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Fora’s Take
Bar Harbor is a very special place. Not only is it a stunning site, it also offers sightseeing and hiking. A great place for family getaways, solo travelers, and will satisfy everyone! The town itself is absolutely adorable and makes you feel like you’re living in a Hallmark movie. Not to mention if you like lobster; this is where you want to be! There are ice cream shops, live music on the green, shopping, and local businesses on every corner. Bar Harbor's main attraction is Acadia National park, which offers beautiful beaches, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. You name it!
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Insider knowledge
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Where to stay in Bar Harbor
West Street Hotel
Ultra-stylish hotel in Bar Harbor with curated interiors and a chic pool over the harbor.
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
Iconic coastal Maine hotel with quintessential New England style.
Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor
A lively seaside haven of quaint cottages perfect for couples and friends, just minutes from Acadia National Park and bustling downtown Bar Harbor.
Terramor Outdoor Resort
A true "glamping" experience; this family friendly tent accommodation offers all the amenities of a resort.
The Harborside Hotel
Located just off the coast from Bar Harbor, this hotel with a pool features stunning views and heartfelt hospitality.
The Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor
This rustic and romantic Bar Harbor hotel has 26 accommodations all located directly on the ocean with private decks.
Balance Rock Inn
This charming old-world hotel in Bar Harbor offers privacy on the waterfront just steps away from the village district.
The Asticou Inn
Overlooking waters of Northeast Harbor, Maine, this historical inn is ideal for guests seeking a quiet location with convenient access to many of the island's national parks.
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Things to do in Bar Harbor
Bar Island
The water in Frenchman’s Bay gets low enough that you can wander across the sand bar at low tide to the other side! Offering outstanding views of the bay, you can also enjoy a nice hike around the island. Make sure to check the tide charts before your walk so you don’t get stuck.
Sand Beach
A beautiful beach near the entrance to Acadia offering beautiful views, open space to lounge, rocks to climb, tide pools for kids to play, and hikes nearby. You can go out and watch surfers, enjoy the waves, lay out and get your tan on. Or venture across the beach for a few really cool cliff hikes. This is a super family (and dog) friendly beach!
Jordan Pond House
A famous restaurant inside of Acadia National Park. This place offers famous popovers and many other delicious treats. Nearby is a beautiful loop around Jordan Pond. This is the perfect place for a picnic.
Echo Lake
A fun way to spend the hot days in Acadia, with water warm enough to swim in during the summers. This is a family beach that offers stunning views and accessible hikes. The lake is close to South West Harbor to explore the other side of the island.
Otter Cliffs
Otter Cliffs is a beautiful lookout point right off Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. Also known for some really good light rock climbing. Definitely stunning.
The Precipice Trail
This is the most vertical and horizontal trail in Acadia National Park. You're literally walking on iron runs across the cliff, but it looks out into a near 360-view of the whole island.This is a challenging hike and probably not suitable for small children or seniors. However, there are lots of ladders up the side of cliffs. This trail usually doesn’t open until late August due to falcon nesting.
Day Trips
Try these nearby destinations in Maine for a day away: Northwest Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Portland, and Camden.
Places to eat & drink in Bar Harbor
Project Social: Tapas-style and some of the most unique, handcrafted cocktails you can find. The vibe here is immaculate. This place offers indoor and a cozy outdoor seating option!
Atlantic Brewing Company: Really cool rooftop area to sit, relax and drink your beer. Grab yourself something to eat and continue on with your day!
The Annex by Side Street Cafe: Live music, great food and amazing handcrafted cocktails. Connected to this restaurant is a side street café that has more of a daytime feel. They also have a great lobster roll and margaritas of the month.
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For more travel tips, check out the guide, Shopping, Food and Fun in Lively Seattle.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Maine.