things to do in bar harbor maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a charming coastal town surrounded by Acadia National Park, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in Bar Harbor:
Explore Acadia National Park: With over 47,000 acres of parkland, Acadia offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Visit the park’s visitor center to plan your itinerary.
Drive the Park Loop Road: This 27-mile scenic drive takes you through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes, including the Jordan Cliffs and Thunder Hole.
Visit the Abbe Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Take a boat tour: Bar Harbor offers a variety of boat tours, including lobster boat tours, whale watching, and kayaking excursions.
Go hiking or biking: Acadia National Park has over 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of biking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Jordan Pond House: This historic restaurant is famous for its popovers and tea, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Explore the village: Bar Harbor’s charming village is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants, including the famous Thurstons Lobster Pound.
Visit the Seal Cove Auto Museum: This unique museum showcases a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters of the nearby lakes and ponds.
Attend a festival or event: Bar Harbor hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bar Harbor Festival of the Arts and the Maine Lobster Festival.
Visit the Thunder Hole: This unique geological formation creates a thundering sound when the waves crash against it.
Take a scenic drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain: This 1,530-foot mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Visit the Acadia National Park Visitor Center: This center offers information on the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, as well as a gift shop and a park store.
Go birdwatching: Acadia National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds documented in the park.
- Take a scenic drive to the nearby islands: Bar Harbor is close to several islands, including Mount Desert Island, Vinalhaven Island, and Isle au Haut.
Some popular restaurants in Bar Harbor include:
- The Thurstons Lobster Pound
- The Jordan Pond House
- The Burning Tree Restaurant
- The Blue Hill Bakery
- The Sunrise Grill
Some popular shops in Bar Harbor include:
- The Abbe Museum Gift Shop
- The Acadia National Park Visitor Center Gift Shop
- The Bar Harbor Bookstore
- The Sunrise Grill Gift Shop
- The Thurstons Lobster Pound Gift Shop
Overall, Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Bar Harbor has something for everyone.
