10 Best Things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine

Planning a trip to Bar Harbor and not sure what to do? You’ve come to the right place!

This small scenic resort town on Mount Desert Island is best known for its historic New England charm, Acadia National Park, dramatic coastal scenery, and enough lobster shacks to satisfy any seafood craving. So whether you’re here for the food, museums, scenic hikes, or water activities, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

If you’re wondering what to do once you get to Bar Harbor, we’ve put together 10 of our favorite activities, along with a few hotel recommendations for every budget. Let’s jump right into it!

Bar Harbor at a Glance 

Bar Harbor is compact and easy to get around, but there are a few things worth knowing before you go. Here are the tips we picked up while exploring the town ourselves. 

Important Tip: Pack layers and ride the free Island Explorer!

Use the free shuttle: Bar Harbor might be small, but exploring Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas usually requires a bit more than walking. The free Island Explorer is the easiest way to get around, as it connects most hotels and inns with Acadia’s hiking trails and carriage roads. You can plan your days without worrying about the logistics; just track your bus to see how far away it is, and you’ll be at your destination in no time. 

Plan for all types of weather: Maine weather can change pretty quickly, so packing a few extra layers is always a good idea, especially if you’re planning an early morning hike. You’ll also want a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking around downtown. 

Stay close to downtown: We recommend staying close to downtown Bar Harbor if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the waterfront, and it’s also the most convenient base for catching the free Island Explorer shuttle into Acadia National Park. If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay, check out the Sand Bar Cottage Inn for a luxurious stay in a historic property.

How I Would Spend 3 Days in Bar Harbor 

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park blend rugged coastline, scenic drives, and classic New England charm with great local food. In three days, you can see the highlights and still enjoy a relaxed pace, but a bit of planning goes a long way. After multiple visits, this is how we’d spend 3 days in Bar Harbor and Acadia.

Day 1: Start with breakfast at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, then see Acadia’s highlights on a narrated bus tour before lunch, the Shore Path, the Abbe Museum, dinner at Geddy’s, and an evening ghost walk.

Day 2: Pick up breakfast and picnic bits at Mount Dessert Bakery, then spend the day exploring Acadia’s historic carriage roads by e-bike before returning to Bar Harbor for dinner and an easy evening at the Criterion Theatre.

Day 3: Keep your final day food-focused with breakfast at Coffee Hound and a Bar Harbor food tour, then visit Bar Island at low tide or enjoy one last downtown wander before dinner and drinks by the harbor.

Want the full breakdown? See exactly how we’d spend 3 days in Bar Harbor here.

Things to do in Bar Harbor 

1. Ride the historic carriage roads by eBike 

If you’re looking to explore Acadia National Park at your own pace, this self-guided e-bike rental along the historic carriage roads is the perfect solution! Without a group holding you back, and with all the equipment you need for the day included, it’s a really easy choice. Plus, with an e-bike, you get to decide when you want to pedal and when you’d rather let the bike do the work.

The tour starts in the parking lot at the visitor center, where you can just hop on your e-bike and get going. Before you set off, the staff will show you exactly how the bikes work, give you a map, suggest a route, and share lots of useful tips.

We think this is such a great way to explore Acadia’s carriage roads. You can easily cover over 25 miles (40 km), stopping whenever you like to check out waterfalls and the famous stone bridges (there are 17 of them). The carriage roads are wide, and since they’re only used by bikes, pedestrians, and the occasional horse-drawn carriage, you don’t have to worry about traffic either.

We’d say this is an easy choice for couples, groups of friends, and families with older kids (16+). Just bring a packed lunch and make a day of it. If you already have a date in mind, we’d book ahead because this one is pretty popular with hundreds of amazing reviews to prove it.

2. See Acadia’s highlights through the eyes of a local

We love this bus tour around Acadia because it’s one of the best ways to explore the massive park if you’re short on time or have mobility issues. Another reason we’d choose it is that you get to enjoy the views instead of keeping your eyes on the road, and you’ll visit some amazing spots you could easily miss if you were driving yourself. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to explore each stop and take it all in.

