What to do and see in Bar Harbor, Maine (ME): The Best Free Things to do

July 1, 2021 Leonardo Torrence

Mansions and majestic hotels serve as reminders of Bar Harbor’s past (in the 19th century, it was a favorite vacation spot of society’s upper crust). Today, visitors kayak, explore Acadia National Park, go bird- or whale-watching, and enjoy salty sea air and sandy beaches.
Restaurants in Bar Harbor

1. Frenchman Bay

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.acadiamagic.com/frenchman-bay.html
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 378 reviews

Frenchman Bay

Reviewed By PerksAdvisor_NYC - New York City, United States

This is a great way to enjoy the power of nature of the beauty of Frenchman’s Bay which is off of Bar Harbor. Just watch the boat pass by or see the seals jumping in the water. This can be a very relaxing way to enjoy your trip to Bar Harbor. There are also many companies that will give you a Bay ride.

2. The Christmas Vacation Shop

150 Main St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1869 +1 207-356-2569 [email protected] http://www.christmasvacationshopgifts.com
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 40 reviews

The Christmas Vacation Shop

The Christmas Vacation Shop is owned and operated by artists who create Maine Made Ornaments and Gifts. From lobster claws to driftwood, ceramic and clay to glass and shells, you will find original unique ornaments and gifts that you will love. We also offer Old World Christmas Blown Glass ornaments, nativities, and of course Christmas Gifts and more than 5000 personalized ornaments for any occasion. Female owned and operated. Made in Maine, Made with Pride, Made at The Christmas Vacation Shop in Bar Harbor Maine. We invite you to come visit, explore the shop chat with the artists and see us in action as we create beautiful pieces of art depicting New England Maine Themes including Blueberries, Moose, Lobster, Lighthouses, Loons, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Vacations and More! Each day new and original surprises await!

Reviewed By SunriseMadre - Jacksonville, United States

If you love Christmas, you must stop here. There is a large selection of handcrafted and unique Maine ornaments, as well as a large variety of other types. Many can be personalized for you. They also have a website and will ship directly to you.

3. Fiore Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars

8 Rodick Pl, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1886 +1 207-801-2580 http://fioreoliveoils.com
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 74 reviews

Fiore Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars

Reviewed By Nicola_Six - Toronto, Canada

My husband and I stopped by during a cruise stop a few days ago. We were greeted by a very pleasant woman who explained that we could try as many olive oil and balsamic vinegar samples as we wanted! There were dozens and dozens of olive oils and balsamic vinegars to try. I particularly loved the extra virgin olive oil from Portugal, as well as the various fruit-infused balsamic vinegars. We ended up buying two bottles of a delicious white truffle olive oil and one bottle of amarena cherry balsamic vinegar. The staff are very friendly, welcoming and helpful. The prices of the items are very reasonable considered their very high quality. I am planning on buying more items from their online shop.

12 Mount Desert St Suite B, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1778 +1 207-288-9088 [email protected] http://www.eclipsegallery.us
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Eclipse Gallery

Our focus is on "Contemporary" American Fine Crafts, including glass, ceramics and metal, complimented by objects in other media, such as unusual lamps, wall art, stone sculpture, handcrafted furniture.

5. Parson's Lobster and Seafood Shop

64 Eagle Lake Rd, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1019 +1 207-288-4783 http://parsons-lobsters.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

Parson's Lobster and Seafood Shop

Reviewed By HappyGJackson - Mount Laurel, United States

I stopped by here Wednesday and ordered 2 fresh lobsters to be picked up Friday morning, nice place very friendly . Friday morning picked up lobsters the lady told me how to put them on ice then when I got home to put in the refrigerator, she put seaweed in with 2 large lobsters today I unpacked them and they were alive and well great service . I would recommend this shop to anyone . I cooked 1 of them today for lunch . And it was prefect . Thank you for the wonderful service .

6. A Little Mad

15 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1885 +1 207-370-1316 [email protected] http://www.SHOPalittlemad.com
Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 66 reviews

A Little Mad

A LITTLE MAD - A curiously unique shop. Inspiring one to always hold fast to their dreams. A LITTLE MAD features Whimsical Home Accents, Unique Gifts, Original Art, One of a Kind Jewelry & more. Please NOTE: the physical shop is open late April through early December. A LITTLE MAD is located in the center of downtown Bar Harbor, right off Main and Cottage Street and is nestled in the charming Bayside Landing Courtyard. Shop YEAR ROUND with us ONLINE at: SHOPalittleMAD.com

Reviewed By FrishPhoto - Langley, United States

If you're looking for something unique, artisan-crafted and affordable, A Little Mad is the shop for you. The owners know their artists and artisans, and the stories behind the work. From functional to whimsical: hand-crafted journals (made by a couple in Georgia) to paintings by New England artists to jewelry and handbags; practically everything is made in the US (and a few from Canada)! Jolene and Patrick, the owners, will likely be the people standing behind the counter. They can tell you all about each item in the store and the individuals who crafted them.

7. Jesup Memorial Library

34 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1727 +1 207-288-4245 [email protected] http://www.jesuplibrary.org/
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Jesup Memorial Library

8. The Rock & Art Shop

13 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-1809 +1 207-288-4800 http://www.therockandartshop.com/bar-harbor/
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

The Rock & Art Shop

9. Rocky Mann - Studio Potter

38 Breakneck Rd, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-7435 +1 207-288-5478 [email protected] http://www.rockymann.com
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Rocky Mann - Studio Potter

I have a pottery and Gallery. I make a variety of pottery including nature images, landscapes, Raku and Saggar Ware. The gallery is surrounded by Acadia National Park and I have beautiful gardens where customers are welcome to visit.

10. Ocean Trail

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 945 reviews

Ocean Trail

Walking trail along Frenchman Bay.

Reviewed By donnabO8015OG - Gladwyne, United States

We always do at least part of the Ocean Path Trail when visiting Acadia NP. You can park along the roadway, or in any of the parking lots, and walk as much of the trail as you like. It's an out and back, and not a loop trail. We typically bring a picnic lunch and find a quiet place on the rocks where we can eat. Our dog loves the trail, especially since it's easy after climbing those mountains! Many people just go to Sand Beach and then drive down the Park Loop Road, but to fully enjoy this part of Acadia I think you need to park your car and walk along the trail, and then find a place to explore the tidal pools or relax on the rocks in the sun or sit under a tree in the shade. Even when Acadia is very crowded, I can always find quiet places venturing off the trail.

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