TPG’s complete guide to Acadia National Park in Maine


The striking, craggy coastline of Maine’s Acadia National Park has been an enticing destination for travelers since it was first declared a national park in the summer of 1916. On Mount Desert Island, three hours up the coast from Portland, deep cobalt waters crash in foamy waves against granite cliffs and mist-shrouded beaches. The great northern woods roll down hillsides to meet the Atlantic Ocean at the easternmost reach of the United States.

All of the beauty of Maine’s wilderness comes together in Acadia National Park: Ancient coniferous forests, rugged mountains, wildlife and the untamed Atlantic marry in a way that makes the area feel untouched and unexplored, despite its unsurprising popularity.

Related: How to save money on a national park trip this year with points and miles

Getting to Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park. PETER UNGER/GETTY IMAGES

The best airports near Acadia National Park

To reach Acadia National Park, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) via American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest and United, and then catch a direct flight to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), served by Cape Air and JetBlue. BHB is just a short 10-minute drive from the park.

Of course, if you fly right into Bar Harbor Airport, you’ll miss the meandering drive up Maine’s coastal Route 1, which can be about a six-hour road trip from Boston through many of Maine’s most picturesque coastal towns, depending on how many stops you make.

Related: Lobster rolls and lighthouses: The perfect Maine road trip

Additionally, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour inland from Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. There are a limited number of airlines serving BGR, but the current list includes American Airlines, United, Allegiant Air, Delta and Breeze.

Portland International Jetport (PWM) is yet another possibility, especially if you want to also explore Maine’s largest city. This airport is roughly three hours by car south of Acadia National Park. Airlines serving this airport include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, Breeze and United.

Renting a car near Acadia National Park

Whether you fly into Boston, Bar Harbor, Bangor or Portland, you’ll definitely want to rent a car for your trip to Acadia National Park.

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For car rentals from any of these airports, expect to pay anywhere between $120-$250 per day. The roads in Acadia are well-paved and easily accessible, with a modest total elevation gain of 1,530 feet. While Acadia is not as demanding on your vehicle as other national parks, having 4-wheel drive as an option can provide added peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling in rainy or snowy weather conditions. A midsize SUV is ideal.

Acadia National Park entrance fees

The current standard entrance pass into Acadia National Park is $35 per private vehicle and $30 for motorcycles. For individuals without a vehicle, the standard pass is $20. These passes are valid for seven days from the purchase date. There’s an annual Acadia National Park pass ($70) valid for one year from purchase date, and if you’re traveling to at least one other national park this year, you might want to consider the annual America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80 and grants you and everyone in your vehicle free access to all the national parks, as well as national wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Note that you will be required to show ID at the park entrance and that non-resident visitors will be charged an additional $100 per person fee for anyone over 16 in addition to the standard entrance fee. An annual non-resident pass America the Beautiful Pass costs $250.

The best time to visit Acadia National Park

Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine. LARRY WESTLER/GETTY IMAGES

One of the best times of year to visit Acadia is late September into early October: The swarms of summer tourists have dramatically decreased, the mosquitoes are gone and daytime temperatures are typically still pleasant enough for hiking and beachcombing.

But this area is worth visiting in all seasons — there is something to be said for each. Winter offers raw, icy landscapes and a desolate, abandoned atmosphere. In spring, a joyful mood takes over in the form of tree buds and wildflowers. Summer brings warmth, vacationing families and favorite pastimes in Bar Harbor’s historic downtown. Fall has its smattering of vibrant foliage, sunny days and cozier temperatures in the evenings.

Where to stay

If you’ve noticed that Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor are used somewhat interchangeably here, it’s because Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. A visit to any one of those places means you’ll likely explore all three. The island is just big enough to accommodate a (small) array of hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, campgrounds and other lodgings. But it’s small enough that, no matter where you stay, you’ll be able to explore the whole area.

Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park JERRY MONKMAN / AURORA PHOTOS / GETTY IMAGES

Best points hotels near Acadia National Park

If you’re using points for your hotel stay, there aren’t a lot of options, but the incredible setting is compensation, regardless of where you’re staying. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor and a three-minute drive from the hotel to the entrance of the national park. It has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Rates start at 67,000 Hilton Honors points.

