Scenic seaside Bar Harbor is the gateway to Maine’s Acadia National Park, one of the 10 most popular national parks throughout the United States. The Pine Tree State’s abundance of breathtaking scenery and stellar dining options satisfies all the senses—on and off the water.

Top Acadia Sights

It’s worth the early start and extra layers to watch the sunrise at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, elevation 1,530 feet, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard. The effort will be rewarded with stunning views of the glaciated coastal and island landscape, overlooking Frenchman Bay out toward the Schoodic Peninsula and beyond. Allow a good half-hour for the drive up the mountain. From May through October, both a national park pass and a car reservation are required; the latter can be booked on recreation.gov.

The 27-mile Park Loop Road accesses the park’s top attractions, including Otter Cliff. The 110-foot-high granite precipice is a popular scenic overlook for photos. Nearby, Sand Beach is noted for its (chilly) aquamarine waters and stunning views, as well as for ranger-led stargazing programs. In between these two attractions on the 2.2-mile Ocean Path Trail is Thunder Hole, where the churning waters one to two hours before high tide create a deafening roar and wave sprays as high as 40 feet.

Read More: Cruising to Historic Portland, Maine

Sieur de Monts is referred to as the “heart of Acadia.” Its nature center has exhibits on the science behind the park’s scenery. Its Wild Gardens of Acadia include more than 400 plant species native to the park. Its short hiking trails range from steep Schiff Path, which connects to the summit of Dorr Mountain, to the leisurely Jesup Path boardwalk favored by birdwatchers on the lookout for the park’s 20-plus warbler species.

Dining

Bar Harbor’s dining scene satisfies at any time of day. After the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain, refuel with breakfast at Café This Way, known for its blueberry pancakes and corned beef hash. Partake in a park tradition by booking afternoon tea at Acadia’s Jordan Pond House. Enjoy the delicious popovers, first served in 1893, while looking out over the luxuriant lawn along Jordan Pond. Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is considered a requisite stop in Bar Harbor. Order a flight to sample several of the creative, ever-changing flavors, which range from Maine Sweet Cream to Bay of Figs to Salt Wildflower Honey.

A lobster meal is mandatory in Maine. The Travelin’ Lobster, a casual outdoor venue, is worth the wait for its lobster bisque, lobster bake and flavorful, generously sized lobster rolls. (Save room for blueberry pie.) The Reading Room Restaurant serves up a refined seafood repast along with spectacular harbor views and live piano music. And don’t miss Havana for its award-winning wine list, craft cocktails and inventive Latin-inspired fare.  

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Sunrise looks different when you watch it while standing on a rocky shore. The light seems almost alive as its reflection flickers between the smooth pebbles and chunky stones. It occasionally finds just the right grain of sand and pops into a brilliant burst of white, and that moment lingers, somehow, even as the tide washes the sand away. On truly lucky days, the light even seems to chase it, sparkling all the way across the blue, right back to the yacht on the hook.

I was privileged to enjoy such a moment while on charter aboard the 96-foot Jongert Azzura, whose captain pulled up anchor and sailed toward landfall as the other guests and I enjoyed breakfast in the cockpit. Our next waypoint: Southwest Harbor, Maine, less than an hour’s cruise away — a distance that is special unto itself, given how preciously civilized the town is compared with the rugged, natural islands nearby.

Southwest Harbor is next to Acadia National Park, which is, of course, as much of a scenic boon to hikers as all of those rock-strewn beaches. The town provides some downtime for anyone on the charter yacht who would just as soon explore charming shops, galleries and restaurants, some of which offer tables with views of a few islands across the water.

The yacht-spotting here is equally divine, with Hinckley Yachts and its recently acquired Morris Yachts nearly within walking distance of town center. Sure, you will see lobster boats as you make your way in to tie up at Southwest Harbor (it is, after all, Maine), but you will also see Picnic Boats and custom sailing yachts in greater quantities than at most boat shows, with a beauty that just might leave you itching to buy one yourself.

I liked the juxtaposition of starting the day with nature and ending with society, but planning a charter itinerary here could work equally well the other way around. The sunsets are memorable too. Really, the only question is whether you want to enjoy them standing on a beach or sitting on a waterfront patio.

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Zoom, Zoom, Zoom has one of the highest top speeds — about 25 knots — in her size range. Also, her captain, Mike Finnegan (formerly of the popular 130 Westport Serengeti) is a Maine native.

Grand, Indeed

Launched in 1987 and refit in 2014, Grand Cru has all of the rich interior woodwork and traditional styling that you would expect from a Dutch-built yacht of her vintage. She is, and feels like, a classic.

Family-Friendly

Bandido has a layout that is ideal for a family with children. The full-beam master is aft near a bunk-berth stateroom for small children, while the other two guest staterooms (a double and a twin) are forward of the salon — giving teens some privacy.

Experience Counts

The owner of the 106-foot Lazzara Gale Winds previously owned the 112-foot Westport by the same name, which enjoyed a long and steady run in charter. The 106 just completed a refit inside and out, including new mattresses in all of the guest staterooms.

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