Quiet-Side Acadia Day Trips from Flanders Bay
/Tired of Bar Harbor crowds? Flanders Bay in Sullivan is your gateway to Acadia’s best-kept secrets — just 20 mins to Schoodic Point.
Top 5 day trips to consider… PLUS 5 MORE!
1. Pack a lunch for Schoodic Point…rugged coast, no lines
2. Hike Beehive Loop…ladders + panoramic views
3. Explore Frenchman's Bay Conservancy…kayaking & birdwatching
4. Visit Wild Acadia Fun Park…family ziplines & treetop fun
5. Sunset picnic at our lawn… return for live music & BBQ
1. Pack a lunch & picnic at Schoodic Point
Schoodic Point is the crown jewel of the quiet side of Acadia… dramatic pink granite rocks, crashing waves, and zero crowds compared to Bar Harbor. Bring a blanket and a cooler because there are several pullouts with picnic tables and grills; Frazer Point Picnic Area is especially family-friendly with restrooms and easy access. After soaking in the views, head back to Flanders Bay for a sunset BBQ on our lawn… the perfect end to a day of salt air and big sky. Contact Kelly & Toby at Flanders Bay BBQ to pack your daytrip lunch to go!
2. Hike the Beehive Loop Trail
This short but thrilling 1.5-mile loop is one of Acadia’s best-kept secrets…iron rungs and ladders take you up the granite face for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the ocean and islands. It’s moderate difficulty (good shoes and no fear of heights required), and the payoff at the top is worth every step. Pair it with a post-hike dip in the bay or a cold drink at our venue…you’ll feel like you earned the quiet magic of Downeast Maine.
3. Bike or walk the Schoodic Loop Road
The 6-mile paved Schoodic Loop Road is car-free on Saturdays in summer and open to bikes/pedestrians year-round… a flat, scenic ride (or stroll) through pine forests with constant ocean glimpses. Rent bikes in Winter Harbor or bring your own; there are pullouts for photos and benches to catch your breath. Finish the loop and return to our fire pit for s’mores and live music… the perfect wind-down after a day of fresh air and freedom.
4. Spot seals & seabirds at Schoodic Head
Schoodic Head is the highest point on the peninsula…a short walk from the parking area leads to sweeping views where you’ll almost always spot harbor seals basking on rocks below and seabirds soaring overhead. Bring binoculars if you have them; it’s one of the best wildlife-watching spots in Acadia without the tourist crush. After the views, swing back to Flanders Bay for a honey-infused BBQ sauce tasting… our way of saying welcome home.
5. Sunset at Wonsqueak Harbor
Wonsqueak Harbor is a tiny, peaceful fishing village just a few minutes from Schoodic… lobster boats bobbing, quiet shoreline, and one of the most underrated sunset spots in Downeast Maine. Park near the pier, walk the rocks, and watch the sky turn every shade of pink and orange. It’s the ideal calm ending to your day…then come back to our bayfront lawn for stargazing and whatever live music is on tonight.You can drop these straight into the hidden guide page as numbered sections under the map.
Each one reinforces the “quiet side” positioning and gently pulls them back to booking with you…no hard sell, just natural flow.