Where to Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park
Choosing where to stay in Acadia National Park is almost as big a decision as choosing where to hold your ceremony. In addition to being a cozy place to stay, your accommodation will also determine what you see and how much time you spend driving. We’ve photographed dozens of elopements across Mount Desert Island, and have learned the best places to stay near Acadia National Park.
In this guide, we’ll be breaking down the main areas surrounding Acadia National Park, what type of experience it is best for, and the best places to stay in each one. By the end, you’ll (hopefully) have a clear idea of which area of Acadia is best for your elopement stay!
For more lodging options on Mount Desert Island, browse our curated Airbnb wishlist
Table of Contents
Understanding the Layout of Acadia National Park & Its Surrounding Areas
Before we dive into the best places to stay near Acadia National Park, it can be helpful to understand how the area is actually laid out (especially if this is your first visit).
Unlike most national parks, Acadia doesn’t actually have a formal entrance gate. The land was donated by the Rockefellers after the island was already developed, so the park exists in pockets mixed in with small towns, homes, and communities. This means in most cases you’re not necessarily staying “outside” the park; you’re actually staying right in the middle of it.
Acadia is broken down into three main park sections:
- Mount Desert Island (where most of the park is situated, and where most of our elopements happen)
- Schoodic Peninsula (about an hour from Mount Desert Island and with significantly fewer crowds)
- Isle au Haut (a remote option accessible only by ferry)
When choosing where you want to stay, it can be helpful to think about what kind of town experience you want to wake up in, what restaurants you want to walk to (or drive to), and what atmosphere matches your vision for your elopement. We usually tell couples to choose an area based on the vibes they like, not just what is closest to their ceremony location.
Now that you understand the different locations around Acadia, check out our complete guide to ceremony locations in Acadia
Mount Desert Island
Most of our couples who elope in Acadia stay on Mount Desert Island (MDI). This is where you will find the parks most popular locations, resturants, shops, and visitors. The island is fairly large and can take up to 45 minutes to go from one side to the other, and there are tons of amazing accommodations to be found around the island.
The most popular towns here are Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor, but Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor, and Town Hill also offer some great options.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is the island’s busiest town and a tourist destination all by itself! Many people visit Bar Harbor every year without ever going into the park. It’s a picturesque coastal Maine town sitting right on the water overlooking the harbor and nearby islands. Here you’ll find colorful buildings, working fishing boats, local shops mixed with tourist shops, plenty of restaurant options, and bars where locals and visitors mingle.
Who should stay here: Couples who want to experience downtown life as part of their trip. If you love restaurants, want to walk to grab coffee in the morning, or like exploring local shops and don’t mind crowds, Bar Harbor is perfect! You can be downtown, surrounded by ocean views, and still easily access the park’s most picturesque locations.
The reality: Bar Harbor is crowded, especially in summer. You’ll see lots of tourists, and parking can be limited. But if that’s the vibe you want, or if convenience and accessibility are important to you, staying here is absolutely worth it!
Quieter option nearby: If you don’t want to be in the middle of town, but still want to be close to the action, Hulls Cove sits just a few minutes from downtown Bar Harbor. This area is significantly quieter and gives you easy access to Bar Harbor without the full bustle.
What’s near Bar Harbor?
- Main park entrance (there is one entrance gate in Acadia NP and it’s located right next to Bar Harbor)
- Sand Beach
- Beehive Trail
- Ocean Drive
- Otter Cliffs
- Cadillac Mountain
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor:
- Harborside Hotel – Oceanfront lodging with multiple event spaces and a luxury vibe.
