The Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park
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Acadia is often considered the most breathtaking of the East Coast national parks, and it’s easy to see why. From its craggy Maine coastline to its secluded beaches and freshwater lagoons to its miles of wooded hiking trails, this is one spectacularly scenic site for ocean and mountain lovers alike.
Its gateway town, Bar Harbor, is well-known for its quaint old-world cottages, creamy lobster rolls, and easy access to the park—which is less than one mile away. But, with reliable summertime crowds and leaf-peeping aficionados regularly crowding this small island, finding the perfect hotel or rental to please everyone in your crew can be a headache-inducing challenge. Fear not–we’ve done most of the heavy lifting for you, selecting a batch of our favorite stays in the area. From cutesy, seaside tiny homes to posh glamping retreats to luxe B&Bs, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the best places to stay in and around Acadia National Park.
Harry & Lyss/Norumbega InnNorumbega Inn
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private terraces, on-site bar, access to nature
Best for: Couples seeking a chic B&BFall into a fantasy at this beautifully restored castle in Camden, Maine. Every one of the rooms at Norumbega Inn is like a Choose Your Own Adventure novel—select from a library suite with hundreds of books, a private terrace overlooking a lush garden, or a room with a luxurious spa bathroom with a huge soaking tub. No matter which you pick, you’ll be treated to a delectable breakfast each morning and unparalleled ocean views. Sure, it’s a 90-minute drive to the national park, but Norumbega’s posh interiors and excellent service make the drive well worth it.
Jamie Mercurio/Harborside Hotel, Spa & MarinaHarborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Pool, tennis courts, fitness center
Best for: Boaters and families seeking ocean vibesWhether you’re entranced by the property’s on-site marina or private oceanfront club, one thing’s for certain–there’s no shortage of amenities and activities at the elegant Harborside Hotel. Part of the luxurious Opal Collection, this spacious property in Bar Harbor offers large family suites (up to three bedrooms) with crisp linens and private balconies, plus a variety of on-site dining experiences. Pamper yourself with an Aroma Paradise body wrap before heading out for a quintessential Main lobster roll at Stewman’s Downtown.
Courtesy Under Canvas AcadiahotelUnder Canvas Acadia
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Readers' Choice Awards 2022, 2023Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (two-tent suites available)
Top amenities: Private decks, complimentary s’mores, locally-sourced cuisine
Best for: Glamping and styleUnder Canvas has quickly become the go-to brand for discerning glampers looking for impeccable design, delicious on-site dining, and unparalleled locations while exploring America’s national parks. Their Acadia location, opened in May 2021, boasts many of the luxuries we’ve come to know and love—stocked organic bath products, complimentary morning yoga, and chic West Elm furnishings—all set against a backdrop of 100 acres of breathtaking Atlantic coastline.
Ultima Gaina/GettyBalance Rock Inn
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: On-site fine dining, Gilchrest & Soames bath products, Cuddledown linens
Best for: Posh Mount Desert Island escapesFour poster beds, dark wood vanities, chandeliers, and gas fireplaces exude old-world elegance at this posh retreat in downtown Bar Harbor. Each room at Balance Rock is thoughtfully appointed with its own high-end decor, and guests can choose between private balconies, cozy fireplaces, and a massive penthouse suite when selecting their accommodation. Don’t miss dining at the Veranda, a staple of the local food scene for over 30 years. Chow down on seared scallops and fresh venison with sunchokes when you’re not catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Courtesy Bar Harbor InnhotelBar Harbor Inn
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Fitness center, complimentary breakfast, infinity pool with hot tubs
Best for: Couples interested in luxury and relaxationFirst opened in 1887, the elegant Bar Harbor Inn is a living slice of Maine’s history that’s been lovingly updated to offer incredible amenities and stately rooms to discerning travelers. Luxury suites and ocean-view rooms are both available, spaced across the property’s three different buildings. When you aren’t visiting Jordan Pond House or hiking the Beehive Loop, book yourself an Earth & Sea Scrub at the on-site spa, float around in the infinity pool, or enjoy waterfront dining and locally sourced seafood at the Reading Room Restaurant, helmed by Chef Zach Dallesandro.
