Bar Harbor, Maine is one of my absolute favorite coastal towns. I’ve visited Acadia National at least 10 to 12 times in the past 7 years, and Bar Harbor is the cherry on top of the Acadia sundae! If you’re looking for picturesque harbor views, charming B&Bs, and all the lobster you can handle then Bar Harbor is for you. There are so many things to do in this easy going coastal haven, so here are a few tips on how to make the most of your next trip to Bar Harbor, Maine.
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The Basics: Bar Harbor, Maine Edition
Where Is Bar Harbor, Maine?:
Bar Harbor is in the region known as Down East Maine. It’s located on Mount Desert Island and it’s home to some of the largest parts of Acadia National Park.
How Do I Get To Bar Harbor, Maine?:
Air –
- The closest major airport is Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Drive time: 4 hours 50 mins
- The other air options are Portland International in Portland, Maine.
- Drive time: 2 hours 58 mins
Train –
- Amtrak’s Downeaster – the train runs five times a day between Boston, MA and Portland, ME – via the Woburn and Haverhill, MA lines – it takes 2.5 hours. Two of those daily trains run past Portland to Freeport, ME (L.L. Bean flagship store), and Brunswick, ME.
- The train takes a pretty scenic route up the coast but you’ll need to rent a car to get to Bar Harbor.
Ferry –
The Bar Harbor Ferry – the ferry crosses Frenchmans Bay from mid-June to September. This gives visitors an easy way to visit the “other side” of Acadia National Park, the Schoodic Peninsula.
Will I Need A Rental Car?:
Whether you fly or take the train you will need a car to get around Maine. Especially if you are planning on visiting Acadia National Park (and I’m sure you are) a car is necessary.
There is an alternative as the Mount Desert Island (MDI) and Acadia have a bus called the Island Explorer. Due to the pandemic they are limiting the number of riders in 2021. But find more on the bus services here.
If I’m Roadtripping Will I Be Able To Find Parking?:
Bar Harbor itself is a VERY walkable town. Parking can be tricky at certain times of the day but there is a large (paid) parking area where you can usually find a spot. I paid $18 for 9 hours of parking. Most BNBs downtown have their own onsite parking.
When Should I Visit Bar Harbor, Maine?:
Spring:
Spring is a great time to visit Acadia National Park, but much of Bar Harbor is still seasonally closed. There are some shops and restaurants that are open year round but your choices will be pretty limited.
Summer:
Summer is arguably the best time to visit Bar Harbor, but everyone else knows that too! However, this seasons brings pretty large crowds but the weather in Maine is amazing in the summer. Everything will be open.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to visit Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The entire park lights up in those gorgeous New England fall colors. It’s another popular time in both the Park and Bar Harbor. However, once you get past the first few weeks in October many shops and restaurants start closing for the season.
Winter:
While winter may be an amazing time to see Acadia in a different way, you will be very limited in Bar Harbor. There are very few shops and restaurants that remain open during the winter. But if you are looking for some solitude in this beautiful location then winter is perfect time to visit.
Where Should I Stay In Bar, Harbor Maine?:
There are so many options when it comes to staying in Bar Harbor.
B&Bs:
Ullikana Inn
- 16 The Field, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- (207) 288-955216
- Contact Property To Find Prices
- Find Out More Here
- Check-in time: 3 pm
- Check-out time: 11 am
Set in an 1885 Tudor Revival house, this charming bed-and-breakfast is in the perfect location for your stay in Bar Harbor. It’s only a 4-minute walk from Frenchman Bay, 2 miles from Acadia National Park and 19 miles from US-1.
Personal Experience: I really loved the location of this B&B, the staff was incredibly friendly, and it’s truly charming inside. The only thing that was a little odd, is that the shower in my room wasn’t in a separate bathroom. It was inside the room – like, in front of the bed. This is completely fine if you are staying here alone or with a partner but keep this in mind if you are traveling with friends. *I’m not sure if all rooms are set up this way or just the room I was staying in.
Ivy Manor Inn
- 194 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- (207) 288-2138
- Rooms Run Around $269 A Night
- Find Out More Here
- Check-in time: 3 pm
- Check-out time: 10 am
This picturesque inn is at a great location right in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. You can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and the harbor from this charming place. It didn’t hurt that after driving back to Acadia from Nova Scotia that they had complimentary champagne waiting. This is one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed in Bar Harbor.
Hotels:
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
- 269 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- (207) 288-5226
- Rooms Run Around $169 A Night
- Find Out More Here
This 5-star hotel is a replica of the historic Rodick House, and stands out from other Bar Harbor hotels with it’s elegance and sophisticated service.
