Planning a trip to Bar Harbor? You’re in the right place!
This classic Maine coastal town is all about exploring on foot, enjoying those harbor views, and visiting Acadia National Park. And you don’t need long here, either. In three days, you can fit a lot in, from learning about Wabanaki culture to enjoying lots of yummy local food.
We’ve designed this itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Bar Harbor, Maine. It combines guided tours with flexible downtime, so you can enjoy the best of this charming town without exhausting yourself.
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Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Bar Harbor is this narrated bus tour of Acadia National Park. We loved sitting back, soaking in the incredible scenery, and not having to worry about parking or driving. Plus, the guide’s local stories made us appreciate the park even more!
Itinerary Overview
Bar Harbor (pronounced “Bah Hahbah”) is a classic coastal Maine town, and it’s one of the best places to base yourself for exploring Acadia National Park. This itinerary is designed to help you see the best of Bar Harbor and Acadia without making every day feel like a huge hiking mission. You’ll get a mix of guided experiences and light adventure, as well as plenty of local food and Wabanaki culture.
If you stay in downtown Bar Harbor, you can walk to most restaurants, the Shore Path, the ghost walk, the food tour, and the Bar Island access point. For Acadia, parking can be busy, so the fare-free seasonal Island Explorer bus is really useful when it’s running, especially for reaching park stops and Hulls Cove Visitor Center, where the e-bike rental begins. You can also drive or use taxis and rideshares where available, but this itinerary works best with a mix of walking, guided tours, and the Island Explorer.
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.
Day 1
Breakfast – Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
Start your first morning at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, a classic breakfast spot on Cottage Street. If you’re staying in downtown Bar Harbor, this is a really convenient place to begin, especially because it’s only about a 1-minute walk from the meeting point for this morning’s Acadia bus tour.
The menu has all the hearty breakfast classics you’d want before a day of exploring, including blueberry pancakes, homemade toast, corned beef hash, eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. There are also vegan and gluten-free options, which are always helpful if you’re traveling with a group.
Jeannie’s is budget-friendly to mid-range by Bar Harbor standards, and you don’t need a reservation. It can get busy during peak season, though, so I’d aim to arrive around 8:30 am. That gives you plenty of time for breakfast before walking over to Testa’s Restaurant for the 10 am tour.
Morning – See Acadia’s highlights through the eyes of a local
After breakfast, walk over to Testa’s Restaurant for this narrated bus tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We’d go for the 10 am option, which works perfectly after breakfast at Jeannie’s and gives you a really easy introduction to the area on your first morning.
This tour makes a lot of sense in Acadia, especially if it’s your first visit. Parking in the park can be a pain, and if you’re driving yourself, it’s hard to fully enjoy the views while also watching the road. On this tour, you can sit back, look out at the scenery, and learn all about it from your local guide.
The tour lasts around 2.5 hours and includes three main stops: Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Sieur de Monts Spring. You’ll have time to get off the bus, take photos, enjoy the views, and use the facilities at certain stops, so it doesn’t feel like you’re just staring out of a window the whole time.
I think this is a great Day 1 activity because it gives you a feel for Acadia’s biggest highlights without starting the trip with a strenuous hike. The tour starts and ends at Testa’s Restaurant in downtown Bar Harbor, so once you finish around 12:30 pm, you can walk to Side Street Cafe for lunch in about 5 minutes.
If you’re still on the fence, take a look at the 1,900+ glowing reviews here—they speak for themselves!
Lunch – Side Street Cafe
After the Acadia bus tour, walk over to Side Street Cafe for lunch. It’s a casual, family-run spot on Rodick Street, just a few minutes from where the tour ends, so it’s a really easy choice before spending the afternoon around downtown Bar Harbor.
The menu is a real crowd-pleaser, with sandwiches, clam chowder, tacos, salads, comfort food, lobster dishes when available, plus their popular mac and cheese options. There’s something for everyone here!
