Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park
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About This Tour in Bar Harbor
Why Visit Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor, USA offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Bar Harbor provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Bar Harbor
You can reach Bar Harbor, USA by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.
What's Included
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
- Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 115+ Points
- Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
What's Not Included
- Cadillac Mountain Vehicle Reservations (2025)
- Acadia National Park
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
- Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
- Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
- Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
- Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
- Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
- Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
- Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
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Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
As the audio guides play commentary based onStart at (Bar Harbor or Thompson Island or Hulls Visitor Centers) or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.
End Point
Created by erosion and weathering, when waves enter the crevice and then the chamber, the waterCommentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
As the audio guides play commentary based on... 8 hours
As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.
Who doesn't love a lighthouse 30 minutes
Who doesn't love a lighthouse! Established in 1858, this is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island and one of the most photographed along the Maine Coast. If we can snag a parking space, let's take a walk around this handsome light and take some pics. Unfortunately, neither the tower or keeper's house are open to the public, but we can still enjoy it from the outside.
One of the high points, literally and figuratively,... 1 hour
One of the high points, literally and figuratively, of our journey is Cadillac Mountain. Its 1,530-foot summit is the highest along the North Atlantic Seaboard. In the 1880s we could have ridden a cog railway to Cadillac's summit. These days, we can drive, hike, or bike - but we do need a reservation to drive our car on the Cadillac Mountain Road.
Now what is a carriage road
Now what is a carriage road? As the name suggests they are designed for horse-drawn carriage rides, and Acadia's 16-foot wide carriage roads are considered the best example in the country of broken stone roads. We can thank summer resident John D. Rockefeller Jr for the 45 miles of these roads within the park, and to this day we can tour Acadia's carriage roads aboard a horse-drawn carriage ride. Hiking the Carriage Road is very enjoyable and bicycles are welcome on many of them too.
Feasting on tea and popovers with jam on... 1 hour
Feasting on tea and popovers with jam on the lawn of the Jordan Pond House has been a tradition for more than a century. The original, rustic teahouse was built in 1947 was a treasure and built to capture the views down the length of Jordan Pond to the 'Bubbles'. If there is a wait for a table on the lawn, the nearby nature trails are highly recommended.
The 27-mile Park Loop Road around is the...
The 27-mile Park Loop Road around is the must-do activity for any visit to Acadia. The drive itself is picturesque, and equally importantly it connects all of the best places to see and things to do on the eastern side of the island. If you have 2 days, it's best to dedicate one full day to the Park Loop Road. A National Park pass is required and can be purchased and the Sand Beach Entrance Station or any visitor center. Just keep in mind that while there are many parking lots, parking is also permitted the right-hand lane unless posted otherwise.
Is Acadia's only "sandy" beach really sand 30 minutes
Is Acadia's only "sandy" beach really sand? You'll find out - and this beach is an absolute visual gem. If you head to the beach to check out the sand, go ahead, dip your toes in the frigid water, if you dare; it rarely gets warmer than 55 degrees. And even if you're not up for a dip, this is a perfect start location to hike the Great Head for superb views, or set out on the easy Ocean Path to amazing coastline coves and cliffs.
Many of Maine's beaches are covered with cobblestones,... 1 hour
Many of Maine's beaches are covered with cobblestones, but this coastline is unique. We can thank powerful ocean storms for creating the massive natural seawall that gives this area of the park its name. The wall comprises stone cobbles kicked up during storms, carried by waves and tides and piled on the shore. It feels far more raw and remote on this side of the island and it's a favorite area for birdwatchers, who sometimes find themselves enjoying a bonanza of interesting sightings.
Often referred to as the "Heart of Acadia",... 30 minutes
Often referred to as the "Heart of Acadia", this is a great place to learn about the park's natural and cultural history. Pop into the Nature Center to learn more about the animals and plant life, or see more than 400 indigenous wildflower species at the Wild Gardens of Acadia. There's also some lovely nature strolls, a spring house, and even a small museum with an archeological artifacts dating back as far as 11,000 years.
Formed during the last glacial event, this large,... 30 minutes
Formed during the last glacial event, this large, deep body of water almost - almost, cuts Mount Desert Island right in half. Our drive will follow all the way around the sound and as we go we'll have many peaceful water views, hiking opportunities and visit what is claimed to be Maine's most photographed bridge.
Created by erosion and weathering, when waves enter... 30 minutes
Created by erosion and weathering, when waves enter the crevice and then the chamber, the water is sprayed up as high as 40 feet with a thunderous roar: "I am Thunder Hole!!!!" The effect is strongest within a couple of hours of high tide, and when the waves are larger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
