26 Things to Do in Acadia National Park When it Rains
Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Kelly
If you have an upcoming trip to Acadia National Park and you see rain in the forecast, don’t despair! There’s plenty of things to do in Acadia National Park when it rains. I grew up in the rainy city of Seattle, and I’ve learned to make the most of a rainy day. With a positive attitude and the right gear, you can still have a great trip to Acadia! Whether you choose to spend time indoors or outdoors, there’s plenty of things to do at the park. In this post, I’ll share my recommendations for things to do in Acadia National Park when it rains.
At a Glance… My Top Choices!
If you’re in a hurry and just looking for indoor activities, here’s the ones I recommend:
- Jordan Pond House for a meal
- Hulls Cove Visitor Center
- Abbe Museum
- Seal Harbor Libarary
- Wendell Gilley Museum
- Sound Schoolhouse
- Somesville Historical museum
- Narrated Bus Tour
If you want to see some of the sights in the park while it’s raining, I think these ones are easily accessible and don’t require staying outside in the rain too long:
- Sand Beach
- Summit of Mount Cadillac
- Hadlock Ponds Loop Trail
What to Do if it Rains During Your Trip to Acadia
Note of caution: Several of the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park are not advisable on a rainy day due to slippery conditions. Paired with with steep drop-offs, those hikes are not safe during inclement weather. Additionally, be sure to exercise caution near the coast, where rogue waves can catch visitors off-guard. Be sure to check the park’s website for the most current advisories for any trail you’re considering. When in doubt, ask a park ranger!
1. Drive to the Summit of Mount Cadillac
The summit of Cadillac Mountain is 1,528 feet above sea level. It’s the highest mountain in Acadia, and it’s also the highest point along the East Coast of the United States! It’s an extremely popular spot to view both the sunrise and the sunset. For that reason, vehicle reservations are required during peak season. The loop trail has interpretive view points, restrooms, and a gift shop. The Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail at the top is a short .5 mile loop that is fairly flat. You’ll be able to spend most of the excursion in your car, and then you can hop out for a quick view from the summit. This is a great choice for a rainy day because you’ll be in your car for the drive, and the hike is relatively short so you won’t get too wet. Just note that the views from the summit might be restricted due to rain.
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2. Have a Meal at the Jordan Pond House
If you’re looking for an indoor activity to escape the rain for a bit, the Jordan Pond House is a restaurant located inside the park. You might be able to wait out the rain while you sip on a warm beverage and fill your stomach. There’s also an easy trail around the pond. The trail is about 3.5 miles long. About halfway through there are some log bridges that can be slippery in the rain, so many people turn back once they reach the bridge.
3. Watch the Waves Crash at Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is an inlet along the coast with a small cavern at the end. When large waves crash into the inlet, water can spout high into the sky as it makes a lot of noise like thunder. Bring your raincoat and watch the waves. The waves will likely be more impressive on a rainy day, so it’s worth getting a little wet to see this one!
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4. Hulls Cove Visitor Center
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is the primary visitor center for Acadia National Park. Located on the northern end of the island, it’s near the town of Bar Harbor. The visitor center is one of the Island Explorer shuttle stops. If you haven’t already purchased an entrance pass, this is also where you can buy tickets to Acadia National Park. It’s a great indoor activity to learn more about the park, plan your visit, and learn about its history.
5. Walk the Carriage Road Trails
If you don’t mind a little rain, the carriage road trails are typically less busy in inclement weather. Acadia National Park contains 45 miles of carriage roads. The carriage roads were a gift to the park from the Rockefeller family. Today, they’re open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and horse riders. Exploring these roads is a great way to find scenic view points and escape of the crowds.
6. Visit Sieur de Monts
The Sieur de Monts area has more tree cover on the trails, so you’ll get some partial protection from the rain. Ask a ranger which trails have the most tree cover.
7. Visit Sand Beach
Sand Beach is Acadia’s only coastal sandy beach. The beach is about 290 yards long. We thought the water was much too cold for swimming, but we did enjoy watching the waves! We wrote an entire article about Sand Beach because we liked it so much. There’s a parking lot right next to the beach, so you can hop out real quick to check this off your bucket list without getting too wet.
8. Drive to the Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula is just across the water from Mount Desert Island. The drive is a bit cumbersome, but it’ll take you to a more remote area of the park. While you’re on the peninsula, check out Schoodic Point.
9. Visit the Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum is dedicated to the Wabanaki nation of Maine. The museum features many exhibits highlighting the People of the First Light. There are two separate locations for the museum, so look up which one you want to visit in advance. This indoor activity will help you wait out the rain!
10. Have a Spa Day
Several resorts in Bar Harbor have full-service spas. If the forecast calls for rain, rest your feet and get a massage. You might want to check out the Harborside Hotel spa.
11. Visit the Wendell Gilley Museum
The Wendell Gilley Museum is located in Southwest Harbor. The museum will teach you all about the art of bird carving. It’s a great indoor activity near Acadia National Park when it rains.