About a mile from downtown Bar Harbor and a couple more beyond that to the entrance of Acadia, Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor overlooks Frenchman’s Bay, complete with a pool, bay views and 1,000 feet of ocean frontage. Rates start at 23,000 IHG points per night.

Camping in Acadia National Park

BAILEY MADE/UNDER CANVAS ACADIA

If you want to rough it and embrace the outdoors, there are multiple options for camping within Acadia National Park as well. The forested Blackwoods Campground, situated in the heart of Mount Desert Island, is one of the most popular campsites in the park for good reason. It provides almost every essential amenity for a comfortable stay in the woods, including flush toilets, running water and a dump station, along with picnic tables and fire rings. It’s a perfect location for travelers who want to hike and climb in the park, and you can easily walk out of your tent and pick up the popular South Ridge trail up Cadillac Mountain.

Seawall Campground also offers quality facilities, but like Blackwoods, it tends to book up quickly. Keep in mind that this site is a 45 minute drive into the park.

There are also quite a few independently owned campgrounds near Acadia, like Mount Desert Campground. Bar Harbor Campground is also an excellent under-the-radar choice, especially for last-minute trips. Located just a 25-minute drive from the park, it provides convenience and accessibility despite its limited bathroom facilities compared to the other sites.

Those who still want to be one with nature but might want a more luxurious experience should consider glamping options. In fact, glamping brand Under Canvas is now part of World of Hyatt, following Hyatt’s partnership with Mr and Mrs Smith, and has a stunning outpost near Acadia located on 100 acres of waterfront property. Features include spacious tents (including some that can sleep up to seven) with elegant furnishings and organic toiletries; amenities like s’mores and fire pits; complimentary activities like live music and yoga classes; and on-site experience coordinators. The property is open seasonally early-May to mid-October; rates start at 42,000 World of Hyatt points.

Related: The best US glamping resorts for an outdoorsy summer getaway

While black bears are present in the area, campers can feel safe as long as they maintain distance and follow proper food storage guidelines.

Things to do in Acadia National Park

Aside from exploring Bar Harbor and the rest of Mount Desert Island, Acadia itself is full of outdoor adventures.

Best hiking in Acadia National Park

GABRIELPEVIDE/GETTY IMAGES

For a truly unforgettable experience, make a reservation in advance to drive up to the top of 1,529-foot Cadillac Mountain — the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard — and witness the first sunrise in the U.S. Avid hikers may opt to summit the mountain on foot, although an early wake-up call at 3 a.m. is required. Another fantastic spot to catch the sunrise is Otter Point, where you can stroll along the coastline and enjoy an unobstructed view of the ocean.

Beehive Loop Trail is one of Acadia’s most popular rung and ladder climbs. While not for the faint of heart, this 1.9-mile trail promises a gratifying view at the top. Many hikers choose to combine this trail with the Precipice Loop, as the only way to go on the Beehive Loop is up. Easy parking is available along the street near Sand Beach for quick access to both trails.

For something closer to the coastline, try Ocean Path Trail. With its stunning landscapes and views of the water, this trail offers some of the finest natural scenery in the region.

Ideal for families, the Jordan Pond Path provides a delightful 3-mile loop that is suitable for all ages. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance at the Jordan Pond House, a charming spot for brunch in the midst of the wilderness. For those seeking more adventure, consider exploring the North Bubble Loop off this trail to ascend Acadia’s iconic mountain range.

Other activities in Acadia National Park

Kayakers in fall
Kayakers along the Bar Harbor Northeast Creek in Acadia National Park. STAN DZUGAN/GETTY IMAGES

Sea kayaking, rock climbing, wandering around Sand Beach and stopping at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse are all popular Acadia activities.

You can’t travel to Bar Harbor without stopping to hear the thunderous clap of waves crashing into the rocky inlet known as Thunder Hole. Don’t forget to grab a cheeky souvenir magnet or hilarious postcard from the nearby gift shop.

And it wouldn’t be a visit to a national park without seeing wildlife. Watch for harbor seals, dolphins, whales and other marine mammals plus herons and a variety of seabirds and peregrine falcons and other raptors. And keep an eye out for smaller, easy-to-miss wildlife, such as salamanders and other amphibians.

