10 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine: A Complete Guide

Why Bar Harbor Is One of Maine’s Most Magical Coastal Towns

I’ve traveled to many places in New England, but Bar Harbor quickly became one of my favorites. Located on Mount Desert Island and next to Acadia National Park, this small coastal town feels like a blend of serene nature, stunning views, and classic Maine charm. Frenchman Bay shines in the morning, the crowds are friendly, and the rocky coastline makes every picture resemble a postcard.

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, delicious seafood, and exploring charming downtown streets, Bar Harbor is one of the best spots to visit in Maine. Acadia is just minutes away, making it easy to switch between town life and outdoor fun. Let me guide you through the best things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, filled with memorable experiences from my visit.

Best Time to Visit Bar Harbor

After visiting in both summer and fall, I found there’s always a good time to visit Bar Harbor. It all depends on the vibe you’re after.

• Summer (June–August): Warm days, plenty of activities, great for kayaking, whale watching, and hiking in Acadia National Park. This is the busiest season.
• Fall (September–October): My favorite time. The trees around Mount Desert Island and Park Loop Road become breathtaking. The weather is cooler, perfect for hiking trails like Jordan Pond Path or Ocean Path.
• Spring & Early Summer: Fewer crowds, blooming flowers, and peaceful mornings on the Shore Path.

If you want to hike, join a whale watching tour, or catch a sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, summer and fall are the best times. If you prefer quiet mornings and fewer people, late spring is fantastic.

Explore Acadia National Park

1. Drive the Park Loop Road

I truly fell in love with Acadia on Park Loop Road. It’s a scenic 27-mile drive through forests, rocky shores, and mountain overlooks. I kept stopping because every turn revealed something even more beautiful.

You can access some of Acadia’s most iconic spots:

• Sand Beach

Sand Beach is tiny but beautiful, tucked perfectly between cliffs and the blue Atlantic Ocean. The sand is actually made of crushed seashells, which gives it this soft, pale color. The water is freezing, even in July, but on a sunny day the whole cove lights up like a postcard. I loved walking along the shoreline and watching the waves crash against the rocks in the distance. This is also one of the best places to start the Ocean Path Trail.

• Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is one of those places where nature shows off a little. When the tide is right, the waves rush into a narrow rock formation and make this deep, echoing “boom” — almost like thunder. The spray can leap several feet into the air, so expect a little mist if you get close. Even when the waves are calm, the shape of the rocks is super cool to look at, and the whole area feels alive with the sound of the ocean.

• Ocean Path Trail

Ocean Path is a fairly easy trail that follows the coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Point. What I love about it is how close you get to the water — you’re basically walking alongside dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and endless ocean views. I stopped so many times just to sit on granite rocks and take in the scenery. If you’re not into intense hiking but still want amazing views, this trail is perfect.

• Otter Cliffs

Otter Cliffs is one of the most striking parts of Park Loop Road. These massive pinkish granite cliffs rise sharply above the ocean, and the waves crash right into the base of the rock. If you go early in the morning, the light hits the cliffs and turns them this beautiful warm color. It’s also a popular spot for rock climbers — I saw a couple of climbers scaling the cliff face, which made me appreciate how massive the cliffs really are.

• Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is one of the calmest, clearest lakes I’ve ever seen. The water is so clean that you can see the rocks under the surface like glass. The famous North and South Bubble mountains sit perfectly in the background, and the whole area looks like something out of a painting. The Jordan Pond Path is an easy walk around the water, and the Jordan Pond House is right nearby if you want popovers with a view.

• Cadillac Mountain Road

Cadillac Mountain Road is the pathway to one of the most iconic views in the entire park. The drive itself is beautiful — winding roads, pine forests, and sneak peeks of the coastline as you climb higher. At the summit, you get panoramic views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and all the small islands floating below you. Sunrise here is legendary, but sunset is just as stunning and usually a bit less crowded. If you’re visiting in summer or early fall, keep in mind you may need a reservation for sunrise.

The views of the Atlantic Ocean and Acadia’s rugged cliffs make this drive one of the best scenic routes in Maine. If you go in fall, the colorful trees make everything even prettier.

 2. Hike the Iconic Trails

Bar Harbor is known for its hikes, and Acadia has something for everyone — from cliff-side challenges to peaceful pond walks.

• Beehive Trail

This hike looks scarier than it is, but yes, there are iron rungs and steep drop-offs. I felt like I was climbing a ladder up the mountain, but the view of Sand Beach and the coastline was absolutely worth it.

• Precipice Trail

Now this one is genuinely scary — in a fun way. It’s more challenging, very steep, and definitely not suitable for beginners. If you love excitement, it’s unforgettable

• Jordan Pond Path

A tranquil trail around the famous clear-water pond. The North and South Bubble mountains sit in the background like two giant scoops of ice cream.

• Gorham Mountain Loop & Ocean Path

I loved this combination — quiet mountain views and beautiful ocean scenery all in one morning. These trails helped me understand why hiking in Acadia National Park is considered some of the best on the East Coast.