The tour begins at the Village Green in Bar Harbor. Over the course of about two and a half hours, your guide takes you to some of Acadia’s most famous sights, starting with the summit of Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll have time to get off the bus and snap some photos. Next up is Thunder Hole, with a scenic drive along Ocean Drive on the way. If you’re lucky, the waves will be crashing hard enough to create the famous thunder-like roar!

Your final stop is the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, where you can visit the Nature Center and stroll through the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Along the way, your guide explains everything you need to know, which means you’ll already be familiar with the sights before you arrive. 

So if you’re not sure where to start, this tour gives you a great taste of what Acadia has to offer. Then, if there’s somewhere you really love, you can always come back later and explore it at your own pace.

3. Hike Acadia’s coastal trails at your own pace 

Even though the bus tour and eBike rental are both incredible ways to see Acadia, we also love taking the time to slow down and explore the park on foot. Hiking gives you more time to stop for photos, sit by the rocks, listen to the waves, and take in those wild Maine coastal views without feeling like you need to rush to the next stop.

One of the best trails to start with is Ocean Path, which runs from Sand Beach toward Otter Point. It’s 2.2 miles (3.5 km) one way, or 4.4 miles (7 km) round trip, and it’s one of those hikes that gives you a lot of scenery without being too intense. Along the way, you’ll pass rocky coastline, open ocean views, and Thunder Hole, where the waves can crash into the rocks with a deep booming sound when conditions are right.

The first section from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole is the easiest, with a mix of concrete and packed gravel, while the rest of the trail becomes rockier and more uneven. You don’t need to do the whole thing either. You can walk a shorter section, turn around whenever you’re ready, or use the free Island Explorer shuttle to make the logistics easier.

Just remember that Acadia National Park requires an entrance pass year-round, so this is low cost rather than totally free. Still, for the amount of scenery you get, hiking in Acadia is easily one of the best value activities near Bar Harbor.

4. Walk through Bar Harbor’s haunted past

If you’d like to see a different side of Bar Harbor, one that’s a little spookier after dark, this haunted walking tour won’t disappoint! This is where you’ll hear some of Bar Harbor’s oldest monster stories, along with more recent unexplained encounters that are just as creepy. 

It all starts at the Agamont Park gazebo near Shore Path by the cannons, and you’ll get straight into the spooky stuff. Over the next 90 minutes, your guide will lead you through town, sharing the spooky history of places like The Reading Room Restaurant, The Central House, and St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church. 

You might even get lucky like we did and end up in a small group, which makes the whole experience feel much more personal and gives you more time to ask questions. And if your guide happens to be Doug, you’re in great hands (although we’re sure the other guides are just as entertaining!).

So, if you enjoy learning about Bar Harbor’s history as much as its resident ghosts, you’ll love this tour! One thing to keep in mind is that you only visit the haunted locations from the outside. We didn’t mind at all, and judging by the hundreds of glowing reviews, most people seem to feel the same. 

5. Take in the sights from the Bar Harbor Shore Path

For anyone who appreciates self-guided tours, this one is free, scenic, and one of the easiest activities to add to your itinerary. The Shore Path is a century-old walkway that follows Frenchman Bay from the town’s Ells Pier to Wayman Lane, so expect lots of stunning ocean views along the way.

The trail is about 1.5 miles (around 2.5 km) round trip, and it’s an easy walk for all fitness levels, including strollers, wheelchairs, dogs, or anyone who wants something easy before or after a bigger Acadia adventure. Depending on how fast you walk (or if you have curious kids with you), it might take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour there and back.

Along the way, you’ll get views of the Porcupine Islands, Balance Rock, Egg Rock Light, the Schoodic Peninsula, old inns, and historic summer cottages. The best time to visit is sunrise, when you also get to watch the lobster boats heading out for the day’s catch. There are plenty of benches along the way to rest, grab a bite, or enjoy a coffee with a view while you catch your breath.

