Overview
Bar Harbor is a village on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County in the Down East area of Maine. It is a useful base for those visiting Acadia National Park.
7 sights · 28 things to do · 20 places to eat · 10 bars & cafés · 27 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bar Harbor
Abbe Museum
Devoted to the Native American tribes of Maine. The new Abbe museum is much larger and offers plenty of activities for both adults and children. A good rainy day activity. Open to school groups and programs by appointmen…
Bar Harbor Historical Society
Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the museum exhibits memorabilia, maps, antique clothing and pictures.
The Abbe Museum:Original
Located at Sieur De Mont, this one-room museum is the original MDI Native American museum. A bit pricey, but lots of information.
Village Green
The well-groomed park is a great place to take a break from walking, shopping, etc. Toss a frisbee, enjoy your ice cream, read a book, or just take a nap. The gazebo hosts the town band every Monday and Thursday night. O…
Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center
Home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
The Bar Harbor Whale Museum
The museum is devoted to whales and other sea creatures. There are many real skeletons (from stranded marine mammals) on display including a 28-foot long juvenile humpback whale. Other exhibits include climate change, bi…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Nov. (climate data from nearby Acadia National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BHB Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor — 9 mi away. Directions
- BGR Bangor International Airport, Bangor — 42 mi away. Directions
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 116 mi away (major hub). Directions
The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is in Trenton on the outskirts of Ellsworth, on the mainland adjacent to Mount Desert Island. There is scheduled air service to Boston, and seasonal flights to Newark that go on to Vero Beach. During the summer there is free bus service between the airport and Bar Harbor, which takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxi service and rental cars are also available.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $42–$202 a night (typical $79), from 19 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$370.
Options are grouped as Hotels, Bed & breakfasts and guest houses, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bar Harbor Historical Society, Abbe Museum, Village Green
- Lunch Mama DiMatteo's
- Afternoon Schooner Margaret Todd, The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
- Dinner Rosalie's Pizza
- Evening Morning Glory Bakery
Day 2
- Morning Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center, The Bar Harbor Whale Museum, Aquaterra Adventures
- Lunch Mache Bistro
- Afternoon North Ridge Trail, Bear Brook Trail
- Dinner Havana
- Evening Bar Harbor Brewing Company
Day 3
- Morning Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater, Acadia Sailing Company, Coastal Kayaking Tours
- Lunch Town Hill Bistro
- Afternoon South Ridge Trail, The Precipice Trail
- Dinner Jordan's Restaurant
- Evening Atlantic Brewing Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Those seeking real adventure on a budget in Bar Harbor may find the bar and restaurant prices cost-prohibitive, but the Hannaford Supermarket on Cottage Street offers no end of inexpensive food and drink including liquor.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
- 30 min from the city of Ellsworth via Route 3.
- 45 min - 1 hour from Bangor, Maine, depending on traffic. Take I-395 and Route 1A to Ellsworth. From Ellsworth continue on Route 3 to Bar Harbor.
- 3½ hours from Portland, Maine. Take I-95 to exit 182, I-395 and follow the directions from Bangor. Alternatively, take I-95 to Route 3, exit 113, just north of Augusta, and follow Route 3 east to Belfast, and then to Ellsworth and Bar Harbor.
- 5 hours from Boston, Massachusetts
- 7 hours from Burlington, Vermont. Take I-89 South to Montpelier, get on Route 2 West and follow until Newport, Maine. Get on I-95 North and take exit 185 to the "Acadia Region". Follow the signs along Route 1 to Bar Harbor.
- 7 hours from Quebec, Canada
By plane
The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is in Trenton on the outskirts of Ellsworth, on the mainland adjacent to Mount Desert Island. There is scheduled air service to Boston, and seasonal flights to Newark that go on to Vero Beach. During the summer there is free bus service between the airport and Bar Harbor, which takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxi service and rental cars are also available.
By bus
By ferry
Place Bay Ferries
Seasonal car and passenger ferry, 3.5-hour crossing between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Frequency: daily July–Aug 2023, 5 times/week (no Tu, We) Sept–Oct 9, 2023. International travel documents are required: see Bay Ferries web site for details.
Get around
Depending on the time of year you find yourself in town, and your intended goals, your visit may necessitate different modes of transportation. With many of the nearly 3 million annual visitors arriving in the summer months, getting around town by motor vehicle is a bad idea. Bar Harbor is much, much quieter between October and April.
