Travel + Discover Bar Harbor: Maine Vacation Guide
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Bar Harbor, once known as a playground for millionaires, is now a seaside mountainous haven with million-dollar views. While it’s one of Maine’s busiest towns in the summer, it’s also ranked in the top 10 prettiest winter towns nationwide.
All that, mixed with the mountainous landscape of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island (MDI), is a veritable bucket list trip in any season.
Before you plan a trip to Bar Harbor, we have some important guidance, tips, and tricks to make the most out of the experience, even during peak season.
Plus, if you want to plan a puffin trip or hike “the most dangerous trail in America,” we can help you choose the right month for a Bar Harbor getaway.
Where Is Bar Harbor?
The town of Bar Harbor takes up the northeastern half of Mount Desert Island. As a famous Downeast resort town, it’s just a five-hour drive from Boston, three hours from Portland, and an easy one-hour drive from Bangor.
The only road to Bar Harbor from the mainland is through Tremont, near Ellsworth. The two-lane highway hugs the edge of Eastern Bay and Frenchman’s Bay before leading you right into the heart of this charming New England town.
True to its name, Bar Harbor is also where cruise ships dock and ferries shuttle between Nova Scotia.
Getting to Bar Harbor
You can fly into Portland or Bangor commercially and then connect with Route 1 – which stretches from Kittery to Madawaska – until you reach Ellsworth. Then, State Route 3 will take you through Trenton and across the bridge to Bar Harbor.
New for the summer of 2025, the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton offers a place to park and ride the Island Explorer to access the park and Bar Harbor. Choosing this option is a great way to avoid (some of the) peak season traffic.
As you cross the bridge, there’s an Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island Chambers Visitor Center, but you will have several more options closer to Bar Harbor to get tourism details.
Once you’re on the island, the center of Bar Harbor is about 11 miles south on Route 3.
Getting Around Bar Harbor
As mentioned before, the Island Explorer bus is a great way to get around without having to drive. In fact, you can get around car-free between late June and mid-October.
The bus routes go from Trenton to Bar Harbor, through the national park, and as far southwest as Bass Harbor. You can also take the Downeast Windjammer ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and pick up the Island Explorer on the Schoodic side of Acadia.
The same ferry service that goes to the Schoodic Peninsula also has routes to the Cranberry Isles. Taxis and rideshares are another option, but limited mobile service on some parts of MDI might make those options more challenging.
On the other hand, consider ditching the car and hopping on a bicycle to get around Bar Harbor and this side of Acadia National Park. Between the bike lanes, bike paths, 27-mile paved Park Loop Road, and 45 miles of carriage roads in the park, there’s a lot to explore on two wheels.
Roads of Bar Harbor
If you haven’t been to MDI before, it’s important to note the road layout. There’s a mix of state roads, local roads, and national park roads. While the park and state roads might overlap, they only connect in a few spots.
Route 3 is the best year-round option to get around the island. However, it’s best to use that to get from places like Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor and back. Otherwise, use Park Loop Road to see the best sights in the park.
You Don’t Have to Get Wet to Have Fun in Bar Harbor
As a four-season destination, Bar Harbor is always open with plenty of indoor and outdoor things to do. Whether you’re visiting in the warmth of summer or the quiet charm of winter, there’s always something to explore and enjoy.
Acadia National Park
Of course, visiting Bar Harbor means seeing the ever-popular Acadia National Park. We have a lot of resources dedicated to exploring the park. Here are a few options to bookmark for your trip:
- The ULTIMATE Guide to Exploring Acadia National Park in Maine
- The ULTIMATE Guide to Exploring the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park
- Know Before You Go: Hiking Acadia National Park
We recommend putting Park Loop Road, Otter Cliff, Thunder Hole, and the Cadillac Mountain sunrise on your must-see Bar Harbor itinerary.
Bar Island
Time the tides just right to walk the “bar” of Bar Harbor to the island. You’ll get about 90 minutes before and after low tide to explore before the water returns.
The full hike is about 2 miles, with the rocky land bar taking you up through a forest and stunning water views before backtracking to the starting point.
The land bar is about a half-mile long, with plenty of tidepools to check out if you don’t want to do the full hike. Those who want to do some shelling need a permit from the city.
What happens if you don’t time the tides correctly? You could be marooned for the next nine hours!
