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Bar Harbor, Maine is a bustling harbor town filled with exceptional offerings. Retail therapy abounds here, dine on local seafood, stay at award-winning hotels and play at the myriad of adventure tours and equipment providers. Ascend up into the mountains of Acadia National Park, one of the most visited and iconic National Parks in the United States. Whether you are local to Maine, or traveling from outside the state, our amazing Bar Harbor, ME Travel Guide will help you get the most out of your trip!
We got to see a puffin and climb a mountain! I couldn’t fit all the amazing things to do in Bar Harbor into this post, but these are the highlights! Be sure to tag us on Instagram at @talesfromanuntamedsoul with your favorite Bar Harbor memories!
Acadia National Park– Known not just for its summer (high-season) activities, but Acadia National Park is even known for its winter sports and picturesque fall foliage.
Pedego Ebike Rentals– There are so many scenic points in Acadia National Park which are best seen on Electric Bikes from Pedego Ebike Rentals like the Carriage Trails/Roads or Park Loop Road, and the bikes provide the convenience of not having to stress over parking. Be sure to request saddle bags to store water, snacks, swimsuit, and camera on your bike.
Costal Kayaking Tours– A great way to see wildlife, get in a workout and have a great time looking at the mountains of Acadia National Park is with Coastal Kayaking Tours. Book a half-day or full-day, sunset or daytime. There are lots to see.
Pirates Cove Miniature Golf– 18 holes of Pirate themed mini-golf at Pirates Cove Miniature Golf includes waterfalls, footbridges, caves, and a pirate ship; fun for any ageless child.
The Great Maine Lumberjack Show– Watch real lumberjacking with World Champion and Survivor show alum Timber Tina at the Great Maine Lumberjack Show.
Downeast Windjammer– Enjoy a sunset sail on a four masted-schooner with Downeast Windjammer.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch– Whale, seal, puffin nature watch cruises are all available with Bar Harbor Whale Watch.
Scenic Flights of Acadia– See the beauty of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park from the skies with Scenic Flights of Acadia.
Carriages of Acadia– What better way to go back in time and enjoy the Carriage Trails/Roads than in a horse drawn carriage from Carriages of Acadia.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School– Rock climbing is a great family and couples bonding experience. Even solo, it was the experience of a lifetime for me. Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School made everything so easy and fun. All climbing equipment is included.
The Naturalist’s Notebook– Exploratorium and shop that teaches and ignites imagination. The Naturalist’s Notebook is a unique place to visit.
Wild Gardens of Acadia– View the indigenous plant species and terrain from pond, bog, marsh, and forest of the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
Schoodic Peninsula– To me, the Schoodic Peninsula is the smaller quieter sister of Acadia National park. It is still a part of the park, about 45 minutes away in Winter Harbor. There is excellent road cycling, hiking, and many ocean views perfect for sitting and breathing the day away.
Bar Island Path– At the corner of West Street and Bridge Street, there is a downward driveway/path called Bar Island Path that will lead you to a sandy gravel path, revealing, only during low tide, a trail to Bar Island.
Downtown Bar Harbor– Here are a few of my favorite shops, though you could hardly see them all, there are so many.
Maine is obsessed with their lobster rolls and seafood is the main diet. Stroll through any Bar Harbor restaurant, and you will see lobster buoys, lobstermen and women pulling lobster pots, and almost every restaurant boasts the best lobster roll, which typically comes in a mayonnaise or butter sauce. But when in Maine, if you have a meal that provides an exceptional ocean view, you have the makings for a memorable time. You will see Maine blueberries in everything, from chocolate, cocktails, sauces, desserts, and pancakes. Wild blueberries have a different taste, so be sure to take advantage of the summer blueberry harvest.
Stewmans Lobster Pound– Seemingly like a boat in port, Stewmans Lobster Pound has excellent water views and delicious food, outstanding service, and staff. They are also pet friendly.
The Reading Room– Fine dining, with exceptional water views, in a comfortable atmosphere, The Reading Room is a sought after reservation.
