Where is Acadia Beach (Sand Beach),Bar Harbor, Maine?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Acadia Beach, also called Sand Beach, is located in Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. It lies between the rocky cliffs and mountains of Acadia National Park and is situated along the eastern coast of Mount Desert Island. The beach is famous for its soft sand, clear water, and beautiful ocean views.

Acadia Beach (Sand Beach) Location Map,Bar Harbor, Maine

Where is Acadia Beach (Sand Beach) Located inBar Harbor, Maine
About Map: The map showing location of Acadia Beach (Sand Beach) in theBar Harbor, Maine in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Acadia National Park

  • Sand Beach – A rare stretch of sandy shoreline nestled between granite cliffs, offering sunbathing, chilly‑water ocean dips, and easy access to coastal trails. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Thunder Hole – A narrow rock inlet where ocean waves crash into a natural cavern, creating dramatic “thunderous” booms and towering water sprays during high tide. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Ocean Path & Rocky Coastline – Scenic coastal trail walking along rugged granite shores — perfect for tide‑pool exploring, sea‑cliff views and shoreline strolls. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Cadillac Mountain – The tallest summit in the park, allowing panoramic views and (in some seasons) the first sunrise in the continental U.S. over the Atlantic. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Jordan Pond & Trail – A tranquil glacial lake surrounded by forest and mountains, with an easy loop trail and calm waters for canoeing or walking. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • Beehive Trail – A short, thrilling hike up granite cliffs with iron rungs and ladders, offering dramatic coastal views for adventurous visitors. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Acadia Beach (Sand Beach) Facts

Official / Common NameSand Beach (Acadia National Park)
LocationMount Desert Island, Acadia National Park — Park Loop Road, near Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Latitude & Longitude (approx.)≈ 44.3302° N, 68.1840° W :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Beach Length / Size (approx.)~ 290 yards (≈ 265–300 m) long stretch of sandy shoreline :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Beach / Sand CompositionSand composed mostly of shell fragments (shell-hash), not typical quartz sand — ~70% by volume shell-based sand, giving distinctive texture & color :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Water & Ocean ConditionsAtlantic Ocean (Gulf of Maine); water temperature historically ~50-60 °F (≈10-15 °C) even in summer; swimming water remains quite cold :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Facilities & AmenitiesUpper parking lot + restrooms, changing rooms, flush toilets; potable water & trash receptacles; bicycle rack, shuttle-bus stop for free shuttle during season :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Access / How to ReachVia Park Loop Road (from Bar Harbor / Hulls Cove entrance). Also accessible by free seasonal shuttle bus Island Explorer — Bus Route #3 (Sand Beach-Blackwoods) or #4 (Loop Road) stop directly at Sand Beach. Parking lot often fills early in high season; overflow parking along road may be used. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Swimming / Recreation & UseSwimming (cold-water), sunbathing, tide-pooling / exploring rocky fringes, scenic & coastal hiking (nearby trails: Ocean Path, Beehive Trail, Great Head Trail), stargazing, photography, relaxing by the ocean :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Restrictions & Safety NotesBeach accessed via 37-step cliffside staircase (not wheelchair-accessible) from upper parking. Ocean is cold, waves & tides can be strong — swimming at own risk; lifeguards may be present in summer (but not guaranteed) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Season / Best Time to Visit & NotesBeach popular in summer; parking fills early — early arrival or shuttle recommended. Water stays cold even summer. Sand Beach also a good site for stargazing & night-sky viewing (summer/night programs by park) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Nearby Town / ReferenceBar Harbor, ME (≈ 5–6 miles / ~10–15 min drive to Sand Beach via Park Loop Road) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Managed By / Park AuthorityUnited States National Park Service (NPS), as part of Acadia National Park :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Distances from Acadia Beach (Sand Beach) to Nearby Landmarks

  • Times Square – 5.0 km (3.1 mi)
  • Rockefeller Center – 4.2 km (2.6 mi)
  • Empire State Building – 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – 4.2 km (2.6 mi)
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • American Museum of Natural History – 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
  • Columbus Circle – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • Grand Central Terminal – 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
  • Broadway Theater District – 5.0 km (3.1 mi)
  • The Plaza Hotel – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Lincoln Center – 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
  • New York Public Library (5th Ave) – 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
  • One World Trade Center – 14.3 km (8.9 mi)
  • Statue of Liberty Ferry (Battery Park) – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Brooklyn Bridge – 14.3 km (8.9 mi)
  • Fifth Avenue Shopping District – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Chrysler Building – 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
  • Madison Square Garden – 6.3 km (3.9 mi)
  • Hudson Yards (The Vessel) – 3.8 km (2.4 mi)
  • SoHo – 8.5 km (5.3 mi)