2-Day Acadia National Park Tour from Boston: Portland Lighthouse

See Acadia's granite peaks and rocky coast in two days from Boston

A 2-day tour from Boston to Acadia National Park with a professional guide, covering Portland Head Lighthouse, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and an overnight stay near the park. Day two includes an optional nature cruise through Frenchman Bay and free time in Bar Harbor before the return to Boston.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Boston to Acadia National Park

• Depart from Boston
• Visit Portland Head Lighthouse
• Tour Cadillac Mountain
• Visit Sand Beach
• Explore Thunder Hole
• Overnight near Acadia National Park

Day 2: Acadia National Park to Boston

• Optional nature cruise in Frenchman Bay
• Free time in Bar Harbor
• Return to Boston

The experience

The drive north from Boston takes you through coastal Maine's transition from city to rocky shoreline and pine forest. You'll stop at Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine's oldest, set on the grounds of Fort Williams Park before heading into Acadia National Park for a guided tour that hits the park's signature stops: Cadillac Mountain for views across the Atlantic and nearby islands, Sand Beach framed by granite cliffs, and Thunder Hole, where seawater rushes into a rocky inlet with an audible boom. After a night at the Fireside Inn & Suites Bangor or similar, you return to the park for the second day's activities.

On day two, an optional nature cruise through Frenchman Bay lets you watch for seals, porpoises, eagles, and seabirds while learning about local lobster fishing from the boat. Bar Harbor then opens up for two and a half hours of free time to explore the waterfront town, browse shops, and eat at your own expense. The area is known for lobster rolls, lobster ice cream, and blueberry specialties. The tour wraps with the return drive to Boston.

A professional driver and guide lead the group in a vehicle sized to the day's attendance. The itinerary can shift if weather, traffic, or attraction closures demand it, and the operator reserves the right to swap in alternative sites if any location is unavailable. National park entrance fees may apply for international visitors and are collected on arrival, not at booking.

What’s included

• Professional driver and guide.
• one night hotel accommodation.
• fuel surcharge.
• Portland Head Lighthouse visit (depending on the option selected).
• Acadia National Park in-depth tour with stops at Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole (depending on the option selected).
• optional nature cruise through Frenchman Bay (depending on the option selected).

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour Only (BAC2-1ROOM)Guide in English · Available from 22 May 2027This price option does not cover any mandatory or optional admission fees. Mandatory fees must be paid by buying tickets from the tour guide during the tour. Meeting point and pick-up time: choose the pick-up time that matches your pick-up location: 07:30 AM in Quincy, MA, or 08:00 AM in Boston, MA. One room selection: make separate bookings if you need more rooms or more than 4 travelers. Maximum of 4 travelers per booking or per room.

Tour + Mandatory Fee (BAC2-1ROOM)Guide in English · Available from 22 May 2027A mandatory fee for the Acadia National Park In-depth Tour is included. Optional fees are not included: Fort Williams Portland Head Lighthouse and Nature Cruise ticket. Pick-up time and meeting point: choose the pick-up time that matches your pick-up location: 07:30 AM in Quincy, MA, or 08:00 AM in Boston, MA. One room selection: make separate bookings if you need more rooms or more than 4 travelers. Maximum of 4 travelers per booking or per room.

Tour + All Admission (BAC2-1ROOM)Guide in English · Available from 22 May 2027This price option includes admissions, taxes and fees for the Acadia National Park In-depth Tour, Fort Williams Portland Head Lighthouse, and the Sightseeing and Nature Cruise. Pick-up time and meeting point: select the pick-up time that corresponds to your pick-up location: 07:30 AM in Quincy, MA, or 08:00 AM in Boston, MA. One room selection: place separate bookings if you need additional rooms or more than 4 travelers. The maximum is 4 travelers per booking or per room.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 22 May 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 55 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jupiter Legend Corporation

Is this one for you?Choose the Tour+All Admission option if you want park entry handled upfront. Pick Tour Only if you prefer to arrange Acadia entry separately or skip the optional lighthouse and cruise stops. Groups of five or more should book separate reservations to stay together on the same bus.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia?

Cadillac Mountain offers sweeping views across Acadia, nearby islands, and the Atlantic Ocean from the summit, taking roughly 45 minutes of the day's guided tour.

Is the Frenchman Bay cruise included in the price?

The nature cruise through Frenchman Bay is optional and depends on which price option you select at checkout. It runs about two and a half hours and includes the chance to spot seals, porpoises, eagles, and seabirds.

What happens during the free time in Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor gives you two and a half hours to explore the waterfront town on your own, walk through shops, and eat at local restaurants. Meals are at your own expense and the guide can recommend spots.

Do I need to pay extra for Acadia National Park entry?

Acadia National Park entry is included if you book the Tour+All Admission option. If you choose Tour Only or Tour+Mandatory Fee, you pay the park entrance fee separately through the guide on the day of the tour.

Where do I stay overnight?

You stay one night at the Fireside Inn & Suites Bangor or a similar hotel. Rooms accommodate two to four guests with varying bed types, and the hotel is included in your tour price.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for meals and personal expenses, and water or drinks to stay hydrated throughout the two days.