A summer weekend in Acadia National Park, Maine

Dear Explorers,

Hope everyone’s soaking up the sunshine and making the most of this summer!

I drove up to Acadia National Park from Boston to ring in the 4th of July weekend. This time, I traded my usual hikes for a more laid-back adventure, joined by two very special travel companions: my parents!

It was their first time visiting Acadia (my third time), and I wasn’t sure what they’d think… They’re very hard to impress. But looks like they absolutely loved it.

We soaked in the scenery, embraced the serenity, and reveled in the natural beauty without the blisters. I believe sometimes the best trips aren’t about the miles you cover, but the memories you create.

Cutting the chase , here are some of the things we enjoyed the most.

Portland, Maine

I hit the road from Boston to Acadia—roughly a 5.5-hour drive, but who’s counting when adventure awaits? Our first detour was Portland, just two hours into the journey and a total vibe. If you’re ever passing through, make a mandatory stop for Holy Donuts, yes, they’re that divine.

We roamed on the Commercial Street, soaking in the charm, popping into shops, and even scoping out the bustling harbor-side . The smells, the sights, the chaotic joy of it all, it was pure New England magic.

Then came a twist of personal nostalgia: we drove by the very spot where I first landed in the U.S. back in 2007. Seeing it again was a total time-warp… funny how a street corner or a familiar building can flood you with memories you didn’t know you still carried.

2. Chai stop at Mosman Park

With the sense of nostalgia , we continued our journey towards Acadia. When sun was about to set , we stopped at Mosman Park for a quick chai stop . It’s a pretty place to soak it some calmness of the ocean while drinking the chai and the donuts we got from Portland.

Finally we reached Acadia around 9 pm, Checked into hotel , freshened , had Thai dinner at Siam Orchid. They had good thai options. After dinner we walked around the frenchmen bay and head to the bed soon for the next day’s early morning Mount Cadillac’s adventure.

3. Sunrise at the top of Cadillac mountain

Here you are, possibly the very first person in the entire U.S. to shout “Good morning, sunshine!” while sipping warm chai above the clouds. And let me tell you, the view makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.

To experience this surreal sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, you’ll need to reserve ahead

Book your spot here – https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74271

You’ll also need to grab an Acadia National Park entrance pass, which is valid for 7 days and gets you access to the mountain’s summit.

And yes, it’s absolutely worth waking up in the wee hours. The morning light paints the sky in watercolor hues, and watching the world slowly wake beneath you is unforgettable.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to bundle up! Even in summer, it’s breezy and brisk up there. Bring warm layers and maybe an extra blanket if you’re planning to soak it in a little longer.

4. Dip in the sand beach

After catching the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, we headed straight to for a spontaneous splash. The water? Ice cold. Like nature’s version of a cold plunge challenge. But wow, once you embraced the chill, it was downright invigorating.

We laughed, we shivered, we dipped. By the time we stepped out, we were totally refreshed and relaxed—ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

5. Ocean path hike and Thunder Hole

From Sand Beach, you can set off on the iconic Ocean Path, winding your way toward the legendary Thunder Hole. It’s an easy stroll, perfect for stretching your legs—but the views are totally breathtaking.

Towering cliffs, crashing waves, and salty sea breezes accompany you the whole way, making every step feel like part of an epic coastal quest. Along the path, nature pulls out its greatest hits, so keep your camera ready!

Thunder Hole awaits at the end, where the ocean roars into a rocky cave with a sound that’ll make you jump (in the best way).

6. Jordan pond pop over and hike

After soaking up views and sea spray, our stomachs started doing their own kind of thunder clap. 😅 And trust me, there’s no better cure for a rumbling belly than the famous Popovers at Jordan Pond House. Warm, fluffy, and slightly magical… they’re basically cloud bread with a golden tan.

They open at 11 a.m., and if you’re short on time (or patience), hit up the Popover Bar for a quick fix without the full sit-down affair. You get all the flavor, none of the wait!

Once re-fueled and recharged, we set off on the Jordan Pond Trail. It’s about 5 km, but with rocky bits and narrow spots where you’ll sometimes have to pause for people traffic, it can take around 2–3 hours. No rush though—the views are worth every step. Glassy water, rugged mountains, and forest vibes all around. It’s like hiking through a postcard.

if you are feeling adventurous , here are some of the other hikes I did in the past and loved it. Please comment any other hikes in Acadia you recommend !

The Bubbles Trail

photo from June 2016 🙂

Beehive Loop Trail

7.Frenchmen bay for sunset and firework

After conquering the Jordan Pond hike, our appetites came roaring back—so we ventured to Bar Harbor Lobster Co. in search of seaside flavors. Sadly, the lobster bisque missed the mark. It tasted off, and we couldn’t shake the feeling something wasn’t quite right. So… safe to say it didn’t crack our list of must-try spots. 😬 Wouldn’t recommend.

Back at the hotel, we kicked back and recharged with a comforting cup of chai, gearing up for one last adventure before calling it a day. As dusk settled, we took a leisurely stroll to Frenchman Bay, just in time to catch the sunset paint the sky in blazing colors.

Then came the grand finale: the 4th of July fireworks! For a full 30 minutes, the night sparkled and roared with bursts of color and light reflecting over the water—it was pure magic.

We wrapped up the night in the best way possible—grateful, full of joy, and riding high on scenic memories and firework vibes.

8. Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay

On our final morning, we fueled up at Jordan’s Restaurant, because one last taste of that delicious lobster omelette was an absolute must. Highly recommend! Then it was time to hit the road back toward Boston, hearts full and phone cameras packed with memories.

But wait, before waving goodbye to Maine, we took one last detour to Boothbay’s magical Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Hidden among winding forest paths, we discovered the whimsical world of Thomas Dambo’s “Guardians of the Seeds”: five towering troll sculptures crafted from recycled wood, each watching over their corner of nature.

Roskva – Guardian of the Trunks
Birk – Guardian of the Roots
Gro – Guardian of the Leaves
Søren – Guardian of the Branches
Lilja – Guardian of the Flowers

It felt like stepping into a woodland fairytale—part nature walk, part enchanted scavenger hunt. And if your feet are tuckered out from hiking, you can hop aboard the garden trolley to cruise the grounds with ease. Totally worth it.

And just like that, our Maine adventure came full circle. From sunrise chai above the clouds to fireworks over Frenchman Bay, every moment was a page from a storybook.

Until the next escape, stay curious, stay wanderlust-y, and never underestimate the magic of an early wake-up call.

Here is the link to the compiled video – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLyw-CLOu7E/?igsh=dndlYXdienhnN3Z1