You don’t usually need a reservation for Side Street Cafe at lunchtime, but Bar Harbor gets busy in peak season, so don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of a wait. By the time you’ve finished eating, it will probably be around 2 pm. From here, you can walk to the start of the Shore Path near Town Pier in around 5 to 10 minutes.
Afternoon – Soak up Bar Harbor’s waterfront and downtown charm
After lunch, keep the afternoon nice and easy around downtown Bar Harbor. This way, you don’t need to worry about driving, parking, or getting back across town in time for tonight’s ghost walk.
The plan is simple: walk the Shore Path, visit the Abbe Museum, and then leave a little time to browse downtown if you feel like it. It’s a lovely way to get a feel for Bar Harbor itself after seeing Acadia on this morning’s bus tour, and everything is close enough to do on foot.
Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path
After lunch, start your afternoon with a walk along the Bar Harbor Shore Path. This is one of the easiest and most scenic things to do in town, and it’s a lovely way to enjoy the waterfront without needing to drive anywhere or plan another big activity.
The Shore Path has been around for more than a century and follows Frenchman Bay from the town pier area toward Wayman Lane. Along the way, you’ll get views of the Porcupine Islands, Balance Rock, Egg Rock Light, the Schoodic Peninsula, old inns, and some amazing summer cottages.
It’s a gentle, level walk, so it works really well after the morning bus tour and lunch. I’d allow around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how often you stop for photos and sea views.
From the end of the path, you can loop back toward Main Street and walk to the Abbe Museum in around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on where you exit.
Visit the Abbe Museum
Next, head to the Abbe Museum, which is one of the best cultural stops in downtown Bar Harbor. After spending the morning seeing Acadia’s landscapes, this is a really worthwhile way to learn more about the Wabanaki Nations and the people whose homelands include this part of Maine.
The museum focuses on Wabanaki arts, history, and cultures, so it adds more depth to your first day than just hopping between scenic viewpoints. It’s also right in town, which makes it easy to fit in between the Shore Path and dinner.
I’d allow around 1 to 1.5 hours here, depending on how much time you want to spend with the exhibits. From the museum, it’s an easy walk back toward Main Street, Cottage Street, and Village Green if you want to browse, grab a coffee, or take a break before dinner.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday or outside the museum’s open season, you can always use this time for downtown shopping and coffee instead. Or, you could always enjoy a longer rest before tonight’s ghost walk instead.
Browse downtown Bar Harbor
If you still have some time before dinner, spend a little while wandering through downtown Bar Harbor. Main Street, Cottage Street, and the area around Village Green are all good places to start, with lots of gift shops, galleries, outdoor gear stores, and ice cream spots to explore.
This is a nice time to pick up Acadia souvenirs, browse local art, grab a coffee, or just enjoy the town without rushing to another attraction. And if you fancy something sweet, Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is a popular Bar Harbor stop for an afternoon treat.
Dinner – Geddy’s
For dinner, head to Geddy’s on Main Street. This lively seafood spot is close to the waterfront and only about a minute’s walk from Agamont Park Gazebo, where tonight’s ghost walk begins, so it’s a really convenient choice before the tour.
It’s casual, central, and easy to fit in before the 8:30 pm start time. The menu has plenty of Maine classics, including lobster rolls and wood-fired pizza – yum!
I’d aim to eat at around 7 pm, which should give you enough time for dinner before walking over to Agamont Park. In peak season, it’s worth making a reservation or joining the waitlist ahead of time if you can, as Bar Harbor gets busy.
Evening – Walk through Bar Harbor’s haunted past
After dinner, walk over to Agamont Park for this 90-minute ghost walking tour of Bar Harbor. We’d go for the 8:30 pm option where available, as it gives you enough time for dinner at Geddy’s first and then turns the evening into something a bit more atmospheric.
