Acadia question
 

We have an extra 3 days after visiting Boston this May, and I'd really like to see Acadia NP. Is it too far from Boston to see in such a short time? We might be able to squeeze in another half or whole day if that would make a big difference. We are 30 somethings who like hiking, dramatic scenery, and lobster, and are not at all interested in outlet malls (or any shopping). I tried looking at other destinations on the Maine coast further south, but Acadia seemed so much more beautiful than the southern coastal destinations (let me know if I'm wrong). I know the weather will probably not be ideal but we don't mind that.

We might be able to fly out of Portland or Bangor to facilitate this, and we may, though there aren't non-stops back to Seattle from those places as there are out of Boston so it might not actually end up saving us time (when you factor in layovers).

Three days seems like plenty of time to squeeze in a visit to Acadia - I've been there but didn't do a direct drive from Boston. Do a Google maps estimate of travel time from Boston. I'd guess it's about 3.5 hours each way.

You could also visit Portland, Maine, a neat little town in itself. That's probably 1/2 way between Boston and Acadia or so.

We flew to Portland from NY for a 4 day weekend to Acadia in October. The weather was "crisp" which I find very good for hiking and the lobster is outstanding!

From Boston, it's probably around 3 1/2 - 4 hour drive, so I think it's very doable. Get up early so you get there by lunchtime, then you have 2 1/2 days to hike the park, it's worth it, absolutely beautiful, very much like the Oregon coast.

On your way back to Boston, if you have time, take Route 1 on and off to see Camden/Rockport, they're nice towns too. So is Boothbay Harbor, another idea if you don't want to go as far as Acadia.

Do it.
Visit Mt Cadillac in the AM. Drive up and check out the color of the granite.
Get a lobster roll for lunch. There are great trails everywhere.
Visit Bar Harbor, have a local beer; watch the ferry leave for Nova Scotia. (On the way up from Beantown, stop in Salem Mass for breakfast.)

Thanks guys. I should have posted that I did mapquest and it's 5:06 each way from Boston. I know there's lot of traffic on summer weekends but am hoping May isn't bad.

In Boston and Maine, May is not Summer.
In Summer, much of the trafic is going to Cape Cod; and some to Old Orchard Beach. ( A great stop-off.)

Then a little traffic near Portsmouth, then smooth sailing.

If you had more time, I'd suggest getting off I-95 onto 1 at Brunswick.

We stopped in Portland when we visited Bar Harbor.You can get combination deals in some of the hotels there. We stayed at the Bar Harbor manor two nights and a lobster dinner plus a whale watching excursion was included.Paul

Believe the 5.06 hours from Boston to Bar Harbor. We've done this drive often and it is easily 5 1/2 to 6 hours depending on traffic and a few quick potty breaks.

It's well worth the trip, the hiking is fantastic. Though the Precipice trail which is one of the best may be closed due to the nesting Peregrin falcons.

The weather can be iffy in May in New England, so it might be 50 & drizzly or 85 and sunny, we've had both in equal measure in May so it's a gamble.

It is well worth the trip.

I'd trust the 5 hour estimate also. Don't stop in Salem, MA its really not on the way. Newburyport, Portsmouth, Portland are all much more accessible with Portland probably being the closest to halfway. Though Brunswick or Freeport are other good stopping points. In Acadia NP, the Jordon Pond House has great popovers and lemonade.

We go to Acadia every summer and it takes us 5 1/2 hours from Boston every time! Just drive straight through on the highway and take a big deep breath when you arrive! If you venture off onto Rt. 1 it can add hours. So unless you want the extra car-time, just stay on the major routes....you will have plenty of sight seeing once you get to Mt. Dessert Island. We like to stay at the Greycote Inn in Bar Harbor because they give a full breakfast the rates are reasonable the inn is well kept and it's an easy walk to town. Parking is on site so you don't have to deal with trying to find parking if you dine in town...a major headache on a summer night. Visit Thunder hole, Thursten's Lobster Pound , Asticu Gardens and Port In a Storm Book Store. Take the mail boat to one of the little islands if you are feeling adventurous or walk the miles of lovely carriage roads in the park...or take a horse-drawn-carriage ride at sunset. You will love it!

Good to hear that people are still recommending we go even though the drive is long. I think I may be able to squeeze in a little more time, too.

