Thuya Garden & Terrace - a group of potted plants
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Thuya Garden & Terrace

Bar Harbor, United States

A serene English-style garden on Mount Desert Island, offering vibrant blooms, rustic charm, and scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Flowers in full bloom

CrowdMedium
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Thuya Garden & Terrace - a group of potted plants

Thuya Garden & Terrace

Best Time

Summer mornings

Flowers in full bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene English-style garden on Mount Desert Island, offering vibrant blooms, rustic charm, and scenic views.

"Thuya Garden is a hidden gem worth discovering, offering a peaceful escape with stunning floral displays."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Donation is Key

A $5 donation per person is suggested to help maintain this beautiful space. Bring cash!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the garden's many nooks.

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Blooming Borders

Blooming Borders

Main garden paths

Wander through meticulously maintained herbaceous borders bursting with vibrant annuals and perennials.

Rustic Pavilion

Rustic Pavilion

Northern edge of the garden

A charming, rustic pavilion offering a peaceful spot to rest and admire the garden's layout.

Carved Wood Doors

Carved Wood Doors

Garden entrances

Admire the intricate, hand-carved wooden doors that add a unique artistic touch to the garden's entrances.

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Upper garden areas

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Northeast Harbor and the surrounding Mount Desert Island landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Donation-Based Entry

Thuya Garden operates on a suggested donation of $5 per person. While not strictly enforced, your contribution is vital for maintaining its beauty. Consider bringing cash for a smooth donation process.

Seasonal Access & Parking

The garden is typically open from June through October. Parking is available at the lower lot on Route 3 or at the top of Thuya Drive. Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Flowers in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low
When
June - October
Why
Garden season is open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

RDU ✈️ Maine 🚗 Acadia National Park Day 1: Flight to Maine on a budget airline Rent car and drive to Bar Harbor Grab dinner, check into @terramorresort Day 2: Breakfast at Terramor (included) Drive to Downtown @visitbarharbor and pick up e-bikes from Pedego Bar Harbor @pedego.barharbor Bike Carriage Trails Lunch at Jordan Pond House @jordanpondhouse Continue biking carriage trails Return Bikes...
@welltraveledchild
18.7K likes • 369.5K views

🎯 Donation is Key

A $5 donation per person is suggested to help maintain this beautiful space. Bring cash! Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the garden's many nooks. Reddit

Maine 5 Day Itinerary A Maine road trip is a bucket list item for many, for good reason! I was fortunate to visit a while back and loved it! We spent a majority of the trip on the coast, with more time we would’ve headed further north and inland, but for my first trip, I’m very happy with how this itinerary ended up. Day 1: Portland - during our first day in Portland we visited the Portland Head ...
@seenbyamy
955 likes • 58.2K views
Thuya Garden is now open for the season! 🌸 Tucked above Northeast Harbor, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon wander through blooming borders and peaceful woodland paths. While free to visit, a suggested donation of $5 per person helps keep the gardens blooming beautifully. Parking is available at the lower lot on Route 3 or at the top of Thuya Drive. Bring a book, a camera, or just yourself....
enjoymtdesert
52 likes • 1.3K views

📸 Capture the Beauty

The garden is incredibly photogenic, especially during peak bloom. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Park at the lower lot on Route 3 or at the top of Thuya Drive. Arrive early for best spots. Instagram

Visit One of Acadia’s Hidden Gems with me. Not technically part of the park, Thuya Garden is run by the @landandgardenpreserve This gorgeous English style garden sits high atop the granite hillside overlooking Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island. There are wonderful annuals and perennials, the stunning carved wood doors, magnificent trees and walking paths. The garden is located on the grou...
jackdarylphotography
1.3K likes • 32.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Donation is Key

A $5 donation per person is suggested to help maintain this beautiful space. Bring cash! Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the garden's many nooks. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The garden is incredibly photogenic, especially during peak bloom. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

🚗 Parking Tips

Park at the lower lot on Route 3 or at the top of Thuya Drive. Arrive early for best spots. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Asticou

Many visitors enjoy visiting Thuya Garden and Asticou Terrace together for a complete experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Thuya Garden for its serene beauty and meticulous upkeep, calling it a 'hidden gem.' The vibrant floral displays and peaceful atmosphere are major draws, offering a delightful escape. Some note that while entry is donation-based, the suggested amount is well worth the experience.

What People Like

Beautiful floral displays
Peaceful atmosphere
Well-maintained gardens

What People Dislike

Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thuya Garden is located on Mount Desert Island, near Acadia National Park. You can drive to the garden, with parking available at the lower lot on Route 3 or at the top of Thuya Drive. It's also a scenic spot to visit if you're exploring Northeast Harbor. Instagram

No, Thuya Garden is not technically part of Acadia National Park. It is managed by the Land and Garden Preserve and offers a distinct, yet complementary, experience to the park. Instagram

Walking from Bar Harbor to Thuya Garden is a significant distance, typically over 10 miles. It's best to drive or arrange transportation to reach the garden efficiently. Instagram

Driving is the most convenient way to access Thuya Garden. Follow signs for Northeast Harbor and then look for directions to Thuya Drive or the Route 3 parking area. Instagram

Public transport options directly to Thuya Garden are limited. It's recommended to use a personal vehicle or taxi services for the most direct access. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Thuya Garden operates on a suggested donation basis, typically $5 per person. This donation helps support the garden's upkeep and seasonal blooms. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required for Thuya Garden. As it's donation-based, you can usually visit freely, but it's always good to check their official opening dates. Instagram

Thuya Garden is typically open daily from June through October. Specific hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the Land and Garden Preserve website for the most current information. Instagram

While entry is free, a suggested donation of $5 per person is encouraged to help maintain the garden's beauty and operations. Instagram

Information on online donation payment is not widely available. It's best to be prepared with cash for the on-site donation box. Instagram

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Thuya Garden features beautiful herbaceous borders, a rustic pavilion, carved wooden doors, and stunning views of Northeast Harbor. It's designed in the style of Gertrude Jekyll. Instagram+1

Yes, Thuya Garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The paths are designed for walking and enjoying the semi-formal garden layout and its natural surroundings. Instagram

Basic facilities like parking are available. Restrooms might be limited, so plan accordingly. The garden itself offers benches for resting and enjoying the scenery. Instagram

Take your time to wander through the different sections, appreciate the plant varieties, and find a quiet spot to sit and soak in the views. Combining it with Asticou Terrace is highly recommended. Reddit

The garden has paths, but some may be uneven or sloped. It's advisable to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a natural terrain. Accessibility details may vary, so check with the Land and Garden Preserve if you have specific concerns. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The blooming borders, the rustic pavilion, the carved wooden doors, and the scenic overlooks offer fantastic photo opportunities. Early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged in Thuya Garden. It's a popular spot for photographers to capture its natural beauty. Instagram

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the Land and Garden Preserve or local regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for photography. Foggy days can also create a dramatic atmosphere. Instagram

There are typically no specific restrictions on standard photography equipment like DSLRs or phones. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require special permits. Instagram

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Thuya Garden & Terrace (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide