Bar Harbor was named “best small town to visit”, by US News & World Report in 2022. The picturesque oceanfront town is filled with restaurants, shops, thrilling water activities, not to mention it’s a gateway to the jaw-dropping Acadia National Park. It’s no wonder that Bar Harbor welcomes more than 3 million visitors from around the world each year.
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When to go
Winter
- Average temperature: 15-25 °F
- Average snowfall: 50-70 inches
Some restaurants and shops are closed for the season, but it’s Bar Harbor’s best kept secret that this season is one of the best times for an escape to relax and rejuvenate. Hotels and Inns offer reduced rates, shops offer winter deals and Acadia National Park is partly open for winter activities.
Spring
- Average temperature: 40-60 °F
- Average rainfall: 15-17 inches
Typically, a mud season, but don’t let that deter you. It’s a great opportunity to take a Culinary Walking Tour with tastings to learn about the local culinary culture, or take a self-guided audio driving tour through Acadia National Park.
Summer
- Average temperature: 70-85 °F
- Average ocean water temperature: 60-65 °F
The water activities are in full swing and Acadia National Park is fully open. This is a peak season for tourism, expect sold out activities and booked out hotels. In the months of July and August, the town of Bar Harbor hosts outdoor movies in Agamont Park every Wednesday at dusk, they even provide complimentary popcorn. For Independence Day, avoid the downtown crowds and hectic traffic and celebrate the holiday in style, by getting a front row seat aboard the Fireworks Cruise to an amazing fireworks display.
Fall
- Average temperature: 45-65 °F
- Average rainfall: 16-19 inches
New England Fall is famous for its unmatched vibrant foliage. It’s no surprise, that this is another popular tourist season. In the month of October, Bar Harbor hosts Island Arts Oktoberfest Craft Fair, featuring local artist’s work, live music and more.
Where to stay
Bar Harbor offers a large variety of accommodations to suit your preferences and needs; boutique hotels, inns, etc. If that’s not your scene and you prefer to be closer to nature, try glamping.
I’ve tried several accommodations and here are my favorite stand-outs. I look for location, quality (cleanliness/comfort), value, and overall ambiance.
Amenities: Oceanside pool with 180-degree views of the harbor, tennis courts, fitness center and free parking. Located in town and on the water, within walking distance to everything.
Food: 2 on-site restaurants: La Bella Vita, Splash Pool Bar.
Amenities: Fitness center, heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, located on the edge of town, within walking distance of everything.
Food: Complimentary continental breakfast.
Where nature meets luxury – a one of a kind, off-the-beaten-path retreat, yet only minutes away from Bar Harbor downtown and Acadia National Park. Make lasting memories with your family, as you gather around the crackling camp fire, roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Amenities: Electricity, deluxe bedding, towels and toiletries, private fire pits, and in some tents private bathrooms. They also offer, public outdoor pool and hot tub, lawn games and Wi-Fi.
Food: On-site restaurant: Kitchen (207). Terramor also offers customized grill packages; ingredients and tools are provided, all you need to do is choose a package and reserve a grill site.
Where to eat
If authentic Maine cuisine, like savory crabcakes, flaky haddock or a hearty clam chowder served with an oceanfront view is what you are after, then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to beautiful Bar Harbor! Where fresh seafood arrives straight from the boat to your plate. You will also find locally brewed beer, hand-crafted ice cream and so much more in this charming little town.
Although there are many popular eateries to choose from (and I’ve tried many of them), here are my favorite stand-outs. I’ve separated them by casual and fine dining with honorable mentions included. I look for quality, value, flavor, portion, presentation and the overall restaurant ambiance.
Casual dining:
Enjoy the stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine islands as you nosh on delicious Maine cuisine at this outdoor restaurant. Not in the mood for a full meal? Lounge in a chair by the fire pit while sipping on a refreshing drink.
Savor delicious small/shareable plates prepared with fresh ingredients and served in a cozy garden setting.
Indulge in a classic Maine lobster bake with traditional ingredients, at this oceanside pound. Or just grab a drink and enjoy it with unparalleled views of the harbor on their floating dock.