Wild Gardens of Acadia
This treasured spot in Acadia National Park, close to downtown Bar Harbor, is one of the most beautiful and historic. This focal point was the origin of what would become the park. More than 400 native plants, flowers, and trees are sprinkled across the landscape.
Wild Gardens is also a great starting point for several epic Acadia National Park hikes. Plus, Sieur de Monts Spring and Nature Center is open from mid-June through mid-October.
Compass Harbor Trail & Oldfarm
While the gardens became home to Acadia’s first prized property, the Compass Harbor Trail leads to Oldfarm, which was where the founder – George Bucknam Dorr – lived.
In less than 1 mile, you’ll find a respite from the crowds and walk in the footsteps of a man who gave every last penny to preserve this stunning landscape.
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
Where directions include “across from the whale skull,” things just get more interesting at the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. While the museum is a part of the College of the Atlantic, it’s open to the public to explore a full-sensory experience of Maine’s beauty.
Check the schedule for scavenger hunts, nature walks, and guided tours.
Bar Harbor Ghost Walk
If you prefer paranormal history, then a Bar Harbor Ghost Walk might be the tour for you! Plus, it’s not too creepy for the kids to come along, and no “gotcha” moments.
You’ll learn about the most haunted spots in town and the folklore behind them while walking through the beauty of Bar Harbor at night.
Atlantic Climbing School
Bar Harbor is home to the Atlantic Climbing School, where would-be climbers can get the safest guides on the island to explore places like Otter Cliff or Great Head. Small groups, family adventures, and ice-climbing packages are available.
The Beaches of Acadia
Sand Beach is one of the few sandy beaches in the Northeast, but there are more to find if you know where to look. That’s why we put together this guide: Discover the Wonders of These Hidden Beaches and Coastlines of Acadia.
Keep in mind that the beaches on this side of the island are prone to storm damage, so always check conditions before you check one of them out.
Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum in downtown Bar Harbor focuses on the Wabanaki people, the original inhabitants of MDI. It features exhibits of their art, traditions, and history.
This downtown attraction also hosts cool events and workshops, so it’s more than just a look-and-leave museum – it’s an experience.
The museum is open seasonally from May through mid-October.
Bar Harbor Historical Society
While most of what made Bar Harbor glorious in the Gilded Age was destroyed by fire in 1947, the La Rochelle house is one icon still standing.
Visit the Bar Harbor Historical Society to learn about the famous names who summered in the town. The docent-led or self-guided tours include plenty of artifacts, exhibits, and fascinating stories.
The Oceanarium and Education Center
Explore marine life without going near the water at The Oceanarium and Education Center. With a focus on the unique and eccentric underwater world at the aquarium, you can see lobsters that look like cotton candy, reach into a 650-gallon touch tank, or climb aboard a lobster boat to get a feel for the real deal.
Open from mid-May through early November, the center’s marine museum displays sea glass and artifacts from salty waters. The skeleton of a 26-foot Humpback Whale hangs from the ceiling.
Mount Desert Island Preserves
Avoid the crowds of Acadia by going off the beaten path to several Bar Harbor stops through the Mount Desert Island preserves.
Stick to the woods in Kittredge Brook Forest, kayak to Thomas Island, savor the easy walk through Stone Barn Farm, or seek solitude at Blue Horizons on Clark Cove.
There’s a Whole Other Side to Bar Harbor on the Water
While you won’t see a moose on MDI, you do have a great chance of seeing other animals – like puffins, whales, and seals. Here’s how to set sail from Bar Harbor for even more adventures.
Puffin Cruises
Planning a trip to see puffins requires perfect timing and a clear understanding of what to expect.
First, puffin season is from May through August. It’s the only time of year the birds come to nest in colonies. Second, those colonies are sensitive: Puffins aren’t very social around humans, so you can only expect your boat to go by a spot where puffins are packed on the rocks.
Several tours depart from Bar Harbor, usually with a mix of lighthouses, seals, and other seabirds along the way.
Whale Tours
Peak whale-watching season runs from June through August, with cruises starting as early as April and running as late as October. Along the way, you’ll learn about the various types of whales and why this water is a perfect feeding ground for them.
These tours have to travel quite a distance to reach the whales. If you’re prone to seasickness, take Dramamine before you board.
