Bar Harbor, Maine
Downeast Maine, Acadia National Park, rugged coastline, mountains and wildlife
Bar Harbor, Maine is a quaint New England town located on Mount Desert Island along Frenchman’s Bay with a bustling village square, shops and delicious restaurants. It is also home to Acadia National Park that attracts 4 million visitors a year. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails, bike paths, beaches and camping.
How to Get to Bar Harbor
Most visitors to Bar Harbor arrive by car enjoying the coastal Maine scenery along the way. You can fly into Boston Logan Airport (BOS) or Portland (PWM), rent a car and drive. There are also flights available into nearby Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB).
WHERE TO Stay in Bar Harbor
We stayed at the West Street Inn in the heart of town with beautiful views of the harbor. The rooms are clean and decorated in a nautical theme. The Balanced Rock Inn is a historic “cottage” built in 1903 that is now a luxury oceanfront hotel overlooking Frenchman’s Bay. You will find a variety of hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in town and the surrounding area. Staying in town is convenient and enjoyable, especially once the day time visitors leave, and it’s relaxing to be able walk to shops and restaurants.
Bar Harbor offers a variety of lodging choices ranging from full-service hotels, house rentals to camp sites. Find what works best for you and your budget!
What to see in Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most-visited parks in the United States and the main draw for visitors to the Bar Harbor area.
I recommend going to the National Park Service site prior to your visit to learn about hours of operation, obtaining park passes and viewing maps. There is plenty of information available to help you plan your trip so you are prepared once you arrive and can start exploring.
You can enjoy scenic rocky coasts, hike nearly 160 miles of trails, bike ride and horseback ride. Whether you prefer land or sea there are plenty of choices for an active outdoor vacation. I have listed some highlights of Acadia National Park but certainly explore and discover what you like.
Tours are one of the best ways to discover a new destination for the first time. An experienced tour guide can provide an overview of the area and the highlights that you may choose to revisit on your own. Here are some tours worth looking into as you begin to explore Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
Cadillac Mountain located within Acadia is the highest point along the North Atlantic coast and looms above Bar Harbor. You can drive or hike to the summit where you can enjoy panoramic views. It does get very crowded during peak season and parking can be challenging. There are restrooms and a gift shop/ convenience store at the top.
Jordan Pond House is a busy visitor center with restrooms, gift shops and a restaurant on a hill overlooking Jordan Pond and the Bubble Mountains. You can enjoy afternoon tea and their delicious and famous popovers with jam. You’ll be joined by many hungry visitors so be sure you have a reservation during the busy lunch and tea time.
We walked the Jordan Pond 3.4 mile Full Loop trail where we saw nesting loons, ducks and signs of beaver. The dirt and board walk is easy to navigate and you can enjoy the surrounding woods and pond.
Sand Beach is located between two granite cliffs forming an ocean cove on Mount Desert Island on the Park Loop Road in Acadia. The chilly 55 degree water temperature can be refreshing on a hot summer day. A park pass is required to enter and parking is along the side of the road.
Boat and Kayak Tours offer an enjoyable way to explore the area because they provide a different prospective of Bar Harbor and Acadia from the water. You will learn about the region and enjoy viewing bald eagles, seals, birds and whales.
There are a variety of sightseeing tours that depart from the docks in downtown Bar Harbor or from nearby hotels. I have listed a few to look into depending on your interests and how much time you have.
Another fun way to explore Bar Harbor and Acadia is by renting a scooter or bike from Acadia Outfitters.
Shoppers may be disappointed by the lack of selection in Bar Harbor stores. You will find an abundance of tee and sweatshirts for sale, as well, shelves stocked with blueberry jams and numerous lobster themed items.
If you are looking for more authentic wares, be sure to visit The Maine Store to browse their selection of Maine-made goods and creations from local artists.
Packing for a visit to the Mount Desert Island area is pretty easy. Casual and comfortable clothing is key. The weather can be pretty changeable so bring a hat, light jacket or sweatshirt. Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes are also recommended.
Many visitors return often to the Bar Harbor area and Acadia National Park because of its unique, natural beauty. Your first visit will likely not be your last.
Beth’s Boarding Pass
Maine United States Acadia National Park Acadia National Park Tours Bar Harbor Cadillac Mountain Downeast Maine hiking Jordan Pond House lobster Maine Oli's Trolley West Street Inn
Beth's Boarding Pass 