Fine dining:
Elevate your dining experience with a “full sensory dining experience”, featuring fresh ingredients from local farms and foragers and beautiful ocean views.
Soak in some of the best views of Frenchman Bay as you dine at this gem. Their dishes are locally inspired and prepared with high quality and fresh ingredients.
Brasserie Le Brun
A French restaurant, offers delicious French classics, prepared with local and fresh ingredients.
Honorable mentions:
Coffee and sweet delights
Coffee shop offers wraps, house-made bagels, organic coffee and gourmet chocolates.
Scrumptious ice cream with a whopping 65 flavors, made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Try their Maine-inspired flavors like Apple Pie, Maine Blueberry, Moose Tracks or Whoopie Pie. Better yet, make your own! Learn the craft of ice cream making the old-fashioned way, in a 1.5hr session. All ingredients are provided, all you need is cranking power and a sweet tooth. You will make 2 quarts of ice cream to take home, plus have a chance to sample other freshly prepared flavors. Sessions available by appointment only.
What to do
Bar Harbor has so much to offer. Aside from savoring the breathtaking views of the harbor islands that surround the town, you can go shopping, bike riding, kayaking, whale watching, the list is endless. Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape or a thrilling adventure, you can find it all in Bar Harbor. Most downtown businesses (and activities listed below) don’t have onsite parking, so plan accordingly and allow yourself time to find paid street-parking.
1. Explore the beautiful Acadia National Park
Referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast”, Acadia encompasses 50,000 acres of preserve, 60 miles of coastline and 26 mountains. Acadia is wild, stunning and is the perfect setting for hiking, biking, climbing, swimming and more.
2. Go on a puffin and lighthouse tour
Hop on board the catamaran at Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, for a 2.5 – 3hrs scenic cruise to a nesting colony of puffins. You will make a stop at the Egg Rock Lighthouse built in 1875, a favored spot for cormorants and gulls to build their nests. Eagles and seals are often sighted there as well. Head to an offshore Petit Manan Island, home to puffins. Bring binoculars and zoom lenses for a closer look. After a stop at the Schoodic Island enjoy the views of Acadia shoreline as you make your way back.
3. Take a lob-stah tour
Board a traditional lobster boat for an educational tour at Lulu Lobster Boat. Learn about the craft of lobstering, the anatomy and life cycle of the Maine lobster and more. No food or drinks are provided on this 2hr tour, but you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. After such an expedition, a lobster bake is in order, no? Paid parking may be available at the Harborside hotel.
4. Go on a kayaking tour
Join an Aqua-Safari kayaking tour at Maine State Sea Kayak, for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the peace and tranquility, as you paddle through the pristine waters. Spot porpoises and harbor seals frolicking in the water, and ospreys and eagles soaring in the sky. Make a stop on a remote island for a quick break. You can explore the island, or just sit back and take in the views. This is a 4hr tour including transportation (about 2.5 – 3hrs on the water). Tandem kayaks are mostly used for this tour.
5. Go on a whale-watching tour
Enjoy the views of historic lighthouses and coastal islands as you embark on this 3.5 – 5.5hrs narrated adventure to the whale feeding-grounds with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Keep an eye out for puffins, grey seals, dolphins and even sharks. Have your cameras ready when you hear the sound of the whale blowhole and watch them propel out of the water. Humpback, finback and minke are commonly sighted whales. Bring binoculars sunscreen and layers. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the galley (cash only), but you are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Dogs on a leash are welcome on board.
6. Sail into the sunset
Embark on a romantic sunset cruise with Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines LLC. Enjoy the shimmering deep blue water, salty sea air, craggy coastline and the lush islands. Sail into the sun set, past historic lighthouses and grandeur mountains. Enjoy a glass of wine as you are serenaded by the live folk music. Beverages are available for purchase on board, but you are also welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Bring layers, and a poncho may come in handy. Tours range 60 – 90mins. Pets on a leash are welcome.
