Any idea where you’re heading this fall?

Well, if you can’t decide between an epic road trip through astounding nature, a postcard beach hideaway, or picture-perfect fall foliage, why not visit a place where you can combine them all?

As much as I love living in San Diego, if there’s one season I relate to fellow travelers the most, it’s fall.

I, too, have the need for crisp mountain air, a warm, perfectly concocted PSL (yeah, I’m that manly), and the excuse to rock my favorite flannel.

Can’t exactly get away with it in Coronado…

Travelers have flocked to New England’s most stunning national park in droves this summer, setting a new visitor record for a single month.

Will the surge translate to fall? Time will tell. Though it’s undeniably the most beautiful time of year to visit Acadia National Park.

Maine’s National Park Is a Bangor!

Okay, before anyone yells at me…Acadia National Park is not in the city of Bangor, but it’s mid-week and my creative juices are already going haywire.

A majority of this gorgeous park end to end is actually located on Mount Desert Island, making it even more enticing to visit for an isolated escape in what seems like boundless nature, once you’re ‘in it’ as quoted in the famed story of Into The Wild.

Bangor is the closest big city (not that Maine has many), but it’s actually more common to fly into Portland since there are more connections.

You may have heard of Bar Harbor, a town known for its quintessential New England charm and coastal bliss 3 seasons of the year.

There are 4 campgrounds (Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor) in the park. Otherwise, most opt for a cozy stay in Bar Harbor as there are classic inns, rustic cabins, and a Holiday Inn nestled seaside if you prefer a familiar name.

Acadia boasts it’s the ‘Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast’, and many would say rightfully so.

The park holds a near-perfect 4.9 Google rating, where the latest reviews are a mix of rave experiences from ‘great hiking’, a ‘free shuttle around the island’, a ‘dog-friendly’ getaway, and the fact that Sand Beach is an absolute must-visit despite the summer crowds.

Single entry fees to the park are $35 for private vehicles. If you visit more than once, consider an Annual Pass for $70.

Cap Off Summer With An Unforgettable Last-Minute Trip

School has started back up across much of America. I know so because I hear those rugrats down the street every weekday at recess (yes, kids do still play outside).

With Labor Day around the corner, why not cap off summer with an extended weekend in this New England paradise?

The weather is still splendid at the turn of September with averages of 67 degrees, just sunny enough for nice beach days, scenic hikes, and plenty of outdoor thrills, such as horseback riding, that Acadia has to offer.

While swimming might be a bit nippy at the aforementioned Sand Beach or Echo Lake, there’s no excuse for skipping out on the rest of this park’s magic.

Of course, there’s always the option for a road trip, too. Acadia’s winding roads through lush forestry and sweeping coastal views are unmatched on this side of the country.

Travel Tip: If you plan to road trip, make sure you snag your $6 Cadillac Mountain Pass in advance! They’re limited and sell fast!

Calling All Leaf Peepers! Watch Acadia Come Alive In Fall

If there’s one type of traveler dreading summer, it’s my fellow leaf peepers. For me, I love to escape to San Diego’s lesser-known hideaway of Julian for a rustic mountain getaway in the midst of crimson trees.

If I were on the opposite coast, there’s no doubt I’d swap Julian for Bar Harbor and Acadia.

No matter if it’s summer or fall, a popular activity in the park is boat tours before the winter chills take over.

Since the waters are chilly in the fall, it’s one of the best ways to experience the coastal side of Acadia.

But the real draw once summer draws to a close is the seemingly endless trees displaying various shades of red, orange, and gold.

And it’s safe to say the record-breaking tourist numbers will subside since most travelers opt to use their well-deserved PTO in the summertime.

That being said, Acadia (and Maine in general) is such a draw that the state decided to release fall foliage reports each season, with the first of 2025 set to be available September 10.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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