Use the Island Explorer buses to get around the island. They are sponsored by L.L. Bean and you don't have to worry about parking.
Driving a large truck or SUV is ill-advised, as parking in Bar Harbor is not suited to such vehicles. On the bright side, bringing less stuff requires befriending of locals, improvisation, and overall a more fun Maine experience.
The central area of Bar Harbor is quite small and easily explored by foot. This includes the shopping and eating establishments on Main St. and Cottage St., and the activities at the town pier.
Bicycles can be rented in town and may be put on the front of the buses.
See
See The Abbe Museum:Original
Located at Sieur De Mont, this one-room museum is the original MDI Native American museum. A bit pricey, but lots of information.
See Village Green
The well-groomed park is a great place to take a break from walking, shopping, etc. Toss a frisbee, enjoy your ice cream, read a book, or just take a nap. The gazebo hosts the town band every Monday and Thursday night. On summer nights, there are often concerts on the bandstand. Street performers will often roam the sidewalks, and there's free Wifi! Just create an account name and sign on.
See The Bar Harbor Whale Museum
The museum is devoted to whales and other sea creatures. There are many real skeletons (from stranded marine mammals) on display including a 28-foot long juvenile humpback whale. Other exhibits include climate change, bioacoustics, marine adaptations, and a brief history of whaling. Great for kids and adults. Great souvenirs and presents to be found in the gift shop.
See Dorr Museum of Natural History
Dedicated to the natural history of the North East. Exhibits vary from year to year, and are designed by College of the Atlantic students. There is always a touch-tank filled with sea creatures, and plenty of taxidermied animals to examine. Child friendly.
Do
In general, Bar Harbor is more interesting from 9PM-5AM during the summertime, when the crowds are thinner and the air cooler, although the Police Department never sleeps.
Boat tours
Do Lulu Lobster Boat Ride
The only lobster boat and seal watch tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. After fourteen successful seasons delighting passengers in the Hancock area and Bar Harbor, Lulu sails out of downtown Bar Harbor. The Harborside Hotel & Marina is Lulu's base of operations. Lulu takes you on a two-hour tour offering the most exclusive, personal and unique cruise in Bar Harbor.
Do Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises
A Maine Coast tradition since 1968. Take a scenic nature cruise from Northeast Harbor (20 minute drive from Bar Harbor). View Bear Island Lighthouse, Osprey, Eagles, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, visit the Cranberry Islands and the Islesford Historical Museum, and cruise into majestic Somes Sound Fjord.
Paddling
Do Aquaterra Adventures
They offer several types of tours and instruction led by the best licensed Maine guides. They provide you with all of the equipment that you will need on the trip and have their own dock located right behind the shop so there is no need to shuttle anywhere or lug equipment.
Hiking
There are numerous trails around Bar Harbor, and even more in the surrounding areas of Mount Desert Island. When planning a hike, avoid driving and use the free Island Explorer buses. These stop at most trail heads, and afford an ideal means of taking hikes from one point to another without spotting cars. Bring and drink at least one liter of water per person and use sun protection. The nearby mountains and shoreline afford little protection from the sun. Dress in layers. Even on the hottest summer days, the mountains and shoreline can be windy and cool. Stay on the 160 km/100 miles of trails and 80km/50 miles of carriage roads.
The following is a list of walks and hikes around the village of Bar Harbor.
Do The Precipice Trail
This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn. It is one of the most difficult hikes on the island, iron rungs and ladders help you make the steep ascent. This trail is closed at times due to nesting peregrine falcons, which can be viewed from the parking area.
Do The Beehive
540 ft. A short but steep hike up this mountain rewards you with some great views of Sand Beach, Great Head, Frenchman's Bay, and Champlain Mtn.
Do Ocean Trail
An easy walk along the dramatic, rocky coastline Maine is known for. See Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.
Do Great Head Trail
Other activities
Buy
Gear
Art
Other shops
Eat Bee's Yarn, Sweaters and Candy
They really do sell candy, yarn and sweaters. Best part? They have penny candy! A dollar goes a long way at Bee's.
- Bar Harbor Tea Company: sells a wide variety of teas, tea blends, tea pots, and other tea paraphernalia.
- Acadia Shops of Bar Harbor: on Main Street. Acadia Shop, Acadia Outdoors, Jordan Pond Ice Cream and Fudge Acadia Country Store, and Acadia Park Company.
Eat
Those seeking real adventure on a budget in Bar Harbor may find the bar and restaurant prices cost-prohibitive, but the Hannaford Supermarket on Cottage Street offers no end of inexpensive food and drink including liquor.
