Visit Bar Harbor Maine

We have always enjoyed visiting Bar Harbor, and we knew that another visit would allow us to delve deeper into its charm and natural beauty. Not only did we want to explore more of this historic seaside town and its surrounding areas, but we were also eager to indulge in the incredible seafood that is so abundant in this part of Maine.

Bar Harbor’s Unique Coastal Appeal

Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island, overlooking the picturesque waters of Frenchman’s Bay. The town's streets are lined with quaint shops, waterfront restaurants, and historic buildings, offering visitors a classic New England seaside experience.

Seafood lovers will find themselves in paradise here, with lobster, clams, scallops, and fresh fish available at nearly every restaurant. And for those with a sweet tooth, Bar Harbor is famous for its blueberry-themed treats, from blueberry pies and muffins to locally made jams. Ice cream is another local favorite, with numerous ice cream shops dotting the streets. One of the most unusual flavors? Lobster ice cream—a specialty that, while intriguing, didn’t quite tempt us to try!

Gateway to Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is more than just a charming coastal town; it also serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S. Acadia offers visitors a chance to experience:

Beyond these well-known sites, Acadia National Park boasts countless hiking trails, panoramic coastal vistas, and scenic harbors, making it a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

NOTE: Image is the property of the Bar Harbor, ME Wiki page via Creative Commons.

Bar Harbor, Maine, is a pretty coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are ten of the most interesting facts about Bar Harbor:

• Gateway to Acadia National Park - Bar Harbor is the main gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. The park covers 49,000 acres and features Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the U.S. East Coast.
• First Sunrise in the U.S. (Part of the Year) - From October to March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Many visitors make an early morning hike or drive to the summit to witness the spectacular view.
• A Historic Summer Retreat for the Rich and Famous - In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bar Harbor was a summer retreat for America’s wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers, Astors, and Vanderbilts. Their grand estates were known as "cottages", but many were larger than mansions.
• The Great Fire of 1947 Changed the Town Forever - A devastating fire in 1947 destroyed most of Bar Harbor, including many of the historic summer mansions. This led to the town's transformation from an elite summer getaway into a more welcoming destination for all travelers.
• A Top Destination for Whale Watching - The waters off Bar Harbor are prime whale-watching territory, home to humpback whales, finback whales, and minke whales. The Gulf of Maine is one of the best places to spot these magnificent creatures.
• The Lobster Capital of the Northeast - Bar Harbor is known for its world-famous Maine lobster. Whether it's in lobster rolls, lobster bakes, or fresh off the boat, the town is one of the best places to enjoy this delicacy.
• Home to the "Bar" That Inspired Its Name - The town gets its name from a natural sandbar that appears at low tide, connecting Bar Island to the mainland. Visitors can walk across the bar but must return before the tide rises!
• A Haven for Puffins - The nearby Machias Seal Island and Petit Manan Island are some of the best places to see Atlantic puffins, adorable seabirds that nest off the Maine coast in summer.
• Haunted History and Ghost Stories - Bar Harbor has a reputation for ghostly tales, with local legends of haunted inns, mysterious shipwrecks, and restless spirits. Some visitors even take ghost tours to explore the town’s eerie past.
• A Unique Blend of Small-Town Charm and Outdoor Adventure - Bar Harbor offers a mix of quaint New England charm with epic outdoor experiences, from sea kayaking and hiking to exploring tide pools and scenic drives along the rugged coastline.

As of 9/14/2024 Google says there are 157 accommodations of all types, sizes and ratings in Bar Harbor, and if you are so inclined, you could search through the Google Search Results list here. The top five most popular accommodations below are based upon "guest rating";

1. Inn At Bay Ledge: Set on a cliff overlooking Frenchman Bay, this plush, upscale B&B built in the 1880s is 3 miles from Acadia National Park and 5 miles from downtown Bar Harbor. (5.0 guest rating)
2. Atlantean Cottage B&B: Set in an elegant house built in 1878, this genteel B&B is 8 minutes' walk from the quaint downtown shops and restaurants, a mile from Acadia National Park and 15 minutes on foot from the ferry terminal. (5.0 guest rating)
3. Primrose Inn: Set off Highway 101, this 5 star hotel on 16 acres is next to Miramar Beach and the Pacific Ocean, and 4 miles from the famed Stearns Wharf. (4.9 guest rating)
4. Highbrook Motel:This modest motel is a mile from both downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, and 19 miles from Ellsworth. (4.9 guest rating)
5. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel: Built as a replica of the sprawling 19th-century Rodick House, this charming, seasonal hotel is a 9-minute walk from Ells Pier and 1.8 miles from the Cadillac Mountain entrance of Acadia National Park. (4.7 guest rating)

On previous trips, we've stayed a few miles out of town and rode the bus in, and we've stayed at closer Hampton Inn locations. As is usually the case, if you stay in Ellsworth, ME (for example) hotel prices will be less expensive than they would be on Main Street in downtown Bar Harbor.

