Get ready to discover Maine’s most scenic coastal gem in just a few days with this ultimate Bar Harbor itinerary.
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Through all of my travels, I have settled (so far) that Bar Harbor, Maine is definitely a top 5 destination for me in the United States. I find it to be a breathtaking place that combines natural beauty, coastal charm, and endless adventure.
This Bar Harbor itinerary will guide you through the best sights and activities to explore over the next four days. You may find yourself drawn to the rugged coastline, the scenic trails of Acadia National Park, or the cozy town vibe, but either way, you’ll experience the best of Bar Harbor on your visit.
So grab your rental car, fuel up, and head north into beautiful Bar Harbor.
Day 1
You’ll probably arrive in Bar Harbor this afternoon considering you will likely be driving in from Portland, Bangor, or even Boston. Being that you have had a long drive, take the afternoon to have a nice lunch, check into your hotel, and explore some of the coastal beauty, which is probably what brought you here in the first place.
Have Lunch at Atlantic Brewing Company
One of the best breweries in Bar Harbor, Maine is Atlantic Brewing Company. There are a few locations in the Bar Harbor area. If you want some food, choose the location in Midtown.
If you want to opt for a tour and a drink only, that can be done at the Town Hill location, but they are only open seasonally.
Tours during the season can be taken at 3pm Friday-Sunday and will include 3 tastings that you can enjoy in their tasting room. Keep in mind, if you are traveling with children, that tour guests must be 21+.
Visit Bar Harbor's Lighthouses
No visit to Bar Harbor will ever be complete without experiencing the iconic lighthouses that dot Maine’s rugged coastline. Let’s start your visit to the Maine coast off right.
There are a couple of options for you to explore. Keep in mind that the lighthouses in this part of Maine are a little more difficult to get to and are often only accessible by boat.
If you only want to visit one today, my pick is Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – the most popular and iconic. It sits on the rocky cliffs of the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island. It’s an especially popular destination at sunset. If you go then, you’ll know why. It’s only a short drive from Bar Harbor and the views on Acadia’s coastline makes it a must-see stop on any trip to Bar Harbor.
- Egg Rock Lighthouse – Although you can’t get up close and personal to this lighthouse, it’s still worth the time to admire from afar. The best view is by boat since it is perched on a small rocky island in Frenchman Bay, but you can also view it from your car in the Schooner Head parking lot inside Acadia off Park Loop Road. And since you’re over this way to see Bass Harbor Head Light, you might as well stop here too.
- Baker Island Light – to see this iconic lighthouse, you will need to travel 9 miles by boat to one of Acadia’s offshore islands. Now owned by the park, it is only accessible by boat and you’ll need to take a guided tour by one of the park rangers.
- Bear Island Light – Another lighthouse that is privately owned and closed to the public, but you can see it from a boat tour.
Visiting the lighthouses near Bar Harbor, Maine, is a must for first-time travelers looking to experience the area’s coastal charm and maritime history.
Have Dinner at Route 66
Especially on your first visit to Bar Harbor, you can’t miss dining at Route 66. A 50’s style, casual restaurant with lots of memorabilia to keep you entertained. You know they serve lobster rolls here, too!
Day 2 - Acadia National Park
What really makes Bar Harbor famous is the iconic Acadia National Park which brings in over 3 million visitors every year. You could fill your entire Bar Harbor itinerary with things to do inside the park alone.
But since we only have one day to spend inside Acadia National Park, let me lay out the must-see highlights and best experiences.
- Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain – If you’re an early bird, be one of the first people in the US to see the sunrise. If not, it’s also the best place for a sunset in Acadia National Park too.
Tip: Reservations are required and you can get them here.
- Drive the Park Loop Road 27 miles – If you don’t do anything else inside ANP, at least take the time to drive the scenic Park Loop Road. Many of these places to visit are right along the road (or a short hike away) so no major hikes are required – which is good if you don’t have a lot of time. If nothing else, you’ll still have some beautiful scenery to take in while seeing some of Acadia’s major viewpoints .
