Ain't that sweet! President Obama enjoys an ice-cream on summer holiday with his family

Buoyed by the news that a cap on BP's well in the Gulf of Mexico appears to be holding, U.S. President Barack Obama headed off to Bar Harbor, Maine with his family for a weekend holiday.

The 48-year-old, First Lady Michelle, 46, and daughters Malia, 12, and Sasha, 9, began their break at the Acadia National Park, renowned for its stunning sea views and hiking trails.

The family also brought along their Portuguese water dog Bo for their outdoor holiday.

Sweet treat: President Barack Obama grapples with an ice-cream cone while visiting Bar Harbor, Maine, today

Meet and greet: President Obama chatted with German exchange students outside the store

The Obamas rode bicycles along a trail along Witch Hole Pond, before being driven to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the east coast.

The family took in the views out over Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and Somes Sound.

They then headed over to the Mount Desert Island Ice Cream shop in Bar Harbor to enjoy a well-deserved sweet treat.

Summer holiday: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha hiked to the top of Cadillac Mountain on the first day of their weekend holiday

                   Stunning views: The family shared a laugh with their tour guide

The President then took some time out to chat with some German exchange students after purchasing his vanilla ice-cream cone.

The Obamas plan on staying in the area for the entire weekend.

National parks appear to be a favourite when it comes to Obama family holidays.

Last summer, they visited Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, where they once again indulged in outdoor adventures, including white water rafting and peach-picking.