If you're visiting Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park and thinking about getting family photos while you're here, there are so many beautiful places to choose from. But if you have young kids, the location can make a big difference.
You want somewhere beautiful, but also somewhere your kids can move around, explore, and have fun without the session feeling stressful. I always love when kids can just be themselves - it usually makes for the best photos!
Here are a few of my favorite spots for family photos in Acadia, especially with little ones.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach is one of my favorite spots for families with young kids. There's plenty of room for them to run around, play in the sand, and explore while we get a mix of posed and candid photos.
It's also such a pretty backdrop. You get the beach, ocean, mountains, rocks, and trees all in one spot, so we can get a lot of variety without having to walk very far.
It can definitely get busy, especially during the summer and fall, so I usually recommend going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when we can avoid some of the crowds and get better light.
Best for: Beach photos, ocean views, and kids who need some room to run around.
Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is such a classic Acadia location. If you want mountains and water in the background of your photos, this is a great option.
You also don't have to hike around the entire pond to get beautiful photos. There are plenty of spots closer to the pond that work well, which is especially nice when you have little kids with you.
I love this location for families who want their photos to really show off the scenery of Acadia without having to do a big hike to get there.
Best for: Mountain views, water, and that classic Acadia look.
Ocean Path
If you're looking for more of the rocky Maine coastline, Ocean Path is beautiful.
There are so many different spots along the trail with ocean views, rocks, and trees, so it's easy to get a lot of different backgrounds. It also has more of that dramatic coastal feel that people picture when they think about Maine.
With young kids, I would be a little more selective about exactly where we go since some areas have steep drops and uneven rocks. There are still plenty of spots where we can get the look without needing to get too close to the edge.
Best for: Rocky coastline, ocean views, and a little more of an adventurous feel.
Seawall
Seawall is a great option if you want ocean photos but would prefer somewhere a little quieter.
It's on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island and has a really pretty rocky shoreline with ocean and tree views. You don't have to do a big hike to get there either, which can make things much easier with little ones.
I really like this spot for a more laid-back session where kids can explore and we can take our time.
Best for: A quieter location, rocky shoreline, and relaxed family photos.
Hunter's Beach
Hunter's Beach is another beautiful option if your family doesn't mind a little bit of walking.
There's a short trail through the woods that leads down to a cobblestone beach, so you can get both woodsy photos and ocean photos in the same session. It also tends to feel a little more tucked away than some of the more popular spots in Acadia.
The rocks can be a little tricky for really young kids, so I would recommend this one more for families who are comfortable exploring and don't mind taking it slow.
Best for: Woods and ocean, a more secluded feel, and families who like to explore.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on your family and what kind of photos you're looking for!
If you have a toddler who wants to run around, Sand Beach is probably one of my favorites. If you want mountains and water, Jordan Pond is beautiful. For the classic rocky Maine coastline, I'd go with Ocean Path, while Seawall is a great option if you want something a little quieter. And if you don't mind a short walk and want a mix of woods and ocean, Hunter's Beach is a really pretty choice.
And if you have no idea which one to pick, that's totally fine. When you book with me, I'm happy to help you figure out a location based on your kids' ages, the time of year, where you're staying, and the overall look you're going for.