Things to do in Bar Harbor

Things to do in  Bar Harbor

The last stop before Acadia

Bar Harbor, a coastal city with plenty of old-fashioned charm, has been one of Maine’s most popular vacation destinations since the 19th century, when it was the retreat of choice for Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Located on Mt. Desert Island overlooking Frenchman Bay, there are lots of things to do in Bar Harbor, especially in the summer months, when visitors hike to nearby Acadia National Park and enjoy daytime boat tours, before tucking into freshly caught lobster, local craft beer, and slices of blueberry pie. However, the area’s pine trees, lighthouses, and mountains are equally magical in winter.

Learn more

Top 1 attractions in Bar Harbor

#1

Acadia National Park

star-52,747
Located on Maine's Schoodic Peninsula and Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is a New England gem. You'll find diverse areas of the park to explore, from dense woodlands and vast lakes to the tallest mountains on the Northeast coast. Maintained by the National Park Service, Acadia offers endless options for exploration—from catching the first sight of sunrise in the US on Cadillac Mountain to camping on the remote shores of Duck Harbor to hearing waves crashing in the park's famed Thunder Hole inlet.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Bar Harbor by interest

Top activities in Bar Harbor

Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (2.5Hr)

Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (2.5Hr)

star-4.5
1357
From
$64.11
Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours)

Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours)

star-5
342
From
$92.96
100+ Self Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action

100+ Self Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action

star-5
1
From
$99.99
per group
25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

star-4
4
From
$84.99
per group
Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour

star-4.5
59
From
$139.99
2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed Captain

2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed Captain

star-4
189
From
$79.00
East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

From
$74.99
per group
Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot in Bar Harbor

Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot in Bar Harbor

star-5
1
From
$218.53
1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay)

1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay)

star-5
7
From
$16.61
Acadia Full Day Private Tour and Hike
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Acadia Full Day Private Tour and Hike

star-5
19
From
$646.25
Bar Harbor Bash Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Bar Harbor Bash Scavenger Hunt

star-3
4
From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

From
$14.99
4 Hour Private Tour: Explore Acadia Nat'l Park, Fjord & Mansions

4 Hour Private Tour: Explore Acadia Nat'l Park, Fjord & Mansions

star-5
155
From
$700.00
per group
Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

From
$14.99
per group
90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor

star-4
19
From
$29.99
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park

From
$12.99
per group
Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

star-5
28
From
$174.00
Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour

Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour

star-5
79
From
$299.00
Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour

Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour

From
$602.25
6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Fjord & Lobster Lunch

6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Fjord & Lobster Lunch

star-5
126
From
$850.00
per group
See all Bar Harbor tours

All about Bar Harbor

When to visit

Summer is peak season in Bar Harbor, Maine, and neighboring Acadia National Park. Temperatures are at their warmest June–August, making swimming and water sports popular things to do. Travelers who don’t mind chillier temperatures often plan visits in spring and fall. Popular annual events include the Bar Harbor Music Festival in July and the Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival in August.

Getting around

A car is the best way to get around Bar Harbor, Maine, and explore the surrounding area including Acadia National Park. Many tourists arrive in their own car, or fly and rent a car at the airport. Local public transportation is a good option for sightseeing, including the Bar Harbor Ferry and the free, seasonal Island Explorer Shuttle, which also offers convenient transportation into Acadia National Park.

Traveler tips

No trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, would be complete without visiting Acadia National Park. The main drive is called Park Loop Road, which winds along the coastline and offers dramatic ocean views. Some of the most scenic parts of the park are accessed more easily by bike, so consider bringing your bike to explore more widely. To avoid parking concerns or crowds, utilize the free, seasonal Island Explorer Shuttle to reach the park.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
36
Reviews
3,370
EN
b1344e43-0d91-4f91-9fba-5f8481d5d9f0
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Bar Harbor known for?

Bar Harbor has coastal charm and boat tours galore. This Maine town is also a gateway to nearby Acadia National Park. A popular summertime destination since the 19th century, Bar Harbor is known for lobster boats, access to hiking trails, scenic lighthouse cruises, local craft beer, and whale watching.

...More
How do I spend a day in Bar Harbor?

From hiking in nearby Acadia National Park to climbing aboard a scenic boat ride, Bar Harbor offers many ways to spend a day in Maine. Choose between popular activities including photography excursions, whale-watching cruises, and culinary tours focused on local flavors from lobster to craft beer.

...More
What is the best month to visit Bar Harbor?

The best months to visit Bar Harbor are from June to August. The summer months in Maine offer the warmest temperatures and are a popular time to visit. Some travelers prefer to avoid the peak summer crowds of July and August, visiting in June or September instead.

...More
How many days should you spend in Bar Harbor?

Plan on spending three days in Bar Harbor. Get a taste for the town through its thriving restaurants, scenic boat cruises, and hiking trails in nearby Acadia National Park. Don’t miss the chance to eat lobster and sample local craft beer.

...More
How do you get to Acadia from Bar Harbor?

The town of Bar Harbor borders Acadia National Park. To reach Acadia from Bar Harbor, visitors can drive their own vehicle (with a parking pass), utilize the free shuttle bus system, or ride their bikes. Bike rentals are available in Bar Harbor and shuttles can accommodate bikes.

...More
What should I not miss in Acadia?

Don’t miss driving Acadia National Park’s scenic Park Loop Road. Other popular activities include biking the car-free carriage roads, visiting Thunder Hole, and hiking to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Other top hiking trails include Ocean Path, Beehive Loop, Precipice, and Thunderdome.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Bar Harbor?
A:
The top things to do in Bar Harbor are:
Q:
What are the top activities in Bar Harbor?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Bar Harbor?
A:
Check out things to do near Bar Harbor:

More Tours in Bar Harbor