- The Bar Harbor Inn – Luxury Maine hotel with oceanfront views and walking access to the downtown
- Inn on Mount Desert Island – Charming boutique hotel vibes with a more relaxed atmosphere
- Ivy Manor Inn – Old-town village hotel vibes with a relaxed atmosphere
- Bar Harbor Regency – Classic Maine hotel vibes with great amenities
- The Bayview Hotel – Modern boutique hotel with a relaxed, more nature-focused vibe feel
- Balance Rock Inn – Manor-style hotel with an intimate feel
- Sol’s Cliff House – Vacation rental options with a unique, artistic vibe
- Oceansedge – Oceanfront vacation rental with onsite water access
- Salt Cottages – Charming, seaside cottages with a modern, contemporary design
- Woods of Eden Glampground – Forest glamping option four miles outside the park entrance
Our Favorite Restaurants in the Area:
- Havana – Elevated food with real Maine ingredients, the kind of place you’d choose for a celebration dinner
- Geddy’s – Classic Bar Harbor restaurant with harbor views
- Stadium – Our favorite coffee shop in downtown and a spot for Acadia’s famous popovers!
- Bar Harbor Lobster Pound – Casual atmosphere with amazing seafood
- Sweet Pea’s Cafe – An extraordinary farm-to-table dinner option that can also serve as a micro wedding venue. See Olivia & Nick’s wedding here for an example!
If Bar Harbor feels like your kind of vibe, check out our favorite Bar Harbor small wedding venues for specific restaurants and venue options that offer great dinner reception spaces.
Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor is often referred to as “the quiet side” of MDI. This is a working fishing village where residents live year-round, so you’ll see working boats in the harbor, local people going about their days, and families who’ve been here for generations. There is a downtown with a few good restaurants and coffee shops, but mostly it’s a real Maine town with a school, library, post office, hardware store, and a strong sense of community.
Who should stay here: Couples who want authentic Maine without the tourism infrastructure. If you crave peace, don’t mind being away from downtown and want to escape the crowds, Southwest Harbor is where you go. Staying here often gives you a less curated and more genuine Maine experience.
The reality: You’ll need a car to get from your accommodation to restaurants. There’s a very small walkable downtown where you can pop out for coffee, but nothing like Bar Harbor. The trade-off is peace, quiet, and a more local atmosphere.
What’s near Southwest Harbor?
- Seawall Picnic Area
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (one of the most famous lighthouses in Maine!)
- Wonderland Trail
- Echo Lake
Where to Stay in Southwest Harbor:
- The Claremont – Historic luxury oceanfront hotel
- Harbour Cottage Inn – An intimate and classic Maine inn
- Acadia Seaside Cottages – Simple cottages
- Acadia Yurts – A unique glamping experience
- Seawall Campground – Budget campground option right in the park
Our Favorite Restaurants in the Area:
- Clark Point Cafe – Our all-time favorite coffee and breakfast spot on the island!
- Beal’s Lobster Pier – Classic Maine lobster pound overlooking a working harbor
- Harbor Table – Perfect spot for dinner in downtown
- Little Notch Bakery and Cafe – Local favorite with pizza, sandwiches, and grab-and-go options
- Batson River Fish Camp – Oceanfront bar and restaurant
- Vacationland Coffee Roasters – Right on the pier with views of the harbor
- Little Fern – Intimate fine dining experience
If Southwest Harbor feels like it could be a good fit for you, check out our favorite small wedding venues for more restaurants and reception options in this area.
Northeast Harbor
Northeast Harbor is close to some of Acadia’s most famous locations, but it’s another quieter place to stay. There’s a small downtown with restaurants and shops, but it’s not as large as some other areas. Seal Harbor, just nearby, offers similar vibes with beautiful views, restaurants, and accommodations.
Who should stay here: Couples who want to be close to major park locations (like Jordan Pond) without the bustle of Bar Harbor. You still get close proximity to the park, but a more peaceful atmosphere.
The reality: You’ll need a car to get from your accommodation to restaurants. There is limited walkability, and the area is very quiet.
What’s near Northeast Harbor?