Quality Inn Bar Harbor
- 40 Kebo St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- (207) 288-5403
- Rooms Run Around $125 A Night On Booking.com or $110 On The Quality Inn Website
- Find Out More Here
While this hotel isn’t in town it’s a quick drive to downtown Bar Harbor and even closer to the Acadia National Park. It’s in a great location.
Highbrook Motel
- 94 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- (207) 288-3591
- Rooms Run Between $120-$150
- Find Out More Here
I’m not usually a motel girl, but for a last minute trip to Bar Harbor in 2019, I didn’t really have much of a choice. I was surprised by this place – the location is great, the rooms were clean and cute, and it’s not far from the park or Bar Harbor.
AirBNBs (Dog Friendly):
Bar Harbor Studio – Acadia Woods Retreat
Dreamy Stays:
Under The Canvas – Acadia National Park –
- 702 Surry Rd, Surry, ME 04684
- (207) 512-4265
- May 13 – Oct 11, 2021
- Find Out More Here
Enjoy glamping on 100 acres of waterfront land, with more than 1200 feet of coastline. It’s just 39 minutes to Bar Harbor, and 35 minutes to Cadillac Mountain and Acadia National Park. Bonus: some of the tents are also dog friendly!
But let’s talk about what YOU should do on your next trip to Mount Desert Island, and Bar Harbor, Maine…
11 Fun Things To Do In Bar Harbor, Maine
1. Visit Acadia National Park –
The number one draw to Bar Harbor is its proximity to Acadia National Park. One of my absolute favorite parks in the United States you won’t run out of things to do at Acadia. Some of the top experiences at Acadia include:
- Drive Park Loop Road
- Cadillac Mountain Summit
- Thunder Hole
- Take A Hike
- Try The Popovers At Jordan Pond House
Keep In Mind:
Acadia has an entrance fee. From May through October, all visitors are required to have a park entrance pass. All vehicles must display a park entrance pass clearly visible through the windshield. Online sales are available anytime at Recreation.gov
- Private vehicles are $30 for a 7 day pass
- Motorcycles – $25
- Per Person – $15 (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian)
- Acadia Annual Pass – $55
- American The Beautiful Pass – $80 (purchase here)
- 2021 – They are implementing a timed entry for Cadillac Mountain Summit that started April 1st at 10 am.
- You can make your reservations through Recreation.gov
- Reservations need to be made May 26 – Oct 19
- This is in addition to an entrance pass is required for all locations in Acadia National Park
- Print, download, or screenshot your confirmation code to display since connectivity can be spotty approaching the check station
- There is an entry time window for each vehicle reservation – two hours for sunrise and 30 minutes for daytime
- There is no limit on the length of time visitors may remain parked in the reservation area
- 30% of available vehicle reservations are released 90 days ahead of each calendar date on a rolling basis
- 70% are released at 10 am ET two days ahead of each date to allow visitors a bit more trip spontaneity
- Acadia is one of the most dog friendly National Parks – so bring your pups!
For more on what to do at Acadia National Park check out: Camping At Acadia: The Complete Guide, Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?, 5 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes At Acadia
2. Take In A Sunrise –
You can view a gorgeous sunrise right in Bar Harbor. Frenchmans Bay and the harbor both offer gorgeous sunrises. Some of my other favorite spots to take in sunrise nearby
For more on sunrise at Acadia check out: Sunrise At Acadia National Park
3. Grab A Coffee And Watch The Lobster Boats –
This is one of my favorite ways to spend a morning in Bar Harbor. Head to
Coffee Hound
- 27 Main Street B, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: Daily 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Find More Here
Coffee Hound is a Maine Craft Coffee Roaster that focuses on small farm grown – small batch roasted coffees. I stop here on every single visit to Acadia at least once, but if I can swing it, I stop every single morning. Highly recommend the Nutella crepe and the egg and cheese sandwich. And I also love the Maple, but the chai tea latte is excellent too.
Acadia Perk
- 5 Firefly Ln, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- 7:30 am – 7 pm
Acadia Perk is a newer addition to Bar Harbor but a great one! I highly recommend the Blueberry Macchiato (their signature and famous drink) and the Caramel Apple Sipper.
Then head across the street to Agamont Park and find yourself a park bench. Sit and enjoy your coffee and sandwich while you take in those beautiful harbor views.
