It is New England's only national park. It covers most of Desert Mountain Island, a huge rocky island that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean from mainland Maine. Arcadia is known for beautiful inland lakes, lush forests that turn into brilliant colors in the fall, and stunning ocean and mountain views from rocky outcrops, sports fitness .
Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Atlantic coast of the United States, is a must-see. The quaint town of Bar Harbor sits just outside the park and has an impressive collection of 19th-century buildings. Although an easy day's drive from Boston, Arcadia is less crowded and more affordable than other New England coastal destinations like Cape Cod and the New Hampshire coast.
Admission: $25 for a 7-day vehicle pass, $12 for a 7-day bike/hike pass. Best time to visit: In this part of the world, winter lasts from November to April, while spring is a muddy, often pristine season that can last until June. Due to the best weather of the year, July and August are the busiest and most expensive months in Arcadia. Early to mid-October is peak autumn foliage season, another busy and expensive time. The best time is mid-to-late September, when cool temperatures keep crowds thin, but there's no snow or ice and the foliage hasn't peaked. In the meantime, the Arcadia is much cheaper and more spacious. How to get there: With no traffic, Arcadia is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Boston and about halfway from Portland, Maine. If you're from outside of New England, fly into Logan Airport, Boston's main hub. You can then fly directly from Logan to Bar Harbor, Maine, with flights that take about an hour and prices start at $250 per seat. However, driving along the rugged Maine coast is unrivaled, and Portland—with its quaint cobblestone streets and unpretentious, affordable eateries—is a great place to stay if you have extra nights to sleep in. Great overnight stay. Where to Stay: There are many lovely B&Bs in Bar Harbor and nearby communities, but they are pricey—$150+ per night, even in the off-season. If you want a warm bed, try the Primrose Place (formerly Aurora Inn) just outside of Bar Harbor. Rates announced in mid-September start at around $100 a night. Camping during the warmer months is the most cost-effective option for those on a tight budget. Two of the best campgrounds in Arcadia are Blackwoods (drive and walk-in, $30 per night) and Seawall ($22 walk-in, $30 drive-in), and reservations are recommended for both. Winter campground availability is very limited. If tent camping isn't your thing, you can rent an RV through Outdoorsy. What to do: Arcadia is a DIY-type park, which is great news for the frugal traveler. If you don't bring your own bike, you can stop by the Bar Harbor Bike Shop to rent one (from $19 for four hours, $25 for a full day) and ride on the park's dense network of roads. If you're not on a bike, there are easy hikes like the 2-mile Great Meadow Loop, or hard climbs like the 7-mile Cadillac Southridge Trail, which takes you from sea level to Cadillac's summit. If you have a car and don't want to walk to get the view, you can drive along the park loop to the top of the Cadillac. Special Events and Attractions: If you're visiting Arcadia in late September, don't miss the Arcadia Night Sky Festival, which celebrates the region's astronomical assets. You might also like: Prefer the West Coast to the East Coast? Check out our guide to the cheapest things to do in Portland, Oregon - "Other" Portland in the US.