- Jordan Pond
- Asticou Azalea Garden
- Seal Harbor Beach
- Little Long Pond
Where to Stay in Northeast Harbor:
- The Asticou Hotel – Luxury oceanfront hotel with tons of charm and character
- Blackwoods Campground – An affordable camping option close to major trails
Our Favorite Restaurants in the Area:
- Copita – A good local spot
- Dahlia’s at The Asticou Hotel – Elevated dining experience
- The Nor’Easter Pound & Market – A local favorite
- Milk and Honey Kitchen – Simple cafe with coffee, sandwiches, and patries
Town Hill
Town Hill isn’t really a town. It’s more of an area in the geographic center of Mount Desert Island with a small cluster of shops and restaurants. What we love about this area is that it gives you tons of options if you want to explore both sides of the island. You can drive to Bar Harbor or to Southwest Harbor in about 15 minutes, and it’s a very central and accessible location.
Who should stay here: Couples who want to explore the entire island without committing to one side’s personality. If you want a sunrise hike on the main side of the park and a quiet dinner on the opposite side, Town Hill is a great home base. We’ve photographed elopements from here, and couples loved the flexibility to move around the island without feeling like they were driving a long distance.
The reality: There’s no charming downtown. But it’s a perfect middle ground between the more accessible and quieter sides of the island.
What’s near Town Hill?
Honestly, everything. From Town Hill, the entire island is accessible without long drives. Bar Harbor locations are 15-20 minutes, and Southwest Harbor locations are the same.
Where to Stay in Town Hill:
- Terramor Outdoor Resort – Upscale glamping accommodations with on-site dining and reception space
- Seaside Cottages – Simple oceanfront cottages in a quiet setting
- Mount Desert Campground – Traditional camping option with easy water access
- Evergreen Yurts – Glamping yurts
Our Favorite Restaurants in the Area:
- Coffee Matter/Mother’s Kitchen – One of the best coffee shops on the island and great sandwiches
- Sassafrass Cafe – Amazing farm-to-table restaurant with restaurant and private dining options
- Abel’s – Amazing local seafood spot with incredible atmosphere
- Mainely Meat BBQ at Atlantic Brewing – Casual BBQ restaurant with local beer
Staying Off the Island
Staying just outside Mount Desert Island is another option worth considering, depending on your priorities and budget. Off-island accommodations are often less expensive; the trade-off is longer drive times to some park areas (up to an hour) and reliance on one bridge to access the island. During the summer, accidents on that bridge can occasionally slow travel, so this is definitely something to consider.
Trenton
Trenton is the town directly before you cross the bridge to Mount Desert Island. Staying here doesn’t add much time to reach the park (aside from bridge traffic, which varies). There’s also an airport in Trenton, which isn’t the most cost-effective, but it can make flight travel very easy. That being said, the airport also offers scenic flights around Acadia, which can be an amazing activity to include in your elopement day! The Acadia Gateway Center is also located here and provides park information and shuttle bus service if you don’t want to drive your whole trip.
Where to Stay near Trenton:
- Sunset Seascape – Oceanfront option in Trenton/Ellsworth area
- Airbnb or VRBO
Ellsworth
Ellsworth is a local Maine town, not a tourist destination. There is a nice downtown with great restaurants, local shops, a school, and a library. Residents of Ellsworth live here year-round, and it’s less of a tourist stop, which means staying here is also generally cheaper than in other areas on the island.
Where to Stay in Ellsworth:
- Under Canvas Acadia – Oceanfront glamping just outside of Ellsworth. Worth the slight extra drive.
- Jarvis Homestead – Unique, historic vacation rental with character
For more options in Trenton & Ellsworth, browse our curated Airbnb wishlist
Schoodic Peninsula
Schoodic Peninsula is located in Winter Harbor, Maine and is about an hour from Bar Harbor. This section of Acadia is more secluded and has been minimally developed on purpose to preserve the wilderness and natural beauty of the park. There’s a 6-mile one-way road around the peninsula, plus hiking and biking trails. In this area, you’ll see significantly fewer people than on Mount Desert Island.