Budget
Eat Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium
Ben & Bills may have long lines in the summer. Known for their lobster ice cream and hand-made chocolate.
Eat CJ's Big Dipper
The big dipper refers to CJ's "Magic Wand," which he dips in each batch of ice cream.
Eat Jordan's Restaurant
Breakfast served all day.
Eat Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Serves homemade ice cream. Ever had Strawberry Balsamic? Chocolate Wasabi? Cinnamon, nutella? MDI ice cream pushes the boundaries on flavor, but their ice cream is spectacular.
Eat Rosalie's Pizza
For some of the best pizza in town. A seat upstairs at the windows gives a nice view down to Cottage St.
Mid-range
Eat Cafe This Way
This cafe has incredible food, and a warm inviting atmosphere. Dinner can be pricy, but go for breakfast and the prices are low! Known locally for a great place for a Sunday hangover brunch.
Eat Galyn's Restaurant and Galley Lounge
Head to the Galley Lounge for happy hour 4-6PM each afternoon. Reservations are accepted.
Eat Geddy's
Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, all year-round. Burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, and gourmet pizza all provided by cisco systems. Have fun pointing out all of the fake Mount Desert Island memorabilia on the walls while you enjoy the great food and service.
Eat Gringo's
Mexican food with some interesting options, like gingerade and mango salsa.
Eat Siam Orchid-
Traditional Thai food, and a full sushi bar.
Splurge
Eat Havana
American fine dining with a Latin flair.
Eat Mache Bistro
French food with a local flair from acclaimed chef Kyle Yarborough, formerly of Havana. An intimate setting and perfect portions make this a must-do on any Bar Harbor trip. Open year round.
Eat The Burning Tree
Phenomenally good food. Freshly prepared, seasonal, wonderful. Specializes in freshly caught seafood. Call for reservations.
Drink
Bars
Drink Atlantic Brewing Company
Drink Bar Harbor Brewing Company
Drink Tail Gate Sports Bar and Pizza
Pizza, wings, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of shareable appetizers. Two pool tables, arcade games, and 15 big screen TVs.
Drink Lompoc Cafe and Brew Pub
This cozy little cafe offers a selection of seasonal dishes, along with a full bar. There are frequent open-mic nights, and even an outdoor Bocce court! Indoor and outdoor seating.
Drink The Thirsty Whale Tavern
Open year round. Comfortable booths and a full bar make this location a great place to spend an evening with friends.
Coffee
Drink Morning Glory Bakery
Open year round. Free wireless internet. Coffee, daily made bread, freshly made sandwiches, low prices. Try the sticky-buns and you'll be addicted instantly. Eat in or take out.
Drink Opera House Internet Cafe
Offering fee based internet access (wired and wireless), coffee & pastry, come in and to online or simply hang out and play Scrabble, chess, checkers or many other games.
Sleep
Room rates in Bar Harbor vary drastically with time of year and also with category of accommodation.
Hotels
Bed & breakfasts and guest houses
Stay Inn at Bay Ledge Bed & Breakfast
Atop an 80 foot cliff, amidst towering pines and overlooking Frenchman Bay, sits the Inn at Bay Ledge. The Inn at Bay Ledge has twelve units: eight rooms in the main lodge; three hillside cottages; and a private summer cottage on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The Inn at Bay Ledge is locally referred to as the Eden of New England.
Camping
Stay Mt Desert Narrows RV Resort & Campground
Stay safe
- While Maine has relatively low crime rates compared to the rest of the United States, Bar Harbor is rather different during tourist season. Locking of one's car is advised, although car theft is almost unheard of.
- It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating. The water is cold and hypothermia can set in in a short amount of time. Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm. If you are determined to go out on your own, to do so without every single passenger wearing a PFD, or without having a compass and knowing how to use it, or without understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards is not only foolish but could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer. There are numerous companies on Mount Desert Island and else where that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.
Go next
Nearby
Hulls Cove
City / town · 6 listings · 3 mi away
Winter Harbor
City / town · 12 listings · 6 mi away
Somesville
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
Northeast Harbor
City / town · 7 listings · 8 mi away
Trenton
City / town · 26 listings · 9 mi away
Southwest Harbor
City / town · 13 listings · 10 mi away
Tremont
City / town · 9 listings · 12 mi away
Acadia National Park
Park · 15 listings · 13 mi away
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