Francois GagneThe Bayview Hotel
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Complimentary breakfast, pet-friendly, elegant on-site cocktail lounge
Best for: Water-loving friends and couples traveling with FidoThe Bayview Hotel is the epitome of modern boutique luxury, and it’s right in the heart of Bar Harbor. With whimsical bursts of color, tufted headboards, and original art, each of the site’s 26 guest rooms features spectacular ocean views a stone’s throw away from the national park. For sunset, head down to the property’s seaside Rusticator Lounge for craft cocktails and small plates on their Fido-friendly patio.
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Erin LittlehotelThe Claremont Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2022Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available)
Top amenities: Heated pool, ocean views, sumptuous spa, fitness cottage
Best for: Families and couples who don’t mind splurging for the best-of-the-bestAs one of the very few luxury hotels on Mount Desert Island, The Claremont has high expectations to meet. With its bright, beachy decor (featuring fabrics by William Morris and Pierre Frey), Matouk bath towels, and ultra-soft Cuddledown pillows, it more than lives up to them. Located in Southwest Harbor, the quieter side of the isle, the property features immaculately restored historic guest rooms, cozy woodland cottages, and idyllic oceanside bungalows for those truly seeking solitude.
Taylor WattsTerramor Outdoor Resort
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 couples looking to glamp and socializeDelightfully furnished tents for up to five beckon nature-loving travelers at Terramor, a glamping resort set in a woodsy wonderland, just a short drive from Bar Harbor and Acadia. Each of the property’s five tent types combines thoughtful amenities (think modern sitting areas, cozy Pendleton blankets, flush toilets, and hot showers) and private, spacious outdoor areas with wooden decks, firepits, and chairs for stargazing. When you aren’t getting to know the national park, soak in the shared hot tub or sip on an Espresso S’more Martini from The Lodge.
Philippe Gerber/GettyThe Pathmaker Hotel
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Breakfast included, Ethan Allen furnishings, smart TVs
Best for: Solo travelers and couples interested in location, location, locationNot quite open yet, but set to take bookings in late 2024, this centrally located boutique Bar Harbor hotel feels like a posh 1940s movie set, situated mere steps from the ocean. After enjoying a good night’s rest in one of the property’s pillow-top beds, enjoy a tasty complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, then stroll the shop-lined streets of downtown, right out the front door. Location is key here, as the beach, Bar Island trail, and bike rentals (at Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop) are all just one block away. All booked up? Check out the brand’s sister property–Little Fig Hotel.
GettySalt Cottages Bar Harbor
Bed and bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Ocean views, kitchenettes, private decks
Best for: Solo travelers and couples in need of a seaside vacationThese delightful casitas are brimming with fabulously beachy, 1920s-style decor (think bright whites and red accents). Each free-standing unit (studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms are available) is designed to be a stand-alone vacation house but with the added amenities of a larger resort. So, go ahead and swap stories with your fellow travelers in the heated community pool or around the shared firepit and its Adirondack chairs, knowing full well that you’ve got a light-soaked cottage with a kitchenette and extra-plush bedding awaiting you at day’s end.
AlamyhotelWest Street Hotel
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024Bed & 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 for couples of all agesTucked into the waterfront of the beloved oceanside town of Bar Harbor, West Street Hotel boasts lavish guest rooms with striking views of meandering sailboats and the craggy Atlantic coast. Rich nautical blues and dark wood Lexington furnishings make for an elegant and refined look. (Plus, a few rooms are pet-friendly). Outside, enjoy Maine’s only rooftop pool and bask in the sun while taking in views of shimmering Frenchman’s Bay.
Courtesy Queen Anne's RevengeQueen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (1-4 bedrooms available)
Top amenities: On-site bar, fireplaces, plush linens
Best for: Fun-loving couples who want to stay in the center of Bar HarborNew to the scene is quirkily-named Queen Anne’s Revenge (an eponym taken from Captain Blackbeard’s famous pirate ship), which opened in June 2022. Expect to find just the right amount of humor and nautical-themed décor at this three-star stunner (think Kraken paintings, tall ship decals, and bold accent walls), plus an on-site bar appropriately named Black Spot Tavern, which serves a variety of rum, wine, and beer, with a side of shuffleboard.
Bright bungalow in Bar Harbor
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Beach access, washer and dryer, private deck, game room
Best for: Families and groups seeking easy park accessTucked away on the northern edge of Mount Desert Island away from the hubbub of Bar Harbor, this two-bedroom loft features high ceilings, an eat-in kitchen, and a deck with an al fresco dining nook. Since it’s situated a mere five-minute drive from Acadia’s entrance station, this is a fantastic vacation rental for serious park-goers who want to spend as much time as possible exploring the area’s pristine ponds and crushed stone carriage roads. When you’re not out getting your hiking boots dirty, pick out a board game in the upstairs loft or take advantage of the spacious kitchen’s stainless steel appliances and unwind with a home-cooked meal.
