The Ultimate Guide to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

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Meri Horn
Curated By

Meri Horn

  • Maine

  • Nature Escapes

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Family Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Outdoor & Nature

  • mountains

Advisor - The Ultimate Guide to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
Curator’s statement

The breathtaking beauty of Acadia National Park is not to be missed! There are many ways to take in the park, including hiking trails of varying difficulty, biking or e-biking on the vast network of carriage trails, or even touring by car or park shuttle. The nearby town of Bar Harbor is charming, featuring authentic lobster shacks and adorable ice cream shops. After a day spent exploring the park, kicking back at the hotel pool or grabbing a drink in Bar Harbor is a great way to unwind!

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Things to do in Maine

View from Ocean Path Trail

  • Hiking: Acadia boasts over 120 miles of diverse hiking trails, from seaside walks like the Ocean Path Trail to strenuous forest trails like the Beehive Trail. After a day of hiking in Acadia, you will feel accomplished!

  • Biking: John D. Rockefeller Jr. gifted 45 miles of rustic carriage roads to the park between 1913 and 1940. Take a traditional road bike or (pro-tip!) rent an e-bike to explore these crushed gravel paths only open to cyclists, pedestrians, and horses.

  • Shopping: Stroll up Main Street in Bar Harbor for unique Maine-themed souvenirs, handmade jewelry, and other original pieces.

  • Dining: Bar Harbor is a lobster lovers paradise! From lobster shacks to fine-dining restaurants, Bar Harbor has it all!

  • Water Activities: If you are in Bar Harbor in summer, the pool or beach is a great way to unwind. Sand Beach features lifeguards and restrooms and quieter, more remote, rocky beaches like Hunter’s Beach are great for exploring.

  • Museums: Visit Abbe Museum to learn more about Wabanaki Culture and the original Mt. Dessert Island inhabitants or explore Seal Cove Auto Museum a little further outside town.

Places to eat & drink in Maine

  • Jordan Pond House: Stopping in to Jordan Pond House for a popover and a glass of champagne is a must after a long hike in the park!

  • Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls: Best Lobster Rolls in Bar Harbor! Grab a lobster roll, chips, and a blueberry soda and enjoy lunch in nearby Agamont Park.

  • Graffiti Donuts & Coffee: Your kids will love the inventive donuts here and you can grab an early morning coffee as well.

  • Stewman’s Lobster Pound: Enjoy a great lobster dinner at either of their two oceanfront locations and don’t skip the blueberry pie for dessert!

  • Geddy’s: Geddy’s has a fun, kitschy atmosphere and a large menu featuring fresh seafood, pizzas, and fishbowl drinks.

  • Perry’s Lobster Shack: Located outside of Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Island, Perry’s no-frills, authentic lobster shack offers amazing food with a beautiful view.

Need to know

Split your trip up and spend half the time glamping at nearby Under Canvas Acadia and the other half at a hotel in town to experience the best of both worlds!

Meri Horn

Travel Advisor

Meri Horn

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