- Hiking Trails – A couple of the most popular hikes in Acadia are The Beehive, Gorham Mountain Trail, Bubble Rock, and Champlain Mountain. The Beehive is a more thrilling hike with iron rungs and some epic views while Gorham Mountain Trail is a more scenic and moderate hike. Champlain Mountain is for the avid hiker with a 6.5 mile out and back moderate to strenuous hike you can do up to the summit. Hiking the Bubbles is a relatively easy 1.5 mile round trip hike that will take you about an hour to an hour and a half. Each spot will give you expansive views of Jordan Pond.
- Sand Beach – a hidden gem, and probably one of the only sandy beaches here in this part of Maine.
- Thunder Hole – This was one of my favorite places inside ANP and was the stop I was most excited about. This is a natural occurance and if you catch it at the right time of day (when the tides are forced into this narrow channel), the water going in and out will making a thundering boom sound. Visiting 1-2 hours before high tide gives you the best chance to hear the thundering booms. There is a likely chance you will get wet, too.
Tip: Please remember, this is a natural phenomenon and you are not guaranteed to see or hear it.
Also, if there is a storm coming in, the path to get here will likely be closed.
- Otter Point – located along the Ocean Path (which runs from Sand Beach to Otter Point), this is a scenic spot for climbers and photographers. People love to relax on the rocks or explore the tide pools here at low tide.
- Jordan Pond & Jordan Pond House Restaurant – Stop by Jordan Pond around lunchtime so you can have lunch at Jordan Pond House Restaurant and try one of their famous popovers. If you go during peak season, be prepared to wait for a table. Luckily, you can spend your wait walking along the edge of Jordan Pond – a 3.5 mile loop with beautiful mountain backdrops. You will also have beautiful views of Jordan Pond and the Bubbles from the restaurant.
- Bike or walk the Carriage Roads – There are about 45 miles of carriage roads throughout Acadia, some more popular than others. Consider taking a tour like this one. You can bike, e-bike, walk, or horseback ride down these stone roads
If you have some extra time inside Acadia, I suggest you check out Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding for a more intimate way to experience Acadia. They have e-bike and paddle boarding tours that allow you to discover the heart of Acadia.
Acadia also offers boat tours where you can see wildlife, lighthouses and explore Frenchman Bay from the water.
Insider Tip: There is a fee to enter Acadia National Park. Buy one online here.
Want to sit back, relax, and take a guided tour of Acadia National Park?
It has over 480 5-star reviews
Have Dinner at Geddy’s
Head back into Bar Harbor after your day in Acadia National Park for a fresh Maine lobster dinner.
A come-as-you-are, family-friendly restaurant in downtown Bar Harbor. They serve everything from fresh lobsters to wood-fired pizzas. I had the Maine lobster bake, which included a cup of clam chowder, fresh steamed lobster, corn on the cob, and their famous blueberry pie.
Don’t forget to grab a t-shirt from their storefront to take home!
Insider Tip: Geddy’s closes down for a winter break and typically reopens in March. If you are visiting Bar Harbor in the winter, and really want to eat here, check their website for details first.
Day 3: Whale Watching
Have Breakfast at 2 Cats Bar Harbor
I suggest having moderate breakfast at 2 Cats Bar Harbor before you head out for the day (but not too much if you get sea sick).
The lobster benedit is amazing but they have fresh blueberry pancakes that hit the spot too.
Whale Watching in Bar Harbor
The Gulf of Maine lies between Cape Cod and Nova Scotia and attracts a wide variety of whale species throughout the year.
One of my favorite things to do with my kids in Bar Harbor is a whale watching excursion with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. I believe our trip was a total of 6 hours and we saw over 10 whales. One even stuck its head out of the water and I was in awe!! We ended up just off the coast of Nova Scotia before we turned back.
Whale watching season in Bar Harbor lasts from late May through September. You are likely to see humpback, minke, finback, and pilot whales during this time.
A couple tips I have for you to make your trip more enjoyable:
- Bring Dramamine. It’s a rocky ride out to where you will likely stop to see whales. A lot of people get sea sick and it comes upon you all of a sudden, especially in children. Dramamine can help combat the motion sickness, if you’re prone to it or not.
- Dress in layers. The wind out on the water is no joke and it’s about 20 degrees cooler out at sea than it is back in town. If you don’t bring at least a light jacket you will regret it.
