Have you ever thought that Acadia National Park is too big and you feel overwhelmed because you don’t know where to stay? Are you wondering what are the best Places to stay near Acadia National Park? I’m here, I’m here to give you all the information you need.
I have traveled to Maine many times and have spent a lot of time exploring the surrounding areas. So in this post, I’ll share with you all my insights on the best towns and places to stay when you visit Acadia. To make it easier for you to follow, I will divide it into separate areas according to each expense need. Ready to start planning with me and Nationalparkshops.com? Let’s go!
What is the best town to stay in when visiting Acadia National Park?
First I will introduce you to the towns closest to Acadia National Park. I always recommend that you narrow your search down to these three towns. It’s maybe hotels, campgrounds, Acadia National Park Cabins,…. Here’s a quick guide to the towns I recommend for you:
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is the most popular town to stay near Acadia, and honestly, it’s well worth it for first-timers. The town is charming but also small and walkable. It also has lots of dining options, cute shops, and even some fun things to do like hiking and boat tours, the Coastal Path for gorgeous water views, and spa facilities .
From Bar Harbor, you’re only a short distance from Acadia National Park and its top attractions. I usually choose to stay in Bar Harbor on trips to Acadia, even though I’ve been there several times.
However, along with the convenience that Bar Harbor town brings, it is known as the most expensive town and also the most crowded place. For that reason, I would suggest that you book an accommodation within walking distance of the town centre. That way, you can leave your car at the hotel and walk to the shopping and dining areas. This also makes the town’s crowdedness not bother you.
Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor is similar to Bar Harbor but a bit quieter. Although the town is somewhat smaller, there is a downtown area that has a few cute shops and dining options. It is also colder than the surrounding area because there are fewer people coming to stay.
Southwest Harbor also offers easy access to the park, and sites like the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and Echo Beach are nearby. However, the park’s top attractions like Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond House, and Cadillac Mountains will be further away than if you stayed at Bar Harbor.
Trenton
Another town I would recommend for you when coming to Acadia is Trenton. Geographically, it is not on Mount Desert Island, but it will be the town you drive through just before crossing the island. For this reason, you can find great hotels at reasonable prices here. Trenton is not very walkable but has some good dining and hotel options. It’ll take you at least 30 minutes to get to the park’s top attractions, but the hotel savings are worth it if you’re on a budget. Therefore, I leave it as one of the best places to stay near Acadia National Park.
Luxury Hotels in Acadia National Park
First, a name that will make you say that it’s worth the money to stay. That is Bar Harbor Inn & Spa.
Some highlights at Bar Harbor Inn & Spa I can mention include:
- 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor
- Located on the waterfront and Beachfront in Bar Harbor
- Free on-site parking
- On-site amenities include a spa, dining and swimming pool
- Weekly seasonal activities like eating s’mores by the fire
- Many room options, including some with balconies with water views
- Beautiful outdoor space to enjoy water views
The second one also impressed me, which was Claremont. Being one of the rare upscale hotels near Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, The Claremont is expected to meet high standards. Located in Southwest Harbor, this is the best place to stay if you are looking for luxury but also a peaceful getaway.
Claremont Highlights:
- Located on the river bank
- Free on-site parking
- On-site amenities include a waterfront pool, private cabanas, dining room, beautiful front porch to enjoy,
- and a spa
- One of the onsite restaurants is the Baston River location, a great and local Maine brewery and distillery with great cocktails!
- A variety of accommodations, including standard guest rooms, cottages and stunning homes
- The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful
The last name on the list of best places to stay near Acadia National Park that I would recommend is – Bayview Hotel.
Located in Bar Harbor, this is however a hotel not within walking distance of the town centre. But its superb riverside location and stunning interior are certainly worth your consideration.
Highlights of Bayview Hotel:
- Coastal location
- Parking is free on site and it is a short 5-minute drive from the town centre
- On-site amenities include a free elevated continental breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, bar and on-site dining, and all rooms have stunning ocean views
- Beautifully decorated and impeccably designed
Best moderate Hotels to stay in when visiting Acadia
Coming to options in the mid-range segment. I have for you 3 places to stay near Acadia National Park that are also highly rated.
First up is Inn On Mount Desert. This is a great little property and offers a cozy atmosphere when staying. Inn On Mount Desert is a short walk from the town center in Bar Harbor, perfect for those looking for a place to stay at a moderate price.
Inn On Mount Desert highlights include:
- Located in a quiet area but still just a few steps from all the fun places.
- Free on-site parking
- A great breakfast is included with every stay
- Option for a room with a private terrace
- Smart TV in the room to stream your favorite shows
With the same owner as Inn on Mount Desert, the second name I want to suggest to you is Little Fig Hotel. This is also a great choice, just steps from Bar Harbor’s entertainment venues.
Highlights of Little Fig Hotel:
- Free on-site parking
- Room was recently refurbished
- Free to-go breakfast per stay
- Smart TV in the room to stream your favorite shows
The last one is located in Southwest Harbor. A cozy inn called Harbor Cottage Inn. This is a perfect place for those who are looking for a romantic and quiet vacation.