But the absolute coolest thing to do here is walk right up to Balance Rock at low tide, and for many people, that’s the highlight of the whole walk. 

6. Taste your way through Bar Harbor’s food scene 

This small-group food walking tour is definitely one of our favorite ways to explore Bar Harbor. Not only do you get to try lots of local specialties, but you also learn a bit about the town’s history along the way. Plus, you won’t have to choose the restaurants yourself, and that’s almost always a debate between us. 

You’ll explore the streets around Village Green, which is where many of Bar Harbor’s best local eateries are located, making it easy to hop from one delicious stop to the next. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll visit several food spots and try everything from blueberry soda and blueberry cake to a lobster roll slider, clam chowder, the most delicious crab cake, and Italian sandwiches served with chips.

Every stop feels a little different, so you’re constantly discovering a new flavor, a local favorite, or a hidden gem you might have walked right past on your own.

The tour ends with olive oil and vinegar tastings, followed by ice cream (go for the lobster one if you dare!), which, oddly enough, was one of the highlights for us. Just keep in mind that there’s a lot of food, so definitely come hungry because you’re in for one tasty stop after another. This one is very popular, so check your dates and book ahead! 

7. Cross the Bar Island land bridge at low tide 

One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss while visiting Bar Harbor is crossing the Bar Island Land Bridge, a sand and gravel land bridge that appears during low tide, connecting downtown Bar Harbor with Bar Island. The footing is uneven and can be rocky, but you get to see starfish, crabs, and seashells trapped in the tide pools as the tide recedes.

Timing is everything, though. The National Park Service says you can walk across it from 1.5 hours before low tide until 1.5 hours after, so make sure to check the tide chart and leave yourself enough time to get back. If you don’t, you’ll either be waiting around nine hours for the next low tide or calling a very expensive water taxi.

Although it’s free to hike, Bar Island is part of Acadia National Park, so you should plan for any required park passes. Once you’re on the island, you can continue along the Bar Island Trail for great views back toward Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. The hike usually takes around 45 to 90 minutes.

8. Go kayaking from Southwest Harbor 

We absolutely love this kayaking adventure from Southwest Harbor! After all the hiking and scenic drives, we were definitely ready for something a little more exciting. Even if you’ve never been in a kayak before, this is such a fun and safe way to break up all the sightseeing.

The meeting point is on Main Street, and you’ll need to arrive about 40 minutes before the tour starts. During that time, your guide runs through a safety briefing and provides all the equipment you’ll need, so there’s nothing to worry about. All you have to do is bring some snacks and a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

You’ll paddle around Western Bay (Pretty Marsh), Blue Hill Bay, and Somes Sound (your guide will choose the best route depending on the wind conditions). Although the tour itself lasts about four hours, you’ll only spend around two hours on the water, but one thing we really appreciated was that we never felt rushed. There was plenty of time to relax and keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, jellyfish, and even harbor seals and porpoises. The halfway beach break for a quick refuel was a nice bonus, too.

This tour is ideal if you have a moderate fitness level but are looking for something a little more exciting than the usual Acadia sightseeing. It’s not exactly bungee jumping, but it does add a bit of adventure to your day and is a great activity to enjoy with your family or partner.

9. Visit the Abbe Museum  

If you’re looking for a low-cost cultural activity in downtown Bar Harbor, a visit to the Abbe Museum is definitely worth it! It’s not your typical museum either, which makes it a great place to escape on a rainy day or catch your breath after all the outdoorsy activities.

This place is all about Wabanaki art and culture, with a mission to help visitors learn about the Wabanaki Nations. It’s interactive, with lots of digital media, wall installations, and fascinating artifacts, including a 3,000-year-old musical flute carved from a swan bone.

There’s another museum location too, inside Acadia National Park at Sieur de Monts Spring. It’s the museum’s original home, dating back to 1928. Both locations are open to the public, with the downtown museum open from May to October and the original location from July to October. 