Thanks for the lodging suggestions. Reading up on the possible accomodations, some of the smaller/less visited towns on the island sound pretty neat, though I'd guess Bar Harbor won't be as over-the- top touristy in May as it would be in summer, so I'm sure that could be good, too. I'll have to search this site and look for other recommendations.

Weather can be very iffy. Play it by ear if you can. Listen to the weather forecast the day before and have a Plan B, just in case. Given the time of year it's not like you won't be able to find lodging at the last minute.

I go to Acadia every year or two in early September. If the weather is decent it's a fabulous place; if not...well, I hope you like to shop ;-)

We're from Seattle. :) To me, that you'd encounter rain and cool temps on the ocean coast is a given. We both have an extraordinary amount of fleece and wool-blend hiking clothes, gore-tex boots, parkas, etc. So weather won't bother us, unless it is an actual hurricane or something.

Hello. Five hours is about right from Boston proper - Route 95 to 395 to 3 (and 102 to Southwest Harbor)/Tremont). I'm assuming that you are planning to be here at Acadia before Memorial Day which means that many of the places previously mentioned will probably not be open. Not to worry - lobster, dramatic scenery and great hiking are everywhere and there will be lots of lodging options and friendly rates. The 'quietside' of Mount Desert (Southwest/Tremont/Bass Harbor) has small inns, hotels, motels and cottages - just as an alternative to Bar Harbor - which will also be quiet in May. I would consider it very doable and well worth the time. Acadia after Boston will be a wonderful contrast.

I would highly recommend "Maine, An Explorer's Guide". Worth every penny for planning a visit to Maine. Incredibly comprehensive in every way.

I cannot imagine why you would believe Acadia seems so much more beautiful. For one thing, it has still (scenery) not recovered from the fire. To me, anyway, it is the most "touristy" destination in all of Maine. AND, it is almost always completely fogged in (except for July and August) whereupon those fog horns will drive you nearly nuts! Lodging, shopping, dining, are all pricey with disappointing value. And, most places are "seasonal" and do not even open until Memorial Day...

Southwest has direct flights between Seatle and Manchester NH. The airport is under an driving from Boston and three hours from Camden, ME, 2-1/2 hours from Portland, ME.

You didn't mention WHEN in May. Early can still be winter-like, later is better.

Acadia looked the most beautiful to me based on websites, Maine guidebooks, etc. But part of my question was, is my impression correct? So if you don't think it is, please feel free to recommend other Maine coastal destinations. And can you tell me how Acadia is touristy (in May)? Touristy to me means t-shirt shops, amusements, outlet malls, etc, and I didn't think I would find that IN the National Park. There isn't even lodging in the park. I don't care about the mere presence of some other tourists. I did find plenty of mention of that kind of touristy stuff, which I want to avoid, in other coastal Maine towns.

It sounds like people are concerned that things won't be open, but based on what I've seen in guidebooks and lodging/restaurant websites, it sounds like we'll have plenty to choose from. And the b and b's I've talked to actually look like a bargain before Memorial Day.

From your description of what you are looking for, Acadia is perfect. It IS beautiful, and I don't think you'll have to worry about too many people that early. We went to Acadia on our second trip to Maine, and have been back to Acadia many times since.

~Liz

Let's face it, mostly what you will do in Mt. Desert Island and Acadia is run by locals.....if you stay off the main road (Route 3) that has all the chain motels/hotels. Choose a B+B owned and run by locals and they will be sure to point you in the right direction for things to do and places to dine. As you discovered, the National Park does not allow lodging or any commercial development within its bounds (that 's why, when we visit the Cape Cod National Seashore we love to stay at the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast ...they are a rare exception!). So you don't have to worry about being over-run with tourists or touristy commercial development if you choose lodging and activities that the locals favor.
We have found Camden to be a lovely town but more commercial than Mt. Desert Island and without the advantage of a National Park. I say go to Acadia!

My hubby and I visited Maine for the first time in early May 2006 and we did not mind the weather at all, but we're from South Dakota. It was beautiful for 5 out of the 7 days we were there and we found other things to do on those 2 gloomy days. I did not find Bar Harbor or Acadia to be touristy, but then again, I'm a tourist! In early May there was hardly any tourists around and that's specifically why we chose that time of year to go. I could do without certain businesses being open just to experience Maine without crowds! Good luck!

It's definitley at least 5 hours to get to Acadia from here. And absolutely worth it!!!