Highlights of Harbor Cottage Inn:
- Free parking on site
- Full breakfast is included with each stay
- The room is beautiful and perfect by the sea
- The onsite bar serves great cocktails and small plates
- Beautiful grounds and outdoor space for you to enjoy during your stay
Best budget Hotels near Acadia
For places to stay near Acadia National Park that are affordable, I still recommend a few suggestions. However, you should note that Acadia is in New England, an area considered more expensive than other areas. Therefore, the price may be the cheapest among the options here but is still somewhat “higher” than accommodation in other areas.
In addition, the places I recommend in Bar Harbor will also be more expensive than the two neighboring towns of Southwest Harbor and Trenton. But you know, you pay for the convenience of staying right in town.
Okay, I’ll start with the Bar Harbor Villager Motel. This is the budget hotel that I most often recommend to my friends when visiting Acadia. Because I find it really just fits all the criteria.
Highlights of Bar Harbor Villager Motel:
- Located in the heart of Bar Harbor
- Free on-site parking
- Free to-go breakfast
- Outdoor pool
- The room is spacious and clean with a recently refurbished bathroom
- Smart TV to stream your favorite shows
- Seasonal activities
Another great option for you on a budget is Main Street Motel.
Highlights of Main Street Motel:
- Newly renovated in 2022
- Free on-site parking
- The rooms are basic but very cozy
- Get a smart TV to stream your favorite shows
- Still within walking distance of everything in Bar Harbor, but located a bit further than Bar Harbor Villager
Another beautiful spot located right on the water in Southwest Harbor – Harbor View Motel & Cottages.
Highlights of Harbor View Motel & Cottages:
- Free on-site parking
- The riverside location overlooks the picturesque harbour
- The variety of accommodations includes standard motel rooms, rooms with kitchens, cottages and pet-friendly options
- Can walk to several restaurants
Best Campgrounds to stay in Acadia National Park
If you’re looking to camp in and around Acadia National Park, chances are there are plenty of options available to you. Inside the park there are three official campgrounds for you to consider. There are also many other campgrounds around Mount Desert Island.
Below is the information I compiled from the campsites:
Blackwoods Campground: This is the most popular campground in Acadia! I camped here once and loved it. It’s a great location inside the park and a short drive from top attractions and Bar Harbor town center. The grounds only have flush toilets, sinks and cold water, but hot showers can be found about five minutes away by car.
Seawall Campground: This is one of the famous campgrounds located in Acadia National Park. Although it’s a bit further from Bar Harbor, this is a great option if you want to camp closer to Southwest Harbor. It’s similar to Blackwoods, in that they have flush toilets and cold water, but no hot showers.
Mount Desert Campground: Although not located directly inside Acadia, this is a great campground to explore. It’s about 15 minutes from Bar Harbor and quite close to top attractions in the park. This campground also has more amenities than the above two, including on-site bathrooms with paid showers, on-site kayak rentals, cell service, and a small store.
I suggest you an article where I share more details about Acadia National Park camping, please refer to it.
FAQs about Acadia National Park: Common questions that may interest you
Which town is closest to Acadia National Park?
Bar Harbor is widely known as the town closest to Acadia. That’s because it’s closest to top attractions, like Sand Beach, Ocean Road, Beehive Trail, Jordan Pond House, Cadillac Mountain, and Thunder Hole.
However, Southwest Harbor is also just minutes from other areas in the park, like the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Echo Beach, and several other great hiking trailheads. So the closest town really just depends on what you plan to see while visiting Acadia National Park.
Where is the best place to stay for the first time?
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, I think the most suitable place for first-time visitors is the town of Bar Harbor. The atmosphere here is fun, it’s close to the highlights of Acadia National Park, and there are plenty of fun spots in the town center.
If this is your first time going to Acadia National Park, you can refer to the things to do in Acadia National Park that I have compiled and shared with you.
When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?
Having experienced Acadia National Park in all four seasons, I think the best time to visit Acadia National Park is from May to October. Surrounding towns, including Bar Harbor, are seasonal and many stores and restaurants will be closed from November to April.
How many days should I go to Acadia?
I think it is impossible to say the exact number of days you should stay when planning your Acadia National Park road trip. I went for a week straight but still couldn’t explore the entire park. However, I find that for most people, three days is ideal. This gives you time to explore Bar Harbor or the many surrounding towns, while also seeing the top sites within the park, including a few hikes.
Read More: Best Places To Visit In Acadia National Park
Some other places to stay near Acadia National Park
In addition to my suggested places to stay, I also compiled for you some other places that I based on reviews from friends and people around me. Please take a look at the following hotels:
Dog-friendly farmhouse cottage with private beach
- The vibe: Eclectic home with colorful art and easy beach access
- Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Top amenities: Covered porch, pet-friendly, private beach, fast Wi-Fi
- Best for: People who don’t mind sleeping away from Bar
- Range Price: $117 – $447
Located in the peaceful community of Blue Hill, this one-bedroom wooden farmhouse offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern amenities found in Bar Harbor. Situated just 40 minutes away from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, it is an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind and relax. Guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding from the private rocky beach, savor a Negroni on the covered outdoor deck, or simply indulge in a restful sleep on the comfortable memory foam-topped king-size bed.