Walk the Shore Path or the Sandbar
Spend your afternoon relaxing and taking in some of the beauty of Frenchman Bay.
Shore Path – The shore path is a popular walking trail along the Atlantic. It will take you about a half hour to walk the entire thing at a steady pace. The entire trail is about 1.5 miles. Start your journey at public pier off West St and follow the signs. There are a few points off the trail that lead back into town. You’ll have great views of Porcupine Rock, the Bar Harbor Inn as well as seaside cottages, and boats heading out to sea.
A recent storm in 2024 left parts of the Shore Path with severe damage. There is an ongoing construction project so the entire thing is not open to the public at this time,
Sandbar Downtown – The Sandbar is what puts the “bar” in Bar Harbor. This is a really cool, unique thing to do in Bar Harbor that is perfect for families. At low tide, a sandbar appears allowing people to walk over to Bar Island. This is a great time and place for the kids to search for shells. Make sure you keep an eye on the tide schedule though! The sandbar is accessible up to 2 hours before and after low tide, but you don’t want to cut it too close because the path completely disappears.
Have Dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound
You will likely be hungry when you get back into Bar Harbor after your whale watching excursion all day. Hopefully you got to see a bunch of whales!
End your evening with dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, one of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine. I hope you’re not tired of lobster yet – I know there’s been a lot of it so far on this trip, but you’re in the best place for it, I promise!
You can enjoy your oceanfront views coupled with a meal of fresh lobster right out of the harbor. Don’t skip on the lobster bisque either!
They have two locations and are a little more expensive, but worth it since it is the closest thing to an authentic lobster pound in Bar Harbor. A lobster pound just means live lobsters are stored in tanks and then cooked and served to order.
Insider Tip: for a true lobster pound experience, the locals go to Thurston’s Lobster Pound near SW Harbor. It is a bit of a drive from Bar Harbor but if you’re up for it you can head out there as well.
Day 4: Last Day
Shopping in Bar Harbor, Maine
Before heading home, take some time to gather some souveniers to remember your trip. One of the most popular Bar Harbor shops is Cool as a Moose. It is a little on the pricey side, but great spot to find something for the whole family.
Have lunch at Maine Melt
The crab melts are to die for! They have limited seating but you can always order it to go and head to a nearby park.
More Fun Bar Harbor Activities Worth Considering
If you don’t have to head out early this morning, do one more of these fun excursions!
- Lulu’s Lobster Boat – This is one of the coolest boat tours in Bar Harbor, in my opinion, next to the whale watching tours. You can head out onto the bay and participate in pulling up traps and learn about the lobstering industry. You will likely see seals on this tour as well.
- Kayak Porcupine Island – keep an eye out for seals and bald eagles on the rocks
- Abbe Museum – as an affiliate of the Smithsonian, this museum will teach you about the Native American people and their history.
- Pirates Cove Adventure Golf – a great evening, after dinner activity for families to enjoy
- Mount Desert Oceanarium – this is a great spot check out if you’re traveling to Bar Harbor with kids. It includes interactive exhibits that are big hits for kids as well as a lobster hatchery.
- Bar Harbor Boat Tours – Downeast Windjammmer Cruises, Bar Harbor Ferry Co, and Acadian Boat Tours all offer some boat tours giving you an opportunity to get out on the water and see Bar Harbor from a different viewpoint.
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Restaurants in Bar Harbor Maine
My itinerary covered some of the must-visit dining experiences. But here are a few more for you to consider:
- The Chart Room – Lovely views from their outdoor seating area
- Testa – a great place to get drinks and some small bites
- Galyn’s – upscale dining in a relaxed, comfortable environment. The homemade tartar sauce is sooo good.
- Bar Harbor Lobster Co – they don’t have a great view, but they have the best lobster mac and cheese in town!
- Side Street Cafe – a very kid-friendly restaurant in Bar Harbor. Make sure you try the margarita of the moment, mama!
- Reading Room – located at the Bar Harbor Inn, this oceanfront dining is more upscale.
- Terrace Grille – also located at the Bar Harbor Inn and another excellent oceanfront dining oppportunity
- Looking Glass Restaurant – this is a great place for breakfast.
