Bar Harbor in Maine is one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States. There are many great reasons to take a vacation here, including hiking, whale watching, and touring lighthouses, but if you don’t want to travel to the other side of the country, there are plenty of reasons right in your own backyard. Here are some hidden gems that you may not know about if you’re not from Maine, but which make this area one of the best places in America to get away from it all and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Getting to Bar Harbor
The closest airport to Bar Harbor is Bangor, ME (BGR). Flights from various airports can get you there in less than an hour. From there, you’ll need to get to Bar Harbor which is just under 25 miles away. There are plenty of transportation options including buses, shuttles and taxis that can take you to and from where you need to go. If renting a car or driving your own vehicle is more your style, driving will be quick and easy too.
Dining options
Restaurants here will tempt even ardent seafood-haters into making a trip out to Maine for a taste of local flavor. If you’re just looking for something quick and casual, you can’t go wrong with East End Pizza & Sandwich Co. on Main Street. For upscale dining, try The Lobster Roll or Pemaquid Oyster Company—but don’t forget to leave room for dessert at Spencer’s.
Activities for the whole family
Sure, you’ve heard of Bar Harbor—but what about Acadia National Park? It’s a gem, and it’s right next door to Bar Harbor. With plenty of unique activities, beautiful sights, and other nearby sites to explore, you’ll wish you had more than just a few days here. Here are some fun ways to spend your time on Mount Desert Island.
Beautiful scenery and architecture
No matter what time of year you go, there is plenty to see. In addition to its world-famous neighbors like Acadia National Park and Schoodic Peninsula, Mount Desert Island offers no shortage of beautiful scenery and architecture. In summer, blueberries fill fields and gardens while yachts skim across coastal waters on their way to nearby islands. Fall brings crisp mornings, fiery foliage and changing leaves that paint a colorful canvas for an unforgettable vista at Cadillac Mountain’s Sunrise Visitors Center.
Where to stay in Bar Harbor
If you’re looking for accommodations while you explore Bar Harbor, be sure to check out The Parson Capen House. This B&B has four stars on TripAdvisor and features a gorgeous garden right outside your room’s door, which is decked out with a gas grill and Adirondack chairs. Prices start at $129 per night.
Tourist attractions
The most popular visitor destination on Mount Desert Island is Schoodic Point, located at the northernmost point of MDI. On a clear day, it offers 360-degree views of mountains, ocean and islands. If you don’t have time to travel that far north, take a day trip to Cadillac Mountain. The highest point along MDI at 1,530 feet above sea level, it’s home to Acadia National Park’s 45th observation tower and its own breathtaking vistas.
Tours, museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, etc.
There’s a big world out there filled with educational, amazing, and fun attractions. If you can find something nearby to do, that’s a great way to take a vacation without spending much money. For example, if you live near Boston or New York City or even Los Angeles or San Francisco (or other major cities), there are all sorts of wonderful museums within an hour’s drive.
What else do I need to know about visiting?
If you’re planning a trip to Bar Harbor, it’s important to know what to pack and what to leave at home. Between chilly mornings, rainy afternoons, and peak tourist season, we found that our daily attire alternated from flip-flops on our first hike of the day to a rain jacket as we made our way back down through Acadia National Park.
