Bar Harbor had been on my radar for years—those classic coastal views, charming streets, and the promise of endless lobster rolls were just too tempting to resist. When I finally made the trip to this little gem on Mount Desert Island, it delivered in every way. Whether you’re here for the iconic hikes in Acadia National Park or just want to soak in the harbor views with a blueberry ale in hand, Bar Harbor is packed with experiences that feel both grounding and memorable.
Here’s everything I loved doing in Bar Harbor—and what I’d recommend you don’t miss.
🏞 Hike the Trails of Acadia National Park
If you’re visiting Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park is where the adventure truly begins. I started my trip with a sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain, which (fun fact!) is the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise for part of the year. It’s popular—yes—but it’s 100% worth it. The views of the Atlantic as the sky turned gold were unforgettable.
Other favorite trails:
- Jordan Pond Path: A scenic, flat loop around the pond with the Bubbles in the background.
- Beehive Trail: For the brave! Metal rungs, steep cliffs, and rewarding views.
- Ocean Path: Great if you want coastal views without a steep climb.
👉 Pro Tip: Make a park pass reservation in advance for Cadillac Mountain if you plan to drive up for sunrise.
🦞 Feast on Local Lobster and Seafood
You can’t come to Bar Harbor and not indulge in fresh Maine lobster. My favorite spot? Thurston’s Lobster Pound—a casual, harbor-side spot just outside of town with steamed lobster that tastes like it was pulled from the sea minutes before hitting your plate.
Other tasty stops:
- Side Street Café: Great for lobster mac and cheese or crab rolls.
- The Travelin’ Lobster: A more rustic, picnic-table vibe with shockingly good prices.
- Beal’s Lobster Pier: I tried the lobster BLT and still think about it.
🌊 Go on a Scenic Boat Tour
One of the highlights of my Bar Harbor trip was getting out on the water. I took a windjammer cruise at sunset, and the pink-and-orange reflections on the bay were magic. There are also wildlife tours where you can spot seals, puffins, and even whales if you’re in the right season (May to October).
Popular choices include:
- Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
- Downeast Windjammer Cruises
- Acadian Boat Tours
🚲 Explore the Carriage Roads by Bike
Acadia’s Carriage Roads—over 45 miles of car-free paths—are one of the best surprises for anyone who loves to bike. I rented a cruiser in town and spent half a day riding past lakes, stone bridges, and deep forest trails. It was peaceful, scenic, and incredibly refreshing.
If biking isn’t your thing, you can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride from Wildwood Stables.
🛍️ Stroll Through Bar Harbor’s Downtown
Bar Harbor’s downtown has a storybook feel, especially in the early morning when the streets are quiet and the harbor mist is still lifting. I browsed local bookstores, popped into art galleries, and couldn’t resist buying wild blueberry jam to take home.
Don’t miss:
- Island Artisans (for locally made gifts)
- Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop
- Cool as a Moose (a fun souvenir stop)
🌅 Watch the Sunset from Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
For the best sunset views, head to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. It’s a bit of a drive from Bar Harbor (about 30 minutes), but totally worth it. The path to the viewpoint is short, and you get that classic lighthouse-on-a-cliff photo moment.
Tip: Arrive early. It gets crowded at golden hour.
🍺 Sample Local Brews and Blueberry Everything
Maine is known for its craft beer, and Bar Harbor is no exception. I spent a rainy afternoon sipping a flight at Atlantic Brewing Company, where the Blueberry Ale stole the show.
Other favorites:
- Fogtown Brewing in nearby Ellsworth
- Bar Harbor Beer Works (great outdoor seating!)
- Mount Desert Island Ice Cream: The blueberry basil flavor? Wild.
🛶 Paddle Around Frenchman Bay
Renting a kayak and paddling out into Frenchman Bay gave me a whole new perspective on Bar Harbor. It’s quiet, peaceful, and if you’re lucky, you might spot seals bobbing alongside your boat.
You can go solo or book a guided tour with outfitters like:
- Coastal Kayaking Tours
- National Park Sea Kayak Tours
💤 Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
If you’re looking for something cozy and walkable:
- The Primrose Inn: Elegant, quiet, and serves an amazing breakfast.
- Bar Harbor Grand Hotel: Central and classic, with big porches for people-watching.
- Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B: Right on the water, perfect for couples.
For more space or group trips, there are also great Airbnbs tucked just outside town with forest or water views.
✨ My Bar Harbor Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Late spring through fall. October brings brilliant foliage.
- Crowd tip: Start your day early—by 8 AM most Acadia lots fill up.
- Pack layers: Even summer nights can get chilly.
- Get the Acadia app: The park’s own app is helpful for trail maps and alerts.
FAQs
What is Bar Harbor known for?
Bar Harbor is best known as the gateway to Acadia National Park and for its stunning coastal scenery, fresh lobster, and charming New England town feel.
How many days should you spend in Bar Harbor?
A 3 to 4-day trip is perfect to explore Acadia, enjoy the local food, take a boat tour, and still have time to relax.
What is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?
Late May to early October is ideal, especially for pleasant weather and seasonal activities like whale watching and hiking.
Is Bar Harbor walkable?
Yes! The town itself is very walkable, with restaurants, shops, and the harbor all within easy distance. A car is helpful for exploring the park and nearby lighthouses.
Do you need a car in Bar Harbor?
While downtown is walkable, you’ll need a car (or shuttle) to access most of Acadia National Park, scenic drives, and out-of-town restaurants.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Bar Harbor gave me everything I’d hoped for—seaside charm, outdoor adventures, and a serious love for blueberry everything. Whether you’re here to hike Acadia’s cliffs or just slow down and savor Maine’s pace of life, this place makes you want to linger.
If you’re dreaming of an East Coast getaway with rugged beauty and small-town warmth, Bar Harbor belongs on your list.