Acadia National Park is a scenic national park known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Acadia National Park and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Acadia National Park?
You should plan to spend around $206 per day on your vacation in Acadia National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $78 on meals
- $46 on local transportation
- $192 on hotels
A one week trip to Acadia National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,884. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,442
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,884
-
One Month
Per person
$6,180
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,884
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,768
-
One Month
For a couple
$12,360
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Acadia National Park cost?
A one week trip to Acadia National Park usually costs around $1,442 for one person and $2,884 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Acadia National Park on average costs around $2,884 for one person and $5,768 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Acadia National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Acadia National Park on average costs around $6,180 for one person and $12,360 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Acadia National Park expensive to visit?
Acadia National Park is a great national park that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Acadia National Park can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.
On average, budget travelers spend $90 per day, mid-range travelers spend $206 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $393 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Acadia National Park.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Acadia National Park is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Colorado Springs or Flagstaff.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Acadia National Park Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Acadia National Park?
The average Acadia National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Acadia National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Acadia National Park cost?
Acadia National Park on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$42
|
$96
|
$184
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$20
|
$46
|
$88
|
|
Food 2
|
$34
|
$78
|
$150
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$15
|
$33
|
$61
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
|
$5-16
|
$10-31
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Acadia National Park, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $90 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Acadia National Park will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $206 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $393. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the national park, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Acadia National Park
Hotel prices in Acadia National Park can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $0, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $0. Budget accommodations range from $0 to $0, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Acadia National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $192. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $96 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
In a family-friendly destination like Acadia National Park, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Acadia National Park
Unfortunately, Acadia National Park does not provide a solid public transit network. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.
It's unfortunate that most of the national park isn't very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $46 per person, per day, on local transportation in Acadia National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Acadia National Park is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$46
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Acadia National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Acadia National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Acadia National Park
Food choices in Acadia National Park are few and not the best. It's advisable to save your money for experiences that offer more value than dining out. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Acadia National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Acadia National Park is $78 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$78
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Acadia National Park is around $78 ($78) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $150. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Acadia National Park are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $31
- Dinner: $24 to $55
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
While visitors are sure to find Maine's staples (clam chowder, lobster rolls, and blueberry pie) and so much more in the neighboring town of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park does have a single gem of its own. The Jordan Pond House Restaurant sits with a view overlooking Jordan Pond and the North and South Bubble Mountains. The tradition of having tea and popovers with this view was first established in the late 1800's, though the original restaurant was rebuilt due to fire. The teahouse is open seasonally for lunch, tea, and dinner-reservations are recommended.
Burning Tree Restaurant is another popular restaurant on the outskirts of the park. A casual eatery in Otter Creek, it is a great stop for well-spice locally sourced seafood. A greater variety of cuisine can be found in Bar Harbor Bar which features anything from pub fare and farm-fresh cuisine to international flavors and fine dining al fresco.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. Visit a nearby grocery store or market, stock up on fresh goodies, and find a beautiful park or scenic spot to have your meal.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Food and meal prices in Acadia National Park, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Acadia National Park
It's evident that Acadia National Park is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its hiking, family-friendly activities, beaches, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Acadia National Park typically cost an average of $33 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$33
Being a national park, some of the most notable features of the region exist in the beauty of its natural scenery. Acadia's landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches, and glacier-scoured granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States' East Coast. Any time spent in the park might lead visitors to see some of the local wildlife which consists of critters like red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, porcupine, muskrats, foxes, coyote, bobcats, and black bears. On the coastline and smaller islands, it is also common to catch sight of marine animals like whales, seals, and seabirds.
From the tallest mountain, through dense sweeping forests, to Maine's rugged coastline and the islands skirted by waves, Acadia National Park embodies a landscape teeming with natural beauty, native wildlife, and the lure for adventure.
Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Acadia include hiking and biking along trails or carriage roads, bird and wildlife watching, and mountain climbing. As mentioned earlier, these roads were financed by John D. Rockefeller and stretch about 57 miles. They are motor-free and are intended for the use of hikers, bikers, horse riders, and horse-drawn carriages. Some within the park are open for cross-country skiing and limited snowmobiling in the winter months.
Park Loop Road offers the easiest way to see the sights by car with many parking lots and pullover points along the way. By foot, Acadia has over 120 miles of hiking trails and paths that range from a category of very easy to strenuous. Some of the more popular hikes include Beehive Trail, Gorham Mountain Trail, Precipice Trail, and Great Head Trail. Other notable features of Acadia include Schoodic Peninsula, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.
Hiking:
The hiking routes surrounding Acadia National Park are incredible. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.
Nightlife Budget in Acadia National Park
The nightlife in Acadia National Park is pretty much non-existent. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Acadia National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 2, 2024
Traveling in Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine
Located in the U.S. state of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses much of Mount Desert Island, including smaller islands just off the Atlantic Coast. Once inhabited by the Wabanaki people, the region was a hub for seasonal fishing, hunting, and gathering berries, clams, and other shellfish on the coast. Acadia officially became a National Park in 1919, though it wasn't named Acadia until 1929 in honor of the former French colony.
Since then the park and its wildlife have been carefully preserved with the exception of carriage roads with granite bridges and two gate lodges which were designed under the philanthropy of John D. Rockefeller so that visitors might access the park more easily. Today the park consists of more than 47,000 acres with some 40 different species of wildlife, many native plants, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Neighborhoods & Around
Bar Harbor is the home base and hub of activity neighboring Acadia National Park. The streets of Bar Harbor are lined with specialty and shops and galleries, featuring handcrafted Maine items from jewelry to maple syrup, as well as the works of local artists. There is a selection of outdoor outfitters to gear you up for any adventure from hiking in Acadia to kayaking on the coast, many stores selling practical Maine clothing, and yet others that feature designer trends. Antique shops will take you on another kind of adventure, while specialty stores will reel you in with the lure of kitchen accessories, tea supplies, soaps, candles, and other quirky gifts. The town is also home to many historic buildings that still stand today, giving Bar Harbor the charm of another time and place.
Related
For more information, check out this
amazing guide to Acadia National Park.
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.