Based upon Google Review ratings, here are five of the most popular restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine, known for their standout cuisine and unique dining experiences. Google review links are provided for each so that you can view what others have said;

1. Havana - A high-end Latin American-inspired restaurant, Havana offers creative dishes like lobster moqueca and an impressive wine list. It’s known for its exceptional service and cozy ambiance​. oogle Reviews 
2. Blaze Blaze is a wood-fired gastropub that offers a diverse menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and seafood dishes like lobster risotto. It's also a favorite for craft beer enthusiasts​. oogle Reviews 
3. The Reading Room Restaurant Located at the Bar Harbor Inn, The Reading Room offers waterfront views and serves classic New England seafood dishes, like lobster and clam chowder, in an upscale setting​. oogle Reviews 
4. Side Street Cafe A casual, welcoming spot that’s known for its lobster rolls and mac and cheese, Side Street Cafe is a popular destination for comfort food with a creative twist​. oogle Reviews 
5. Geddy's Known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere, Geddy’s serves classic seafood dishes like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fresh oysters, along with pizza and burgers​. oogle Reviews 

If you would like to perform your own Bar Harbor restaurant research, here is a Google Search Results list of all Bar Harbor restaurants. Once you are on that Google Results page, you could then modify the search filters such that Google will display what you are looking for.

Bar Harbor offers a wide variety of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and coastal charm. Each destination name will be linked to our content for that place, if we have it available - otherwise it will be linked to that website. Below are the top ten things to do and see in Bar Harbor - from our perspective. Note that the Google Review link gives you the ability to read what others thought of each destination;

1. Acadia National Park The crown jewel of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views of the coast. Popular spots include Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch the sunrise, and Jordan Pond with its iconic views of the Bubbles​. oogle Reviews 
2. Cadillac Mountain As the highest peak on the U.S. East Coast, Cadillac Mountain is a must-visit, especially for early risers who want to experience the first sunrise in the U.S. during certain parts of the year.​ oogle Reviews 
3. Sand Beach A unique beach nestled between rocky cliffs, Sand Beach offers beautiful views, soft sand, and a place to relax or explore the nearby walking trails like the Ocean Path.​ oogle Reviews 
4. Thunder Hole This natural rock inlet creates thunderous booms when the waves crash into it, especially during high tide. It's a mesmerizing and thrilling spectacle of nature’s power.​ oogle Reviews 
5. Bar Island Accessible only during low tide via a natural sandbar, Bar Island offers hiking trails and panoramic views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Be sure to time your visit so you don’t get stranded when the tide comes in​.​ oogle Reviews 
6. Whale Watching Tours Bar Harbor is a hub for marine wildlife enthusiasts. Whale watching tours offer the chance to spot majestic humpback, minke, and finback whales, as well as dolphins and seabirds​.​ oogle Reviews 
7. Village Green This peaceful park in the center of Bar Harbor is a perfect spot to relax. Surrounded by charming shops and historic buildings, the Village Green often hosts live music and local events​.​ oogle Reviews 
8. Shore Path Starting near Agamont Park, the Shore Path offers a leisurely stroll along the coastline with stunning views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and distant mountains​.​ oogle Reviews 
9. Asticou Azalea Garden Just outside of Bar Harbor, this tranquil Japanese-inspired garden offers beautifully landscaped grounds, azaleas, and a peaceful retreat from the bustling downtown​.​ oogle Reviews 
10. Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum For history buffs, the Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum offers insights into the town’s rich past, including its history as a Gilded Age resort town​.​ oogle Reviews 

If you are looking for more information, the "Visit Bar Harbor" website has a large amount of very good information, categorized so that you can pick the type of activities you would like to enjoy. Click here to visit the "Visit Bar Harbor" website.

