Airbnbs near Acadia National Park
Acadia sits on Mount Desert Island, and almost everything visitors want — Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond — is on that one island. Bar Harbor has also tightened its rules on short-term rentals in recent years, so legal rental inventory on the island is limited while visitor numbers stay very high in summer and October foliage season. Cadillac Mountain sunrise drives require a vehicle reservation in season. Here's where to stay and how to catch cancellations.
Best neighborhoods to book
Restaurants, shops and the park loop road start; busiest and priciest.
The 'quiet side' — fishing villages, calmer stays.
Near the lighthouse, more cottages, better value.
20–40 minutes off-island, largest inventory and lowest prices.
Best for
What you'll pay
July, August and early-to-mid October are peak. June and September are softer.
Booking tips
- Check Bar Harbor's current short-term rental rules and ask the host about their registration.
- Stay on the 'quiet side' or the mainland if Bar Harbor is full.
- Book the Cadillac Mountain sunrise vehicle reservation as soon as it opens.
- Set a BetterStay watch for foliage weekends — those go first and see last-minute cancellations.
Sold out for your dates? Let us watch for you.
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Start a free watchFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay for Acadia National Park?
Bar Harbor for convenience, Southwest Harbor for a quieter base, or Trenton/Ellsworth on the mainland for the best prices.
When does Acadia sell out?
Summer and the October foliage weekends book up months in advance.
Do I need a reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain?
In season, yes — a vehicle reservation is required for the summit road. Check the official National Park Service site for current dates.