Tickets cost $18 USD for adults, $14 USD for seniors and students with a valid college ID, while children aged 5 to 17 pay $10 USD (it’s free for children aged 4 and under). Even better, your ticket includes entry to both museum locations.

10. Try a classic Maine lobster roll

You can’t come to Bar Harbor and not try lobster at least once! After all, this is Maine, and eating a lobster roll by the coast is a must.

It’s also a great option if you want a classic local bite without booking another full food experience. The food tour on this list is perfect for trying several Bar Harbor specialties, but this is more of a casual, choose-your-own seafood stop. Grab a roll for lunch, order a full lobster dinner, or keep it simple with chowder and something fried on the side.

Bar Harbor has plenty of seafood restaurants and lobster pounds, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to try one. Bar Harbor Lobster Pound on Route 3 is a good casual option if you want that classic roadside Maine seafood feel, with lobster rolls, steamed lobster dinners, and other seafood dishes on the menu. In town, you’ll also find plenty of spots serving lobster rolls close to the harbor, which makes it easy to fit one in between activities.

Lobster definitely isn’t the cheapest meal in Bar Harbor, but it’s one of the most memorable. We’d recommend saving room for it at least once, especially if you can enjoy it outside with sea air, harbor views, or a cold drink after a busy day in Acadia.

Related Read: Wondering how to fit the best of Bar Harbor into one trip? Take a look at our 3-day Bar Harbor itinerary for our favorite way to spend three unforgettable days.

Where to Stay in Bar Harbor

Now that you know the best things to do in Bar Harbor, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to stay! Downtown Bar Harbor is the best area for first-time visitors, as you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the waterfront, and many of the activities in this itinerary. If you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter, Eden Street is another excellent option, offering peaceful bay views while still being just a short drive or walk from downtown.

To help you choose, we’ve listed our favorite hotels for every budget below:

Sand Bar Cottage Inn – $$$

Sand Bar Cottage Inn is our favorite luxury stay in Bar Harbor. This charming 19th-century inn feels more like staying in an elegant home than a hotel, with beautifully decorated rooms, gourmet breakfasts, complimentary afternoon tea, and a peaceful location just steps from Town Beach and the Bar Island Land Bridge. It’s close enough to walk everywhere downtown while still feeling wonderfully quiet.

Rooms typically start at around $345 USD per night, and you can secure this luxury stay at Sand Bar Cottage Inn here.

Wonder View Inn – $$

Wonder View Inn is a fantastic mid-range option on scenic Eden Street. Along with beautiful bay views, guests enjoy access to all of the amenities at the neighboring Bluenose Inn, including its restaurants and facilities. Free breakfast, fire pits, and the Island Explorer shuttle stop right outside, making it an excellent base for exploring both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Rooms start at around $220 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Seasider Motel – $$

If you’re looking to save without sacrificing location, Seasider Motel is an easy recommendation. The rooms are modern, spacious, and clean, and you’ll still be within walking distance of downtown’s shops and restaurants. Free parking, complimentary laundry facilities, and the Island Explorer shuttle stop right outside make it an incredible value, especially if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring Acadia.

Rooms start at around $120 USD per night, and you can book this stay on Booking.com.

Want more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Bar Harbor here!

Related Read: Still deciding where to stay in Bar Harbor? Our complete Bar Harbor where to stay guide breaks down the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels to help you find the perfect base.

Thanks for reading!

Whether you’re hiking Acadia’s rugged coastline, cruising to the top of Cadillac Mountain, paddling along the shore, or digging into a fresh lobster roll, Bar Harbor is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with. We had an amazing time exploring this little corner of Maine, and it’s a destination we’d happily return to again and again.

Before you head off, be sure to check out our other USA travel guides! We’ve explored all over the country and love sharing our favorite itineraries, hidden gems, and travel tips to help you plan your next trip. Or continue planning your adventure with these helpful reads below!

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