Dive-In Theater
Take a two-hour trip on an unparalleled screening experience with the Dive-In Theater. Passengers just need to sit back for a short boat ride before the tour guides dive underwater.
Donned with cameras and lights, the boats give each group a unique show from the ocean depths. They’ll bring some underwater animals to the surface for show and tell. It’s as educational as it is fun!
Tours run from mid-June through late August.
Ferry Rides
Bar Harbor is a cruise port, but it’s also a place with easy trips to nearby locations. Here are a few of the ferry services and locations that depart from and return to Bar Harbor:
- Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor (Schoodic Peninsula)
- Bar Harbor to Cranberry Cove Ferry
- The CAT Ferry between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Kayak Rentals
Just offshore, a kayak tour reveals hidden sea caves and unique viewpoints of MDI and Bar Harbor. Experienced paddlers can grab and go, but group guides are available to show you even more secret spots while navigating the waters.
At Acadia Ocean Adventures and Coastal Kayaking Tours you can choose from kayaks and SUPs suited to your skill level and the area you want to explore.
Come Hungry, Leave Happy | Bar Harbor Knows How to Feed You
You’ll get a chance to walk around the streets of downtown Bar Harbor, with plenty of shops and photo ops, as well as dining spots. While every restaurant is a hit, here are a few of our favorites.
Havana
Havana, a finalist for the James Beard Award in the Outstanding Restaurant category, brings Latin food to this small New England town. The menu mixes Gulf of Maine specialties with the spices of Latin America. For special events, look for prix fixe menus. It’s perfect for a romantic night out.
Lunch & Dinner
When simple is stately, choose from the descriptively named restaurants Lunch and Dinner. The two are under the same ownership, just a half-mile apart.
Lunch offers sandwich varieties, from paninis to packed lobster rolls. Dine in or grab and go. Dinner raises the bar with a fancier menu featuring options like Chicken Coq au vin and Curry Baked Haddock.
Geddy’s
For more than 50 years, Geddy’s has been serving traditional Maine seafood with waterfront views. Whether you need an overstuff lobster roll on a hot summer day or a cup of chowder during a Bar Harbor winter, every Maine staple makes the menu that much more special.
Plus, the eclectic decorations are worth taking the time to explore while waiting for your food.
The Loft
When just one menu of seafood isn’t enough, Bar Harbor’s The Loft Raw Bar & Seafood Grill gives several options. Start with one of the seafood towers and consider sharing a plate of Ahi Poke Wonton Nachos.
You’ll walk in, but with this much seafood to choose from, you might just swim out!
Jack Russell’s Prime Steak House
If you want more turf than surf, splurge for a night at Jack Russell’s Prime Steak House. Well, this IS Bar Harbor, so there’s plenty of surf, too!
With one of the most expansive menus in town, it’s sure to fit the palette of everyone in your group. Consider everything from small plates to plate-sized steaks. And, feel free to bring the kids. There are plenty of “pup-sized” options, from grilled cheese to filet mignon.
Every Great Town Has a Story, Here’s a Bit of Bar Harbor’s
The earliest inhabitants of Mount Desert Island were the Wabanaki, who lived off the land and sea. In fact, Bar Harbor’s first name was Wabanaki for “clam-gathering place.”
In the early 1600s, Samuel de Champlain literally crashed into the rocks off Otter Cliff before naming it Île de Monts Déserts – the “island of the desert mountains.”
Once the town was settled in 1796, it was called Eden. That name stuck until 1918 when the renaming showcased the stunning harbor and the land bar that connects to Bar Island.
Settlers first scattered across the island during the Civil War, but it was the wealthy “Rusticators” that hailed from families like the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and (J.P.) Morgans that put Bar Harbor on the vacation map.
Seemingly faster than you can say Gilded Age, Bar Harbor became famous for Millionaire’s Row.
At the same time, George B. Dorr was using his wealth to preserve the natural landscape of Mount Desert Island. By 1916, the place we now know as Acadia National Park was established as a national monument. A few years later, it achieved national park status.
From Mountain Tops to Ocean Breezes, Bar Harbor Has It All
This part of Maine’s coastline is hard to beat. You get those dramatic cliff views, sandy beaches, and mountainous terrain with glacial lakes scattered throughout MDI.