7. Cross the hidden path to Bar Island
When the tide is low and the water recedes, a temporary sandbar to Bar Island is exposed. You can explore the 0.5-mile sandbar’s tide pools looking for mussels and sea stars, or you can follow it to Bar Island, hike past aromatic fields of milkweed and ascend to the observation point to be rewarded with views (albeit limited views) of Bar Harbor and the surrounding mountains. Just remember that you have a limited time (about 3hrs, including the sandbar) to explore and get back to the Bar Harbor side before the path disappears under water. It’s a 1.9-mile roundtrip, including the sandbar. Here’s the tide schedule for your reference.
8. Visit the iconic Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Enjoy the views of this picturesque lighthouse perched up on the ragged cliffside since 1858. Keep in mind that this lighthouse gets over 180,000 visitors each year and parking is very limited.
9. Soar above Acadia
If you are seeking a unique adventure with unparalleled views then look no further than the Scenic Fights of Acadia tour. Enjoy the unobstructed views as you soar above Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, taking in the rugged beauty of Maine. Tours range 25 – 75mins and up to five passengers are allowed per flight.
10. Peruse local shops
Boutiques and shops offer local treasures like jewelry featuring the watermelon tourmaline (Maine’s gem), Jordan Pond popover mix, sweetgrass baskets, or all-natural treats for your fur baby in fun shapes like lobsters and moose.
11. Take a scenic stroll on the Shore Path
Enjoy a leisurely 1.5-mile stroll along the coastline with stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the harbor, dotted with sails and lobster boats. The path is stroller and wheelchair friendly and there are several benches to sit and rest along the shore.
12. Enjoy a picnic in Agamont Park
Pack a quintessential Maine picnic, with a delicious lobster roll and a whoopie pie, and enjoy it at Agamont Park with magnificent vista views of the harbor. Free Wi-Fi network is available in the park, not that you will need it ;).
13. See Bar Harbor/Acadia by trolley
To get your bearings, take a fully narrated 30min trolley tour of Bar Harbor with Oli’s Trolley Inc. You will learn about historic sites, local shops and restaurants. Or you can go with the Acadia National Park tour option (2.5hrs or 4hrs depending on the tour you select). You will make stops at the iconic Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain. Snacks and beverages are not available onboard but you are welcome to bring your own.
14. Go on a bird watching tour
Bird lover? Join a bird watching tour with knowledgeable guides at Down East Bird Watching & Nature Tours, who will teach you about the local birds, their habitat and how to identify them by their song. Some of the birds sighted on the tour are bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and osprey.
15. Stop and smell the roses
Wander through Asticou Azalea Garden, a botanical oasis inspired by Japanese gardens. You will find a sea of colorful and fragrant flowers, beautiful butterflies and an occasional hummingbird.
16. Catch a train
Take a 45min narrated ride aboard a restored passenger train at Downeast Scenic Railroad, and learn about the railroad history. The train runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Bottled water and snacks are available for purchase on the train. Handicap accessible. Dogs are welcome onboard.
1-day sample itinerary
I can’t think of a better way to start your day than watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (the first place the sun rises on the East Coast). The mountain is accessible by car but keep in mind that vehicle reservations are required at Recreation.gov in advance.
For breakfast, head to La Bella Vita. Grab a table on the outdoor terrace, sit back and enjoy the ocean views or just people watch as you indulge in a delicious lobster benedict and a hot cup of coffee.
Catch a free Island Explorer shuttle to Acadia (parking during the day, especially in the summer and fall seasons, is a nightmare!), and hike the stunning Ocean Path Trail along the coast, that will lead you to Thunder Hole and Otter Point. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a dip in the cold Maine waters at the Sand Beach.
After working up an appetite, catch a shuttle and head to Jordan Pond House for lunch and tea on the lawn, with amazing views of the Jordan Pond and the Bubbles Mountains. Try their delicious lobster popovers and popover sundae for dessert. Be sure to make lunch reservations in advance, they book out fast.
Take the shuttle back into town and go for a stroll along the quaint streets and do some window shopping.
For dinner head to Reading Room Restaurant for a delicious meal and live piano music. Try their seared sea scallops or herb baked Atlantic salmon. For dessert grab a Whoopi pie ice cream from Mount Desert Island Ice Cream shop, and enjoy it in the Agamont Park with views of the harbor.