Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 70 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park worth booking?
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park is a 8-hour experience in Bar Harbor, United States, from $20 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 70 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (70)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Acadia National Park road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the highest point on the eastern seaboard, historic carriage roads that are considered the best example in the country of broken stone roads, and one of the most photographed lighthouses along the Maine Coast Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.
What you get
About this experience
Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Acadia National Park road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the highest point on the eastern seaboard, historic carriage roads that are considered the best example in the country of broken stone roads, and one of the most photographed lighthouses along the Maine Coast Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.
What's included
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
- Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide.
- Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 115+ Points
- Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
Not included
- Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Acadia National Park
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.
480 minutes here
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
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.
30 minutes here
Cadillac Mountain
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.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
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.
Pass by without stopping
Jordan Pond
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.
60 minutes here
Park Loop Road
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.
Pass by without stopping
Sand Beach
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.
30 minutes here
Seawall Picnic Area
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.
60 minutes here
Sieur de Monts Spring
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.
30 minutes here
Somes Sound
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.
30 minutes here
Thunder Hole
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.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bar Harbor
From Bar Harbor, drive south on Main Street as it becomes Route 3 to begin the Mount Desert Island Loop. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” download over Wi-Fi/cell, then preview the route in the app.
Meeting point
Bar Harbor
From Hulls Cove Visitor Center, join the Park Loop Road to hear the full tour. A park pass is required at the Sand Beach Entrance Station. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.
Meeting point
Bar Harbor
Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so there is no need to meet an in-person guide. Commentary begins as you arrive on Mount Desert Island via Hwy 3 near the Thompson Island Visitor Center. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour.”
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Commentary 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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)
Know before you go
- 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.
- Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 69 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
69 verified traveler reviews for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Really interesting and worth the price for sure!
The guide was really great once we figured out how to use it. We struggled to find how to start the trip and where.
Response from the operator: Lee, we’re glad our Acadia tour helped you make the most out of your trip! Was it the starting location itself or the instructions in the app that were unclear? We’d love to know so we can make the beginning of the tour easier to follow. If you need help getting started in future, my team is available to walk you through it over email, phone, or chat anytime between 9 AM and 6 PM EST. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful App
Great App to learn about Acadia NP. It felt like the narrator was in the car with us, showing us where to stop, history about the park, added information about lobstering and geology, and even places to eat. When we made a wrong turn it let us know by saying, “ whoops a doozy. It seems like you made a wrong turn.” and when we got right on the path again, it picked us up and continued the narration. Wonderful app I need to buy this for other national parks and places of interest that our well family is planning to travel. An inexpensive way to see the park and it’s a lifetime membership so you can use it whenever you want and as many times as you want.
Response from the operator: Sounds like you had a great time around Acadia - thanks for sharing your experience with us! Since you’re planning more national parks, our US East Bundle includes Acadia, Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and more. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Start with the shorter...
Start with the shorter tour available, thats the main kne for the Park. If you have the time, the longer tour takes you all around the island, beyond the main attractions of the tour.
Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your experience! We’re glad both the shorter Acadia route and longer island loop gave you flexibility on the road, Amber. If you’re staying in Maine, Acadia’s Bar Harbor Walk is an easy add-on, while our US East Bundle opens up even more eastern road trips. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Viator
Worth it!
Excellent audio tour. Helped us get more out of our Acadia National Park visit. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the recommendation, Siao! We’re happy our Acadia tour helped you make the most of your trip. If you're planning more East Coast adventures, our US East Bundle includes National Parks and plenty of other great destinations to explore. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour of Arcadia national park
A great experience great information highly recommend
Response from the operator: Glad you enjoyed exploring Acadia National Park with us, George! Thanks for the recommendation-we hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide), who run 59 experiences we rank across 46 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.7.
See everything GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bar Harbor.
How much does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park cost?
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Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bar Harbor usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bar Harbor is not rushed.
Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 70 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bar Harbor, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park?
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Around 25 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bar Harbor can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bar Harbor and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bar Harbor within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bar Harbor?
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Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park access: Park Loop and Cadillac Mountain tours, carriage road bike rides, lobster boat trips, puffin cruises and sea kayaking. Cadillac sunrise reservations are the detail most listings miss. On Outty we rank every Bar Harbor experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours), Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads, Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?
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June to October, with autumn colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bar Harbor?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park?
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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; and Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide. Not included: Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park?
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From Bar Harbor, drive south on Main Street as it becomes Route 3 to begin the Mount Desert Island Loop. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” download over Wi-Fi/cell. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bar Harbor. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park?
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Across 70 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include value for money, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.
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