Under Canvas Acadia
- The vibe: Chic glamping resort with on-site dining and loads of activities
- Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (two-tent suites available)
- Top amenities: Private decks, complimentary s’mores, locally-sourced cuisine
- Best for: Adventurous couples and families looking to “rough it” in comfort
- Range Price: $358 – $598
Under Canvas Acadia is an excellent place to stay for a perfect New England vacation. Experience glamorous camping on 100 acres of waterfront property with over 1,200 feet of coastline, only 35 minutes away from the popular Cadillac Mountain Trail and Acadia National Park. Under Canvas Acadia offers the opportunity to enjoy Maine’s beauty during the day and relax in comfortable accommodations at night. The hotel provides organic bath products, complimentary morning yoga sessions, and stylish furnishings from West Elm.
Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites
- The vibe: Hip, new pirate-themed haunt with impeccable style
- Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available)
- Top amenities: On-site bar, fireplaces, plush linens
- Best for: People who want to stay in the center of Bar Harbor
- Range Price: $130 – $381
Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites is the most distinctive inn on Mount Desert Island. Situated on a peaceful side street in Downtown Bar Harbor, it provides hotel amenities while maintaining the ambiance of a classic Inn. Originally constructed as five individual summer cottages for wealthy and famous individuals in the early 1800s, the Inn has been carefully restored into a remarkable accommodation option.
Whitetail by the River
- The vibe: Clean neutrals, rustic wood, and plenty of outdoor space
- Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Top amenities: Fire pit, full kitchen, walk-in shower, farm views
- Best for: Cabin couples seeking romance and privacy
- Range Price: From $200
Whitetail Cottage is situated amidst a picturesque setting, surrounded by woods and rolling meadows with distant views of the Jordan River. The small home is conveniently located just 10 miles away from Acadia National Park, making it an ideal spot for hikers. It’s also close to Mount Desert Island, yet secluded enough to provide a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature.
The cottage exudes a tranquil atmosphere with its farmhouse-style decor and modern amenities. The cozy bedroom features a queen-sized bed overlooking apple trees and sunsets, while the living room offers a comfortable queen-size pullout couch with stunning views of farmland and the Jordan River in the distance. Stay warm and cozy by the gas stove on chilly nights or relax on the covered porch to breathe in the fresh country air.
West Street Hotel
- The vibe: Elegant east coast Americana
- Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available)
- Top amenities: Private balconies with water views, on-site spa, rooftop pool
- Best for: A romantic weekend getaway of all ages
- Range Price: $46 – $55
Located on the waterfront in Bar Harbor, West Street Hotel offers luxurious rooms with beautiful views of sailboats and the rugged Atlantic coast. The rooms are elegantly decorated with nautical blues and dark wood Lexington furniture. Some rooms even welcome pets. Guests can relax by Maine’s only rooftop pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning scenery of Frenchman’s Bay.
Terramor Outdoor Resort
- The vibe: Woodsy glamping property with epic amenities
- Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-2 bedrooms available), 1 bath
- Top amenities: Live music events, locally-sourced menus, hot tub and pool
- Best for: Active families and people looking to glamp and socialize
- Range Price: $292 – $494
Terramor is a glamping Acadia National Park resort located near Bar Harbor and Acadia, offering delightfully furnished tents for up to five guests who love nature. Each of the five tent types at the property is equipped with modern sitting areas, Pendleton blankets, flush toilets, hot showers, and private outdoor spaces with wooden decks, fire pits, and chairs for enjoying the stars.
When not exploring the nearby national park, guests can relax in the shared hot tub or enjoy an Espresso S’more Martini from The Lodge.
Salt Cottages
- The vibe: Vibrant coastal retreat
- Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Top amenities: Full kitchen, plush linens, walking distance to the park
- Best for: Relaxing people’s retreats on the doorstep of Acadia
- Range Price: $401 – $643
Located just a short distance from downtown Bar Harbor and the Hulls Cove entrance to Acadia National Park, Salt Cottages offers a vibrant coastal retreat for vacationers. The accommodations, including cottages and motor lodge rooms dating back to the 1940s, have been renovated into a family-friendly resort with amenities such as a swimming pool, dining options on-site, planned activities, and various games suitable for children of all ages. This establishment provides a modern twist on the traditional Maine vacation, featuring outdoor seating areas that offer breathtaking views of the water.
Conclusion
What do you think? Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas offer a diverse range of places to stay near Acadia National Park for travelers looking for a memorable and comfortable vacation. From outdoor adventures and exploration to exciting cultural and culinary attractions, Acadia and its surrounding towns offer countless experiences for visitors to enjoy. I hope you find this information helpful as you start planning your perfect trip.
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