Best for: Couples who’ve visited Acadia before and want something different, or those who prioritize avoiding crowds over convenience.
The reality: There are fewer restaurants and accommodations on the Schoodic Peninsula, but there are also some incredible, undeveloped Maine landscapes. If you want to see what Acadia looks like outside of its main destinations, this is the area to go.
If you want to explore both Schoodic and Mount Desert Island:
Stay in Lamoine or Hancock (they’re about equal distances between the two areas).
If you want to focus on Schoodic:
Stay in Sorrento, Gouldsboro, or Winter Harbor.
Where to stay near Schoodic Peninsula:
- Nature Nook Acadia – Cozy tiny homes in the forest (Sullivan, ME)
- The Foggy Pearl – Waterfront accommodations that double as a wedding venue (Hancock, ME)
For more options on the Schoodic Peninsula, browse our curated Airbnb wishlist
Isle au Haut
Isle au Haut is a tiny island accessible only by ferry from Stonington, and it’s the least visited part of Acadia. Half of the island is a seasonal fishing village, and the other half is the national park. There are no cars or accommodations on the island, so you’ll need to explore by walking or biking. The town is accessible via a ferry from Stonington, ME, about an hour and a half from Bar Harbor.
If you want to explore Isle au Haut:
Stay in Stonington, which is a beautiful working fishing village with its own restaurants and charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Acadia National Park
What are the best lodging options close to Acadia National Park entrances?
The main park entrance is in Bar Harbor, so staying there puts you closest to major attractions. But “closest” is misleading because the park is scattered. Southwest Harbor is close to quieter trails. Northeast Harbor is close to Jordan Pond and other major park locations. And Town Hill is central to everything. We typically recommend couples choose their area based on which experience they want, and not necessarily on proximity to their location(s). And, of course, as your elopement photographers, we can help you narrow down the best options for you during the planning process.
Are there pet-friendly accommodations in the Acadia area?
Absolutely! Many glamping options welcome pets. Some of our favorites are Terramor, Under Canvas, Woods of Eden, Evergreen Yurts, and Acadia Yurts. Some hotels in the area also allow pets; just keep in mind there may be additional room fees and always confirm pet policies when booking. There are also a ton of Airbnbs that allow pets too! If you’re planning a dog-friendly elopement, check out our dog-friendly elopement guide for tips on including your pup in your wedding day.
How long are the drives between areas on Mount Desert Island?
The great thing about eloping on Mount Desert Island is that everything is relatively close together. In general, plan on 15-30 minute drives between areas.
- Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor: 25-30 minutes
- Bar Harbor to Northeast Harbor: 20-25 minutes
- Southwest Harbor to Town Hill: 15-20 minutes
- Town Hill to Northeast Harbor: 15-20 minutes
What's the difference between staying in Bar Harbor vs. Southwest Harbor?
You can’t go wrong with staying in either Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor. Essentially, Bar Harbor will give you easier access to restaurants, shops, ocean views, and a walkable downtown, while Southwest Harbor is a bit quieter and has more of a local, community feeling. Southwest Harbor will be a bit of a further drive to some of the major attractions like Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, etc. But you can access the same park locations from anywhere, so we recommend choosing one based on what atmosphere you want to wake up in.
Ready to Plan Your Acadia Elopement?
Where you choose to stay in Acadia isn’t just about choosing a comfortable place to sleep; it sets the foundation for the rest of your elopement experience.
We’ve photographed elopements across all of Acadia and Mount Desert Island and have come to know which accommodations work best for getting ready, which restaurants create the best celebration moments, and how to build a day that flows beautifully regardless of where you’re based.
If you want personalized recommendations based on your vision, or if you’re ready to start planning your Acadia elopement, reach out to us. We would love to hear from you and learn more about what you have in mind for your elopement.