3.  Sunrise or Sunset on Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is known for being one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Standing at the summit early in the morning, watching the sky turn pink over Frenchman Bay, felt surreal.

Pro tip:
If you visit during busier months, you’ll need a sunrise permit. It’s worth planning.

4. Explore Bar Harbor Town & Waterfront

• Walk the Shore Path

This is one of the most peaceful things to do in Bar Harbor. The Shore Path starts near town and follows the coastline past historic homes, gardens, and wide-open ocean views. I loved walking it in the early morning when the town was still sleepy.

• Enjoy Downtown Bar Harbor

Downtown Bar Harbor has a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Main Street is filled with

• Ice cream shops
• Cute boutiques
• Souvenir stores
• Art galleries
• Local cafes

It’s the perfect place to wander after a morning in Acadia.

• Seafood & Dining

If you come to Bar Harbor and don’t eat a lobster roll, did you even visit Maine?
I tried lobster rolls from a few spots, and every one was incredible.

There are also great waterfront restaurants where you can eat seafood while watching the boats on Frenchman Bay. If you like breweries, Bar Harbor has some surprisingly good local options too.

5. Unique Outdoor Adventures Around Bar Harbor

• Bike the Historic Carriage Roads

The Carriage Roads are one of Acadia’s gems. These tranquil gravel paths, created by John D. Rockefeller, connect beautiful bridges and forest trails.

I rented a bike in Bar Harbor and rode for hours — everything felt quiet and calm, and the scenery was among the prettiest on Mount Desert Island.

• Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Frenchman Bay

Kayaking in Frenchman Bay is now one of my favorite memories. The water was calm, and I even saw seals popping their heads up nearby.

Whether you do a sunset kayak tour or rent a paddleboard, being on the water makes you appreciate the beauty of Bar Harbor even more.

• Whale Watching & Puffin Cruises

Whale watching in Bar Harbor is amazing because you have a chance to see:

• Humpback whales
• Fin whales
• Minkes
• Puffins in certain seasons

Boat tours leave right from the harbor, and the guides share a lot about Maine’s marine wildlife.

• Explore Bar Island at Low Tide

One of the most unique things in Bar Harbor is the land bridge to Bar Island. At low tide, you can literally walk across the sandbar from town to the island.

It’s super important to check the tide chart — if the tide comes in while you’re on the island, you’ll be stuck until it goes down again.

6. Best Scenic Spots Near Bar Harbor

• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

This lighthouse looks like something from a movie — perched on a rocky cliff, waves splashing below. I visited around sunset, and it was crazy how beautiful the colors got. One of the best photography spots near Bar Harbor.

• Visit Somes Sound

Somes Sound is the only fjord-like inlet on the East Coast of the U.S., which makes it really special. I drove along the edges and found quiet scenic stops overlooking the water. Great for photos and picnics.

7. Family-Friendly Things to Do in Bar Harbor

If you are traveling with kids, Bar Harbor is surprisingly family-friendly.
Some great family activities that you can do while staying in Bar Harbor:

• Sand Beach for playing
• Jordan Pond Path (easy hiking)
• Short walks on the Shore Path
• Educational boat tours
• Riding the Island Explorer shuttle (kids love it)

There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants, so no worries there.

8. Romantic & Relaxed Experiences

If you’re doing a couples trip, Bar Harbor has a ton of peaceful, romantic activities:

• Sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay
• Quiet picnic at Jordan Pond
• Scenic overlooks on Park Loop Road
• A relaxing stroll through downtown and along the Shore Path

Sunset at Cadillac Mountain also makes a beautiful date idea.

9. Where to Stay in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor has a mix of inns, hotels, and cute cottage-style places. Some face the water, some are in the heart of town, and some are tucked away for privacy.

You’ll find:

• Oceanfront hotels
• Family-friendly resorts
• Budget-friendly inns
• Cottage communities (Salt Cottages is a popular one)

Staying close to downtown or near Acadia’s entrance makes everything super convenient.

10. Practical Tips for Visiting Bar Harbor

Here are a few tips I want to share with you:

• Parking: It can get tight in summer — go early.
• Acadia Passes: You’ll need a park pass to enter most areas.
• Island Explorer Shuttle: Free and super helpful for getting around without worrying about parking.
• Tide Charts: Check them before walking to Bar Island.
• Layers: Weather can flip fast, even in summer.

These little tips make the whole trip smoother, trust me.

Conclusion

Bar Harbor, Maine is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. With its rocky coastline, forest trails, Frenchman Bay, Mount Desert Island, and the charm of downtown, it feels like every moment deserves to be on a postcard.

Whether you’re hiking in Acadia National Park, watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, biking the Carriage Roads, or indulging in every lobster roll in town (no judgment here), Bar Harbor makes you feel at home.

If you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, these are the best things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, to make your visit unforgettable.

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