FAQs FOR YOUR TRIP

How popular is Acadia National Park? The park is among the top 10 most visited national parks in the USA.

When should I visit? This is strictly my opinion, but the late spring, summer, and fall season is when you should plan your trip. For a lot of the spring and winter, restaurants and attractions in the park (like the park loop road which is mostly closed from December 1 to April 15) may still be closed. Your best bet if you want to shoot for spring, would be to come in May or June. Crowds may be less during this time of year too. Summer and fall are the high season for different reasons. Summer for families on summer vacation. And the fall for those looking for cooler weather and leaf-peeping. Think older couples, groups, and families without young kids. I personally love the fall, but it’s definitely still busy.

Do I need a car? I would recommend you have car. But you don’t necessarily need to drive it into the park everyday. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus (which operates from mid-June to early October), is a free bus that travels all over the island. During peak times when parking lots are usually full, definitely consider the bus if you can!

How long should I plan to visit Acadia? Most people seem to come for a long weekend, think 2-4 days. If you love the outdoors, lean on the longer side of that. Me though? I visit for about a week and I love having the extra time.

How much does it cost to visit the park? You can purchase weekly passes for a vehicle at visitor centers or even online. In 2020, the pass was $30. This may change (and has gone up over the years), so be sure to check out the official fees from the National Park Service.