Wondering what to do in Bar Harbor? This charming town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island offers visitors a perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor fun, tasty food, and small-town warmth. As the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor balances wild nature with New England comfort. The town sits where the mountains meet the sea, creating amazing views in every direction. Visitors can fill their days with hiking, whale watching, and exploring tide pools, then relax with fresh seafood and local ice cream.
Whether you want adventure or relaxation, Bar Harbor delivers both with its own special Maine character. The changing seasons bring different joys, from summer sailing to fall foliage, making any time a good time to visit this coastal gem. What Do They has prepared a guide to answer your query what to do in Bar Harbor.
Explore Acadia National Park
When thinking about what to do in Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park tops most lists. This 47,000-acre park sits mostly on Mount Desert Island and features mountains, forests, lakes, and rocky shores.
Start at the Visitor Center to get maps and the latest information. Park rangers can suggest trails that match your hiking ability and interests. Some must-see spots in Acadia include:
Cadillac Mountain
As the highest point on the North Atlantic coast, Cadillac Mountain offers stunning views. Many visitors wake early to be among the first people in the United States to see the sunrise from its summit. You can drive to the top or hike up if you want more of a challenge.
Jordan Pond
This clear, deep pond sits between two rounded mountains called the Bubbles. The Jordan Pond Path offers a mostly flat 3.5-mile loop with beautiful views. After your walk, stop at the historic Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers (light, hollow rolls) with jam.
Park Loop Road
This 27-mile road connects many of Acadia’s highlights. You can drive the full loop, stopping at outlook points along the way. Some of the best stops include:
- Thunder Hole, where waves crash into a small cave making a thundering sound
- Otter Cliff, a dramatic 110-foot rock face dropping to the ocean
- Sand Beach, a rare sandy spot among Maine’s rocky coast
When planning what to do in Bar Harbor that includes Acadia, consider buying a park pass online before you arrive to save time.
Walk the Shore Path
Right in town, the Bar Harbor Shore Path gives you an easy way to enjoy the coastal scenery. This flat path runs about 1.5 miles from the town pier along the shoreline, passing grand summer homes and offering views of islands in Frenchman Bay.
The path dates back to the 1880s, when Bar Harbor served as a summer playground for the rich and famous. Early morning offers peaceful walking and good light for photos, while sunset brings dramatic colors to the sky and water.
For those wondering what to do in Bar Harbor without driving or hiking, this path provides a perfect way to connect with the coastal beauty.
Go Whale Watching
The waters off Bar Harbor host several kinds of whales from May through October. Humpback, finback, and minke whales feed in these rich waters, along with dolphins, porpoises, and seals.
Several companies offer whale watching trips leaving from the town pier. Most tours last about 3-4 hours and include narration from naturalists who explain what you’re seeing. Though sightings can never be guaranteed, the success rate for spotting whales runs high during summer months.
When considering what to do in Bar Harbor on the water, these trips offer the chance to see some of the ocean’s most amazing creatures in their natural setting.
Explore the Town’s History
Bar Harbor has a fascinating past. Once called Eden, the town became a summer colony for America’s wealthiest families in the late 1800s. The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors built massive “cottages” (actually huge mansions) here.
A fire in 1947 destroyed many of these homes, but you can still learn about this Golden Age at the Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum housed in the former St. Edwards Convent on Ledgelawn Avenue.
For those interested in what to do in Bar Harbor that connects with history, walking tours offer stories about famous visitors and the town’s evolution from fishing village to fancy resort to today’s tourism center.
Get a Taste of Local Food
Food ranks high on most lists of what to do in Bar Harbor. The town offers everything from simple lobster rolls to fine dining.
Trying Fresh Seafood in Bar Harbor
Maine means lobster, and Bar Harbor delivers. Watch fishing boats bring in the day’s catch, then enjoy that fresh seafood at local restaurants. Besides lobster, try:
- Steamed clams dipped in butter
- Creamy clam or fish chowder
- Fresh oysters on the half shell
- Scallops harvested from nearby waters
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with harbor views. For the freshest catch at good prices, try the lobster pounds a short drive from downtown.
Visit Local Food Producers
The area around Bar Harbor grows and makes many food items. Learn what to do in Bar Harbor for food lovers by visiting:
- Bar Harbor Tea Company for locally blended teas
- Atlantic Brewing Company for craft beers made with Maine ingredients
- Bar Harbor Jam Company for preserves made from wild blueberries
- Mount Desert Island Ice Cream for unique flavors made in small batches
Farmers markets happen weekly during summer months, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.
Take a Boat Tour
Seeing Bar Harbor from the water gives you a whole new view of the area. Along with whale watching, you can choose from several types of boat tours:
- Nature cruises focusing on wildlife like seals, eagles, and seabirds
- Lighthouse tours showing the historic beacons that guide sailors
- Sunset sails offering romantic views as day turns to evening
- Lobster fishing demonstrations where you can help pull up traps
When planning what to do in Bar Harbor on the water, these tours provide fun for all ages and good photo chances without requiring you to drive or hike.
Visit the Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum shares the history and culture of Maine’s native Wabanaki people. With locations in both downtown Bar Harbor and inside Acadia National Park, the museum displays beautiful baskets, tools, and art.
Programs throughout the year include traditional music, storytelling, and craft demonstrations. The museum helps visitors understand that this land has been home to people for thousands of years before European settlement.
For those wondering what to do in Bar Harbor on rainy days or to learn more about the area’s first people, the Abbe Museum offers thoughtful exhibits in a modern space.
