Acadia National Park is one of the US’s most-frequented public spaces. It’s also one of the most remote.
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While Maine doesn’t seem that far away compared to national parks in the Rocky Mountains or up in Alaska, it’ll take New Yorkers or Philadelphians upwards of ten hours to drive there. In other words, the vast majority of visitors to Acadia National Park come from long distances to enjoy its rugged wonders—even in winter, too.
Rather than pass through town, they set up shop in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and other nearby spots to take on Acadia at their own pace.
The big question is: Where should you set up shop while you explore Acadia National Park and Maine’s coastline? Do you need to stay on Mount Desert Island or Isle au Haut? Or is it better to stay elsewhere?
Start with these hotels in Maine near Acadia National Park that give you the perfect landing pad.
Hotels in Maine near Acadia National Park
Pilgrim’s Inn
Located on Deer Island, around an hour and a half away from the park, Pilgrim’s Inn overlooks the scenic and peaceful Northwest Harbor. The grounds were mostly built in 1793, giving the inn a historic atmosphere (it’s also part of the National Register of Historic Places), and are maintained to the highest quality. You can book a room in the main inn or one of the three cottages on the grounds.
Bar Harbor Inn
Located in Bar Harbor (located on Mount Desert Island close to the park), Bar Harbor Inn gives you sweeping views of the Porcupine Islands beyond Frenchman Bay. Despite the great views, you’re still located right in the heart of the downtown area, making dining, shopping, and exploring a breeze.
Coach Stop Inn
If Bar Harbor Inn is a little too grand, stay at the quaint Coach Stop Inn, also located in town. It’s an intimate bed and breakfast housed inside a historic building dating back to 1804. Meals are made fresh each day with a revolving list of seasonal ingredients. Staff are also available to help you plan any Acadia adventures.
Bass Cottage & Ulikana Inn
If you want a luxury room to retreat to at the end of your long hiking adventures, look no further. Bass Cottages and Ulikana Inn are considered Bar Harbor’s premier luxury lodging options. You can choose between cottages and luxury rooms, some of which include private terraces and fireplaces. Like Bar Harbor Inn, this hotel is located right in the heart of downtown, letting you get out and explore when the mood is right.
The Pathmaker Hotel
Quiet, charming, and affordable, The Pathmaker Hotel lets you retreat in Bar Harbor after long days in Acadia National Park. In the mornings, it also sets you up for success with a highly rated gourmet breakfast. The rooms are fitted with comfortable linens, too, and bathrooms come with upscale toiletries. As one recent guest put it, “This hotel is more like a luxury B&B.”
The Elmhurst Inn
Located near Bar Harbor, close to Acadia National Park, The Elmhurst Inn is an adorable B&B that takes its more decadent offers seriously. You’ve got home-cooked meals, daily refreshments in the parlor, and quaint gardens to enjoy throughout the grounds. Plus, most staff are local and love to give hidden-gem advice to guests.
Seawall Motel
Located in Southwest Harbor on the opposite side of Mount Desert Island as Bar Harbor, you can reach Acadia National Park in around thirty minutes from the Seawall Motel. The motel offers great views, unbeatable prices, and gorgeous coastal walks that will keep you busy when you don’t feel like driving into Acadia. Apparently, it’s also a hotspot for stargazing.
The Primrose
Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, The Primrose Inn is a recently renovated (2020) bed-and-breakfast with 15 guestrooms. You’ll notice fine art from local galleries and luxury linens, and also have the choice to book a room with a fireplace, spa tub, and/or porch.
