Acadia National Park stretches over a rocky and mountainous coastal landscape of the Maine coast. The park has a wild beauty reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest and is home to an extensive network of hiking trails (120 miles, in fact) and its 30 lakes are prime fishing, biking, and boating spots. Mount Desert Island, where the majority of the park is located, has a quintessentially New England atmosphere, with charming fishing villages, bustling lobster boats, and colorful buoys dotting the harbors. While there are no lodges within the boundaries, there are plenty of hotels near Acadia National Park for anyone who would prefer a comfortable bed after a day of adventuring.
Photo: Expedia
End an Action-Packed Day at Acadia National Park at One of These Gorgeous New England Luxury Hotels
Close to Acadia are many pretty towns and villages. The largest, Bar Harbor, has everything from classic New England bed and breakfasts to luxurious waterfront hotels, all just minutes from the park entrance. Smaller towns like Southwest Harbor also offer options a little further from the summer crowds. The area offers so much to do, you might find yourself staying for an extended period to relax and take in the beautiful region. It’s also easy to get to the park’s entrance, so you can come and go as you please.
The hotels here have been selected for their proximity to Acadia, but also excellent visitor reviews, range of amenities, level of customer service, and overall ambience.
We hope you love the hotels near Acadia National Park we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
What is the best month to visit Acadia National Park?
September through early October is widely considered the best time to visit. During this period, the summer crowds have dwindled, but the temperatures are still pleasant. It’s the perfect time to witness the fall foliage — from maple, oak, beech, birch, and elm trees — as the colors change. The weather is also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the park’s numerous trails.
Under Canvas Acadia
For those who enjoy camping, but would rather have more luxurious accommodations, Under Canvas delivers. The brand has multiple locations around the US close to major national parks and offers a safari camp like experience with glamping tents, excellent amenities and facilities (yoga, kayaking, and paddleboarding) and the service of a five star hotel. Acadia’s campsite has stunning waterfront views. It’s a 30-minute-to-one-hour drive to the park’s entrance, which is far enough from crowds, but close enough if you want to do a multi-day exploration of Acadia. Top that off with an abundance of s’mores supplies and a crackling campfire, it’s easy to see why Under Canvas is one of the most popular options for those looking for an authentic national park experience. The glamping site is open from mid-May to mid-October and books up in advance.
Under Canvas Acadia : 702 Surry Rd, Surry, ME, 04684
Price per night: $488
The Bayview
The Bayview is a sprawling waterfront property overlooking Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor. The town makes an ideal base for visiting Acadia. The drive takes under 30 minutes and is just as picturesque as the park itself. Also from town, The Island Explorer provides free shuttle service during the summer to destinations within and around the park, including trailheads. Even if you do have a vehicle, using the shuttle helps minimize congestion on the Park Loop Road.
Bayview features 26 well-appointed accommodations, all situated directly on the ocean. The interior design reflects the area’s maritime heritage, with nautical touches and soothing color palettes. Grounds are extensive and well maintained. Here you’ll find an outdoor pool, grilling facilities, and picnic benches. The complimentary breakfast is a guest favorite and is served in the main dining room that overlooks the porch and water.
The Bayview : 111 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Price per night: $399
The Claremont Hotel
Situated in Southwest Harbor, The Claremont Hotel is located around 20 — 25 minutes from Acadia. The drive is an experience in itself, and once you arrive, finding parking is generally not an issue, especially if you plan to visit earlier in the day. With designated parking lots available near popular attractions, you can easily explore the park without worrying about your vehicle, but again, there are shuttle services from town.
As a top commercial harbor in Maine, Southwest Harbor has some of the best seafood restaurants in New England. But you don’t need to venture too far from The Claremont Hotel to enjoy excellent food. The hotel is famed for its farm-to-table local food offerings at the three on-property dining options. Little Fern is the standout eatery. Dishes such as squash-nestled halibut, corn fritters, and seared scallops on a bed of local grains, draw in locals as well as hotel guests.
The hotel is reminiscent of a water-front resort and is one of the oldest remaining hotels on the island, dating back to the late 1800s. If you are traveling with a family, this is a superb option. There are 24 rooms (which are more suitable to a couple or solo traveler) and an array of suites in adjacent cottages and cabins for those traveling in a group.
The Claremont Hotel : 22 Claremont Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME, 04679
Price per night: $385
Terramor Outdoor Resort
Another excellent outdoor resort in Bar Harbor is Terramor. This is the brand’s flagship property and combines the comforts of a resort with glamping and the beauty of the great outdoors. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Mount Desert Island and just a stone’s throw away from Acadia National Park, Terramor’s spacious canvas tents have comfortable essentials paired with indulgent touches, like WiFi, in-room diffusers and deluxe bedding and private decks. There’s a range of tent size and style to choose from. The largest sleeps up to five guests and the two-bed options are perfect for a romantic getaway.
Terramor Outdoor Resort : 1453 ME-102, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Price per night: $337
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel also overlooks Frenchman Bay and is comprised of five buildings. It’s a popular spot for large events as the grounds are expansive and even include a private beach. This is another superb option, perhaps the best for those traveling with kids and want something budget-friendly. The spacious outdoor areas, including a playground, provide a safe place for the families to hangout after a day exploring Acadia. The interior is nothing special, it’s dated, but rooms are comfortable and functional. Although this area of Bar Harbor has a good handful of hotels, the Atlantic Oceanside’s property trumps others and provides privacy, which is welcome in the busy summer and leaf-peaking seasons.
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel : 1453 ME-102, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Price per night: $245
Best Western Acadia Park Inn
The Best Western’s exterior is nothing to write home about, but the lobby and rooms are a lot more inviting. It’s situated two miles from Acardia, making this one of the closest options if you are passing through the region and only plan on staying for a night or two. Rooms are styled simply with spacious marble-topped bathrooms, coffeemakers, small refrigerators, and microwaves. On-site there’s a heated outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and complementary homemade cookies and whoopie pies are available in the lobby in the evening.
Best Western Acadia Park Inn : 452 State Highway 3, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Price per night: $243
Top things to do in Acadia National Park
Hike the Trails: Regardless of your hiking skill or fitness level, the park’s 120 miles of trails offer something for everyone. Don’t miss the iconic Jordan Pond Path or challenge yourself with the exhilarating Precipice Trail.
Take a Scenic Drive: Cruise along the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile scenic route that showcases the park’s natural beauty — rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and forests.
Explore Mount Desert Island: Mount Desert Island is home to Cadillac Mountain (the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the United States.) Get up there early to enjoy an epic sunrise.
Bike the Carriage Roads: Hop on a bike and explore the Carriage Roads, a network of picturesque gravel paths that wind through forests, around lakes, and over stone bridges.
Sand Beach: Take a dip or relax on the sandy shores of Sand Beach. Surrounded by towering cliffs, this scenic spot is perfect for a beach day with a breathtaking backdrop.
Climb the Precipice: For climbers, tackle the challenging Precipice Trail. This exhilarating climb involves ladders, iron rungs, and stunning views at every turn.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife. From bald eagles soaring overhead to seals basking on the rocks, Acadia offers incredible opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Stargazing: The park’s dark skies provide a perfect backdrop for stargazing and spotting constellations. The west side of Mount Desert Island is a fantastic spot, or those willing to venture a bit further, Schoodic Peninsula is the most remote area within the park for stargazing. 