12. Enjoy a Lobster Dinner
Maine is known for its lobster! If you haven’t already, use a rainy day to explore some of the best lobster shacks (and restaurants) near Acadia National Park. A few places to consider are the Bar Harbor Lobster Co., The Travelin Lobster, and Stewman’s Lobster Pound. Enjoy a full lobster, a lobster tail, or a lobster roll!
13. Enjoy a Pool Day
If you stay at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, there is an indoor pool. This is a great lodging option if you have young children and you want to have an indoor pool to burn some energy!
14. Attend the Dive-In Theater
The Dive-In Theater in Bar Harbor features a boat show cruise that will let you see underwater creatures without getting wet. You’ll take a cruise and your dive hosts will journey under the water and bring back examples of sea life that they find. All creatures are safely returned back to Frenchman Bay at the show’s conclusion.
15. Grab a Hot Cup of Coffee
Enjoy a lazy morning in Bar Harbor and visit a top-notch coffee shop. There are lots of great coffee shops in Bar Harbor. We recommend that you check out Choco-Latte.
16. Hike the Hadlock Ponds Loop
The Lower Hadlock Ponds trail is only 1.7 miles and will take you along a pond. Much of the trail is through the forest, so you’ll have some protection from the rain.
17. Visit the Seal Harbor Library
The Seal Harbor Library has views of the harbor, so it’s the perfect place to find a cozy reading spot and observe the blustery weather outside.
18. Visit the Sound Schoolhouse
The one-room Sound Schoolhouse was built in 1892. If you want to learn about how education was delivered in this region, a visit to the Sound Schoolhouse will provide you with tons of information. Admission is free, and donations are gladly accepted.
19. Visit the Somesville Historical Museum
If you’d like to learn more about the region’s history, you should visit the Somesville Historical Museum. The museum also has a heritage garden that is worth seeing.
20. Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path
If you’re wearing your rain gear, go for a walk along the Bar Harbor Shore Path. You’ll have the advantage of seeing the Maine Coast while also still being close to town. (If you get soaking wet, you can go back to a hotel in Bar Harbor or find a restaurant for a warm meal!) The path was created in 1880 and it will take you along the rocky coast, past historic mansions, and surrounded by lush vegetation. If you wake up early enough, this is a great place to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
21. Visit the Acadia Information Center at the Village Green
The Village Green is an urban park located in Bar Harbor. Located at the Village Green is the Acadia Information Center. If you have a rainy day, take an hour and visit the information center. The staff can help direct you to appropriate activities, and you can use the time to plan your activities for when the rain ceases. You can also purchase your tickets to Acadia National Park, so use the rainy day to knock a couple of errands of your list so you can be more efficient when the rain stops.
22. Walk Along Main Street Bar Harbor
When it rains in Acadia National Park, take the afternoon and stroll along Main Street in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor’s Main Street is very quaint and there are a variety of unique shops and restaurants.cine
23. Visit the Criterion Theatre
The historic Criterion Theatre was built in 1932 and is located in Bar Harbor. The beautifully-decorated theatre is home to live shows and movies. Check out their schedule and see if there’s a good show scheduled for your visit!
24. Have a Craft Beer at a Brewery
Dodge the rain and have a beer at the Atlantic Brewing Company. There are a variety of craft beers to suit every taste!
25. Indulge in Ice Cream
New England really knows how to make ice cream. Even if it’s a cold and rainy day, ice cream still hits the spot. Mount Desert Ice Cream makes ice cream from scratch, and only 5 gallons at a time. They use the best ingredients to make artisan ice cream.
26. Take a Bus Tour of Acadia National Park
If it’s a rainy day, you can still see much of Acadia National Park by taking a 3.5-hour narrated bus tour. The tour will take you to several of Acadia’s most famous sites, and you won’t have to worry about transportation or parking.
Tip: Looking for a hotel? Check out the historic Bar Harbor Inn & Spa!
Rain Gear for Acadia National Park
As I mentioned before, you’ll want to make sure that you pack some high-quality rain gear prior to departing on your trip. Here’s a few recommendations for rain gear:
- Light Rain Coat: Depending on the season, you’ll want to either pack a light rain shell or a heavy rain coat.
- Heavy Rain Coat: If you’ll be visiting during the colder months, you’ll want a heavier jacket.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots: Make sure that you pack footwear that is water resistant. You don’t want to have soggy feet as you are exploring the park! I’ve had my Columbia hiking boots for YEARS, and they’ve held up great!
- Waterproof Hat: When I go hiking in the rain, I like to wear a waterproof baseball hat on and then put my coat hood over the hat. I’ve found that the bill of the hat helps to keep the rain out of my eyes while I’m outside.
- Waterproof Bag: Make sure to bring a waterproof hiking bag. You’ll be able to store extra layers, valuables, electronics, and snacks.
Summary
We hope that the rain doesn’t discourage you from enjoying Acadia National Park. With the right rain gear, it’s definitely possible to go out and see some beautiful parts of the park. There’s also several indoor options as well if you prefer to stay dry. Enjoy your trip to Acadia, rain or shine!
Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please see individual websites embedded in this post for the most current trip-planning information. We’re not able to provide safety information about any of the hikes or trails. Please seek advice from a park ranger about current hiking conditions.
