Closer to Montreal than New York, this coastal resort town in Maine is understandably situated next to Frenchman Bay. A mid-19th-century summer escape for the mind-blowingly wealthy, including the Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts, Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island is a longtime favorite with New England tourists, and rightly so. It's a charming and bustling East Coast gem where the streets are colorful, and nature shows off. You'll want to return over and over again.
01 Hike to your heart's content
Acadia National Park is one of the country's top 10 most-visited national parks. And the Beehive cliff trail is a short but rewarding hike that will have you climbing metal ladders up a steep incline. If you go in winter, take crampons for better grip. You can also venture to The quiet side of the island, where the trails are gorgeous, but there's much less foot traffic. The Wonderland trail is awash with wild roses, and you can do some classic New England leaf-peeping in the fall.
02 Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain
Take the 27-mile Park Loop Road—it combines multiple attractions in one drive. You can have popovers and jam at Jordan Pond House restaurant, check out the roaring Thunder Hole, and have a picnic at Sand Beach. Avoid bottlenecks by buying an online pass and hitting the road during off-peak hours before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Bear in mind that sunrise can be busy, too — Cadillac Mountain is the first piece of land to see the rising sun in all of the U.S., and sunrise treks are a particular novelty here.
03 Row, row, row your boat
But don't let Enya and the call of the ocean take you too far away from the shoreline. You can birdwatch and explore inland water bodies like Northeast Creek. Get your heart pumping with a five-mile kayak or canoe trip, and you may spot river otters and whitetail deer.
04 Feast on the local bounty
You'll likely put on some pounds in Bar Harbor, which will be oh-so-worth-it. The town has maritime roots, and the fruits of the sea end up on plates and in bellies. Prepare for a sustainably-sourced seafood extravaganza complete with oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder, paella, and more. But if you have a shellfish allergy, don't fret. There are vegan and veggie eateries, and you can grab takeout for a visit to Agamont Park. Blueberries are Bar Harbor's other specialty, so expect lots of ice cream, pancakes, and pies.
05 Sail away on a marine safari
Listen, not everybody's outdoorsy and active—some folks want to go on holiday and lift as few fingers as possible. If hell would freeze over before you'd test your core strength on a paddleboard, then you might want to book a little cruise. You can float on a boat, binoculars in one hand and a camera in the other. Lucky visitors will see whales between April and October; if it's not the whale-watching season, you can check out the historic lighthouses and a skipper's perspective of the area. Other animals you're likely to spot are porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and puffins. Don't forget your motion sickness meds.
06 Take a dip
There's a lot of water in Bar Harbor, but it's not all swimmable. Town Beach is great to dip your toes and test the waters. But Echo Lake Beach, Little Hunters Beach, and Sand Beach are primo swim spots. Don your swimsuit and hop on the free Island Explorer shuttle bus for cove views and refreshing plunges.
07 Camp beneath the stars
Pitch your tent and play some music. There are spots for RVs and van travelers, and Bar Harbor Campground is family-friendly. You can book a campsite through the NPS app or website. And dark skies enthusiasts will want to head to Bar Harbor in September when the Acadia Night Sky Festival welcomes stargazers for a cosmos-focused event filled with poetry, art, music, and science.
08 Cycle the Schoodic Peninsula
Hire a bike and take in the sights and sounds. There are about 8 miles of gravel bike paths in the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park. The routes weave through the forest—some are easy-breezy while others are a bit more challenging. You can cycle through fishing villages and past salt marshes and while away many a pleasant hour.
09 Immerse yourself in local history and culture
Bar Harbor's postcard-perfect looks make it a popular cruise-ship stop, and local prices reflect the demand. When you tire of shopping for trinkets and souvenirs, check out Abbe Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. The museum educates visitors about the indigenous Wabanaki Nations that lived in the region for millennia. The Great Maine Lumberjack Show in nearby Trent is another cultural highlight.
10 Just relax
Vacations are a hard-earned privilege, so soak it all in. There's a good chance you're living the American dream right here in a tiny town with 6,000 permanent residents. Read books, go fishing, collect seashells, and breathe the fresh air in this special corner of the earth with its woodlands and peaks. Make memories for yourself or with loved ones—Bar Harbor is the ideal backdrop for family quality time and a treasure trove of photographs.
11 Guided tours to Acadia National Park
Discover the wonders of Acadia with an expert by your side. Whether you opt for a guided e-bike adventure or a more intimate private tour, you'll be treated to stories and sights that casual visitors often miss. Navigate through the park's iconic landscapes, from the Precipice Trail to Jordan Pond, with someone who knows them like the back of their hand. It's an unbeatable way to learn about the park's history and natural beauty, all while ensuring you don't miss any hidden gems.
12 Lobster fishing experience
Step aboard a lobster boat and dive into the heart of Maine's most famous industry. With the guidance of local fishermen, you'll haul traps and get a hands-on look at lobster fishing in the chilly waters of the Atlantic. It's not just an educational outing; it's an immersive experience that connects you to the maritime traditions that have shaped Bar Harbor for generations. Plus, there's no fresher way to enjoy lobster than catching it yourself.
13 Exploring Bar Harbor's nightlife
As the sun sets over Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor transforms. The streets come alive with the sounds of live music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. From the cozy ambiance of Leary’s Landing Irish Pub to the bustling scene at the Thirsty Whale Tavern, there's a spot for every mood. Whether you're in the mood for craft beer, a blueberry-infused cocktail, or just a good old-fashioned night out, Bar Harbor's nightlife is sure to deliver.
14 Historic architecture and mansions
Take a step back in time and explore the architectural wonders of Bar Harbor. From the grandeur of the Breakwater Mansion to the charming Victorian-era cottages that dot the landscape, each building tells a story of a bygone era. Guided tours offer insights into the lives of the wealthy elites who summered here in the 19th century, making Bar Harbor their playground. Don't miss the chance to marvel at these historic gems up close.
15 Sailing adventures
Set sail on the sparkling waters of Frenchman Bay for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're aboard a classic Friendship sloop or a sleek racing yacht, the experience of cutting through the waves with the wind in your sails is exhilarating. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on the rocks and eagles soaring overhead. Sailing tours offer a blend of relaxation and adventure, perfect for seeing Bar Harbor from a new perspective.
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