If you plan to visit Acadia National Park, you will need to know where to stay. The town of Bar Harbor is an excellent place to stay if you plan on enjoying beautiful Maine outdoors. But to enjoy the city’s beauty, you’ll need to plan your time correctly. We’ll discuss where to eat, what to see, and where to stay.
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is the gateway to the Acadia National Park, a popular vacation destination on Mount Desert Island. Located on the coast of Maine, the park boasts a variety of hiking trails, rocky beaches, and spectacular scenery. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local produce, craft beer, and locally roasted coffee.
The drive to Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor is about ten minutes. You must purchase an admission pass for a day or a week to enter the park. The fee is $25 per person for one or seven days. You can also ride the Island Explorer shuttle that travels through the park. If you don’t have a car, you can also take a narrated bus tour.
The park contains 120 miles of trails, from leisurely strolls to strenuous hikes. In addition, 57 miles of carriage trails allow visitors to explore the coastal area on two wheels. The park also offers many activities, including rock climbing and sea kayaking. Other popular attractions include the Jordan Pond House Restaurant and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
There are many scenic hiking trails and beaches. There are five rustic campsites located near Sand Beach. Eighteen miles of hiking trails provide spectacular views of Mount Desert Island. During the warmer months, you can bike on eight-and-a-half miles of one-way bike paths.
Restaurants
There are a few different types of restaurants in Bar Harbor. Many of them feature fresh, local seafood. If you want to experience a more casual setting, try Cafe This Way, located in the historic downtown area. This charming cafe offers an eclectic selection of breakfast and dinner items. Many tables are outside, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The menu includes classic New England fare and some international favorites.
Havana is another acceptable dining option in Bar Harbor. This restaurant has been serving sustainable cuisine for 20 years. The chefs here pair locally sourced ingredients with a Latin flair. The restaurant is open for dinner and breakfast each day. Popular dishes include seafood paella and ribeye steak. For breakfast, the Beehive breakfast bowl is a great option.
The West Street Cafe offers excellent views of the harbor and is a great place to watch people while eating lunch. The menu features a large portion of seafood, including clam chowder and crab meat rolls. You can choose a savory stew or a tasty pasta dish for dinner.
The Geddy’s Cafe is another excellent place to eat if you’re visiting Bar Harbor. Located inside a Victorian boarding house, this restaurant has a unique decor reminiscent of the old world. It also offers some non-seafood options, such as crab stuffed mushrooms.
Attractions
If you’re on vacation in the area, there are several places you can visit. Some sites are family-friendly, while others are more for the adventurous traveler. Visitors can explore Cadillac Mountain, which is a popular location for outdoor activities. You can also visit the Abbe Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the culture and lives of indigenous people.
This historic building recently underwent a complete renovation and is now a vibrant venue for events. The museum has interactive exhibits, including a touch tank of sea life and wildlife dioramas. In addition, the museum offers educational programs, including nature exploration and scavenger hunts.
Another place to visit in Bar Harbor is the George B. Door Museum of Natural History, which celebrates the natural life of Maine. It has an entrancing tide pool tank with live animals and an impressive collection of intricate dioramas. You can participate in scavenger hunts and get hands-on experience with whale bones and other specimens.
There are also numerous places to enjoy the outdoors while in Bar Harbor. A half-mile-long trail in operation since 1880 offers sweeping views of the ocean and the Porcupine Islands. This path starts at Diamond Park, another one of the town’s top attractions. The trail takes you along a grassy slope that offers a panoramic view of the harbor.
Hotels
Hotels in Bar Harbor offer a range of amenities and services to enhance your stay. Choose a boutique or classic hotel for an upscale, romantic holiday or a more affordable option for a family getaway. Many of these establishments offer complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. Other features include a complimentary full breakfast and 24-hour front desk service.
If you’re on a budget, consider staying at the Bar Harbor Inn and Suites. This option is close to downtown Bar Harbor and features a complimentary deluxe breakfast. It also has a fitness center for guests to use. Other Bar Harbor lodging options include Robbins Motel, which is 5 miles from the city center. Guests can also check out other options, like a Bar Harbor bed and breakfast.
Located near the acclaimed Acadia National Park, many hotels in Bar Harbor are in prime locations for exploring the area’s many attractions. Visitors can play golf in the Coastal Main Botanical Garden, kayak on miles of scenic coastline, or go whale watching. The site also offers dozens of museums, including The Natural History Center. Visitors can also take architectural tours and relax at day spas.
Bar Harbor offers a range of accommodations, from luxury oceanside resorts to cozy boutique inns. Suppose you’re looking for something for the entire family. In that case, the Poet Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, and Anchorage Motel offer spacious rooms at a reasonable price. Families will also appreciate the large heated outdoor pool and hot tub at Poet Inn Bar Harbor.
Guided tours
Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. The park is home to rocky beaches, woodlands, and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain. The site also hosts a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and whales. Bay Harbor is a popular gateway to the park.
While in Bar Harbor, consider taking a guided tour of the town. These tours will teach you the history of the city and the local wildlife. You’ll also learn about the town’s wildflowers and walk along the waterfront. You can also visit the town’s famous inn.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Bar Harbor, but other seasons can also be pleasant. The temperatures dip quickly in the winter, so be sure to dress warmly. You may find discounts if you travel during shoulder seasons.
In addition to guided tours, there are also shuttle buses that run through Acadia National Park and the town of Bar Harbor. If you don’t wish to drive around the island, you can take a shuttle bus to Schoodic Point and Jordan Pond. There are also many water sports that you can rent for water activities.
Another option for a guided tour is taking a boat tour. Boats can accommodate up to six passengers. Tours usually last two hours.
Shopping
Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town perfect for shopping and exploring. It offers harbor views, charming B&Bs, and all the lobster you can eat. The city is home to many cute boutique shops. It’s also perfect for dog owners: several shops are dog-friendly. Most places will leave water bowls out for your furry friend.
The downtown area is home to a wide variety of stores and boutiques. You’ll find clothing stores, art galleries, bakeries, and jewelry stores. There are also two full-service commercial banks. There are plenty of places to grab lunch or a bite before hitting the shops. In addition to the shopping district, there are several outdoor parks to enjoy.
Suppose you want to go beyond the gift shops. In that case, you can walk the charming downtown villages surrounding Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor’s quaint hamlets are great places for window shopping, and most are open year-round. Many shops feature locally-made crafts and art. In addition, you can browse through a wide array of specialty stores.
Little Village Gifts is a unique gift shop run by a local family. The staff is always friendly and will even give you directions. This store carries many handmade, Maine, and USA-made items. Kids will also enjoy the upstairs section of the store, filled with stuffed animals and toys.
