Top 5 Things to Do in Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

We're lucky to have Acadia National Park in our backyard! Each year, more than 3.3 million people explore seven peaks above 1,000 feet, 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, 17 stone bridges, and four lighthouses. This is just one reason why getting married in Winterport, Maine is an experience that your guests will never forget! With your wedding taking place in Winterport, Maine, your guests can experience a quaint town, with cozy accommodations for your event, and also knock off a visit to a National Park during their stay in Maine! A day trip to Acadia (or two!) will be one they won't soon forget. Here's our top five things to do in Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park!

Hike - There's many places to enjoy the outdoors, from a walk around Jordan Pond or Long Pond, to a day hike up Cadillac Mountain or one of Acadia's many peaks. You can check out some detailed hike descriptions from our friends over at LoveMaineAdventures!
Eat - Bar Harbor boasts many lobster pounds (Thurston's is our favorite! It's in Bernard, Maine - but worth the drive!) and many waterfront eateries. The Fish House Grill is a favorite for waterfront dining and LARGE margaritas! Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park features Pop-Overs, a staple in Maine. Cafe this Way is popular for breakfast, and Side Street Cafe is a local favorite!
Drive - The drive along the Park Loop Road will take you a few hours, and is an adventure in itself. Be sure to charge your batteries, as there are many stops along the way that you'll want to park and enjoy the scenery! Some of our favorites are Sand Beach,Little Hunter's Beach, the summit of Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond! We also recommend the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in South West Harbor.
Relax - Bar Harbor has many spas and areas for relaxation. We love the Harborside for a good massage! The ocean we find to be relaxing - take a boat ride on the harbor, or just enjoy ice cream in the park and watch the ships come into the harbor. The Shore Path is also a nice place to wind down.
Shop - From ice cream shops to souvenir stores, there are many things to check out in Bar Harbor! You'll recognize shops from many outdoor brands, such as Patagonia, and many that you don't recognize - the beauty of the town is many of the stores are locally, independently owned.