Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer searching for hikes with scenic vistas, a beachcomber wanting to enjoy the east coast, or a road tripper looking for the finest fall foliage, the Acadia region in Maine has it all. Make your Acadia experience even more unforgettable by checking these unique gems of the “Crown Jewel” of the North Atlantic Coast off your list. Here’s our list of the best things to do in and around Acadia National Park and for an extraordinary experience.
Enjoy High Tea and Popovers at Jordan Pond House Restaurant
Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond House has served its infamous light, buttery pastries reminiscent of Yorkshire pudding to Acadia National Park visitors since the 1890s. It’s a tradition to partake in afternoon tea and popovers on the house lawn while overlooking the iconic Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. The restaurant menu includes traditional New England favorites like lobster stew, locally sourced ice cream, freshly squeezed lemonade, and of course, the infamous Jordan Pond Popovers.
Pro tip: Jordan Pond House is one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park when it rains, so if visiting during an overcast day make a reservation to dine inside.
Take an Underwater Adventure at Diver Ed’s Dive-in Theater
Bar Harbor, Maine
This two-hour underwater adventure is the perfect, fun-filled activity for families. Set out on a short cruise into Frenchman Bay, where Diver Ed will drop anchor and change into dive gear for the show. Watch a real-time video of Diver Ed braving the depths of the bay in search of sea creatures while sharing fun facts about the ocean. Once he’s back on board the boat, the entire crew can interact with live creatures like starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and scallops before releasing them back to their underwater home. What better way to take in the stunning views along Maine’s most picturesque bay?
Visit Pet Sematary Movie Filming Sites
Hancock, Maine
Many of the central scenes from Stephen King’s spine-chilling novel turned movie was filmed in the towns of Hancock and Bangor in the famous author’s home state of Maine. The red-roofed, yellow-sided house where the film takes place is at 303 Point Road in Hancock and still looks unchanged. The human cemetery featured throughout the movie is Mount Hope Cemetery, located at 1048 State Street in Bangor. It was here where King makes a cameo appearance in the movie as a minister presiding over a funeral. Other iconic movies filmed in Maine include The Parent Trap, Forrest Gump, and Casper.
See Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show
Trenton, Maine
Watch wood chips fly as you learn what life was like as a lumberjack in the 1870s when Acadia’s white pines were used for timber logs for tall ships and lumber that helped build the nation. Witness the thrilling lumberjack (and jill) sports of wood chopping and sawing, tree climbing, ax throwing, and log rolling you would have seen over a century ago performed with equal parts history, laughs, and nonstop fun.
Wander the College of the Atlantic Gardens
Bar Harbor, Maine
Just outside of downtown Bar Harbor lies 35 acres of waterfront that belongs to the College of the Atlantic Gardens, or COA for short. Here, visitors are welcome to walk around the college’s five seaside gardens and admire the unique design of each one. Smell the fresh scent of lavender and fairy roses on the crisp sea breeze as you explore the tranquil setting.
If you’re looking for places to stay near Acadia National Park, look no further than the safari-inspired accommodations and waterfront views at Under Canvas Acadia. Visit nearby coastal towns and Acadia National Park by day and relax around the campfire under the stars by night.