Lobster rolls, puffins, and one of the most dramatically beautiful coastlines in America.
Bar Harbor sits on the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island,and this small coastal town is the primary gateway to Acadia National Park. Iit is, by almost any measure, epically beautiful. Before I dive into Where to Stay, Where to Eat and Things to Do, there are a few things worth knowing before you go:
- Budget accordingly. Bar Harbor is not a budget-friendly destination. The seafood, accommodations, and activities all reflect the caliber of the place – and the place more than earns it.
- Peak season runs from late June through early September. The town fills up fast, prices climb, and the best accommodations and tours book out weeks in advance.
We visited in early June, just ahead of the crowds. The town was alive but unhurried, the trails were not overly crowded yet, and the weather – while chilly and occasionally rainy – was entirely reasonable for hiking. It was still too cold for beach-goers, though. If swimming and sunbathing are your priorities, aim for July or August.
Things to Do
Acadia National Park
The main reason most people make their way to Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park, and rightfully so. Spanning over 47,000 acres of granite peaks, glacially carved lakes, dense boreal forest, and some of the most dramatic Atlantic coastline in the Northeast, Acadia is one of the crown jewels of the National Park system. Whether you’re a serious hiker, a casual walker, a birder, or a photographer, the park offers something genuinely extraordinary for every kind of traveler.
Some of the standout experiences within the park include:
- Bubbles Trail was my favorite hike with its challenging rock scrambles and rewarding views.
- Jordan Pond is 187 acres in size with a maximum depth of 150 feet and a shoreline of 3.6 miles.
- Park Loop Road is a scenic 27-miles of road , which winds past Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliff; and Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard and one of the first places in the United States to catch the sunrise.
The AllTrails app is invaluable for planning your time in the park. I used it a lot, and I recommend you download it before you go and browse the trail listings for options that match your fitness level and interests. There is a free version as well as a paid version. I typically use the free version, but I have upgraded to the paid version during years when I know I’ll be going on a lot of hiking trips.
Entry to Acadia requires a park pass. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a great investment if you’re planning to visit multiple National Parks in the same year.
The Shore Path
One of Bar Harbor’s most beloved and accessible walks, the Shore Path is a must for any visit to town. This scenic footpath winds along the rocky shoreline for about a third of a mile, offering sweeping views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and the open Atlantic beyond. It’s flat, well-maintained, and entirely free, making it one of the most accessible things you can do in Bar Harbor. Whether you walk it at sunrise before the town wakes up or in the golden hour before dinner, the views are consistently stunning. It’s also a wonderful spot for birdwatching, as the rocky shore and adjacent waters attract a variety of coastal species.
Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum is one of Bar Harbor’s most significant cultural destinations, and well worth a visit. Dedicated to the history, art, and culture of the Wabanaki peoples – the Indigenous nations of Maine – the museum offers thoughtfully curated exhibits that tell the stories of communities whose presence in this region long predates the national park, the lobster shacks, and the tourist trade. It’s an important and genuinely moving place to spend a couple of hours, and it adds meaningful depth to your understanding of Mount Desert Island and the land you’re exploring. The museum has both a downtown Bar Harbor location and a presence at Sieur de Monts Spring within Acadia itself.
Whale Watching & Boat Tours
Bar Harbor offers easy access to whale watching tours and scenic boat cruises. Humpback whales, finbacks, and minkes are commonly spotted offshore in summer, and even if the whales are elusive, being on the water in this part of Maine is an experience in itself. You can book whale watching tours on Viator — I recommend booking well in advance, as these can fill up.
During our stay, my husband’s family took us on a puffin tour, and let me tell you — it was SO worth it. The puffins are ridiculously cute and they play in the water with each other. We also saw a variety of other amazing seabirds. It was a highlight of our visit.
If you get seasick, you may not enjoy these tours, as the Maine waters can get a little rough, so just keep that in mind.
Sailing Tours — Sail Acadia
For a more intimate experience on the water, consider booking a sailing tour with Sail Acadia. There are few better ways to appreciate the beauty of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding coastline than from the deck of a sailboat, with the wind in your sails and Mount Desert Island’s peaks rising behind you. Sail Acadia offers a variety of tours, making it a wonderful option whether you’re looking for a sunset cruise, a morning sail, or something more private. Book in advance, especially during the summer months, as spots fill up quickly.
Explore Bar Harbor’s Waterfront & Downtown
Even when you’re not in the park, Bar Harbor itself rewards wandering. The downtown area is lined with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, and the waterfront offers lovely views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
Stroll the Village Green, walk out on the town pier at low tide, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the lobster boats come and go. It’s an easy, genuinely pleasant town to spend a few hours exploring on foot.
