Acadia National Park Birthday Adventure
Planning a trip to Acadia National Park? I’m excited to share my favorite experiences from my 30th birthday adventure.
My birthday is coming up in May and I’m trying to think how I can top my birthday last year. But last year was special. Last year I turned the big 3-0! I don’t think it’s possible to even come close to last year’s birthday. It was absolutely perfect. I had my family, loved-ones, and friends all together exploring Acadia National Park in Maine. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cozy relaxation, ocean views, and fresh seafood, you’ll love discovering Acadia. I’m excited to share with you the itinerary of my 30th birthday adventure.
Family and friends met in my hometown of Amesbury, Massachusetts from all over the country (including: Chicago, Colorado, Indiana, Florida, and Massachusetts) and we drove up Maine's beautiful coastline to Acadia. We stayed in a cozy, colonial airbnb in Somesville on Mount Desert Island, which was a hop, skip, and a jump from the entrance of Acadia National Park. We were able to accommodate 11 people and our sweet vizsla, Riley in the house. We packed our vacation in with lots of hiking, water sports, and deep relaxation.
Friday, May 27: Coastal road trip to Acadia!
Road trip: Amesbury, MA – Portland, ME – Mount Desert Island, ME
9:30am: Arrive at Portland Head Lighthouse
10:30am: Pick up Lobster & Fish in Portland
11am: Whole Foods Portland – Grab lunch/groceries (15 min drive to Allagash Brewery to picnic)
11:30am: Allagash Brewing – Picnic lunch with beer tasting
Head to Acadia (3 hour drive)
Check into Mount Desert Island Airbnb
Dinner
New England Feast
Lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, red potatoes, drawn butter, green bean
Dessert: Watermelon, Pumpkin bars
Saturday, May 28: Explore mountains & sea
Sunrise Breakfast Hike
5:30am: Sunrise hike at Cadillac Mountain - up and at ‘em! 1.5 hour hike to summit (first place to see the sun rise in the US).
7:30am: Breakfast at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
Wander downtown Bar Harbor
9 a.m. Stroll downtown Bar Harbor
Artisan shops: teas, linens, pottery, jewelry, chocolates, decor
Ice Cream & Treats: Ben & Bill's, Mt Desert Island, Bar Harbor Popcorn
Lunch
Chow down at the home base (All that grocery shopping from Whole Foods and Sam's Club paid off!)
Afternoon Hikes
Easy: Flying Mountain, Beech Mountain, South Bubble, Wonderland Trail
Climb the South Bubble and end with Popovers & Tea at Jordan Pond House
Moderate: Giant Slide Up Sargeant Mountain , Penobscot, Pemetic, Beehive
Sargeant Mountain accessible at Jordan Pond
Difficult: Precipice Trail
Dinner
Grilled fish dinner @ home; Catch of the day
Saturday Night Entertaining
Home Spa for the ladies: dead sea mud masks
Games: cards & board games
Sunday, May 29: Explore mountains & sea
Picnic & Paddleboarding (or Kayaking)
Paddleboard or Kayak – Picnic at Long Pond
Rental info: National Park Canoe Paddle/Kayak on Long Pond to Rum Island
Other Outdoor Activities
Additional activities available: sailing, biking, and rock climbing
Sunset at Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse
Short trails to hike with spectacular views at Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse
Dinner @ home
Followed by cocktails & croquet at the Claremont Hotel
Monday, May 30: Explore Freeport (L.L.Bean Country)
Pack up and head to Freeport
1pm: arrive in Freeport, ME
Maine Lunch & Beer Tasting
Freeport Lunch options: Kamasouptra, 1912 Cafe, Azure Cafe
Freeport Shopping
L.L.Bean & outlet, Patagonia, Toad&Co, J.Crew, Seabags
Dinner Ideas
7pm: Kennebunkport restaurants:
Ice cream at Rococo