Maine (Portland + Acadia)

Est. Cost: Car rental ~$50-80/day; Gas ~$3.50-4.00/gallon

Where to Buy: Rental car at Portland Jetport or Boston Logan

Rental car essential for Acadia - no Uber/Lyft readily available. Portland to Bar Harbor ~165 miles, 3.5 hours

Activation: Download offline maps for Acadia - cell service can be poor in park

Download Apple Maps offline for Acadia area before trip

Best Time: Late July - warm days, cool nights

Rain Policy: Pack rain jacket - afternoon showers common

What to Pack:

• Lightweight quick-dry clothing
• Packable rain jacket
• Light fleece or pullover (essential for evenings)
• Layers for variable weather

Daytime: 75-80F; Nighttime: 55-60F; Water: 55F (BRRR!). Overcast or mostly cloudy ~43% of time. Quick weather changes from warm/sunny to cold/rainy possible.

Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants; lobster pounds: tip jar or 15-20%

Dining Customs:

• Casual at lobster pounds
• Nice casual for dinner restaurants
• Layer up for sunset dinners

Dress Code: Very casual at lobster pounds; nice casual for dinner

Currency: US Dollar (USD)

ATM Tips: Credit cards accepted almost everywhere; cash useful at smaller lobster pounds

Card Acceptance: Widely accepted; some smaller places cash only

Tipping 18-20% standard

Police: 911 or (207) 288-3392 (Bar Harbor Police)

Ambulance: 911

Nearest Hospital: Mount Desert Island Hospital (Bar Harbor)

Insurance: Travel insurance recommended

Essentials:

• Park pass confirmation ($35/vehicle)
• Cadillac Summit reservation confirmation
• Restaurant reservation confirmations
• ID and travel documents

Clothing:

• 4-5 t-shirts/tank tops
• 1 light long-sleeve shirt
• 1 light fleece or pullover (essential)
• 1 packable rain jacket
• 2-3 hiking shorts

Electronics:

• Phone + charger
• Camera (optional)
• Headlamp or flashlight (for stargazing)
• Reusable water bottle (1L minimum)

9 days: Portland (1 day) + Acadia (7 days). Acadia weather changes quickly - always carry layers. Atlantic water very cold even in summer.