Getting to Bar Harbor, Maine, can be done via several options depending on your starting point;

 By Car:

• From Boston: Bar Harbor is about a 5-hour drive north. You can take I-95 North to Bangor, then follow Route 1A and Route 3 to Bar Harbor. It’s a scenic drive, particularly as you get closer to the coast.
• From Portland, ME: The drive takes about 3 hours. Follow I-95 North to Bangor, then take Route 1A and Route 3 toward Bar Harbor​

 By Airplane:

• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB): The closest airport is 12 miles from Bar Harbor. It offers limited flights from larger cities like Boston. From there, you can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Bar Harbor​.
• Bangor International Airport (BGR): Located about 50 miles away, Bangor offers more flight options. You can rent a car or take a shuttle from Bangor to Bar Harbor​.

 By Bus:

• Downeast Transportation runs bus services between Bangor and Bar Harbor, providing an affordable option. Greyhound and Concord Coach also connect Bangor with other major cities, with onward transport to Bar Harbor​​.

 By Train:

• The closest Amtrak station to Bar Harbor, Maine, is in Bangor, Maine. The Bangor station is approximately 50 miles away from Bar Harbor. However, it's important to note that there is no direct Amtrak service to Bar Harbor itself, so travelers would need to use a combination of Amtrak and other transportation options, such as bus or car, to reach Bar Harbor from Bangor.

 By Ship:

• Cruise Lines such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess and others offer cruises from New York or Boston and other departure cities. However, Bar Harbor has recently implemented restrictions as to the number of cruise ship passengers that are allowed into the city. It is not clear whether the 1,000 people limit is "per ship" or "per day" .
• The Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor Ferry offers multiple trips back-and-forth between the two communities across Frenchman Bay each day.

Bar Island, located off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine, is a unique tidal island that can only be accessed during low tide via a natural land bridge. This feature makes it stand out, as visitors must carefully time their trips to explore the island. The land bridge, exposed for just a few hours, connects Bar Island to Mount Desert Island, providing an exciting opportunity to walk across the ocean floor.

The island offers a serene environment with trails leading through forests and up to a hilltop, which provides panoramic views of Bar Harbor and the surrounding coastline. Its isolation during high tide enhances the sense of adventure, as visitors who miscalculate the tides must wait for the next low tide to return.

Tides in Maine are semi-diurnal, meaning there are two high tides and two low tides in a 24-hour period. The tidal range increases during the new and full moon phases, creating spring tides that are 10 to 15% larger than the average range. Typical tidal range is 10 to 12 feet which completely places the natural land bridge to Bar Island under water.

Agamont Park in Bar Harbor is a small yet scenic park offering some of the best views in town. Perched on a hill at the north end of Main Street, it overlooks Frenchman Bay, providing sweeping vistas of the Porcupine Islands and the surrounding harbor. The park is a favorite spot for picnics, relaxation, and people-watching, with its benches and open grassy areas offering a peaceful respite from the bustling downtown.

At the waterfront, you can watch boats sail in and out of the harbor or start your walk along the nearby Shore Path, a coastal trail with stunning views. Agamont Park’s central location makes it an ideal gathering point for visitors and locals alike, often hosting events, concerts, and festivals during the warmer months. Its proximity to downtown’s shops and restaurants makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal or ice cream while soaking in the natural beauty of Bar Harbor​

These images are of the harbor from Agamont Park, which is just at the end of Main Street and a block above the Harbor itself. Because the park is on a hill, there are no bad views of the harbor as you can see in these images.

The schooner in these pictures provides a tour of the harbor for those so inclined. I am not exactly sure of this ship's name, but it belongs to the Downeast Windjammer Tours company.

Image # 1 is Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium in downtown Bar Harbor. We can testify as to the great fudge to be had here! This candy shop delights visitors with an impressive selection of chocolates, fudge, ice cream, and other confections. Their homemade ice cream, featuring over 60 flavors, is a major draw, with unique offerings like lobster ice cream, which has become a quirky favorite for adventurous eaters.

Image # 3 is a nice view of the harbor as we walked down Main Street, past Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium.

Image # 2 is Main Street in Bar Harbor - the vibrant heart of this coastal town, bustling with energy and charm. Lined with a mix of boutique shops, local art galleries, and restaurants, it offers a little something for everyone. The street exudes a welcoming, small-town feel, with its historic buildings, colorful storefronts, and flower boxes adding to the inviting atmosphere.

• Visit Bar Harbor Website
• Best trails in Bar Harbor from the All Trails Website
• Google List of Bar Harbor Restaurants
• Google list of Accommodations in Bar Harbor
• Our Image Gallery for Bar Harbor
• Wikipedia Article for Bar Harbor
• Google Images set for Bar Harbor
• Google Reviews for Bar Harbor, ME