Where to Stay in Bar Harbor, Maine: 2 Best Areas & Hotels

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

Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town best known as the gateway to Acadia National Park. Whether you’re planning to hike Acadia, explore the coastline, go whale watching, or spend your evenings wandering Main Street, choosing the right place to stay will make your trip that much easier.

Fortunately, Bar Harbor is fairly compact, so you don’t have dozens of neighborhoods to sort through. The biggest decision is whether you’d rather stay right in the heart of downtown or in a quieter spot overlooking Frenchman Bay. To help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to the two best areas and our favorite hotels in each, so let’s get right into it!

Where to Stay in Bar Harbor Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Bar Harbor 

Bar Harbor is the main gateway town to Acadia National Park and one of the most convenient places to stay on Mount Desert Island. Luckily, there are only a couple of areas to choose from, so deciding where to stay mostly comes down to how much you want to walk versus drive. 

For first-time visitors, Downtown Bar Harbor is the easiest choice, with restaurants, shops, the harbor, Shore Path, and most tour departures all within easy walking distance. If a quieter setting is more your style, Eden Street and the Frenchman Bay waterfront are a great alternative, with beautiful bay views, easier parking, and larger resort-style hotels without being far from town.

Although Bar Harbor is fairly compact, you’ll still need some form of transport to explore Acadia, whether that’s a car, the seasonal shuttle, a bike, or a tour. During peak season, parking both in town and inside the park can be a challenge, so staying somewhere walkable or close to a shuttle stop makes getting around much easier.

Keep in mind that accommodation in Bar Harbor isn’t cheap, especially in summer and fall, so it’s worth booking well in advance if you can.

• Downtown Bar Harbor – Best for first-time visitors – If you want to be within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs, and the park shuttle, this is the place to stay. Sand Bar Cottage Inn is our favorite pick here, just steps from Main Street and a quick drive from Acadia National Park.

• Eden Street – Best for quieter bay views -If you’re after a more peaceful stay by the water and prefer a proper hotel over a small B&B, you’ll definitely love it here. Wonder View Inn is our top pick, especially if you’re traveling with a pet, and it’s just a short walk from its upscale sister property, where you can use all the amenities for free. 

Where to Stay in Bar Harbor 

Downtown Bar Harbor 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros 

• Everything you need is within walking distance
• The free Island Explorer shuttle makes trips to Acadia National Park quick and easy
• Lots of dining options, from casual lobster shacks to upscale restaurants
• Historic charm with 19th-century Victorian architecture

Cons 

• Expect crowds, especially during peak season
• More expensive than other areas

If you want a convenient, car-free stay, Downtown Bar Harbor is the easiest and most atmospheric neighborhood to base yourself. Restaurants, shops, the harbor, Shore Path, and most tour departures are all within a short walk. It’s also the best choice for first-time visitors, although it does get busy, especially in summer and fall.

This turned out to be the perfect base for us. We loved having everything close by, and it made getting around completely hassle-free. Mornings here start with a walk along Shore Path for sunrise views, but if you’re not an early bird, head to Cottage Street for some freshly baked pastries instead, or enjoy a slow breakfast at your inn.

In the afternoon, hit the Acadia trails, then come back to town for a scoop of Maine lobster-flavored ice cream. Evenings are all about waterfront dining, drinks at a pub on Main Street, sunset cruises, and concerts at Village Green. One thing you’ll quickly notice is that most places here are historic B&Bs and inns instead of large hotels. The downside is that prices are a little higher, and budget options are pretty hard to find. 

Overall, if easy access to breweries, seafood shacks, shops, and the park shuttle is high on your list, this is exactly where you’ll want to stay.

Sand Bar Cottage Inn – $$$ 

Sand Bar Cottage Inn is our top pick in this area. This charming 19th-century cottage has a main inn with nine rooms, plus the Chauffeur’s Cottage, where you can choose from three rooms (once the servants’ quarters). It definitely feels more like staying in someone’s elegant home than a hotel.

What we love most is that you can walk pretty much everywhere without dealing with the noise. Town Beach and the famous Bar Island sandbar trail are both just steps away, so there’s really no need to use a car.

Breakfast is gourmet and changes daily, plus you get complimentary afternoon tea with all the bells and whistles. Mornings here start with a relaxing coffee on the porch, while evenings are all about live music on the lawn. Price-wise, expect to pay around $345 USD per night, depending on the season and room type.

If Send Bar Cottage Inn is fully booked, Queen Anne’s Revenge is a solid alternative, with spacious family suites, pirate-themed coastal accents, and a large lawn for socializing or a game of shuffleboard. From here, Agamont Park and the Abbe Museum are just a short walk away, so it’s about as convenient as it gets. 

Another of our favorites in the area is Bar Harbor Manor, steps from Main Street’s shops and the waterfront, with Acadia National Park only a 5-minute drive away. It’s a little larger than the previous two, with 43 rooms, free parking, complimentary afternoon tea, and plenty of outdoor space to relax day or night. 

Seasider Motel – $$

Seasider Motel is an easy choice if you’re looking to save a bit without giving up a walkable downtown location. We picked it because it offers a practical place to sleep, with spacious, modern, and clean rooms, so you’ll settle right in. It’s also pet-friendly, which is great news if you couldn’t find a pet sitter back home.

Your stay comes with lots of handy extras, like free parking and a laundry room with complimentary detergent, so washing your clothes after a long day hiking in Acadia is quick and easy. Location-wise, it sits just off Mount Desert Street, close to plenty of shops, cafés, and all the downtown action.