Terrace Grille– Delicious grill food, the Terrace Grille offers an array of local drink favorites and excellent water views with shade umbrellas.
Pink Pastry Shop– Gregg’s favorite was the hot chocolate paired with a lovely scone or lemon bar. It’s all good at the Pink Pastry Shop and visually appealing too.
Atlantic Brewing Company– Small-batch brews and craft burgers are their thang! The Atlantic Brewing Company also has a great outdoor space.
Bar Harbor has multiple award-winning and top hotels in New England. These three options will provide excellent views, service, and amenities to ensure a relaxing and memorable stay.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina– Award-winning, stunning views, and an array of services make for a relaxing stay at the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina.
West Street Hotel– Award-winning, West Street Hotel is Maine’s only rooftop pool with an unparalleled view.
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa– The eight acres of lush lawns, colorful shade umbrellas, and red dancing flames in the fire-pits, make the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa feel like an island away from the bustle of Main St. of Bar Harbor.
Everything you need to know about traveling
Bar Harbor and Acadia National park is one of the top destinations in the US for spring, summer and fall activities. It’s much slower in the winter, but there are things to do. Be sure to see our Acadia National Park Guide for details.
Just about every tour company, restaurant, hotel, and shop is excellent, but if you like my favorites, be sure to tag us on Instagram @talesfromanuntamedsoul and share your pics!
Accommodation – Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina – The Deluxe King Oceanfront rooms at the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina have a beautiful presentation, picture-perfect Acadian view, and it’s close to many activities, shops, and restaurants.
Food – Terrace Grille – The bright colors of the shade umbrellas that dot the Terrace Grill pale compared to the water views, sea breeze, and memorable Maine blueberry mocktails and cocktails
Things to Do – Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School – I did the south bubble rock face with an expert guide from Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School and was in awe of the sweeping views. I had great memories of overcoming more fears of heights and could still interact with Gregg, who was a non-participant (there was no fee for him). In the half-day package, I could do 2 climbs. Acadia Mountain Climbing School provided all the equipment. I only had to bring water, a lunch/snack, my car to drive to the school and then the climbing location (parking was challenging), and a camera for pictures. Make sure you have your Acadia National Park pass accessible, either printed or on your phone.
Alise’s Favorites and Suggestions –
– Maine Covid-19 travel and visitor information
– I highly recommend renting e-bikes but be very mindful of the return time; they will not come to get you if you are late
– If you plan to go into the Acadia National Park, be sure to read our Acadia Guide; you will need reservations to visit Cadillac Mountain, and you will need a park pass any time you enter the park, even on a bike
– Parking is challenging in summer so get there early, park and walk, most meters take credit cards (requiring your license plate number when parking in a lot), and it is recommended that you add a lot of extra time in case you can’t make it back in time to add more money
– There are many types of cycling available throughout Acadia and Bar Harbor; bring your own bike(s) or rent them
Road cycling the Park Loop Road in Acadia is beautiful, full of heart-pounding ascent, and adrenaline-powering descents. You will find professional cyclists, pedal-power bikers, and e-bikes politely vying to set the pace on the road. Also, check out THIS route. While you can cycle up Cadillac Mountain it is not something I suggest, due to the steep terrain and narrow roads.
For a variety of cycling options, Bike Maine can help you find the ideal terrain, optimal distance, scenic views, and elevation.
If you want a cycling vacation, and someone to take care of the details, Backroads can take you through Maine or around the world.
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These items will make your travels memorable.
September 23, 2021
The information provided through this website is for informational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness or disease. It is not professionaladvice, nor is it intended to create any type of relationship between us. You should not act on any of the information on this website without seeking professional legal, financial, medical, mental health, travel,or other professionaladvice or care. All subscribers that havejoinedthrough a request for information initiated by the subscriber have the opportunity to opt-out at any time. We are a part of multiple affiliate sales networks; we may be compensated if you (the consumer) choose to utilize the links located throughout ourcontent andour website.By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Affiliate Policy. Content may not bereproduced in any form.
