorial guides.