The heart of the town is centered on the eastern edge of the island, and its full footprint encompasses popular spots like Otter Cliff and Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Eagle Lake. Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the island, is just southeast of downtown.
As much as Bar Harbor is a crowded town with a lot to see and do, it holds mysterious and hidden treasures, like scandalous sea caves and go-at-your-own-risk beaches that won’t show up on the typical tourist map.
Meanwhile, the road around MDI takes you to beautiful towns like Southwest Harbor, Tremont, and Seal Cove, and boats offer access to the Cranberry Isles and the Schoodic Peninsula.
From Summer Sun to Snowy Trails, Bar Harbor Has a Vibe Year-Round
While Bar Harbor is a four-season town, certain times of year will mean smaller crowds and fewer amenities. If you’re not familiar with Downeast weather, let’s take a quick look at the four seasons and what those months really mean when it comes to Maine’s unique weather.
Winter Weather in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor’s winter weather means one road closes and another slew of opportunities open. Park Loop Road shuts down by December 1 each year but remains open to vehicles from Bar Harbor to Otter Cliff Road. The rest of the road is open to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking.
November through April also brings an elevated risk of Nor’easters, which can cause storm conditions, flash flooding, heavy rain, and wind damage.
It’s always critical to keep an eye on the weather during this time of year. Sign up for emergency notifications through the town of Bar Harbor.
| Month | Average High (F) | Average Low (F) | Average Snowfall |
| November | 45 | 30 | 4.5 inches |
| December | 34 | 19 | 12.7 inches |
| January | 30 | 12 | 18.1 inches |
| February | 33 | 14 | 15.3 inches |
| March | 41 | 24 | 10.3 inches |
Spring in Bar Harbor
While most people start celebrating spring in March, this season is rather finicky in Bar Harbor. In fact, it’s often referred to as mud season.
The snowmelt causes many muddy trails, usually enough to close the carriage roads for days or weeks at a time. Park Loop Road opens on April 15. That includes the road to Cadillac Summit, which doesn’t require reservations until late May.
Road closures, combined with melting snow, mean fewer activities. Even campsites won’t open until mid-to-late May. While Memorial Day traditionally kicks off summer in other states, the peak season starts the 4th of July weekend.
For planning purposes, the tourism numbers generally double between May and June.
| Month | Average High (F) | Average Low (F) | Average Precip. |
| April | 52 | 34 | 4.2 inches |
| May | 63 | 44 | 3.9 inches |
| June | 72 | 53 | 3.7 inches |
Summer in Bar Harbor
July and August make up about 40% of Bar Harbor’s annual tourism numbers, with Acadia National Park visitation showing nearly 1.6 million visits in 2024.
The weather is beautiful, but the humidity lingers around 74%. Aside from the remote chance of a hurricane between June and November, most activities on land and water are in full swing during this time.
| Month | Average High (F) | Average Low (F) | Average Precip. |
| July | 78 | 58 | 3.3 inches |
| August | 77 | 57 | 3.1 inches |
Fall in Bar Harbor
Early September still feels a lot like summer, with temperatures lowering slightly and visitation dipping from the peak. Expect fall foliage to peak around mid-October.
Campgrounds around the park will close in early to mid-October, so expect Indigenous People’s Day (the second Monday in October) to be the cutoff for seasonal businesses and activities.
Between the leaves falling and the first snow, it’s known as stick season. Between October and November, park visitation declines from around 550,000 visitors to around 70,000. Snow can arrive as early as October, but mid-November is more likely.
Park services will generally close sometime in late October, but the trails and roads are still open for hikers and explorers.
It’s worth noting that November through April is the Nor’easter season, and storms can damage the coastline. Always check park conditions before you plan to use a path or site near the water.
| Month | Average High (F) | Average Low (F) | Average Precip. |
| September | 69 | 50 | 3.5 inches |
| October | 57 | 39 | 4.3 inches |
| November | 45 | 30 | 4.5 inches |
You’ve Got the Inspiration, Now All You Need Is the Trip
Now that you’ve got a taste of what Bar Harbor has to offer, why not turn those daydreams into plans? The town will welcome you with open lobster claws and a dose of Maine hospitality no matter when you plan to visit.
One final tip: Check the cruise schedule before you plan your trip. Knowing when the ships will dock can help you avoid the crowds of passengers that pour off the boats.