During low tide, you can even walk out across a sand bar from downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island. Be sure to watch for barnacles, scurrying hermit crabs and starfish in the tide pools.

You’ll also have the chance to see otters, foxes and, if you’re lucky, even a moose during your trip to Acadia National Park.

Bottom line

Visiting Acadia National Park offers a distinct blend of a rugged outdoor adventure with the comforts and amenities of a bustling seaside town.

A trip to Acadia National Park is also a great way to use those hard-earned points you’ve been saving for a vacation while visiting a stunning stretch of the East Coast.

Here are some more outdoorsy vacations you may enjoy:



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Python Variables – Table of Content

Python Variable 

A name that is used to refer to the memory location in a programming language is called a variable. Python Variables are also termed storage containers in other words. Variables in python are ‘statically typed’ meaning a user does not need to create variables while coding. The variables get declared themselves whenever a value is assigned to them. There are 4 main types of variables: integer, long integer, string, and float. Hence, we cannot have any type of command which can create a variable.

The main use of variables in python is to store values as a reserved memory container. In this article, we will understand what variables actually are, how identifier naming is done while working with the variables, declaration of a variable in python, identifying objects using variables, different types of variable names and their types such as local variable, global variable, object reference and how to finally delete a variable once created.

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Identifier Naming

Variables in python are just an example of an identifier that will recognize the literals which are being used in the program. They work according to a set of rules which are mentioned below:

  • The name of an identifier is always case-sensitive. For example, ‘WelcomeToHKR’ and ‘WelcometoHKR’ are not the same.
  • The identifier’s initial character should either be an alphabet or an underscore(_)
  • The alphabet following the initial alphabet
  • The identifiers cannot have special characters in them including white spaces.
  • The name of the identifier need not be the same as the keyword defined in the programming language.
  • Some examples to correct identifiers are: x301, _x, x_0, etc.
  • Some examples of incorrect identifiers are 2y, 1%r, =34, etc.

Declaring a Variable in Python

As we have discussed, there is no need to create a variable unless there needs to be a value assigned to it. One more thing which is very important to note is that variables need not be declared in a specific type. The type of variable can even be changed after the user declares them. We use the equals (=) operator to assign a value to the variable.

Let us take an example of python code below to understand how we can declare variables in python:

a = 10

b = "HKR"

print(a)

print(b)

Output:

10

HKR

The user can also re-declare the variable after creating it. Check out the python code below:

Number = 10

print("Before declaring the variable: ", Number)

Number = 12

 
print("After re-declaring the variable:", Number)

Output:

Before declaring the variable:  10

After re-declaring the variable: 12

Object Identification Using Variables

Every variable created in python is unique. It is not possible to have two same variables for 2 different objects. There is a built-in function in python id() which identifies the id of the variable meaning whether it’s defined already or it’s new.

Let us take an example of python code below and understand how object identification is done in Python using variables:

x = 10 

y = x  

print(id(x))  

print(id(y))  

x = 50  

print(id(x))

Output:

9756512

9756512

9757792

Here in the code above, the user has assigned y = x, where both x and y are pointing to the same object. With the use of id() function, it will also return the same number.

Hence, we will re-assign x to 50; then it is termed as a new object identifier and will have a new changed output.

Variable Names

We have already discussed how variables work with programming languages and how we can declare them along with assigning value to them. The names of variables may be of any length having a lowercase (a to z), an uppercase (A to Z), any digits from 0 to 9, or an underscore (_).

Let us take an example below and see how variable names can work in python.

Name = "Y" 

name = "X"  

naMe = "Z"  

NAME = "M"  

n_a_m_e = "L"  

_name = "N"  

n_a_m_e = "L"

name_ = "O"  

_name_ = "P"  

na56me = "R"  

  

print(Name,name,naMe,NAME,n_a_m_e, NAME, _name, n_a_m_e, name_,_name, na56me)  

Output:

Y X Z M L M N L O N R

As we can see in the example above, the user has declared some valid variable names such as naMe, _name, etc. But this procedure might create confusion when one reads the code so therefore this is not mostly recommended. The user should try making the variable name a little descriptive hence making the code more readable.

The multi-keywords can be created as:

Pascal Case – In this, the first word is capitalized along with the word or abbreviation in the middle of the word. For example: WelcomeToHKR, HowAreYou, etc.

