Bar Harbor holidays

With great food, fresh air and gorgeous views, holidays to Bar Harbor offer the quintessential New England experience. Located on Mount Desert Island, this resort town is the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of America’s most visited national parks. Packed with fresh seafood, craft beer and historic houses, it’s easy to see why celebrities and other travellers flock here every summer.

Bar Harbor holiday highlights

Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor

Wild landscapes

Holidays to Bar Harbor deliver you to the doorstep of a vast landscape of New England wilderness. Explore miles of hiking trails that wind between glacier-scoured granite peaks. Hire a bike, and cycle along scenic carriage roads. Or drive along the iconic Park Loop Road, which offers panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Marine life

Binoculars are a must on holidays to Bar Harbor. The fishing town is one of the premier whale-watching destinations on the United States’ East Coast, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot humpbacks breaching the waves in summer. Marine biologists lead guided excursions, shedding light on animal behaviour and marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Maine.

Lobster boils

Don’t miss a classic lobster boil and clambake. This outdoor dining tradition where you can watch chefs labour over steaming pots of local seafood celebrates Maine’s culinary heritage and rich coastal bounty. Visit ocean-view restaurants like Stewman’s Lobster Pound for freshly steamed lobster and clams, corn on the cob and buttery potatoes.

Bar Harbor: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

November – March

Find the best time to go to Bar Harbor

Weather in Bar Harbor

March — May: Spring can start out cold and wet and turn warm the closer you get to May. This is a great time to see wildflower blooms in Acadia National Park.

June – August: Crowds surge during Bar Harbor’s warm season, when temperatures climb into the mid-20s°C. Make your way to the beach during the day, but don’t forget a light jumper in the evening.

September – November :Leaf peepers get their fill of autumn foliage, which usually peaks in mid-October. Temperatures drop once November draws near, and some businesses close.

December – February: Winters are cold and snowy in Bar Harbor. But you can score great deals and enjoy cross-country skiing or ice skating.

Events in Bar Harbor

Acadia Birding Festival (May to June): Spot puffins and peregrine falcons at this annual festival for bird lovers. The event includes guided hikes, canoe trips and island excursions.

Acadia Night Sky Festival (September): Peer through telescopes and take a nighttime hike during this celebration of the region’s dark skies, which are perfect for stargazing.

Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Races (November): Wear your pyjamas and receive discounts from local businesses on sale days. The highlight of the event is teams racing wheeled beds down Cottage Street.

Village Holidays (December): Sip hot chocolate andwatch Father Christmas light the town Christmas tree before hitting the local shops for a midnight madness sale.

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The best neighbourhoods in Bar Harbor

Downtown Bar Harbor

Downtown is the best area to stay in Bar Harbor if you want to be near artisan shops, restaurants and attractions. It’s also close to Acadia National Park and its countless hiking and biking trails. Spend a day exploring the compact Downtown area, where you’ll find colourful clapboard storefronts housing boutique stores, seafood shacks and independent cafes and bars.

Good for: Shopping, dining, bars

West Street Historic District

Located along the waterfront, the West Street Historic District is where to stay in Bar Harbor for ocean views and impressive architecture. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features more than a dozen properties. Stroll the winding shore path early in the morning to see local fishermen prepare their lobster pots.

Good for: Waterfront, walking, historical homes

Eastern Bay

Eastern Bay stands out for its sweeping bay views and fresh seafood. Here, you can explore secluded rocky beaches, dip your toes in Witch Hole Pond and walk across the rocky terrain of Hulls Cove. Start the day with a glorious sunrise and end it feasting on freshly caught lobster at one of the excellent waterfront restaurants.

Good for: Beaches, outdoor activities, dining

Things to do in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor
Jerry Moorman

Family friendly things to do

If you’re looking for things to do with family in Bar Harbor, start at Mount Desert Oceanarium and Education Center, where kids can learn about local marine life, like lobsters and sea stars. Follow the Great Meadow Loop Trail in Acadia National Park for an easy, family-friendly hike with forested scenery. Kid-friendly Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf has 18 themed holes surrounded by waterfalls and caves.

