Want to go on an Acadia National Park trip with only four days but do so on a budget? One of the BEST ways to save on vacations is to tack them onto existing trips! If you’re a late twenty-something, early-thirty something like us, I’m sure you’re getting a ton of invitations to friends’ weddings! Going to all the weddings may add up, especially for what are usually short weekend trips. However, if you plan ahead and take a whole week of vacation, you may be able to plan an epic trip and make the most of that plane ticket!
When two great friends announced that they were getting married on the bride’s family farm in Wonalancet, New Hampshire in August, we jumped at the chance to plan a trip to nearby Maine as well! Maine had been on the bucket list for quite some time, and August is such a wonderful time to go!
Important Info to Know Before You Go!
- July and August are the warmest months to go to Acadia! During these months, the average low temperature is 55oF and the high is 75oF. Expect colder temperatures if you go outside these months and check before you go. Accordingly, crowds will be largest at this time.
- Most surrounding towns don’t fully reopen until Memorial Day weekend and close for winter in late November/early December so during the off-season, lodging and food options will be limited.
- If you don’t have a car, check out the Island Explorer bus system for transportation around Acadia National Park.
- Entrance to Acadia National park is currently $35 per car.
Have limited time to visit Acadia National Park? Try our other post!
Our Acadia National Park Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM)
We arrived at PWM around lunchtime.
- Pick up a Turo rental car (we went with a Prius and saved a lot on gas!)
- Drive to the Chocolate Chip Bed & Breakfast in Lamoine, ME (2.5 hr drive)
- Head into Ellsworth for some beer and lobster at the riverside Union River Lobster Pot
Day 2: Acadia National Park
- Driving from the Chocolate Chip B&B took just 30 minutes
- Rent bicycles for a full day for $35 from Acadia Bike
- Ride around the Acadia Carriage roads (as the bike shop for a map!)
- Plan to stop at Jordan Pond House for lunch, their famous popovers, and a beautiful view
- Drop your bicycle off and have dinner and a beer at Atlantic Brewing Midtown right next door to the bike shop.
- Catch the sunset on Cadillac Mountain (make sure to reserve your ticket up the road 48 hours before!). An Acadia National Park trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Cadillac Mountain so be sure to add this to your itinerary!
Day 3: Acadia National Park
- Spend the day driving the 27 mile park loop road starting at Hull Cove Visitor’s Center
- Along the drive, stop at various interest points:
- Beehive Trail: A must do!
- 1.5 mile loop, challenging/steep, panoramic views from the summit
- Sand Beach: Swim or just relax!
- We saw lots of kids swimming, but we elected to just sit in the sand and soak in the sun for a while
- Ocean Path Trail: build your own adventure!
- This trail is 4.5 miles out and back along the water. Walk as much or as little as you would like, and then just turn back.
- You can visit Thunder Hole while walking this path
- If you have time, drive out to Bass Harbor Head Light Station, and grab some amazing ice cream at the Salt Shop on your way through Southwest Harbor.
- Beehive Trail: A must do!
- Have dinner at the Thirsty Whale Tavern back in Bar Harbor
Day 4: Portland, Maine
- Wake up early and drive back to Portland, ME
- Visit the Portland Head Light
- Wander through the streets of Portland, making your way to the coast-side East End
- Enjoy the views from the Eastern Promenade
- Circle around by the water and head to Old Port
- Join a Lobster Boat Tour
- EAT! Portland has an amazing food scene. While we were underwhelmed by The Holy Donut other blogs have raved about, we were in heaven at Duckfat, The Honey Paw, and Crispy Gai.
Our Acadia National Park Trip Budget
| Flight from Raleigh to Portland: | $375 per person |
| Rental Car: | $163.15 per person |
| Gas: | $30 per person |
| Food/Drink: | $200 per person |
| Lodging: | $409.72 per person |
| Activities: | $115 per person |
| TOTAL: | $1292.87 |
Ways to Save
- Lodging is quite expensive in Bar Harbor! You can find cheaper accommodations by looking farther out in small towns like Lamoine (where we stayed), Trenton, and Ellsworth
- Be flexible on your airport! Flying into Boston can be cheaper. It’s a 4.5 hour drive ompared to 2.5-3 hours from Portland.
- If you stay in Bar Harbor, find a place that includes breakfast! There are many B&B’s in Bar Harbor.
- Consider flying into the Bangor International Airport, nearest to Bar Harbor. Flight prices may be higher but could be offset largely by ditching the rental car and using the Island Explorer bus system.
We hope this helps you plan a thrifty Acadia National Park trip! Feel free to leave us questions and comments!
How fun! Would love to do this trip !
Sounds awesome.