Snake Case – The words are separated using underscore(_) in the snake case. For example Welcome_To_HKR, How_Are_You, etc.

Camel Case – Mostly like the pascal case, each word in the middle will begin with a capital letter. For example: welcomeToHKR, howAreYou, etc.

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Python Variable Types

There are two types of variables in python: Local variable and Global variable.

Let us understand more about these and understand them in depth.

1. Local Variables: These types of variables are always defined inside the function. Their scope is also limited to the function only. Check out the example below of how we can make use of local variables in a python code:

def add():  

    x = 10  

    y = 20  

    z = x + y  

    print("The sum of numbers is:", z)  

add()

Output:

The sum of numbers is: 30

As we can clearly see in the code above, the user declared a function as add() to assign it to variables within the function. The variables will be called local variables as they will have scope inside the function only. If the user tries to declare them outside of the function, he will get a code error called NameError: name ‘x’ is not defined

2. Global Variables: These types of variables can be used both inside as well as outside the function. Their scope lies in the complete program. In case it is not mentioned in the code, the global variables are by default declared outside the function. In case the user forgets to mention the variable type, it will be local by default. Check out the example below of how we can make use of global variables in a python code:

a = 10  

  

def mainFunction():  

    global a  

    print(a)  

    a="Welcome To HKR Training"  

    print(a)    

mainFunction()  

print(a) 

Output:

10

Welcome To HKR Training

Welcome To HKR Training

As we can see in the code above, the user has declared a global variable a and a value is assigned to it. Then the user defines a function and it accesses the pre-declared variable inside the function by making use of the global keyword.

Variable type in Python

The data types in a programming language basically states the operations that are to be performed on the given data.  As we know that python works for objects in the programming, variables work as the objects only for the data types.

Here is a list of few data types that work with python variables:

  • Numeric
  • Sequence
  • Boolean
  • Set
  • Dictionary

assigned to different values.

Let us consider an example below and see how we can use various data types with variables:

var1 = 12345

print("Numeric data is : ", var1)

String = 'Welcome to HKR'

print("Topic is Python Variables")

print(String)

print(type(True))

print(type(False))

set = set("HKR Trainings")

print("\nSet with the use of String: ")

print(set)  

Dict1 = {1: 'HKR', 2: 'Welcomes', 3: 'You'}

print("\nDictionary with the use of Integer Keys: ")

print(Dict1)

 

Output:

Numeric data is :  12345

Topic is Python Variables

Welcome to HKR

<class 'bool'>

<class 'bool'>

Set with the use of String: 

{'g', 'a', 'r', 'R', 'i', 'n', 'T', ' ', 's', 'X', 'H'}

Dictionary with the use of Integer Keys: 

{1: 'HKR', 2: 'Welcomes', 3: 'You'}

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Object Reference

a=10

b=a

If we take the example above, we understand that the code creates an object to represent the value 10. Then, it is creating the variable in case it does not exist. It is made as a reference to this new object having a value of 10. In the second line, there is a creation of another variable b however it isn’t assigned with a but is made in reference to that object that an actually does.

Multiple Assignment

In python, a user is allowed to assign a single value to multiple variables. The user can perform multiple assignments in two different ways. It is done either by assigning one value to different variables or can also be done by having different variables assigned to different values.

Let us see an example below of how we can assign single value to multiple variables:

a=b=c=10    

print(a)    

print(b)    

print(c)

Output:

10

10

10

Now let us see another example of how we can assign multiple values to multiple variables:

a, b, c = 10, 20, "WelcomeToHKR"

print(a)

print(b)

print(c)

Output:

10

20

WelcomeToHKR

As the variables appear, the values will be assigned in the same manner only.

Deleting a Variable

A variable can be deleted using the ‘del’ keyword.  

Let us see an example of how we can delete a variable using python:

a = 10  

print(a)  

del a  

print(a)

Output:

Traceback (most recent call last):

  File "./prog.py", line 4, in

NameError: name 'a' is not defined

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Conclusion

Through this article, we have understood what a variable is, how we can declare a variable inside a function and how we can assign a value to the variable. The article will help you clear all your doubts about python variables along with the basic rules that variables come up with.

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