Shopping

For the best shopping in Bar Harbor, head to Main Street. It’s lined with stores selling gemstones, Native American art and outdoor gear. Visit Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop to browse books and stationery. Fair Trade Winds is the best spot for Maine-themed mementos in summer, and several small galleries, like Argosy Gallery, showcase regional artwork.

Take in the culture

You’ll find a decent selection of small galleries and museums in Bar Harbor. Abbe Museum celebrates the Wabanaki Nations’ heritage and cultures with ever-changing exhibits. The George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History showcases the region’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. At the Art Wendell Gilley Museum, you’ll find exquisite wood carvings of birds.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Bar Harbor offers a blend of cosy pubs to shelter you from the sea breeze and patio bars serving craft ales. Head to Lompoc Cafe, a local summer favourite known for its extensive beer selection. Bar Harbor Beer Works is a top choice for happy hour specials and weekly live music.

Places to eat

Taste farm-to-table goodness and fresh seafood in the restaurants in Bar Harbor. Feast on homemade lobster bisque and mussels at Stewman’s Lobster Pound. Head to the Side Street Cafe for casual dining with hearty comfort food and craft beers. For a fine dining experience, Havana offers creative, Latin-inspired cuisine with a view overlooking Frenchman Bay.

Beaches

Eager to explore the coast? Take a short drive to Sand Beach, a pretty stretch of shoreline sandwiched between granite cliffs and evergreen forest. It’s patrolled by lifeguards in summer, making it an ideal swimming spot. For killer sunsets, neighbouring Boulder Beach delivers the goods, with shores as rugged and rocky as the name suggests.

Plan your holiday to Bar Harbor

Budget

If you’re aiming for a cheap holiday in Bar Harbor, it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasons. Trips to Acadia National Park are still possible, although some portions may be closed. An inexpensive meal in the city will cost about 15 US dollars ($). You can usually find a local beer or a cappuccino for under $6. And a short cab ride starts at around $15.

Day trips from Bar Harbor

The best day trips will have you touring the coastal towns around Bar Harbor. Drive about 50 minutes to charming Blue Hill to browse its many art galleries. Not far from there, you’ll find Deer Isle, home to fantastic seafood restaurants. For a city break, take the hour-long drive to Bangor to shop downtown boutiques and dine at waterfront food trucks.

Getting around Bar Harbor

Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring Maine’s coast. You can hire a car from Bangor International Airport and Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport. If you’re travelling without a car, hop on the free Island Explorer shuttle. It connects Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula communities from mid-June to mid-October.

FAQs about Bar Harbor holidays

Your holiday to Bar Harbour should be a worry-free and enjoyable experience, as the city is seen as a safe place to visit. Still, it's important to take a few commonsense precautions. Remain alert in crowded places and ensure valuables like your credit cards and phone are safely tucked away. A money belt or an anti-theft bag is worth using wherever your travels take you.
The majority of locals here speak English. Every city has its own distinct lingo, so it's worth picking up a few common phrases to use during your city break in Bar Harbour.
January offers the coolest conditions for a Bar Harbour holiday. You can expect lows of -12ºC (10ºF).
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, carrying some cash during your trip to Bar Harbour can be useful.
The hottest month in Bar Harbour is July, which sees highs of 24ºC (75ºF).
The ideal length for a holiday in Bar Harbor is around three to five days. This time frame should let you explore the small town’s boutique stores, hike Acadia National Park and feast on seafood at waterfront restaurants. Longer stays allow more time to discover the area’s rich maritime history at local museums and galleries.
Bar Harbor is moderately priced compared to other North American cities and is one of the least expensive ocean-view destinations. If you want to save even more, book flights and hotels to Bar Harbor for the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.
No matter how many times you visit, this city always has something new to offer. If seeing the sights is on your list of things to do in Bar Harbour, don't forget to include Eagle Lake Acadia National Park and Sand Beach.
For pleasant weather, smaller crowds and cheaper accommodation, holiday in Bar Harbor during the shoulder seasons — May to June and September to October. You’ll still be able to hike and bike and enjoy the best of Acadia National Park. Much of the park and many local shops and restaurants close for winter, so check specific opening times when planning your trip.
With an average rainfall of 15 cm, December is the rainiest month to go on a Bar Harbour holiday. When the skies turn grey, venture indoors and enjoy the city's cafes, galleries, museums and more.

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