Large home in Central Mount Desert
Bed and bath: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: fire pit, hot tub, game room, movie theater
Best for: Family and friend groups looking for loads of amenitiesThere are almost too many amenities to list at this spectacular five-bedroom home and former general store, situated at the tippy-top of Mount Desert Island. A huge game room with an air hockey table and a movie theater with its own candy bar will surely thrill the teens in your crew, while a hot tub, modern kitchen, and outdoor grilling area will make the adults smile. Each of this historic home’s bedrooms boasts quilted comforters, local artwork, and smart TVs, so there are never any squabbles over the remote. When you’re not trekking around Jordan Pond or peeping the fall foliage, kick back with a glass of wine in the home’s clawfoot bathtub.
Three-bedroom beachfront chalet
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Movie theater, game room, private rocky beac
Best for: Families looking to stretch out in styleThough it’s a 50-minute drive from the national park, we fell in love with this oceanfront, three-bedroom home and its cornucopia of fun amenities. No one in your family will be bored on a stay here—enjoy a beachy outdoor firepit, a game room, and a movie theater when you’re back from your Acadia adventures. Or, fix up your favorite feast in the eat-in chef’s kitchen and gather around the indoor fireplace for a cozy night in. With a roomy deck, a private beach, and a full range of yoga gear, it’ll be hard to ever want to leave this heavenly abode on the Schoodic Peninsula.
AirbnbLuxury Treehouse near Bar Harbor
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: Sauna, whirlpool, fireplace, outdoor shower
Best for: Friends and families looking for a unique experienceThis upscale, pet-friendly home—lofted on stilts in the trees—has got to be one of the most fun vacation rentals we’ve found near Acadia. Situated roughly 30 minutes from the park’s entrance, this 900-square-foot home feels surprisingly roomy and modern for a woodsy escape. Plus, it’s tucked away in a shady grove of trees for ultimate seclusion from the outside world. Cuddle up in front of the fireplace and enjoy a family movie night on the flatscreen TV, dine alfresco around the shaded picnic table, or unwind after a long day in the park in the house’s whirlpool tub and infrared sauna. No matter which you choose, you’ll be surrounded by Maine’s tranquil deciduous forest.
Courtesy AirbnbDog-friendly farmhouse cottage with private beach
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Covered porch, pet-friendly, private beach, fast Wi-Fi
Best for: Active couples who don’t mind sleeping away from Bar Harbor’s bustleFull of modern amenities (think air conditioning, a full kitchen with an air fryer and juicer, and ultra-fast internet), this wooden farmhouse-style one-bedroom sits in the quiet community of Blue Hill, 40 minutes from the action of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. As such, it’s an excellent place for couples who want to get away from it all to sprawl out and relax. Kayak or paddleboard directly from the private, rocky beach, sip a Negroni on the covered outdoor deck, or simply sleep in on the cozy memory foam-topped king-size bed.
Courtesy AirbnbSleek, wooden cabin with ultra-modern design
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Hot tub, firepit, fast Wi-Fi, full kitchen
Best for: Friend groups and families who want to unwind in the sunshine after park-goingAn hour away from the main attractions of Acadia, this architectural marvel is filled to the brim with stylish details. Guests at this three-bedroom home have space to spread out on the L-shaped couch surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, or fix up a feast in the house’s full kitchen. In the evening, warm your hands in front of the deck’s firepit while gazing up at the vast Milky Way before tucking into a cozy, lofted bed.
AirbnbCozy Winter Harbor home
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Full kitchen, pet-friendly, large outdoor space
Best for: Families and friends interested in the quieter side of AcadiaSet in the quaint fishing village of Winter Harbor, a few minutes from Acadia’s quieter, tidepool-filled Schoodic Peninsula, this budget-friendly two-bedroom home is full of hand-selected artworks, warm pops of color, and cozy spaces to hang out. Eat while watching the sunset around the outdoor dining table and chiminea or fix up a post-hike feast in the fully-equipped kitchen and dine indoors. Board games, a TV, and several reading nooks are also on hand, should the weather outside get frightful.
