As a resort town, Bar Harbor in Maine is a place that relies heavily on tourism, especially during the Summer and Fall months. Bar Harbor isn’t your typical tourist destination, though.
Sure, there are a few attractions dotted about the place, but the area is pretty small (the population outside of tourist season is under 6,000). Unlike other places in the US, people don’t head to Bar Harbor for theme parks, shopping opportunities, beaches, etc. Instead, they head here to explore the great outdoors and perhaps learn a little bit more about this amazing part of the country.
If you’re heading to Bar Harbor, then you’re in the right place. Our job is to show you where you really need to be heading once you’re in this tremendous town. This isn’t a complete list of Bar Harbor attractions, but it’ll certainly give you some guidance if you’re not quite sure where to start with planning your trip (or knowing where to go next if you’re already there).
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We reckon a good 90% of people visit Bar Harbor purely so they can explore Acadia National Park. If you’re already planning a trip to the town, then chances are this is why you’re heading there.
Acadia National Park, dubbed the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast’ is one of the most-visited national parks in the country. It boasts beautiful rocky headlands, stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, and habitats that are brimming with life. Here, you can also learn more about the Wabanaki Nations, who used to populate the area.
Acadia National Park is perfect for hikers, leisure walkers, or those who just want to experience a beautiful region. Owing to the weather, some areas of the national park may be closed throughout the year.
So, if you’re traveling to Bar Harbor during the off-season to save a bit of money, bear in mind that the whole park may not be open to you, particularly some of the more strenuous trails.
Standing at 1,530 feet tall, hikers who brave the trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain will be treated to some of the most stunning views in all of Maine.
Seeing the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain is one of the most breathtaking experiences imaginable. Throughout part of the year, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in all of the US to see the sunrise (Start of October to Start of March).
Now, we did say ‘hikers that brave the trip’. However, honestly, you don’t need to be a hardened hiker to get to the top of the mountain. For the most part, the lengthy trail is pretty easy going. It should take a few hours, but you’ll have no worries if you walk fairly frequently.
However, do bear in mind that this is one of the top things to do in Bar Harbor, and the local authorities want to ensure that Cadillac Mountain is protected. For this reason, only a limited number of people can traverse the mountain per day, so you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance. Often well in advance.
It wasn’t too long ago that the Abbe Museum was a rather small museum in the national park. Now? It is a large museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Wabanaki Nations, who have called this area their home for centuries.
The core exhibits at the Abbe Museum showcase 12,000 years of history of the Abbe Museum, and the place leaves no stone unturned in talking about the history of the region. This includes the good and the bad. Rotating exhibits introduce more context to the surrounding area.
A trip to the Abbe Museum should always be on the cards, as we feel it is important to learn about the culture of any place you visit, otherwise why bother traveling?
Address: 49 Sweetwater Circle, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Located on Mount Desert Island, Thunder Hole is one of the top places to visit in Bar Harbor. When the tide is out, Thunder Hole is a beautiful rocky inlet. When a storm or the tide turns? It is one of the noisiest places in the state.
Wave sprays up to 40 feet high crash into the inlet, causing a thunderous roar. We recommend going a couple of hours before the tide is predicted to roll in. This is because during low tide, you can walk the walkways and look at the interesting patterns that have been carved into the walls through thousands of years of constant wave crashes.
You can also explore the gift shop. The place isn’t too tricky to reach, and there is even a free shuttle bus during the summer months of the year.
Also Read: 20 Must-See Attractions in Maine
Want to explore more nature when in Bar Harbor? Well, you can move away from the hiking trails for a bit and head out onto the water. Bar Harbor Whale Watch will have you spotting whales, puffins, and other sea-going creatures.
You’ll also get a unique perspective of the Acadia National Park, as well as the various lighthouses dotted around the area. This company even guarantees you’ll see a whale. If you don’t see a whale on your trip, you’ll get a rebook voucher where you can head out on another trip within the next three years. Although, honestly, the chances of you not spotting a whale on this trip are slim.
Address: 1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Want to see various Bar Harbor attractions in rapid succession? Then Oli’s Trolley might be for you. Hop on board this narrated trolley tour of the area, and you’ll get loads of information about Bar Harbor. The trolley will even take you a bit into the national park, so you can get some cool tidbits there too. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, and it is one of the best ways to use your time if you’re only in Bar Harbor for a short while.
Address: 1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Acadia National Park
Frenchman Bay is the name of the bay that Bar Harbor sits on. So, if you’re in Bar Harbor, then technically you’re in Frenchman Bay. This means that if you’re in the area, you can explore a little bit. Walk along Frenchman Bay, and you’ll get glances of multiple islands, small areas to rest in, and nature. If you head up Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, you’ll also reach the Frenchman Bay overlook, where you can rest and get a more unique perspective on the bay below.