Even better, the Cadillac Mountain entrance to Acadia National Park is nearby, and the free Island Explorer shuttle stops right in front, so you can get into the park in under five minutes. Prices start at around $120 USD per night – an absolute bargain if you ask us!

For something in the same price range, Central House Inn is worth a look with old-world charm throughout and a massive covered porch where most guests gather to relax and hang out. Location-wise, it sits right in the heart of downtown, which means shops, restaurants, and the waterfront pier are literally on your doorstep. 

Eden Street 

BEST FOR QUIETER BAY VIEWS

Pros 

• Panoramic views over Frenchman Bay
• Quick and easy access to Acadia National Park
• Great if you prefer resort amenities over small B&Bs 

Cons 

• The hilly location makes walking a bit more challenging
• Less historic charm than downtown

If you’d rather swap the busy downtown streets for gorgeous bay views, Eden Street is a great choice. Hotels here are definitely more spacious, packed with resort-style amenities like pools, spas, fitness centers, and great restaurants, and parking is much easier. You won’t find any budget hotels, but prices tend to be a little lower than downtown.

Most mornings here start with breakfast overlooking the water before heading off for an early hike in Acadia National Park to beat the traffic and crowds. Afternoons are perfect for relaxing by the pool or the beach, or heading out on a whale-watching tour if that’s more your thing.

You’ll be a little farther from the Main Street restaurants and shops, and it’s a steep walk back up the hill if you decide to walk. The route into town also follows a busy road rather than a scenic path, so you’ll probably rely on the shuttle or a car. We’d say this area is perfect if you love nature and prefer the comforts of a resort hotel over a historic inn.

Bluenose Inn – $$$ 

If you’re looking for a proper hotel stay in Bar Harbor and don’t mind splurging a bit, Bluenose Inn is just the place. It might not be right in downtown, but because it’s perched on a hillside, you get absolutely stunning views over Frenchman Bay instead, and we think that’s a pretty good trade-off.

This is more of a full resort experience, with a highly rated restaurant, an outdoor pool with a sun deck, and a heated indoor pool for those cooler days when you just want to warm up. In the evenings, guests gather in the lounge for cocktails, light bites, and, if you’re lucky, live piano music.

It’s also a great base for exploring Acadia National Park. Downtown is only a quick drive away, too, or you can hop on the free Island Explorer shuttle that stops right at the property. Prices range from around $250 USD to $750+ USD per night.

If Bluenose Inn is fully booked for your dates, Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center is a great alternative. Expect a waterfront location with access to a private pebble beach, two pools, modern rooms, and a free breakfast buffet, all just 1 mile (about 1.6 km) from downtown. 

Atlantic Eyrie Lodge is another solid backup, set high on a hilltop, and every room comes with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. A saltwater pool, free breakfast buffet, and practical rooms make it a great choice for longer stays and families traveling with kids or pets. 

Wonder View Inn – $$ 

Wonder View Inn is the sister property to Bluenose Inn, but it’s a little more affordable. Staying here gives you full access to all the resort amenities at Bluenose Inn, which is just a short walk away. It really doesn’t get much better than that!

This is one of the most pet-friendly places in the city, with lots of space to walk your dog, and you can even eat together on the restaurant’s outdoor deck. Free breakfast is another great perk, along with a lovely backyard for lawn games and evenings around the fire pit. 

As for the location, it’s less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from downtown and close to Acadia National Park. Even better, the free Island Explorer shuttle stops just outside, making it super easy to get around. Prices start at around $220 USD per night, which we think is excellent value for what you get.

Top Activities in Bar Harbor

Now that you’ve found the perfect place to stay, it’s time to start planning your adventures! While Bar Harbor itself is full of charming shops and waterfront views, the real magic is just beyond town in Acadia National Park. We found that mixing a few guided experiences with time to explore on your own is the best way to experience this beautiful corner of Maine.

Here are our favorite things to do in Bar Harbor, besides eating as much fresh lobster as possible:

• Explore Acadia by e-bike – One of the best ways to experience Acadia National Park is on two wheels, and this e-bike rental makes it easy. Cruise the famous carriage roads at your own pace, stop whenever a view catches your eye, and enjoy the scenery without tackling the hills on your own.

• See Acadia’s highlights on a narrated bus tour – If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, this narrated bus tour is a fantastic option. You’ll visit iconic spots like Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole while learning about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology from a knowledgeable local guide.

• Uncover Bar Harbor’s spooky past – As the sun goes down, join this ghost walk through downtown Bar Harbor and hear eerie stories you won’t find in the guidebooks. It’s a fun way to see the historic streets from a completely different perspective.

• Taste your way around town – Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this culinary walking tour. You’ll sample local favorites while learning about Bar Harbor’s food scene, making it one of the tastiest ways to explore the town.

• Go kayaking along the Maine coast – Get out on the water with this guided Aqua Safari kayak tour departing from Southwest Harbor. Paddling along the rugged coastline gives you a whole new perspective of Acadia, and you might even spot seals or other local wildlife along the way.

Thanks for reading!

Bar Harbor may be best known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, but it’s so much more than just a place to sleep before hitting the trails. Between the fresh seafood, charming waterfront, scenic coastline, and easy access to one of America’s most beautiful national parks, it’s a destination that’s well worth slowing down and enjoying. Whether you stay in the heart of downtown or wake up to peaceful views over Frenchman Bay, you’re in for an unforgettable trip.

Before you pack those stretchy pants and get ready for plenty of lobster rolls, be sure to check out our other USA travel guides for more itineraries, travel tips, and destination inspiration. We’ve also linked some of our favorite articles below to help you plan your next adventure. Cheers!

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