What is skip-gen travel? Skip-gen travel is when grandparents and grandkids set off together without the parents; it’s becoming one of the most heartwarming travel trends of 2025. And honestly, I get it. The grandparents get to spend real quality time without the distractions of day-to-day life, the grandkids get to be spoiled with adventures and ice cream, and the parents get a break.
I didn’t visit Acadia National Park with my grandparents. Still, after exploring its coastal trails, family-friendly restaurants, and small-town charm, I realized it’s the perfect destination for a skip-gen trip or for adult children with their elderly parents.
Why Acadia Works for Skip-Gen Travel
Acadia is compact, easy to navigate, and offers activities for every energy level. While there are some more strenuous hikes, there are also easy walking paths with beautiful views. You can watch the sun rise from the top of a mountain without breaking a sweat, stroll along carriage roads without worrying about traffic, and end the day with a lobster dinner in Bar Harbor.
It’s also accessible; the Island Explorer bus runs throughout the park in summer, and many trails are flat and stroller-friendly. Many of the trails would also be fairly easy to navigate with a cane or walker. Plus, you can take in a lot of great views by driving. Whether you’re chasing waves at Sand Beach or exploring tidepools, it’s easy to blend adventure with moments of rest.
Easy and Scenic Activities for All Ages
Jordan Pond Path
A mostly flat, scenic walk around crystal-clear Jordan Pond makes it the perfect hike for skip-gen travel. The famous Jordan Pond House is right there, serving its iconic popovers with jam. This is perfect for a post-walk treat. Do keep in mind that the bees are pretty bad in the summer, so you may want to get your pop over and eat it elsewhere.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
This is one of the most famous views in the U.S., and you can drive right to the summit. In summer, it’s one of the first places to see the sunrise in America. Bring hot cocoa for the kids and a thermos of coffee for yourself. You will need to plan ahead for this, as a pass is required. Otherwise, you will have to hike many miles instead of being able to drive up.
Sand Beach & Ocean Path
Spend a morning building sandcastles or exploring tidepools, then take the gentle Ocean Path for endless ocean views. This is a stroller-friendly route for the first stretch. The path has some twists, turns, and rolling hills, but it is fairly easy to walk along and the views are stunning. You can even walk from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole fairly easily.
Carriage Roads
These car-free gravel roads are perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk. Bring snacks and take a break at one of the historic stone bridges for a family photo. My friends and I went for a long run on the carriage roads starting near Eagle Lake and we saw tons of families enjoying these roads both by bike and on foot. E-bikes are even permitted, which seems to be frowned upon by the locals, but it’s an option to improve accessibility.
Boat Tour from Bar Harbor
Hop aboard a wildlife cruise for the chance to spot seals, puffins (in season), and even porpoises. The narrated tours keep kids engaged and give grandparents a chance to relax while still sightseeing. I wish we had had more time to take one of these boat tours; we heard a lot of good things about them.
Bar Island Trail
Right from downtown Bar Harbor, you can walk to an island, but only if you time it right. The Bar Island Trail is a natural sandbar that appears during low tide (you can easily access the tide chart online), connecting the town to Bar Island. It’s an easy, flat walk that feels like a secret adventure for kids and a scenic stroll for grandparents. You only have about 1.5–2 hours on either side of low tide before the sandbar disappears under several feet of water.
Tips for Grandparents Traveling with Grandkids
- Plan active mornings and slower afternoons to keep energy levels balanced.
- Book lodging close to Bar Harbor so you can walk to dinner and evening activities.
- Pack layers — Maine weather can shift from sunny to chilly in minutes.
- Look into the National Park Junior Ranger program for a fun, educational challenge.
- Use the Island Explorer bus to avoid parking headaches and long walks back to the car.
- Keep snacks on hand, as most of the scenic areas aren’t near shops where you can easily buy food on a whim.
- Plan potty breaks accordingly. The public restrooms are few and far behind. While they can be found at most popular trailheads, they aren’t as plentiful as I expected.
Where to Stay & Eat
For convenience, look for hotels or inns near Bar Harbor, or check out glamping options just outside the park. Staying close to town means easy access to restaurants, ice cream shops, and evening strolls along the harbor.
Dining favorites include Jordan Pond House for popovers, lobster rolls from local shacks like Abel’s, and family-friendly cafés like Café This Way. Many spots offer outdoor seating, which is great for wiggly kids. There are also many ice cream shops in Bar Harbor!
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Favorite Eats in Bar Harbor:
- Side Street Café – Famous for lobster rolls and casual, cozy vibes.
- Abel’s Lobster – A waterfront spot perfect for a traditional Maine lobster feast.
- Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge – A sweet stop after exploring the park.
- Pink Pastry Shop – Great for colorful baked goods and a quick sugar fix.
- Coffee Hound at the Stadium – Ideal for grabbing a latte or pastry before a day of adventuring.
- Graffiti Donuts & Coffee – Creative donuts that will win over kids and adults alike.
- Thirsty Whale Tavern – Classic pub food and friendly atmosphere.
- Getty’s – A relaxed spot for sandwiches, chowder, and comfort food.
- Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast – Known for blueberry pancakes and hearty morning plates.
- Geddy’s – Nautical-themed, kid-friendly, and full of local seafood dishes.
- Mount Desert Island Ice Cream – Inventive flavors for the ice cream lover in your group.
Many of these restaurants are within walking distance if you stay near downtown Bar Harbor, making mealtime easy and stress-free, which is ideal during skip-gen travel.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re catching the first rays of sunlight on Cadillac Mountain, swapping stories over popovers, or watching the tide roll in at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park offers a perfect blend of nature, comfort, and connection.
Skip-gen travel is about more than just a vacation; it’s about building memories across generations. And in Acadia, every trail, every meal, and every view is an opportunity to do just that.
Planning to visit a national park out west? Read about my adventures in Grand Teton National Park.
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