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, found on Mount Desert Island, is one of the busiest places in the area, especially around sunset. Built in 1858, the lighthouse has provided guidance for ships coming into the bay and the surrounding area for almost 150 years.
The reason why so many people head to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse at sunset, despite this building looking brilliant at any time of the day, is thanks to the distinctive red lamp (now an LED). When the darkness rolls in, a wave of red washes over the area, hoping to save the lives of many sailors, much like it has been doing for over a century.
Address: 116 Lighthouse Rd, Bass Harbor, ME 04653
Also Read: 20 Most Beautiful Lighthouses in Maine
For us, the George B. Dorr Museum has always been one of the top places to go in Bar Harbor. This is because the museum is dedicated to coastal Maine wildlife, and most people head to Bar Harbor because they want to enjoy that wildlife.
The museum has plenty of exhibits showcasing marine wildlife in the area. Throughout the busier months, you’ll also find various programs that both adults and children can take part in. This is actually a ‘learning’ museum.
Located on the campus of the College of the Atlantic, every exhibit has been designed by students from the college. So, there is often a bit of rotation on what is happening here, and you might even find students willing to share their love for the marine world.
Address: 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME
If you don’t really feel like hiking through the national park, there are still plenty of things to do in Bar Harbor where you can feel at one with nature, but with far less stress on your legs. A stroll through the urban Agamont Park should be at the top of your agenda.
There are many paths to wander on throughout Agamont Park, places to relax, and stunning views over the surrounding nature. If you’re here during July, then you might also be pleased to know that this is the best place in all of Bar Harbor to witness the 4th of July fireworks.
Address: Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Jordan Pond is a 187-acre stretch of water in Acadia National Park. It also boasts some of the clearest inland waters in the state, with views down to 61 feet on some parts of the water, making it easy to spot the abundance of fish in the lake.
There is a hiking trail that runs around the outside of Jordan Pond, and it is a fairly easy trail to walk, with a great tea room at the end to reward yourself for all that hard work. Canoeing is allowed on Jordan Pond, but many other water activities are barred as Jordan Pond is a water source for a nearby town.
If you’re keen for a spot of canoeing, then we suggest you rent one, as you won’t find a better place to canoe in Maine. Not with waters this clear, and such stunning scenery around you.
The Schoodic Peninsula covers about 5% of Acadia National Park. If you head to either Winter Harbor or Gouldsboro, about 4 miles from Bar Harbor (you can take a ferry here during the summer months), then you’ll be in the heart of the Schoodic Peninsula. There are hiking trails and biking trails galore here. There is also a campground if you wish to spend a bit of time outside of Bar Harbor. As you explore, you’ll enjoy rocky coastlines, formed from ancient volcanic rock, plenty of trees, and loads of wildlife.
Address: Schoodic Peninsula, Winter Harbor, ME 04693
You’ll need to head a bit outside of Bar Harbor for this one, but not too far. Open Monday to Saturday, the Great Harbor Maritime Museum will introduce you to the history of maritime in the area. Exhibits rotate regularly, but expect old maritime artifacts such as bells and ship chairs, model ships, a celebration of steam-powered ships in the area, and plenty of photographs. We know that the Great Harbor Maritime Museum may not be for everybody, but even if you think it might not be for you, it is still worth visiting. It is always good to learn about the history of something so important to the area.
Address: 124 Main St, Northeast Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor is a small town, so don’t expect the largest downtown area in the world. Still, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, particularly during the peak season when the town is thriving. Even if you’re not going to buy anything (although, how can you head to Maine without trying some seafood?) a wander through the Downtown Bar Harbor area should always be on the agenda. The buildings are beautiful, and really exemplify the Maine personality. It is also highly walkable. If you’re staying in Bar Harbor, it is pretty unavoidable anyway. Nearly everything happens here.
Don’t feel like staying at a hotel during your trip to Bar Harbor? No worries! Head out into nature instead. While there are plenty of campgrounds in the area, Wild Acadia Camping Resort is up there with the best. Tents and RVs are supported here, as well as cabin rentals for those that aren’t quite ready to give up their creature comforts.
There are pools, trampolines, mini golf, food, and more. It is a great family-focused camping resort. Of course, you’ll also be in Acadia National Park, so you can enjoy nature too. We doubt there will be a child, or adult, who doesn’t leave Acadia Camping Resort feeling relaxed and with a smile on their face.
Address: 233 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME
We have only just scratched the surface of things you can do in Bar Harbor. However, if you’re limited on time, then the 15 activities we’ve listed on this page should always be on top of your must-do list, particularly if you want to enjoy the nature of Maine. If you’ve got more time, then wander through Bar Harbor. As we said, the place is small, but you’ll still find plenty of things to do, particularly if you’re traveling during peak season. Don’t overload yourself with activities, though. You’re in the heart of Maine’s nature. Relax a bit, too!