YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST PHOTO LOCATIONS IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR PHOTOS
Acadia National Park is full of diverse, breathtaking landscapes — rocky coastlines, mountain overlooks, hidden coves, forest trails, and quiet lakeside views. This guide will help you explore the very best photo locations in Acadia, with insight on lighting, time of day, tide schedules, accessibility, parking, and what each spot is best suited for. Whether you’re planning an engagement, elopement, couples session, or surprise proposal, this will give you the clarity and confidence to choose the perfect backdrop for your photos.
MONUMENT COVE
Pros: Stunning sunrise views, soft flattering lighting throughout the day, parking lot/roadside parking, dramatic ocean backdrop views, very private compared to other Acadia locations
Cons: None — it’s one of the most reliable and beautiful spots in the entire park.
Perfect for: Engagement sessions, surprise proposals, couples, intimate elopements
SUNRISE
AFTERNOON
EVENING
OTTER POINT
Pros: Breathtaking golden hour & sunset light, large parking lot, wide open ocean views, dramatic rocky cliffs
Cons: Can be tricky to access if waves are crashing high, potentially difficult to access if not wearing flat shoes
Perfect for: Engagement sessions, surprise proposals, couples, and intimate elopements
MORNING/DAY
EVENING
OTTER CLIFF OVERLOOK
Pros: Beautiful sunrise view, gorgeous ocean backdrop views, tree backdrop views, rocky cliff area overlooking the ocean
Cons: small area, parking lot can fill up quickly (still can park on the road), can be dangerous for kids or pets, very busy and crowded at sunrise
Perfect for: Engagements, surprise proposals, couples, intimate elopements
MORNING
EVENING
GORHAM MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Pros: Easy 25 minute hike, beautiful sunrise views, view of Otter Cliffs and Sand Beach in the background, tree backdrop views, parking lot/roadside parking, expansive area, multiple access points
Cons: Must wear shoes with good tread!
Perfect for: Engagements, surprise proposals, couples
SUNRISE
MID-MORNING
EVENING
HUNTER’S BEACH
Pros: Very remote and private, beautiful forest area with bridges and boardwalks, rocky beach
Cons: Limited amount of space for cars, rocks can be difficult to walk on due to their uniquely small size
Perfect for: Engagements, surprise proposals, couples, intimate elopements
EVENING
SAND BEACH
Pros: Stunning ocean backdrop views, some rocky cliff views, plenty of space to run/walk around, parking lot/roadside parking, very soft light at golden hour
Cons: Parking fills up quickly & gets very busy during the day, relatively steep staircase
Perfect for: Engagements, surprise proposals, couples, & intimate elopements
MORNING
EVENING
THE BUBBLES
Pros: Easy 20 minute hike, beautiful views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake in the background, expansive area, beautiful at sunrise and golden hour
Cons: Extremely small parking lot, no roadside parking, accessing the bubble rock can be dangerous for children and/or pets
Perfect for: Engagements, surprise proposals, couples, small elopements
MORNING
EVENING
JORDAN POND
Pros: Very accessible for all age groups, expansive area, beautiful lake and tree backdrop views, beautiful lighting throughout the day
Cons: Parking lot fills up very quickly, very crowded
Perfect for: Engagements, surprise proposals, & couples
MORNING & evening
SCHOONER HEAD OVERLOOK
Pros: Very accessible for all age groups, expansive area, beautiful rocky ledges with ocean backdrop, plenty of parking, not crowded, beautiful view of sunrise
Cons: Slight uphill walk headed back to the parking lot, high cliffs/ledges, must wear good shoes
Perfect for: Engagements, couples, & intimate elopements
SUNRISE/MORNING/EVENING
CADILLAC MOUNTAIN
Pros: Very accessible for all age groups, expansive area, beautiful rocky ledges with diverse backdrops, plenty of parking, beautiful view of sunrise and sunset
Cons: Car reservations are required and can be difficult to obtain, can be very crowded
Perfect for: Couples & intimate elopements