1. See the Sunrise from the Top of Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is 1,539 feet at its peak, making it the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place in the United States to see the sunrise between October and March. The peak is accessible by vehicle via the 3.5 mile summit road within the park. If you are adventurous enough, you could climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain using the 7.5 mile South Ridge Loop Trail. At the top there is a large parking lot and panoramic views of the ocean and the Schoodic Peninsula. The beautiful view from the top coupled with it being the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise makes it a very popular destination for visitors. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time and arrive at least an hour before the sunrise. Bring a blanket and coffee because it can get cold!
2. Visit the Jordan Pond House & Try a Popover
Every visitor to ANP should take the time to visit the pond house. The pond house has been serving visitors lunch and tea for over a century, with roots dating back to 1847. The Jordan Pond House is famous for their popovers (a light roll served with jam and butter), but they also serve lunch and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Next-door is a large gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs for the park as well as the recipe that is used to make their famous popovers. After you eat, go for a walk around the pond on the 3.4 mile loop trail. It is an easy hike that offers views of loons, beavers and mergansers, all of which make the pond their home.
3. Hike Up the Beehive & Precipice Trails
Beehive Trail 
Precipice Trail
It is hard to separate these two hikes. The Precipice trail is known as the hardest trail in the park, and the beehive is second. Depending on the time of year that you visit, the precipice trail may be closed to protect the peregrine falcons that are nesting on the cliffside. The beehive trail however is always open to hikers. Both of these hikes involve climbing up a mountain using iron rungs and ladders that are set into the rock. If you are the kind of person that likes adventure, be sure to put on some good hiking shoes and hike one or both of these trails. Because the majority of the hike is climbing, it seems much easier than a long hike up a slope. When you get to the top, hike down via the other trails on the summit. Do not try to descend the way you came up.
4. Experience the Crashing Waves at Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is an inlet carved into the rocky coastline with a small cave. When the tide comes in water fills the cave and inlet, filling and emptying with the ebb and flow of the tide. When the water hits just right, you will hear the loud clap of water slapping the roof of the cave and see waves splash high above your head. There is an observation platform built next to Thunder Hole with rails to prevent any accidents. Plan to arrive two hours before high tide, as this is when you have the best chance of hearing and seeing why it was named the way it was. If the weather during our visit to Acadia gets stormy, don’t stay inside! Go to Thunder Hole! The erratic nature of the tide will make your experience much better!
5. Go to the Schoodic Peninsula
Many people do not know that ANP consists of more than just what is on Mount Desert Island. Across the bay there is a far less visited section of the park that offers similar views and experiences as the main area does. The Schoodic Peninsula offers a scenic road along the coast, hikes, wildlife viewing and even ‘little thunder hole’, an inlet very similar to Thunder Hole that the locals say is just as good. If you are looking to escape the crowds take a day and visit the Schoodic Peninsula.