Location: Bar Harbor
Top Things to do in Bar Harbor
What to do and see in Bar Harbor, Maine (ME): The Best Nature & Parks
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. Mount Desert Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,891 reviews
Home to Acadia National Park, this island off the coast of Maine with its beaches, sweeping cliffs and mountains offers visitors numerous recreational activities, from hiking, biking and following nature trails to swimming, sailing and kayaking.
Reviewed By mikey605 - Sevierville, United States
So much to see and do on Mount Desert Island! Acadia National Park, Whale Watching, Scenic Charters and Tours, Beaches, Shops, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Sea Kayaking, Plane rides, glider rides, helicopter flights, mini golf, if you want to do it you will find it on MDI
2. PEDEGO BAR HARBOR
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Pedego Bar Harbor is the place for electric bicycles in Bar Harbor, Maine. We are locally owned and operated and strive for all our customers to have the best experience possible. Come visit us to try out a bike to rent or buy.
3. Frenchman Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 378 reviews
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.
4. Schoodic Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By 70clarkek - New York, United States
Recently took a a trip out to Maine. First time being there. If you want to enjoy some truly wonder sites, without a ton of people or crowds then you should check out Schoodic for sure. During our stay, we there twice. Once during the day where the scenery and shoreline is incredible. Be sure to stop by Raven's Nest where you can get a close up (but don't get TOO close) of this beautiful sheer cliff face where it meets the water. Also make sure you take a walk on the shoreline just past Blueberry Hill so that you can hear the "applauding river rocks". If you're up for it, do yourself a favor and go back at night. Find a place to park, turn your vehicle and vehicle lights off and look up at the sky. From here the Milky Way Galaxy is visible with the naked eye. You'll be glad you went.
5. Eagle Lake Acadia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By suzannef795
Free parking and entrance! Just choose to walk or rent a bike. I walked because I love to stop and take pictures of the wildflowers, lake, and rock. The trees have such beauty with the sun reflecting off their leaves. It is truly tranquil and it's a level path around the lake but if 6 miles is too much for you then just walk or bike what you can.
6. Acadia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,883 reviews
Reviewed By emktraveller2018 - Richmond, United States
This was our second trip to Acadia and it didn't disappoint. We hiked for two days - the Great Head Loop Trail - Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, hike/walk around Jordan Pond, tea and popovers at Jordan Pond Restaurant, sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, the Beech Mountain trail and the Ship Harbor Nature Trail.
7. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By TomRIUSA - Providence, United States
Day 1. Had a 430 am slot to go up the mountain to see the sun rise. It did not rise until 630 am but you do need to get a good spot as the place is packed. Day 2, had a 11am slot but the view was fogged in and rain. Day 3, had a 11am slot and the view was great. Sunny day and worth it. This was when they started the, $2 per car make a reservation to get up the mountain. You need to be there 30 min before / 30 min after your slot time or you lose it. The time you spend up there is not limited. In all 3 trips up, Bring food and drinks . A jacket (wind gets you) For the 430 Sunrise. If you can bring a cushion to sit on, not a chair as y ou will be sitting on COLD rock for 2 hrs waiting for the Sun to rise. And bring gloves as it does get cold. Warm Jacket also. Bring a tripod for your camera if you are taking sunrise photos. We paid the $2 a day to go here had a 11am slot to go up, it was fogged in. had a 11am 2nd day it was great sights. Had a 430am sunrise and we were the 3rd car up there KIDS WILL BE BORED.
8. Ocean Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 945 reviews
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.
9. Shore Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,956 reviews
Reviewed By PopaRich - Lafayette, United States
We had beautiful cool weather, Bright sunny day and enjoyed the Shore path which is an easy walk for 1/2 mile, 1 mile roundtrip from the Harbor pier. My wife and I love to walk along the sea shore and this was a very scenic walk looking out on the bay with the boats and ships going about there day. The path follows the rocky shoreline with Mansions on the opposite side of the path.
10. Bar Island Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By lisacN6362RM
There is a very nice trail right off Sand Beach. We were curious as we were sitting on the beach and saw people climbing. Its a bit steep and you should wear sturdy shoes but once you get to the top the views are amazing!
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