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Bass Harbor Head Light is a lighthouse within Acadia National Park
ADOBE STOCK
MAINE
The Unforgettable Site of
Acadia National Park
Like the waves that carve the scene, you will want to return to this special place again and again.
By Zachary Laks
A coastal masterpiece of rock and tide, Acadia National Park is one of the few places on the East Coast where glaciated granite mountains plunge directly into the North Atlantic Ocean.
Here’s a quick guide to the wondrous “mountains-meet-the-sea” landscape, which draws more than 4 million visitors each year.
Known for its panoramic views, Otter Cliff is a great place to view a sunset and sunrise.
The Best Way to Visit
It’s remarkably easy to get to and around Acadia National Park. The park’s highlights can be experienced from the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which can be completed in about an hour without stops.
The best part of Park Loop Road is that it connects what is often referred to as the park’s “Big Three” stops. Those stops are Sand Beach, a shell-fragment beach between granite cliffs; Thunder Hole, a famous booming inlet; and Otter Cliff, one of the highest coastal cliffs on the East Coast.
Sand Beach in Acadia Nationall Park
The Best Time to Visit
While summer brings the crowds, early spring and late fall are Acadia’s prime seasons for travelers seeking a peaceful detour. The shoulder seasons offer crisp air, excellent visibility and quieter pull-offs along the route to hear the waves crash against the shore.
Resort Spotlight | Bar Harbor Regency
Waterfront pool at Bar Harbor Regency
bar harbor regency
Oceanfront Elegance in Bar Harbor
The Bar Harbor Regency offers a serene escape on Maine’s rocky coast. Located just one mile from downtown and near Acadia National Park, this seasonal hotel combines convenience with breathtaking ocean views. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool with poolside tiki bar, a lobster pound and a full-service restaurant. Rooms feature crisp bedding, large HDTVs and many include balconies with both partial and full ocean views overlooking Mt. Desert Narrows. Families will appreciate the Kids Suites, which provide a “room within a room” setup—kids have their own space with a TV and bunk bed while parents relax in a main room with a king bed.
With amenities like a fitness center, tennis courts and lawn games, the property caters to both relaxation and recreation. Open mid-May through late October, the hotel provides a perfect base for exploring Bar Harbor’s natural beauty. Whether for a family getaway or a romantic retreat, the Bar Harbor Regency delivers comfort and coastal charm.
Plan your adventure to Acadia National Park with confidence. AAA Travel Agents can help you design the perfect itinerary and unlock AAA Member-only savings on hotels, Hertz car rentals and more—so you can focus on the scenic drives, coastal hikes and unforgettable views.
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