I walked away with a big bag of purchases from sweatshirts to Christmas tree ornaments.
Where to Eat
Lobster Rolls
Fresh lobster rolls are everywhere in Bar Harbor, and there are two distinct styles you can choose from: the Maine-style lobster roll, which is served cold with mayonnaise and often chives on a split-top bun, and the Connecticut-style lobster roll, which is served warm and drizzled in melted butter. Personally, I’m partial to the Connecticut style — the warm, buttery version is hard to beat. That said, both styles are delicious, and you really can’t go wrong either way.
Fair warning: a good lobster roll in Bar Harbor is EXPENSIVE – I found them to run from $35 to $45. You have to try at least one during your trip though, as you likely won’t find lobster this fresh anywhere else in the country.
Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls
If you’re on the hunt for a lobster roll with a view to match, Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls is worth adding to your list. With the stunning backdrop of Frenchman Bay right there to enjoy alongside your meal, it’s a quintessential Bar Harbor experience. A great option for fresh, locally sourced lobster done simply and well.
Tap & Barrel Tavern
For a more relaxed, pub-style evening out, Tap & Barrel Tavern is a solid choice in Bar Harbor. With a good selection of beers on tap and a welcoming tavern atmosphere, it’s a great spot to wind down after a full day in the park — whether you’re looking for a cold drink, a satisfying meal, or both.
Geddy’s
Geddy’s has a more local, laid-back feel than some of the other spots in town — it’s a classic Bar Harbor bar and restaurant with a comfortable vibe, cold drinks, and solid food. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day on the trails and locals often recommend it, which is always a good sign.
Atlantic Brewing Company
One of Maine’s beloved craft breweries, Atlantic Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer lovers. They’ve been brewing since 1990 and their flagship Bar Harbor Real Ale is a classic for good reason. They also have a full food menu and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. A great stop for a mid-afternoon break or a casual dinner.
The Barnacle
The Barnacle is a Bar Harbor staple — a casual, waterfront seafood spot with the kind of no-frills charm that fits this town perfectly. It’s a great option for fresh seafood without the formality of a sit-down dinner, and the harbor views are hard to beat. If you want something quick, local, and satisfying after a long day in the park, this is an excellent choice.
Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge
No trip to Bar Harbor is complete without something sweet, and Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge is just the spot. After a long day on the trails or the water, a scoop of locally made ice cream or a slab of fresh fudge is exactly what’s called for. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying stop that ends up being one of the most fondly remembered parts of a trip.
Where to Stay
Bar Harbor is extremely popular, and it fills up fast, especially in the summer months. If you’re planning a trip between June and August, book your accommodations well in advance. The best options go quickly, and this is not an exaggeration.
Airbnb
When I last visited Acadia, we were staying with family and an Airbnb in Bar Harbor was perfect for our large group. There are some lovely options in town and just outside it — cottages, historic homes, and charming New England-style houses that drop you right into the character of the place. Beyond the atmosphere, staying in an Airbnb gives you access to a kitchen, which is a genuine advantage in a town as expensive as Bar Harbor during peak season. Picking up fresh lobster or clams at a local market and cooking at your rental is more affordable if you’re travelling on a budget.
Balance Rock Inn
For something truly special, Balance Rock Inn is one of Bar Harbor’s most romantic and refined places to stay. Set in a beautifully restored historic estate just steps from the Shore Path and the waterfront, it offers an intimate, boutique experience with the kind of attention to detail that makes a trip feel genuinely memorable. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something a little more elevated, this is a wonderful choice.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina — Opal Collection
For a full-service waterfront experience, the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina is one of Bar Harbor’s most impressive properties. Part of the Opal Collection, it combines a prime harbor location with a spa, marina access, and beautifully appointed rooms — making it an excellent base for exploring both the town and the water. If you want comfort, convenience, and views all in one place, this is a strong contender.
The Bay View Hotel
The Bay View is one of Bar Harbor’s most attractive hotel options — beautifully situated, well-appointed, and with a style that suits the coastal New England setting perfectly. If you want a more classic hotel experience with the comforts and amenities to match, The Bay View is an excellent choice.
Bar Harbor Inn
The Bar Harbor Inn is a landmark in town — a gracious, full-service waterfront hotel with stunning views of Frenchman Bay. It’s been welcoming guests for well over a century, and the combination of location, service, and atmosphere makes it one of the most memorable places to stay. For a special occasion or a trip where you want to treat yourself, this is the pick.
Bar Harbor is a rare place. The coastline is dramatic, the access to Acadia is unmatched, the seafood is exceptional, and the town itself has plenty of coastal character. Come for the national park, stay for the lobster rolls, and leave already planning your return.
Bar Harbor is part of my U.S. Cities Series. 🇺🇸