4. Learn About The Wabanaki Nation –
The Abbe Museum
- 26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Hours: May – October: Daily 10 am – 5 pm
- Admission: Adults: $10, Seniors: $7, Children 11-17: $5, Children 10 and under: Free
- 207-288-3519
- Find Out More Here
This is a can’t miss in my opinion, The Wabanaki are known as ‘The People of the First Light’ and they have a rich 12,000-year history here. Their descendants work with the museum to preserve the arts, culture and stories of their ancestors. Native American history is some of my favorite and in my opinion it’s incredibly important to preserve and study.
5. Take A Whale Watching Tour –
For mine I chose…
Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co
- 1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- 207-288-2386
- Find Out More And Book Here
Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co offers several different tours. I took the Whale Watching Cruise in August of 2019. They also offer a Nature Cruise, Lobster Fishing & Seal Watching, and Puffin And Lighthouse Cruise, which all sound amazing.
Know Before You Go: Whale Watching
- Make sure to bring a photo id along with your tickets if you buy them online
- Face masks must be worn on all vessels, docks, and in the gift shops
- All facilities and vessels are wheelchair accessible
- These cruises can take up to 5 or 6 hours so plan accordingly, for whale watching the vessels generally travel 20-40 miles offshore and that takes some time
- They offer a Whale Guarantee: If whales are not seen on your whale watch cruise, your reservation will become a voucher that is valid for 3 years. They do not issue refunds for trips that do not see whales
- If you experience seasickness take Dramamine before your cruise – we had really choppy seas the day of our cruise and about 50% of the boat got sick (thankfully I do not experience seasickness)
- Dress in layers it is often much colder the further you get out to sea, temps generally dip 25 degrees
- Wear sunscreen, this is my favorite because the water magnifies the sun and you will get sunburn
- Bring binoculars – especially for nature and puffin cruises but they can be helpful for the whale watching cruise as well
- Bring a telephoto lens for your camera for close-ups of the whales
- You are welcome to bring food and beverages on with you, however they do not allow alcohol, glass containers, or hard coolers to be brought on the vessels. The vessels have galleys with snacks and beverages as well!
- Keep your eyes peeled – during my cruise before we even left the dock, a bald eagle landed on the dock to enjoy some fish
- This is not dog friendly – although service dogs are an exception to this rule
6. Eat Your Weight In Lobst er –
If you read any of my other Acadia posts then you probably already know that my favorite lobster roll is actually in Southwest Harbor and not Bar Harbor. BUT there are so many great places to have lobster in Bar Harbor.
In Town:
Stewman’s Lobster Pound
- 35 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Daily 12-9 pm
- Find The Menu Here
Bar Harbor Lobster Co
- 297 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Wed – Sun: 11:30 am – 8:30pm
- Closed Mon-Tues
- Find The Menu Here
Outside Of Town:
Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound
- 465 Seawall Road, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
- Opens for the season at the end of May
- Hours: Daily 10 am – 8:30 pm
- Find The Menu Here
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
- 9 Thurston Rd, Bernard, ME 04612
- Serving Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat: 12 – 8 pm
- Open the Sunday of Labor Day and Columbus Day Weekend
- Find The Menu Here
What To Try:
- Full Lobster Dinner
- Lobster Roll
- Lobster Stew
If you would to know more about lobster/lobster rolls check out: The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine
7. Kayak Somes Sound –
There are several companies you can use to kayak at/near Acadia, I chose…
National Park Kayak Tours
- 39 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Daily 8 am – 7:30pm
- (207) 288-0342
- Cost: $55/person in May, June, after Labor Day through Columbus Day
- $60/person in July through Labor Day
- Find Out More And Book Here
I absolutely loved kayaking Somes Sound at Acadia National Park! Definitely take a camera and binoculars with you. I saw a bald eagle on my kayaking trip and the views of Somes Sound are just stunning. I chose a mid-morning trip but sunset kayaking sounds amazing too!
8. Sips Some Beer At Atlantic Brewing –
- 15 Knox Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- (207) 288-2337
- Opening Mid-May 2021
- Find Beer List Here
Try some of the Maine inspired beer at Atlantic Brewings, and tour the operation any day during the late May to mid-October season.
If you are a fellow beer lover it might excite you to know that there is now a small batch brewery right in downtown Bar Harbor.
- 52 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Thurs-Fri: 4-8, Sat: 12-8, Sun: 12-6
- Take out and dine in available
- Order take out here, by phone at 207-288-2326
9. Check Out Some Cute Shops –
Shopping in Bar Harbor is so much fun and there are so many charming shops to choose from! Here are a few of the best…
My Darling Maine
- 19 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Currently, the shop is open by appt only but that could be changing soon
- To make an appt call (207) 801-9346
- Find More Here
My Darling Maine isn’t just another touristy gift shop, here you will find interesting keepsakes that were most likely made in Maine. What you’ll find in My Darling Maine are gifts with a purpose, many with a unique twist and a message from a local artist.