Insider Tip: if you want to eat in Bar Harbor for the views and experience by all means go right ahead. There are some really great options right in town and it’s definitely more convenient. But as you head further out of town, you will find countless places offering fresh boiled lobster at a much cheaper price.
Some FAQs about Bar Harbor
How to get to Bar Harbor
There are a couple of different ways to get to Bar Harbor. If you are flying, the closest major airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR) located about 45 minutes to an hour from Bar Harbor.
There is a smaller airport called Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) about 10 miles away, but it’s primarily for smaller commuter flights coming in from Boston.
If you are driving in, here are some distances for some of the major cities in the area:
- Portland, Maine to Bar Harbor: 3 hours
- Boston to Bar Harbor: 4 and a half hours
- Bangor, Maine to Bar Harbor: 1 hour
How Many Days to Spend in Bar Harbor
Personally, I think 4 days is a good amount of time to spend in Bar Harbor. It will allow you to soak in all of the major sites and get to experience a bit of Acadia National Park as well.
When is the Best Month to Visit Bar Harbor
Visiting Bar Harbor in the summer months is peak tourist season. The weather is beautiful and it will give you a chance to experience life on the water without the cold winds. However, with peak season comes a lot of crowds.
If you want to visit Bar Harbor without the crowds, consider visiting in early spring or even fall. You can visit Bar Harbor in the winter, but be aware that not everything will be open during this time.
Is Bar Harbor a Walkable Town?
Yes! You can walk around Bar Harbor safely and with ease. Parking can be limited though.
How far is Bar Harbor from the Entrance to Acadia National Park?
Bar Harbor is very close to Acadia National Park. The most common entrances to the park are Cadillac Mountain (1.3 miles away) and Hulls Cove Visitor Center (3 miles).
During peak season, there is a free shuttle service that connects Bar Harbor to several Acadia entrance points. Check out their schedule here.
Are there Beaches in Bar Harbor Maine?
Yes! There are several beaches in the Bar Harbor area. Remember, this far up the coast the water temperature rarely gets above 62 degrees Farenheit, even in the hottest summer months.
Sand Beach is located inside Acadia and is popular for seashell searchers.
Seal Harbor Beach is right in town where you can swim with a great view.
Boulder Beach is also located inside Acadia and although it isn’t the sandy beach like you may be thinking when you think of a beach, it’s a beautiful rocky shore.
Best Places to Stay in Bar Harbor Maine
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel – A charming, historic-style hotel in downtown Bar Harbor with modern amenities and classic New England elegance. It’s close proximity to restaurants and activities make it a great choice for families travelng to Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – A waterfront retreat featuring luxurious rooms, an on-site spa, and stunning views of Frenchman Bay. A great choice for couples traveling to Bar Harbor or for special occasions.
Under Canvas Acadia – A unique glamping experience near Acadia National Park, offering safari-style tents and beautiful natural surroundings.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina – A sophisticated resort with elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and access to Bar Harbor’s waterfront activities. A more luxurious choice for those looking for upscale amenities.
The Inn on Mount Desert – A cozy boutique inn offering comfortable accommodations, a central location, and warm Maine hospitality. A more budget-friendly option.
Day Trips from Bar Harbor
Two day trips from Bar Harbor that I recommend taking if you have more room in your itinerary are a day trip to Portland and a trip to Rattlesnake Pool.
Portland – If you didn’t already come to Bar Harbor from Portland, I HIGHLY recommend you take the time to spend at least a day in this beautiful, coastal city with some (more) fresh lobster and craft beers.
Rattlesnake Pool – Located about an hour and 30 minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and 4 hours from Bar Harbor. This is a 2-mile out-and-back easy hike that leads to a beautiful swimming hole with clear, emerald water.
Wrap Up: A Bar Harbor Maine Itinerary
I really hope you enjoyed this Bar Harbor Maine travel guide. If you haven’t already seen that Bar Harbor is a must-visit coastal destination what are you doing with your life?! Kidding! But, I really hope you take the time to take a few days or a long weekend this summer to explore and really soak in all this beautiful coastal town has to offer. Or even try it out in a different season! I promise, either way, it will not disappoint.