Courtesy AirbnbWhitetail Cottage with Jordan River views
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Firepit, full kitchen, walk-in shower, farm views
Best for: Cabin couples seeking romance and privacySituated a mere ten-minute drive from Acadia, Whitetail Cottage was lovingly designed as a couples’ escape, with loads of nearby nature to unwind in after a day spent hiking in the park. Recently upgraded to include an outdoor stone firepit (snuggles and stargazing, anyone?) and Wi-Fi, this quaint little cabin goes big on amenities like a shaded wooden swing, covered porch, gas fireplace, and plush queen bed with sunset views of farmlands and apple trees.
Courtesy AirbnbDowntown Bar Harbor oasis
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: Washer and dryer, covered deck with grill, walk-in shower
Best for: Families who want to stroll Bar Harbor’s streets as much as hikeLocation, location, location. From this adorable Bar Harbor home, guests will be able to access not only the famous Bar Island Trail, but also take in the sunrise from the town’s Shore Path while sipping a morning cup of joe. Plus, the three-bedroom cottage is just steps away from the funky pubs and restaurants that make the area so memorable. After a day of exploring the island, sit back on a leather recliner and watch the glow of the fireplace, or enjoy the outdoor deck and propane grill with your crew.
Courtesy AirbnbChic cottage in Seal Harbor
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Full kitchen, plush linens, walking distance to the park
Best for: Friends or relaxing couples’ retreats on the doorstep of AcadiaListen for loon calls and walk to historic Jordan Pond from this adorable shingled house that’s full of sunshine and clean modern design. Homey touches like bedside lanterns, local Maine reads, and a Keurig coffee maker make it easy to settle in, while out back, guests can grill and dine alfresco in the forest. After a day of hiking, kick back and sip a local craft brew around the gas-powered backyard firepit.
Courtesy AirbnbStylish oceanfront home
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Outdoor dining area, record player, bike path access unparalleled water views
Best for: Crowd-free park explorers on the Schoodic PeninsulaIf you’re looking to visit Acadia and really get away, the park’s less-trammeled Schoodic Peninsula is your best bet for escaping crowds while still enjoying the salt-sprayed conifers, mesmerizing tide pools, and rocky coastline that make the area so special. This two-bedroom oceanfront villa sits right off Schoodic’s scenic drive and is thoughtfully bedecked with homey touches like mid-century furnishings, vintage octopus wallpaper, and one-of-a-kind art. The hour-long car ride to more-touristed Bar Harbor is a small price to pay for accommodations and solitude as good as this.
Courtesy AirbnbThe Mighty Oaks modern Bar Harbor oasis
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: In-home movie theater, spacious dining room, hot tub
Best for: Large friend gatherings or family reunions on Mount Desert IslandNestled in the fragrant conifers of historic Mount Desert Island, this massive five-bedroom home is so full of luxe amenities that you’ll never want to leave. When you aren’t trekking the Beehive Trail or winding your vehicle around Ocean Drive (the park is a short 7-minute trip away), indulge in a movie night in the downstairs entertainment center, grill and dine alfresco on the shaded deck, or kick back and sip your coffee in an Adirondack chair while grazing deer calmly pass by.
Courtesy AirbnbHistoric village home
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: Clawfoot bathtub, private garden and porch, fireplace
Best for: Friend groups and families with older children seeking a truly unique town stayWith close proximity to the quaint shops, delectable lobster cafes of Bar Harbor, and space for the whole family, this five-bedroom, shingle-style home harks back to the Victorian days of Mount Desert Island, when elegant east coasters would vacation in large cottages while visiting the stunning nature that would soon become Acadia National Park. Baileard maintains many of its historic originals, like clawfoot tubs and molded fireplaces, while providing modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, custom artwork, and plush bedding in every room.
Courtesy AirbnbOceanfront house on Somes Sound
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Wraparound deck, beach access, bunk beds, full kitchen
Best for: Families traveling to Mount Desert island to fully immerse in the great outdoorsIt’ll be hard to ever want to leave this seaside stunner for nearby Acadia, even though it’s only eight minutes away by car. Floor-to-ceiling windows with phenomenal coastal views greet guests from nearly every room, and when you aren’t cooking a five-star meal in the cottagecore kitchen, kick back in front of the wood-burning fireplace or sunbathe in a chaise lounge on the wraparound deck.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