The tour starts at the gazebo in Agamont Park, near the Shore Path and the cannons, so it’s very easy to reach from dinner. From there, you’ll follow a local guide through Bar Harbor after dark, stopping outside haunted landmarks and historic buildings while hearing ghost stories, local legends, and darker bits of town history.
Stops can include places like the Shore Path, Balance Rock Inn, Main Street, St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, the Criterion Theater, and the Bar Harbor Club. You won’t usually go inside the buildings, but the storytelling is the main draw here, and the nighttime setting makes the whole thing feel much more fun.
I like that this tour gives you a different way to experience Bar Harbor after spending the afternoon around the waterfront and historic streets. It’s spooky without being too intense, and reviews often mention that the guides mix ghostly stories with real local history, which we think makes it more interesting than just a jump-scare style tour!
The walk lasts around 90 minutes, so you should finish around 10 pm. Afterward, you can head back to your hotel, grab some ice cream, or stop for a casual drink if you still have energy.
Day 2
Breakfast – Mount Dessert Bakery
Start Day 2 at Mount Dessert Bakery, a locally owned bakery and café on Cottage Street. This is a great stop before heading into Acadia because you can grab breakfast, coffee, and a few bits to take with you for later.
The bakery has tons of fresh pastries, scones, bagels, and sandwiches. Since you’ll be out on the carriage roads for a good chunk of the day, it’s a good idea to grab a few items to bring with you for lunch.
I’d aim to arrive around 7:15 am, so you have time to eat, get your snacks sorted, and make your way to Hulls Cove Visitor Center for the 8:30 am e-bike rental. You’ll need to arrive around 15 minutes early for check-in, bike fitting, and orientation, so don’t cut it too fine.
From downtown Bar Harbor, you can drive, take a taxi or rideshare if available, or use the seasonal Island Explorer bus if the timing works. If Day 2 falls on a Sunday, Mount Dessert Bakery will be closed, so choose another early-opening café or pick up breakfast and lunch supplies the night before.
Morning/Afternoon – Ride the historic carriage roads by e-bike
Today is the most active day of our Bar Harbor itinerary, and it’s time to explore Acadia in more depth! After seeing Acadia’s highlights by bus yesterday, today is all about getting out onto the carriage roads and enjoying the scenery at your own pace with this e-bike rental.
We’d go for the 8:30 am start time. The rental lasts up to 6 hours, so you should finish around 2:30 pm, depending on how long you ride and how often you stop. Aim to arrive at Hulls Cove Visitor Center by around 8:15 am for check-in, bike fitting, and orientation.
The carriage roads are perfect for e-bikes because you can enjoy Acadia’s forests, stone bridges, lake views, and peaceful park scenery without dealing with car traffic. It feels much more active than yesterday’s bus tour, but the e-bike assistance means you don’t have to be a super serious cyclist to enjoy it.
The rental includes your e-bike, helmet, a basket or rack, phone holder, map, and a lesson before you set off. That’s pretty much everything you need, although remember to bring sun protection and your trust snacks with you!
Just note that all riders must be at least 16 years old and able to ride a regular pedal bike. The rental starts and ends at Hulls Cove Visitor Center, so afterward, you can return to downtown Bar Harbor by car, taxi, or rideshare if available, or the seasonal Island Explorer bus if the timing works.
This self-guided tour ends at Hulls Cove Visitor Center, so afterward, you can return to downtown Bar Harbor by car, taxi, or rideshare if available, or the seasonal Island Explorer bus if the timing works.
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Late Afternoon – Relax back in Bar Harbor after the ride
After returning your e-bikes, head back into downtown Bar Harbor and keep the rest of the afternoon nice and low-key. You’ll probably be ready for a shower, a sit-down, and maybe something cold to drink after several hours out on the carriage roads.
This is a good time to freshen up at your hotel, browse a few shops, grab a coffee, or enjoy another wander around Village Green, Main Street, or Cottage Street. I wouldn’t add another big activity here, as the e-bike ride is already the main event of the day.