Native Arts Gallery
- 99 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Find Out More Here
The Native Arts Gallery is a unique family owned and operated store that has been bringing southwestern Native American jewelry to Bar Harbor for 20 years. I love this place! I stop every time I’m in Bar Harbor.
A Little Mad
- 15 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Thurs – Mon: 10 m – 5 pm, Tues – Wed: Closed
- Find Out More Here
If you love handmade and eclectic, then A Little Mad is the shop for you! While this charmer isn’t on Main Street, it is one of my absolute favorites. This shop is filled with handmade whimsical items.
Read more about shopping in Bar Harbor here: 11 Can’t Miss Shops In Bar Harbor, Maine
10. Don’t Skip The Ice Cream –
There is no shortage of ice cream shops in downtown Bar Harbor! All are great but there are a few that stand above the rest…
Jordan Pond Ice Cream And Fudge
- 45 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Mon – Thurs: 11 am – 9 pm, Fri – Sat: 11 am – 10 pm
- Find Out More Here
Jordon Pond ice cream makes their own ice cream and you can tell. Service is quick and friendly, and the flavors are really on point. Try the blueberry, I mean, it’s Maine you’ve gotta try the blueberry!
If you’re an adventurous eater try Lobster Ice Cream, yep, you read that right at…
Ben And Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
- 66 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Mon-Sat: 9 am – 10 pm, Sun: 10 am – 10 pm
- Find Out More Here
Not only does Ben and Bills have excellent mango sorbet, but they also offer lobster ice cream. And yes, everyone I’ve ever heard read the sign makes the same face that you made when you read LOBSTER ice cream. Haha I haven’t tried it but it definitely piqued my interest.
Outside of town try…
Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat
- 369, ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Opening May 21, 2021
- Find Out More Here
Udder Heaven has sundaes, crepes, pastries, milkshakes, sorbet and of course, amazing ice cream. The service is friendly and quick, and the prices aren’t bad either.
For More Of A Sips & Eats Guide To Bar Harbor check out: 11 Can’t Miss Shops In Bar Harbor, Maine
11. Catch A Sunset At Acadia National Park –
You won’t get much a sunset in town but the sky might look gorgeous as you look toward Cadillac Mountain.
Now with the timed entry seeing a sunset on Cadillac is a little more tricky, as you can’t really spontaneously decide you want to catch a sunset there. However, if you plan ahead you can still catch a gorgeous sunset on Cadillac Summit.
Bass Harbor Light is another popular spot to watch the sunset at Acadia National Park. A word of caution, this is THE most popular place for sunset on MDI. There will be crowds so get there early and be prepared to share the sunset with a lot of people.
I prefer more solitude on my sunsets and try to find new places around the park to take them in. Here are some of my favorites where I was the only person there at sunset…
A Little History:
The Wabanaki
Mount Desert Island was home to the Wabanaki tribe. This area was known as Pemetic, or “range of mountains” or “mountains seen at a distance.” The Wabanaki seasonally fished, hunted, and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area. Bar Harbor was known to the Wabanaki as Man-es-ayd’ik, or the “clam-gathering place.” It’s also been referred to as Ah-bays’auk “clambake place,” as they left great piles of shells as evidence.
In September of 1604, famed French explorer Samuel de Champlain ran aground on a rock ledge believed to be Egg Rock (yes, like the lighthouse), just off Otter Cliffs. And when he came ashore to repair his boat he met local natives, the Wabanaki. Champlain named the island Isle des Monts Deserts, or “island of barren mountains.” Which is now called Mount Desert Island, and one of the largest islands in Maine.
European Settlers
Then in 1761, Abraham Somes established the first European village on Mount Desert Island, naming it Somesville. You can probably put together that Somes Sound was named after him. Did you know it’s the only naturally occurring fjord on the East Coast of the United States? Pretty cool!
Bar Harbor itself was first settled by Europeans in 1763 by Israel Higgins and John Thomas and incorporated in February 1796, as Eden, after Sir Richard Eden, an English statesman. You may have guessed that early industries included fishing, lumbering and shipbuilding.
The town quickly took off and by 1800 there were over 30 hotels on the island. Tourists were arriving by train and ferry daily and MDI became a playground for the wealthy. Many influential (and wealthy) people have called Bar Harbor home over the years Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Morgans, Astors, and even Martha Stewart.
As you can see, there are SO many fun things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine. This list has just scratched the surface. It’s a truly charming town and a great place to spend a week during the summer and fall! Whatever you do, don’t skip Bar Harbor on your next trip to Maine.
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