Bar Harbor

Travel Guide
Bar Harbor which includes a lighthouse and rugged coastline
Salty sea air, rugged granite cliffs and sandy beaches welcome visitors to this island refuge on the northeastern U.S. coast.

Mount Desert Island is home to the town of Bar Harbor as well as Cadillac Mountain and Acadia National Park. The area has long been a summer getaway for well-to-do Americans, including J. P. Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Astor and William Howard Taft. Take a short self-guided walking tour to see mansions and hotels built for these celebrities. Industry giant John D. Rockefeller donated lands for development of the national park in the early 1900s and built 50 miles (80 kilometers) of carriage paths with cut stone guard rails. Hike or bike these trails that were set up with reasonable grade to accommodate horse carriage travel.Inside the park, Cadillac Mountain, at 1,528 feet (470meters) tall, is the highest point along the North American coastline. It’s also one of the places in the U.S. where the sunrise is first visible. Join other early risers to drive or hike to the top of the mountain to see and photograph the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean. Park rangers frequently give sunset talks atop the mountain, highlighting local geography, flora and fauna and overhead constellations.The rugged granite of Mount Desert Island is ideal for rock climbing the cliffs can also be treacherous. Hire an accredited guide from a local mountain climbing organization to ensure safety. You’ll learn how to tie knots, belay and find footing and handholds. Or, go on a guided sea kayaking or canoeing trip in the ocean waters around the island.Sign up for a whale-watching excursion you’re likely to see whales breaching and clearing their blowholes and you may see porpoise, sharks, dolphins, tuna and puffins. The town of Bar Harbor has numerous art galleries, souvenir shops and dining areas. See lobster farming at the Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery and local history at the Abbe Museum. Or, visit the free Sieur de Monts Spring and Nature Center to learn about the plants and animals in the park. In summer, enjoy classical and jazz music festivals.Car parking in Bar Harbor is generally plentiful and free. Sites and activities have fees.

Where to stay in Bar Harbor

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Hulls Cove

Waterfront views, bars and parks highlight some of the notable features of Hulls Cove. Make a stop by Acadia National Park while you're exploring.

Hulls Cove
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Stone Haven

While Stone Haven may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and Bubble Rock.

Stone Haven
The Inn on Mount Desert
The Inn on Mount Desert
3 out of 5
68 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €112 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€112
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Very welcoming, breakfast provided, close in proximity to the Jackson Laboratory."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

The Inn on Mount Desert
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
3 out of 5
119 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME
Stay at this beach hotel in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice hotel, needs a little tlc to the inside of hallways and rooms. Very good breakfast and a fabulous lady who’s there to help in the morning."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center
Bar Harbor Manor
Bar Harbor Manor
3.5 out of 5
47 Holland Ave, Bar Harbor, ME
The price is €120 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€120
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (793 reviews)
"Great location only 5 min walk to downtown bar harbor. Located in a quiet neighborhood."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Bar Harbor Manor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hanscom's Motel and Cottages
Hanscom's Motel and Cottages
3 out of 5
273 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (164 reviews)
"The unit was wonderful! Wasn’t given the door code so I had to call a number on the door at the office. However…it was handled quickly & professionally. A 60 second inconvenience. I will recommend this place!!"

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

Hanscom's Motel and Cottages
Newly Updated Bar Harbor Private Guest House - Amazing Ocean and Mountain Views!
Newly Updated Bar Harbor Private Guest House - Amazing Ocean and Mountain Views!
Bar Harbor
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Acadia National Park and Thompson ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Perfect Maine hospitality
"We had a fabulous time and Ralph and Judy’s suggestions were perfect! Beautiful view of the Cove where we saw special sunsets. We felt that we got an excellent experience of Maine and Acadia here and part of that was the warm hospitality of Ralph and Judy. If you want to visit Maine, we would highly ..."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2023

Newly Updated Bar Harbor Private Guest House - Amazing Ocean and Mountain Views!
Acadia Seaside Cottage, Family & Pet Friendly, 400 ft from shore. Has AC  WiFi
Acadia Seaside Cottage, Family & Pet Friendly, 400 ft from shore. Has AC WiFi
Bar Harbor
Stay at this cottage in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Hulls Cove Visitor ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
Perfect Rental for an adult family
"The home was perfect for myself, husband and adult son. This home has a large kitchen and the most well stocked rental I have ever stayed at. The living room had plenty of comfortable furniture for all of us to relax on. Beds were comfortable and the entire rental was clean. Super close to the national ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2023

Acadia Seaside Cottage, Family & Pet Friendly, 400 ft from shore. Has AC WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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