Location: Bar Harbor
Top Things to do in Bar Harbor
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Top 10 Things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine (ME)
Mansions and majestic hotels serve as reminders of Bar Harbor’s past (in the 19th century, it was a favorite vacation spot of society’s upper crust). Today, visitors kayak, explore Acadia National Park, go bird- or whale-watching, and enjoy salty sea air and sandy beaches.
Restaurants in Bar Harbor
1. Mount Desert Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,891 reviews
Home to Acadia National Park, this island off the coast of Maine with its beaches, sweeping cliffs and mountains offers visitors numerous recreational activities, from hiking, biking and following nature trails to swimming, sailing and kayaking.
Reviewed By mikey605 - Sevierville, United States
So much to see and do on Mount Desert Island! Acadia National Park, Whale Watching, Scenic Charters and Tours, Beaches, Shops, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Sea Kayaking, Plane rides, glider rides, helicopter flights, mini golf, if you want to do it you will find it on MDI
2. Frenchman Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 378 reviews
Reviewed By PerksAdvisor_NYC - New York City, United States
This is a great way to enjoy the power of nature of the beauty of Frenchman’s Bay which is off of Bar Harbor. Just watch the boat pass by or see the seals jumping in the water. This can be a very relaxing way to enjoy your trip to Bar Harbor. There are also many companies that will give you a Bay ride.
3. Schoodic Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By 70clarkek - New York, United States
Recently took a a trip out to Maine. First time being there. If you want to enjoy some truly wonder sites, without a ton of people or crowds then you should check out Schoodic for sure. During our stay, we there twice. Once during the day where the scenery and shoreline is incredible. Be sure to stop by Raven's Nest where you can get a close up (but don't get TOO close) of this beautiful sheer cliff face where it meets the water. Also make sure you take a walk on the shoreline just past Blueberry Hill so that you can hear the "applauding river rocks". If you're up for it, do yourself a favor and go back at night. Find a place to park, turn your vehicle and vehicle lights off and look up at the sky. From here the Milky Way Galaxy is visible with the naked eye. You'll be glad you went.
4. Eagle Lake Acadia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By suzannef795
Free parking and entrance! Just choose to walk or rent a bike. I walked because I love to stop and take pictures of the wildflowers, lake, and rock. The trees have such beauty with the sun reflecting off their leaves. It is truly tranquil and it's a level path around the lake but if 6 miles is too much for you then just walk or bike what you can.
5. Acadia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,883 reviews
Reviewed By emktraveller2018 - Richmond, United States
This was our second trip to Acadia and it didn't disappoint. We hiked for two days - the Great Head Loop Trail - Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, hike/walk around Jordan Pond, tea and popovers at Jordan Pond Restaurant, sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, the Beech Mountain trail and the Ship Harbor Nature Trail.
6. Ocean Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 945 reviews
Walking trail along Frenchman Bay.
Reviewed By donnabO8015OG - Gladwyne, United States
We always do at least part of the Ocean Path Trail when visiting Acadia NP. You can park along the roadway, or in any of the parking lots, and walk as much of the trail as you like. It's an out and back, and not a loop trail. We typically bring a picnic lunch and find a quiet place on the rocks where we can eat. Our dog loves the trail, especially since it's easy after climbing those mountains! Many people just go to Sand Beach and then drive down the Park Loop Road, but to fully enjoy this part of Acadia I think you need to park your car and walk along the trail, and then find a place to explore the tidal pools or relax on the rocks in the sun or sit under a tree in the shade. Even when Acadia is very crowded, I can always find quiet places venturing off the trail.
7. Criterion Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Historic venue with live music, dance, comedy, theatre, movies and other events. Also, we used to have a speakeasy in our basement!
Reviewed By MDIWoman
Visiting this theatre is like walking into a time machine of a past era. The art deco alone is worth the price of admission. Be sure to sit on the side aisle seats for the best unobstructed view. I thoroughly enjoyed the live performance by the Robinson Ballet. I like that the theatre is used for a mix of visual and musical arts: bands, movies, ballet, theater. The Theatre is a valuable asset to a small town.
8. Shore Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,956 reviews
Reviewed By PopaRich - Lafayette, United States
We had beautiful cool weather, Bright sunny day and enjoyed the Shore path which is an easy walk for 1/2 mile, 1 mile roundtrip from the Harbor pier. My wife and I love to walk along the sea shore and this was a very scenic walk looking out on the bay with the boats and ships going about there day. The path follows the rocky shoreline with Mansions on the opposite side of the path.
9. Land Bridge to Bar Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By 185barbp - Madison, United States
as soon as you arrive in the Bar Harbor area check out the tide schedule so you know when you can walk this and go when you can walk it and when you cannot to see the difference. Incredible experience.
10. Village Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
Find this park at the intersection of Main Street and Mt. Desert Street; two very good choices to explore. This park is such a welcome break from the fast-paced shopping mecca that surrounds it (and defines Village/Downtown). In addition to loads of gorgeous green lawn space, there's an attractive statue-fountain, an Italian looking lion fountain (1906), the town clock, and a Gazebo. Bar Harbor's parks add such a delightful element to this small community; it defines it as a hub of nature.
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