Are you planning a trip to Bar Harbor? The greatest things to do in Bar Harbor Maine for a day trip or weekend break are listed below. With historic charm, a stunning coastline, fantastic restaurants, wedding venues, and more, it’s no surprise that this is one of the east coast’s most popular tourist attractions!
And while your trip in the historic city be sure to visit the 10 greatest restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine & The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Bar Harbor, Maine
When in Bar Harbor, don’t miss out on the following activities that will help you immerse yourself in the city (get them while they’re hot!):
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour
- Bar Harbor: Historical Guided Walking Tour
- Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings
- Bar Harbor: Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour
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The Top 7 Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine
Jordan Lake
Jordan Pond, surrounded by woodlands and dunes, is one of Maine’s most picturesque lakes. It’s a nature paradise, and the shoreline are teeming with birds, deer, and other creatures. I recommend taking a short stroll on the historic path that dates back 2,000 years to a period when Native Indians carried their wares on a 2000-year-old Portage route to explore the island.
Jordan Pond is the crown gem of 100% natural spring water and is worth bottling. It’s a refreshing spot to rejuvenate your senses on its own.
Popular activities include ice fishing, kayaking, canoeing, strolling the trails, picnics, and fishing. When viewing the sunset over Maine’s tallest peak, Mt. Desert Island, or meandering downtown, Bar Harbor will reveal numerous things to enjoy in, including one of the world’s best delicaciesthe lobster roll.
This lake is stunning, and the views are wonderful. Try going about in a canoe or kayak after taking in some fresh air and seeing nothing but water and trees.
The beauty is really worth it, as is the whole atmosphere of Bar Harbor. Many people come year after year with their families and friends to enjoy this hidden treasure!
The Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula is a picturesque site in the eastern domain of Acadia National Park and provides some of the most breathtaking scenery to be seen anywhere. Schoodic Road, the park’s lone road, links the peninsula to the towering granite headlands of The Seawall, a two-mile stretch of coastline teeming with marine life.
When I visited the Peninsula, I hired a bike and rode down the seashore, where I found breathtaking vistas of Ocean Point in Grand Harbor. Later I proceeded to the Schoodic peninsula, where I saw granite cliffs, tall trees, and quiet beaches. The Hotel at Sport is a wonderful spot to relax after a day of swimming and trekking the trails, with hot tubs nearby to warm up.
For more difficult climbs, try the Great Head Trail (2.2 miles), which includes several steep ascents and a ladder, or the Hunt Trail (0.6 miles), which offers stunning views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.
The Criterion Theater
Cottage St., +1 207-288-082935
Discover a renovated Bar Harbor classic. The Criterion Theater is a vintage art deco masterpiece with hand-carved seats, cutting-edge sound and projection technology, and a custom-built C.B. Fisk Cinema Pipe Organ with authentic Wurlitzer components.
The theater has a one-of-a-kind slanted orchestra seating structure as well as cutting-edge sound and lighting technologies. The Criterion is a meeting place for creative artists, musicians, and filmmakers, making it an ideal location for performances, concerts, and film festivals. Whether you like jazz music or want to learn more about the environment, there is something for everyone at the theater and in the surrounding region.
Are you a true gourmand? I’ve collected a selection of the greatest gourmet presents for you and your loved ones. Subscriptions for cheese, meat, and sweets, as well as some classic must-have gourmet devices.
This ancient cinema theater has been revived as a downtown activity center. If you’re seeking for unforgettable things to do in Bar Harbor Maine, take in one of its celebrated shows at this picturesque location. Do not be afraid to spend a few bucks on a performance, whether it is a musical or an act. That is really worthwhile.
National Park of Acadia
Acadia National Park is unparalleled in its splendor. Acadia draws thousands of people each year looking for the ideal beautiful retreat, thanks to its rich fauna, gorgeous shorelines, and spectacular vistas of adjacent islands.
Walk through the park’s meandering paths or stare up at beautiful peaks from the rocky shoreline; your visit will be memorable no matter what time of year you arrive.
When you buy the Acadia National Park Experience package, you will get an incredible beginning bundle. This bundle includes the Park Shuttle, Ray Trolls’ How to Plan a Maine Seaside Holiday, and an Explorers Guide, which has detailed information on history, art and culture, natural activities, food, lodging, and more for Bar Harbor and the surrounding region.
