What is the best city to stay in to visit Acadia National Park?

When planning a trip to Acadia National Park, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to stay. Acadia spans a large area—mostly on Mount Desert Island, but also on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut—so the best base depends on your travel style, interests, and itinerary. While several charming towns surround the park, one stands out as the most popular and convenient for visitors.

Here’s a detailed look at the best cities and towns to stay in when visiting Acadia National Park—and why Bar Harbor is often considered the top choice.

1. Bar Harbor: The Popular Choice

If you’re looking for the quintessential Acadia experience, Bar Harbor is hands-down the best place to stay. This lively coastal town is located on the northeastern side of Mount Desert Island and serves as the main gateway to Acadia National Park.

Why Stay in Bar Harbor?

Proximity to Park Entrances: Bar Harbor is just minutes from the main entrance and Hulls Cove Visitor Center. You can easily access the Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and popular hiking trails like the Beehive and Gorham Mountain.

Wide Range of Accommodations: From luxury waterfront resorts and charming bed-and-breakfasts to budget motels and family-run inns, Bar Harbor offers something for every type of traveler.

Dining and Shopping: The town is packed with restaurants serving local seafood (especially lobster), cute cafes, bakeries, ice cream parlors, and boutique shops.

Walkability: Once you're in town, you can walk to restaurants, galleries, the harbor, and even some Acadia trailheads.

Free Shuttle Access: The Island Explorer Shuttle, a free bus service that operates in peak season, departs from Bar Harbor and connects to many parts of the park, reducing the need to drive and park.

Drawbacks:

◉ Very busy in peak summer months (June–September), which means higher prices and more crowds.

◉ Parking can be tricky, especially downtown during midday.

2. Southwest Harbor: The Quiet Retreat

Located on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor offers a more laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a less touristy experience while still being close to the park.

Why Stay in Southwest Harbor?

Quieter Accommodations: Fewer crowds and a slower pace make this a favorite for couples and families seeking tranquility.

Access to Western Acadia: Close to hikes like Acadia Mountain, Flying Mountain, and the less-visited Wonderland and Ship Harbor trails.

Harbor Views: Picturesque marinas and a working waterfront give the town authentic Maine charm.

Drawbacks:

◉ You’ll need to drive 20–30 minutes to reach popular sites on the eastern side of the park.

◉ Fewer dining and shopping options compared to Bar Harbor.

3. Northeast Harbor: Charming and Upscale

Proximity to Acadia: Northeast Harbor is roughly a 15-minute drive to the Hulls Cove Entrance of Acadia National Park and offers easy access to the park’s carriage roads and several hiking trails.

What to Expect: Known for its quaint elegance, Northeast Harbor is smaller and quieter than Bar Harbor but with a sophisticated charm. The town has upscale accommodations, boutiques, and galleries, as well as beautiful views of the harbor. Northeast Harbor is close to the Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden, adding to the scenic appeal of the area.

Why Choose Northeast Harbor?: Northeast Harbor is ideal for those who want a peaceful yet refined base close to the park. It offers a blend of upscale amenities without the crowds, making it an appealing option for couples or anyone seeking a quiet, picturesque escape.

4. Ellsworth: The Budget-Friendly Gateway

Proximity to Acadia: Located about 20 miles north of Mount Desert Island, Ellsworth is the last major town before you reach the island and Acadia National Park. The drive to the park’s Hulls Cove Entrance takes around 25-30 minutes.

What to Expect: As a commercial hub, Ellsworth has a larger selection of budget-friendly hotels and motels, chain restaurants, and shopping centers. While it doesn’t have the quaint island atmosphere of the other towns, Ellsworth can be a practical choice for visitors looking for affordable accommodations.

Why Choose Ellsworth?: For those traveling on a budget, Ellsworth offers more economical options while still allowing relatively easy access to Acadia. It’s a great choice for visitors who don’t mind a slightly longer drive in exchange for significant savings on lodging.

5. Trenton: Close and Convenient

Proximity to Acadia: Trenton is the town you pass through before crossing the bridge onto Mount Desert Island, where Acadia National Park is located. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

What to Expect: Trenton offers a mix of accommodations, including cabins, motels, and campgrounds. It also has a few lobster pounds and other local dining options, providing a taste of Maine’s coastal culture. Though smaller and quieter, it’s conveniently close to the park.

Why Choose Trenton?: Trenton is ideal for visitors who want to stay just off Mount Desert Island while being within minutes of the park. It’s also a good choice for families, with easy access to campgrounds, and it offers a middle-ground experience between Ellsworth’s affordability and the island towns' charm.

6. Blue Hill: Scenic and Remote

Proximity to Acadia: Located on the mainland approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Acadia National Park, Blue Hill is one of the most distant options but offers a uniquely serene setting.

What to Expect: Blue Hill is a charming coastal town known for its artsy community, art galleries, small farms, and local artisan shops. It’s also near the scenic Blue Hill Mountain, offering outdoor activities in a beautiful, less-visited region of Maine.

Why Choose Blue Hill?: Blue Hill is best for travelers who enjoy a balance of nature and culture. While the commute to the park is longer, staying in Blue Hill allows visitors to experience both Acadia and the cultural richness of Maine’s coastal countryside.

7. Winter Harbor: Ideal for Visiting the Schoodic Peninsula

If you want to explore the Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland, Winter Harbor is a great choice.

Why Stay in Winter Harbor?

◉ Quiet and scenic coastal town.

◉ Close to Schoodic Head, Frazer Point, and dramatic wave-beaten shorelines.

◉ Schoodic Woods Campground is nearby for campers.

Drawbacks:

◉ A long drive or ferry ride from Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain area.

◉ Fewer amenities than larger towns.

So, What’s the Best City to Stay In?

If it’s your first visit and you want to be in the heart of the action with easy access to Acadia’s most iconic sights, Bar Harbor is the best city to stay in to visit Acadia National Park. It offers the most complete experience, combining comfort, convenience, and charm.

However, if you prioritize peace and quiet, or are planning a return trip to explore lesser-known areas of the park, towns like Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, or Winter Harbor might suit you better.

Quick Summary: Best Places to Stay for Acadia National Park

Town/City	Best For	Distance to Park	Atmosphere
Bar Harbor	First-timers, families, walkability	Immediate	Lively and tourist-friendly
Southwest Harbor	Serenity, nature, off-the-beaten-path	20–30 min	Quiet and local
Northeast Harbor	Upscale, secluded stays	10–20 min	Elegant and tranquil
Ellsworth	Budget travel, off-island convenience	20–30 min	Suburban and practical
Winter Harbor	Schoodic Peninsula exploration	Immediate	Remote and coastal

No matter where you stay, Acadia National Park promises an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, outdoor adventure, and timeless coastal charm. Just make sure to book early, especially if you’re visiting during summer or fall foliage season, as accommodations fill up quickly.