Enjoy Water Sports
The cold waters around Mount Desert Island might surprise swimmers used to warmer seas, but they offer perfect conditions for many water sports.
Kayaking tops the list of what to do in Bar Harbor for active visitors. Paddling along the coast lets you see wildlife and reach small islands and coves not accessible by foot. Both guided tours and equipment rentals are available for all skill levels.
Stand-up paddleboarding has grown popular in the quieter waters of the harbor and nearby lakes. For those wanting bigger adventures, sailing charters take you further from shore for half-day or full-day trips.
Walk the Low Tide Land Bridge
One unique feature near Bar Harbor is the land bridge to Bar Island. At low tide, a gravel path appears between the town and this small island in Frenchman Bay. You can walk across, explore the island briefly, and return before the tide rises again.
The land bridge stays visible for about 1.5 hours before and after low tide. Check tide charts carefully before crossing, as the water returns quickly and can strand unprepared visitors.
For those curious about what to do in Bar Harbor that costs nothing but offers a special experience, this natural phenomenon provides a memorable hour.
Bike the Carriage Roads
Among the most loved features of Acadia National Park are its carriage roads. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940, these 45 miles of crushed stone paths wind through the park, crossing streams on stone bridges and offering car-free travel.
Originally designed for horse-drawn carriages, today the roads welcome hikers and bikers. Rental shops in Bar Harbor provide bikes, helmets, and maps for exploring these scenic routes.
When researching what to do in Bar Harbor with family, these carriage roads offer safe riding for all ages and fitness levels.
Watch Sunrise or Sunset
Bar Harbor’s eastern location means spectacular sunrises, especially from Cadillac Mountain where you can be among the first people in the United States to see the day begin. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to find parking and a good viewing spot.
Sunset brings its own magic, with the light turning the western sky and water into a canvas of reds, pinks, and purples. Favorite sunset watching spots include:
- Agamont Park in downtown Bar Harbor
- The top of Cadillac Mountain
- Pretty Marsh on the quieter western side of the island
For romantic ideas about what to do in Bar Harbor, planning an outing around these daily light shows costs nothing but creates lasting memories.
Shop at Local Stores
Downtown Bar Harbor has many shops selling everything from practical outdoor gear to fun souvenirs. Unlike chain stores found everywhere, Bar Harbor’s shops often carry items made by local artisans and reflect the character of Maine.
Look for:
- Blueberry-themed foods and crafts
- Jewelry made with local materials like beach stones
- Clothing with Maine humor or wildlife
- Art showing Acadia’s landscapes
When wondering what to do in Bar Harbor on a rainy day or between other activities, these shops offer both shelter and the chance to find unique items to remember your trip.
Attend a Local Event
Depending on when you visit, Bar Harbor hosts several events that bring extra energy to town:
- The Bar Harbor Music Festival runs through July with classical, jazz, and folk performances
- The Fourth of July features a big parade and fireworks over the harbor
- The Acadia Night Sky Festival in September celebrates the area’s dark skies with star parties and talks
- October brings fall foliage and the Mount Desert Island Marathon
If you’re flexible about when to visit, checking the town’s event calendar might help you plan around these special times when considering what to do in Bar Harbor.
Take a Side Trip
While Bar Harbor offers plenty to fill a vacation, several nearby places make great day trips:
- Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, quieter towns on the island with their own charm
- Schoodic Peninsula, a less-visited part of Acadia National Park on the mainland
- Blue Hill, known for its artists and crafts people
- Little Cranberry Island, reached by ferry for a glimpse of year-round island life
When planning what to do in Bar Harbor over a longer stay, these side trips help you see more of Down East Maine’s special places.
Explore Other New England Coastal Towns
If you are planning a longer trip, consider visiting other seaside towns. Each offers its own special character:
For another Maine coastal experience with historic architecture and great shopping, check out what to do in kennebunkport. Located in southern Maine, Kennebunkport offers its own blend of nautical charm and New England tradition.
If you’re heading toward Massachusetts, discover what to do in rockport ma, a picturesque artist colony on Cape Ann with its famous fishing shack known as Motif No. 1.
For those who want to mix coastal visits with mountain adventures, explore what to do in north conway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region. The area offers beautiful fall foliage viewing and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Visit Gardens and Wild Areas
Beyond Acadia, several gardens and nature preserves show off Maine’s plants and landscapes:
- Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor features Japanese-inspired design
- Thuya Garden combines formal beds with native woodland plants
- The Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts Spring show different Maine habitats in a small space
For those interested in what to do in Bar Harbor related to plants and gentle outdoor exploration, these gardens offer peaceful settings for walking and photography.
So the Answer to What to do in Bar Harbor is…
From mountain trails to ocean waves, Bar Harbor offers visitors endless ways to connect with nature, history, and local culture. The town’s location between Acadia’s mountains and the Atlantic Ocean creates a rare place where you can hike in the morning and sail in the afternoon.
When planning what to do in Bar Harbor, remember that each season brings different joys. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, fall brings spectacular leaf colors, spring shows wildflowers and fewer crowds, and winter offers peaceful solitude for those who don’t mind the cold.
Whatever brings the question of “what to do in Bar Harbor,” the answer is not limited to outdoor adventure, fresh seafood, beautiful scenery, or small-town charm, you’ll find more than enough to fill your days. The biggest challenge might be fitting everything into your stay. But like many visitors, you may find yourself planning your next trip before the first one ends, drawn back by the special magic of this corner of Maine.
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