There are several ways to enjoy this location, including taking a trip, strolling, or riding a bike. The roads are intriguing, and the vistas are breathtaking. If you have the energy, you are invited to go and explore as much as you can on your own, taking images that will last a lifetime! I couldn’t get enough of it.
The top things to do in Acadia National Park are almost too fantastic to mention. Wildlife abounds, hiking paths beckon, and the scenery is picture-perfect. Ride a horse-drawn carriage along the seaside or ride a bike through a nearby park. Go dig your toes into the sand at one of the numerous wonderful beaches. The options are unlimited!
Bar Harbor Town Pier on the Waterfront
+1 207-288-5571 The town of Bar Harbor
One of the most popular and greatest things to do while visiting Bar Harbour’s Waterfront is to snap photos of the Town Pier. Your journey will be recorded in history, from the lighthouse to the many boats docked at the pier.
If you are not interested in photography, Hammock Beach State Park entices tourists with its mile-long length of beach and quiet surf, making it perfect for families. Take a stroll around town, stopping at various stores along the route to purchase souvenirs and presents. If walking isn’t your thing, rent a bicycle for $12 per day at Wheel Fun Rentals on Main Street.
The Bar Harbor Jetty offers cruise ship guests a convenient stop near the port. There are two decks on the exterior of the jetty that give ample of shelter, as well as seats and Adirondack chairs for enjoying the gorgeous views.
Deeper inside, there are concession kiosks set up where you may purchase handmade baked goods or lighter meals, as well as t-shirts.
Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain
Acadia National Park is one of the best things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine whether you’re seeking for adventure or a nice trek. Cadillac Mountain is a must-see attraction. You may spend the morning hiking Cadillac Mountain and witnessing beautiful views of The Porcupine Islands and The Cranberry Isles, making for an interesting day with the entire family.
On a nighttime walk along its pathways, it is said to be one of the greatest spots in the country to see the aurora borealis. If you are fortunate enough to visit in late September or early October, you will watch one of the most spectacular sunrises ever.
Cadillac Mountain is only one of the area’s numerous natural beauties. That was a magnificent experience in my opinion, albeit it was a shame that I couldn’t stay overnight at one of the several hostels there owing to my relatively restricted time in Bar Harbor.
The Cadillac Mountain Summit provides a breathtaking perspective of Acadia National Park’s mountains, valleys, and shoreline. But don’t you want to view the dawn from up here? Hence, get an early start on your visit to avoid the throngs that will form as the day progresses.
Bay of Frenchman
There are various things that will make your visit to the Bay unique, whether you are traveling on a family holiday or a romantic weekend away.
Hiking along the paths that lead to spectacular vistas or simply resting on one of the various beaches along the rough Frenchman Bay is likely to be a thing that you will share with friends for years to come. Several Bar Harbor hotels also include views of Acadia National Park, which boasts miles of shoreline and stunning mountains!
With its culture of fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping, Frenchman Bay provides a one-of-a-kind chance to experience the outdoors. This secluded bay, accessible only by private boat or ferry, runs for many kilometres and is made up of 21 islands linked by small channels.
Classic granite mountains rise sharply from the sea, surrounded by rough wildness.
Join the masses in Frenchman Bay, one of America’s most gorgeous natural havens. Relax on the terrace of a historic inn with a view of Frenchman Bay’s beautiful blue seas. Go up Cadillac Mountain for some fresh air, where you can watch waves smash into rocky coasts at low tide and track the progress of your tan while baking at high.
The islands contain dense forests, flowery meadows, and ocean vistas that reach for kilometers.
Finally, here is a list of things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Make the most of your stay in Bar Harbor by visiting these must-see sites. Theres much to do while you’re here, from hiking, birdwatching, and sunset cruises to sea kayaking, art galleries, and boutique shopping.
Visit the many outdoor adventure rentals to make the most of your time outside, as well as historical and cultural sites like as theaters, national parks, and so on.
If you intend to visit Bar Harbor for a weekend, I guarantee you will stay for a week. This site will throw you off in a good manner, which means you will stay longer than expected since most of the activities are fascinating and worthwhile.