Great views particularly at sunset...but the small parking lot, which accommodates about 20…read morevehicles, can get full. During our visit, about 40 minutes before sunset mid-week in late August, we, along with about 4 other cars, patiently waited along Lighthouse Road while cars left in order to take their spots. It must have been good timing as about 5 cars left within about 10 minutes. The path from the west of the parking lot, takes you down directly to the lighthouse. The path to the east of the parking lot is very popular as you can take some stairs down to the rocky area which gives you some great views of the lighthouse set to the backdrop of the rising or setting sun. Note that the west path is fairly easy to navigate, but the east path has stairs. You then have to climb onto (some uneven) rocks in order to get a clear view of the lighthouse. This may be difficult for mobility-impaired individuals or those with strollers. Note that during our visit here we did NOT have to show any park pass to enter and park in this area.

This spot was in the absolute middle of nowhere. If you are like us and staying in Bar Harbor, it…read morewas a long drive on one-lane roads with huge potholes to get here. We were in town during the off-season early May before everything tends to open back up about mid-month. So, nothing to eat and nothing to do. Town was deserted. The lighthouse is pretty - but it's not a hike to it, more of a short walk and rock scrabbling to get the instaworthy shot everyone wants. Small parking lot which I can see as a major problem during summer... we had no issues on May 2nd. There are a couple nearby hikes that can be found 2 minutes drive - with super small parking areas.

Looking back at the week-long vacation with my in-laws in Maine, Thunder Hole was one of the best…read moreparts. Well to clarify, the trail leading to Thunder Hole. We started our vacation off strong by making it through the long line into Acadia National Park (took almost an hour) and finding parking somewhere along a trail. We walked past the paved path and down to the giant boulders overlooking the ocean. There were lots of neat pockets of water and natural areas for photo ops. My sister and I climbed to the top of every boulder we could find, and that turned out to be the best workout of the week. So fun... I've missed climbing. When we arrived to the actual Thunder Hole, it was underwhelming because we didn't make it in time for high tide. I told myself I would just watch videos online to experience it. I suppose it's unfair to give Thunder Hole itself 5 stars, but even if you start there and rock climb away from it, you'll have a fantastic time.

We didn't get to hear any special "thunder" but the view was wonderful. It was a quick stop for us…read morebecause it was busy and we had more planned. Pretty but didn't hit the spot for us.

There is a special place in my heart for graveyards. I have always found them so calm and peaceful…read more I find the older ones to be especially beautiful, with grave markers of stone or marble, and inscriptions so poetic they continue to pull on the heartstrings decades later. Established in 1790, this is the final resting place of many citizens of Eden, now known as Bar Harbor. It was overcast on the day I chose to visit, and a cool breeze ruffled my hair as I read the names of the long departed. I wondered what these souls were like when they were alive, and if they enjoyed Mount Desert Island. The tombstones are preserved as best as possible despite aging and the elements. I don't wish to attract disrespectful attention to this hallowed place. But, if you're like me and can truly appreciate a historical site such as this, I suggest calling upon this holy place of rest.

Picturesque and lovely. Walk it to otter point and enjoy the views and the sound of the tides…read more Parking can be tricky. Lot by otter point is ample

This part of Acadia National Park. The view is breathtaking, ocean by mountains, rocks. Do I dare…read moreventure out on the uneven rock steps to see a closer view? I did not. You take a chance if you do so if you're in shape and brave you still must be very careful. There is a small parking lot so that's why I took the Island shuttle you get from the visitor center. They are organized, air conditioned and numbered so take that instead of driving in. It is beautiful and your not here very long unless you want to stand or sit on the rocks you were brave to try.

I don't Harbor any ill feelings towards those that try to destroy me. It's stupid how happy I am…read moreand I'm just amazed at how much potentially productive time some people are willing to put into trying to mess up other people's productions. But like Coldplay said, if somebody made it, someone will mess it up. This is easily one of the most beautiful places in the USA. It's basically Bar Harbor... you know how Maine is, using different names for all of their different little towns within towns, but this is known to most people as a part of the spectacularly gorgeous England-esque Bar Harbor area. There's not many places I'd rather be in the summer. But in the winter, no chance. I'm amazed that people live here amongst the deathly cold Arctic winds on the freezing cold ice-storm-laden Maine coast in winter, but they do, and some of them even love the winters here. Me, I'll keep visiting in summer.

This was incredible!! It's a book store but also has a bunch of art installations and interactive…read moreexhibits. My kids LOVED it! So much to do and learn. They said it was their highlight from our trip to Maine!

This place was AWESOME. It's a small store but they have utilized every single inch with a great…read morecurated arrangement of books, art supplies, and toys/puzzles/games. There are areas that are sorted by global region and then by prehistoric periods. They have interactive exhibits for kids (or adults) throughout all 3 floors of the store. 7-year-old would have been wild for this store and even as an adult saw so many cool books that I wanted. I managed to escape with only having purchased 2 books and a journal. The salesperson was very friendly and available if help was needed. Great selection of books, would much rather support an independent bookstore like this than a big box store or online retailer. Great value for being able to look through such a cool collection of books related to all things nature and science!

This is a great Museum. If you ever wonder what Champlain was thinking of when he described MDI on…read morehis Maps... It was Granite. At this museum you can learn everything about this mineral resource.

This museum is remarkable, all because of Steve Haynes. He has an extensive workshop and also…read moreoffers tours for whoever shows up at no cost (donations accepted). We got a private 1 hour tour of his historical collection of memorobilia *and* we got to actually split some granite ourselves. Very interactive, and we got some polished stones to take home. This tour was absolutely the highlight of my 4 year old son's trip (mine also). There is a whole setup for school groups, so there is a lot here for kids to see and do. We so enjoyed talking with Steve, he answered all our questions. His extensive collection of photos and his knowledge of the history of Maine's granite industry is fascinating. This is a *must do* for anyone nearby, and be sure to leave a generous donation.

Nice little museum with a knowledgeable local resident serving as docent. Hitty's Cafe in the same…read morespace is fantastic. Best tuna sandwich ever!