Bar Harbor

🇺🇸 United States of America

Idyllic coastal town with stunning natural beauty

Bar Harbor - Vacation Briefing

Bar Harbor is a picturesque coastal town located in the state of Maine, United States of America. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this charming destination offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and small-town charm. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor boasts stunning landscapes with rugged cliffs, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Visitors can explore the park's extensive network of hiking trails, go biking along the scenic carriage roads, or take a scenic drive along the famous Park Loop Road. In addition to its natural wonders, Bar Harbor also offers a vibrant downtown area with quaint shops, art galleries, and delicious seafood restaurants.

Popular Sights in Bar Harbor

Acadia National Park Bar Harbor Shore Path Cadillac Mountain Sand Beach Thunder Hole Jordan Pond Precipice Trail Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Egg Rock Light Wild Gardens of Acadia

Click on a sight to open a Google search

Things to do during your Bar Harbor vacation

Bar Harbor is a picturesque town located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, it offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From exploring Acadia National Park to indulging in delicious seafood, here are some of the top things to do in Bar Harbor.

Acadia National Park: Experience the breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails of Acadia National Park.
Whale Watching: Embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
Bar Harbor Shore Path: Take a leisurely stroll along the Bar Harbor Shore Path and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.
Mount Desert Oceanarium: Learn about marine life and the local ecosystem at the Mount Desert Oceanarium.
Kayaking: Paddle through the pristine waters of Bar Harbor on a guided kayaking adventure.
Jordan Pond: Visit the picturesque Jordan Pond and enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by nature.
Bar Island: Experience the unique tidal path to Bar Island and explore its beautiful trails.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Admire the historic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and its picturesque coastal backdrop.
Shopping and Dining: Indulge in fabulous shopping and dining options in the heart of Bar Harbor.
Golfing: Spend a day playing golf at the scenic Kebo Valley Golf Club.
Whale Museum: Visit the Whale Museum to learn more about these majestic creatures and their conservation.

Why you should visit Bar Harbor

Overall

Bar Harbor offers a range of attractions and activities, making it a popular destination. While it may not be considered a top-tier destination, it still provides a satisfactory experience for most travelers.

Safety

Bar Harbor generally has a low crime rate and is considered safe for tourists. However, it is important to exercise normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Culture

Bar Harbor has a rich cultural heritage with historical sites and museums showcasing its history. There are also diverse dining options available, allowing visitors to experience local cuisine.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Bar Harbor is relatively quiet and subdued compared to larger cities. There are some bars and pubs available, but it may not be the ideal destination for those seeking vibrant nightlife.

Adventure

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as kayaking, whale watching, and hiking in Bar Harbor. While it may not have extreme adventure sports, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures.

Relaxation

With its beautiful coastal scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best time to visit Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. For the best weather and outdoor activities, visit between May and September. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons of April and October.

Jan

Mild weather and indoor attractions

-6°C - 2°C

Feb

Quiet and serene

-5°C - 3°C

Mar

Transition to spring, fewer crowds

-2°C - 6°C

Apr

Shoulder season, lower prices

2°C - 11°C

May

Mild and pleasant weather

7°C - 17°C

Jun

Warm temperatures, peak tourist season

12°C - 22°C

Jul

Peak tourist season, vibrant atmosphere

16°C - 26°C

Aug

Peak tourist season, ideal for beach activities

15°C - 26°C

Sep

Mild weather, fewer tourists

11°C - 22°C

Oct

Shoulder season, beautiful fall colors

6°C - 16°C

Nov

Quiet and peaceful

1°C - 10°C

Dec

Charming winter wonderland

-3°C - 5°C

A guide To your first day of Bar Harbor vacation

morning

Start your day with a scenic hike in Acadia National Park, exploring the beautiful landscapes and enjoying the fresh air. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views!
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at a local cafe, trying out the famous lobster roll or blueberry pancakes, which are local specialties.

afternoon

Take a relaxing boat tour to explore the coastline and spot wildlife such as seals and bald eagles. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the ocean.
Visit the charming downtown area and explore the unique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Don't miss the chance to try some local crafts or pick up souvenirs.

evening

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can savor fresh lobster, clam chowder, and other local delicacies. Watch the sunset over the ocean for a truly memorable experience.
Catch a live performance at one of the local theaters or enjoy live music at a cozy bar. Bar Harbor has a vibrant arts scene, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

night

Stroll along the shore and take in the peaceful ambiance of the night. The stars in the clear night sky are a sight to behold, making for a romantic evening.
End your night with a visit to a local brewery or pub, where you can taste a variety of craft beers and relax with friends or loved ones.

How to get to Bar Harbor

By Plane

The most convenient way to reach Bar Harbor by plane is to fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR). BGR offers frequent flights from major cities across the United States, making it easy to reach Bar Harbor. From the airport, travelers can rent a car or take a shuttle to reach their final destination.

Check direct connections to BGR Airport

By other means

Although public transport options are limited in Bar Harbor, there are local bus services available for travel within the area. However, to reach Bar Harbor from other cities, it is recommended to either rent a car or take a taxi for a convenient and comfortable journey.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!