- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Bar Harbor
Much of what is Bar Harbor famous for is its Gilded Age history. A summer playground for the Rockefellers, its landscape of shingle-style 'cottages' was reshaped by the Great Fire of 1947, which destroyed 67 of these grand estates.
Beyond town lies Acadia National Park, with 158 miles of trails. See the first US sunrise from Cadillac Mountain during fall and winter. For a unique view, kayak along the rocky coast or explore the 45 miles of historic car-free carriage roads.
The local cuisine revolves around fresh lobster, enjoyed at casual pounds or in fine dining. Wild Maine blueberries feature in everything from pies to ale. For a true local experience, try a whoopie pie, Maine's official state treat, not just a tourist novelty.
- Bar HarborUnited States
- Bar HarborUnited States
- Bar HarborUnited States
- Bar HarborUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Wintercold, quiet; occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #WaterproofJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days for beaches & excursions
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #AcadiaNationalPark
- #BarHarborVillage
- #JordanPond
- #CadillacMountain
- #SandBeach
- #AbbeyMuseum
- Explore Acadia trails
- Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
- Eat lobster rolls
- Kayaking in the bay
- Biking the carriage roads
Recommended Hotels in Bar Harbor by Experience
Things to do in Bar Harbor
Discover
Discover things to do in Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. Explore Cadillac Mountain's summit views, the historic Bass Harbor Head Light, and the cultural insights at the Abbe Museum, which showcases the area's Wabanaki heritage.
Experience
Hike the scenic Ocean Path, take a whale watching tour from the harbor, or kayak along the rugged coastline. Enjoy fresh lobster bakes, browse downtown shops, and join guided nature walks offered by park rangers throughout the summer season.
Acadia National Park
Atlantic coast reserve with granite cliffs and hiking trails.
Cadillac Mountain Summit
Highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard for sunrises.
Shore Path
Scenic coastal walk with views of Frenchman Bay mansions.
Abbe Museum
Museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Wabanaki.
Whale Watching Tour
Boat excursion to spot whales, seals, and other marine life.
Bass Harbor Head Light
Historic lighthouse perched on a rugged, rocky coastline.
Carriage Roads
Historic gravel roads for biking and walking in Acadia.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) or Bangor International (BGR), an hour away. Shuttles and taxis provide transport from the Bar Harbor airport to city center. Note, there is no direct train to Bar Harbor; buses connect from Bangor.
Getting Around
The free, seasonal Island Explorer is the primary public transport in Bar Harbor, linking the village to Acadia National Park. Downtown is walkable, but a car rental in Bar Harbor offers flexibility. Bicycles are popular for exploring the Carriage Roads.
Local Essentials
Driving in Bar Harbor requires patience as parking is scarce. Acadia now requires vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain Road. When you plan a trip to Bar Harbor, book accommodations and car rentals months ahead for summer travel.
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
To truly explore Bar Harbor's food scene, taste a fresh lobster roll and wild blueberry pie. The local cuisine in Bar Harbor revolves around the lobster pound tradition a casual, waterfront meal. It's all about simple, fresh seafood.
Enjoy
Some of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor include Stewman's for a waterfront vibe, expect crowds. The Thirsty Whale Tavern is a rustic local haunt, arrive early. Grab brunch at the quirky Cafe This Way, book ahead.
Stewman's Downtown Lobster Pound
Waterfront dining with classic Maine lobster bakes.
Reading Room Restaurant
Elegant dining with ocean views and live piano music.
Side Street Cafe
A cozy, beloved spot for creative comfort food.
Havana
Upscale American cuisine with a creative Latin flair.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Bar Harbor's heritage through events like the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas, a celebration of Wabanaki culture with art markets and performances. The town's must-see July 4th festivities include a parade and fireworks over Frenchman Bay.
Enjoy
Discover Bar Harbor's creative pulse at the multi-genre Bar Harbor Music Festival, presenting classical, opera, and jazz concerts. The Acadia Dance Festival offers world-class contemporary dance performances and workshops. There are many things to do.
Bar Harbor 4th of July
A full day of events with a parade, seafood festival & fireworks.
Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas
A Wabanaki celebration in July with a Native arts market.
Bar Harbor Music Festival
July festival featuring classical, jazz, and pops concerts.
Acadia Night Sky Festival
Late September event celebrating the stars with talks & workshops.
Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival
Juried art show in August on the waterfront Bar Harbor Inn grounds.
Acadia Trad Festival
Weeklong June celebration of traditional Celtic-influenced music.
Wonderful Coastal Town
Bar Harbor is the perfect coastal town escape. It has this wonderful quality of being a cute, walkable town while also serving as the gateway to massive natural beauty. Walking the Shore Path every morning was a highlight. A great place to unwind.
Hiker's Paradise
The access to Acadia is just incredible. You can be on a serious hike just minutes after leaving town. The fall colors were stunning. Tackled The Beehive Trail and the views were well worth the climb. A hiker's dream location for sure.
So Relaxing and Easy
Bar Harbor offers such a wonderfully relaxing vacation. We found it so easy to just stroll through the shops on Main Street and then grab an amazing lobster roll for lunch. The whole town feels clean and the people are so welcoming. A very easy place to be.
Great for the Family
Perfect spot for a family trip. The kids had a blast at Sand Beach, and finding casual spots to eat was a breeze. It's a great balance of outdoor fun and town activities, which kept everyone in good spirits.
Unbelievable Scenery
The scenery here is on another level. Waking up early for the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is a must-do; the colors are just incredible. The whole island offers amazing photo opportunities, from the rocky coast to the quiet ponds.
Quiet Spots and Great Food
Loved exploring the quieter corners of the island. A stop at Jordan Pond House for the popovers and tea was a perfect afternoon treat. The town has great food beyond the main drags if you wander a bit. A very satisfying trip.