ayaec

we have 10 days last minute vacation (which means next week, and we thought to spend it in Maine. we are a family with 3 children age 8-13. we like to hike, bike, water sports and we prefer to stay at the same place or move once (not travel to a new place every couple of days). we thought to spend it around Acadia, but most of the places are fully booked. Any recommendations as to where we can stay which is not too far from Acadia but is nice, maybe near the water do our kids can dip if it's not too cold?
any other recommendations for the second part of the trip?
thank you in advance

Bette

If you can't find accommodation in Bar Harbor try searching in Southwest Harbor or Northeast Harbor. They are also on Mt. Desert Island.

For the second part of the trip maybe try Ogunquit....farther south. It is late for booking however....as I'm sure you know.

indyhiker

For Acadia, I'd suggest plugging your dates into VRBO and see what comes up in terms of vacation rentals. Do a search for all of Mt. Desert Island, not just Bar Harbor. A lot of places require a 7-night stay in high season, but in my experience, you can easily amuse yourselves for a week in Acadia.

Ackislander

If you don't need to be on the water, look at Bethel. It has a pretty New England look, but it also has a big ski development, so there are condos for rent.

Look at the Bunswick-Bailey's Isand-Orr's Island area. Look on VRBO or AirBnB. Beautiful Maine Coast area near enough to Portland and Freeport shopping. You can actually go into the water at Popponesset, at least up to your ankles.

elberko

With your family's interests, staying near Acadia would be best, but in case your search was narrower, anything on Mount Desert Island would be good.

DebbieDoesDulles

Homeaway/vrbo shows maybe 40 places near Bar Harbor with supposed availability for next week but most seem to have no reviews. Here's one with good reviews:

https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3001618

You might also check Camden & Rockport which has some lake beaches nearby(warmer for swimming) and Mt Battie for great hiking. I'm surprised that this place shows available but maybe it is,perhaps they had a cancellation or something.

https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p118975

dfrostnh

I agree with Ackislander's suggestion of Brunswick area. Get the conservation map for the Harpswells for hiking trails etc.

For second half of trip, head over to NH's White Mountains, maybe Lake Winnipesaukee area. There are lots of hiking opportunities, zip lines, serious mountain bike center in Northfield NH, kayaking places. Squam Lake Science Center in Holderness with pontoon boat ride to see loons. Even if you get a motel with a pool, there are state parks on different lakes where you can spend the day.

The kayak rental place we have experience with is near Concord NH. They can provide transport to the Merrimack River where you can do a full or half day paddle or just paddle from their location on the Contoocook River to a secluded beach with rope swing. The Merrimack River paddle has several different isolated sandy beaches where you can pull out for a picnic lunch and/or swimming. Due to low water levels, there is very little boating in that area.

Website for mountain bike center in Northfield
http://highlandmountain.com/

Northfield would be closer to Lake Winnisquam which is a quieter lake than Lake Winnipesaukee. For casual biking you could investigate the rail trail in NH that uses former railroad bed. This area is within an hour's drive of White Mountain activities.