If you didn’t make it to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream yesterday, this would be a great time to swing by for an afternoon treat. Otherwise, just enjoy having a little unplanned time in town before dinner.
Dinner – Atlantic Brewing Midtown
For dinner, head to Atlantic Brewing Midtown on Cottage Street. After a day riding Acadia’s carriage roads, this central spot is ideal for dinner!
It’s casual and easygoing, so we think it makes a nice change from all the seafood. You can grab craft beer, burgers, sandwiches, and pub-style comfort food, which should feel very welcome after an active day in the park.
I’d aim for dinner around 6:30 or 7 pm, so you have time to shower, rest, and make your way back out without rushing. Reservations aren’t always necessary, but Bar Harbor gets busy in peak season, so it might be a good idea to make one if you’re visiting in July or August.
Evening – Check what’s on at the 1932 Criterion Theatre
After dinner, check what’s on at the 1932 Criterion Theatre. This historic Art Deco theater is right on Cottage Street, so it’s easy to reach from most downtown restaurants and hotels. In fact, it’s just a minute’s walk from Atlantic Brewing!
The schedule changes depending on when you visit, but you might find films, concerts, comedy, or other local events. It’s a fun way to do something a bit different in Bar Harbor without adding another outdoor activity after a big day in Acadia.
Depending on the show time, you could either go before dinner and eat afterward, or have an earlier dinner and catch an evening performance. Just check the website before your trip, especially in peak season, as events and tickets can vary.
Day 3
Breakfast – Coffee Hound
Start your final morning at Coffee Hound in downtown Bar Harbor. Since today includes a food tour, you don’t need a huge breakfast, so this is a great spot for coffee and something light before heading out.
You can grab a hearty breakfast sandwich here, or just a quick pastry to-go, depending on how hungry you are. No reservation is needed, and opening hours vary seasonally, but it usually opens from around 7 am.
I’d aim to arrive around 9 or 9:30 am, so you have enough time for a relaxed coffee before walking to the Bar Harbor Town Clock for the 10:15 am food tour. It’s only about a 5-minute walk, so the timing works nicely.
Morning/Lunch – Taste your way through Bar Harbor’s food scene
After a light breakfast, head to the Bar Harbor Town Clock for this culinary walking tour. The tour starts at 10:15 am and lasts around 3 hours, so you should finish at about 1:15 pm. Lunch is included, which means you don’t need to plan a separate sit-down meal today.
This is a great final-day activity because it lets you experience Bar Harbor through its food scene, while also learning more about the town as you walk around. The tour stays around the Village Green and downtown area, so it’s easy to fit into the itinerary and doesn’t require any transport.
You’ll visit a handful of local food stops, with enough tastings to make up a proper lunch. There’s a great mix of local favorites and a few surprises thrown in along the way. It’s an ideal way to avoid the tourist traps and get to know Bar Harbor’s authentic character a bit more.
I also like that this tour is a small group, with a maximum of 14 people, because it gives you more chances to ask questions and actually chat with the guide. Bar Harbor has such a great – and unique – food scene, and this tour is the most fun and efficient way to experience it. It’s no surprise it’s earned so many five-star reviews!
Afternoon – See Bar Island or slow down in town
After the food tour, keep the afternoon flexible, because visiting Bar Island depends entirely on the tide schedule. The Bar Island Land Bridge is one of the most unique things to do in Bar Harbor, but it’s also something you need to plan properly, as the route only appears at low tide.
If the timing works with your travel date, this is the perfect final afternoon activity. You can walk from downtown Bar Harbor across the exposed sand and gravel land bridge to Bar Island, which is part of Acadia National Park. But if the tide doesn’t line up, don’t force it. Getting the timing wrong can leave you stranded until the next low tide, which is not really the cute coastal adventure we’re going for here!
So before committing to this walk, check the tide chart for your exact travel date and make sure you have enough time to get there and back safely. If the tide doesn’t work, stay in downtown Bar Harbor instead. You’ll still have a lovely final afternoon enjoying the harbor views and wandering through town.
Cross the Bar Island Land Bridge at low tide
If the tide timing works, walk across the Bar Island Land Bridge after your food tour. This is one of Bar Harbor’s most unique little adventures, as the sand and gravel path only appears at low tide and connects downtown Bar Harbor with Bar Island.
Just don’t wing this one. You need to check the tide chart for your exact date and make sure you leave enough time to walk across, explore a little, and get back safely. If the tide comes in while you’re on the island, you could be stuck for around 9 hours or need to pay for a water taxi back, which is not the kind of final afternoon we’re aiming for here!
Bar Island is part of Acadia National Park, so check whether you need a park pass before you go. I’d also wear closed-toe shoes with decent grip, as the land bridge and trail can be uneven.
This works best if the low tide falls in the early or mid-afternoon after the food tour. From the Village Green area, it’s around a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Bridge Street access point. After returning, you can head back into downtown Bar Harbor for a break before dinner.
Flexible backup – Enjoy one last wander through downtown Bar Harbor
If the tide timing doesn’t work for Bar Island, don’t worry. Just keep the afternoon easy and stay in downtown Bar Harbor. There’s plenty to enjoy here, and it means you won’t need to rush around before dinner.
You could wander through Village Green, browse the shops and galleries along Main Street and Cottage Street, grab a coffee, or stop for one last ice cream. Agamont Park is also a great option because it overlooks the town pier and Frenchman Bay, so you can still enjoy classic harbor views even if you can’t cross over to Bar Island.
This is also a good time to revisit a shop you spotted earlier in the trip, pick up Acadia souvenirs, or just enjoy one last wander through town. It keeps the afternoon flexible and walkable, and you’ll still be close to dinner when the time comes.
Dinner – Project Social Kitchen & Bar
For your final dinner in Bar Harbor, head to Project Social Kitchen & Bar on Main Street. This modern small-plates restaurant and cocktail bar has a slightly more polished feel than some of the casual seafood spots in town, and we always like to go to a more special spot on our last evening somewhere.
We think that this spot is also a good choice after the food tour and a flexible afternoon, because you don’t have to commit to another huge meal. You can keep things lighter with shared plates, savory or sweet crepes, and a cocktail or two!
The setting is relaxed with creative decor, a covered patio, and a garden area. It’s first-come, first-served here, so I’d aim for dinner around 6:30 or 7 pm, or even a little earlier if you’re visiting in peak season, so that you don’t have to wait for a table.
The exact timing may depend on whether you visit Bar Island, but either way, this is a great final dinner spot before wandering back toward the waterfront.
Evening – End with harbor views and a drink at Paddy’s
After dinner, take one last walk back toward the waterfront. From Project Social, you can wander down Main Street toward Agamont Park, which overlooks the town pier and Frenchman Bay. It’s a really nice way to soak up some final Bar Harbor views, especially if the boats are still out on the water and the town is starting to wind down for the evening.
After that, stop by Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant on West Street for a final drink. It has a lively pub feel and a waterfront setting, so it’s a really fun place for a final beer or glass of wine in Bar Harbor. Cheers!
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
Now that you have your Bar Harbor itinerary sorted, 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.
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The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
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Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Bar Harbor is the kind of destination that makes it easy to slow down and appreciate the simple things. Between the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park, fresh seafood, scenic coastal walks, and charming downtown streets, it’s a place we find ourselves wanting to return to again and again. If you’re visiting during peak season, be sure to book your favorite tours in advance so you don’t miss out!
Before you head off, take a look at the rest of our USA travel guides. We’ve put together lots of itineraries, hotel guides, and travel tips to help you plan your next adventure. Or here are a few of our favorites that we think you might enjoy next!
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