Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine

As the entry point to Acadia National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., Bar Harbor is a gem for every type of explorer. This small, intimate town is located on Mount Desert Island along Frenchman Bay, making it an attractive spot for visitors. Bar Harbor offers views of eye-catching coastal cliffs, the thrill of climbing steep trails, and the joy of walking through the downtown area. If you’re thinking about visiting Bar Harbor, then here is everything you need to know about this gem of a town.

Know Before You Go

The best time to visit Bar Harbor is during the summer when all of the shops and restaurants are open. In the spring and fall, you’ll find more comfortable temperatures and quieter crowds. If you plan to drive your RV down the 27-mile Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, be aware that the road is one way, meaning you’ll have to drive the entire loop before being able to leave the park. There is also a free shuttle that takes visitors through Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Best Things to Do

Explore Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a special place to be—it’s where the mountains meet the ocean and over 150 hiking trails can be explored. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., for views of Bar Harbor and the islands in the distance. Check out other popular spots, such as Thunder Hole right off of Park Loop Road, or Beehive Loop Trail for a daring adventure. For even more outdoor activities, you can also bike on carriage roads and paddle on ponds and lakes while in the park.

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

Have you ever cruised in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, observed historic lighthouses in the distance, and watched whales jump in and out of the deep sea? Whether you’ve done this or not, there’s nowhere better to go on a whale watching tour than Bar Harbor. Head to the Gulf of Maine with your family to spot whales and other sea mammals, such as finbacks and humpbacks, as well as learn about the history of this sea area.

Go Golfing

If you’re someone who likes to play golf on your vacation, then check out one or more golf courses in and outside of Bar Harbor. Play 18 holes at the historic and beautiful Kebo Valley Golf Club right in Bar Harbor. Outside of Bar Harbor, check out the Northeast Harbor Golf Club, Causeway Club, or the Grindstone Neck Golf Course. Get the kids involved by making a trip to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf for some mini golf!

Walk Downtown

Even though the town is small, you’ll never run out of shops, restaurants, and galleries to check out in Bar Harbor. Check out Debbahs for some clothing and souvenirs, The Acadia Country Store for some jam, fudge, and more local goods, or The Rock & Art Shop for small gifts. While in Bar Harbor, you won’t want to miss out on the seafood, such as Geddy’s for chowder and lobster or Side Street Cafe if you prefer a burger.

Where to Stay

• Bar Harbor Campground is the biggest Independent Campground owner in New England; full hookups are available.
• Seawall Campground is about 18 miles from Bar Harbor and offers sites that are a short walk away from the coast; no hookups are available.
• Blackwoods Campground is about five miles south of Bar Harbor and offers all wooded sites that are a short walk to the ocean; no hookups are available.
• Schoodic Woods Campground is the only campground on the mainland area of Acadia National Park; electric hookups are available.

With some of the best seafood restaurants in the northeast, beautiful art galleries, and awesome scenic spots in Acadia, it’s no wonder why Bar Harbor gets so busy with both locals and visitors. Whether you like the beach, mountains, or city, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this small, northeast town. We hope that this guide motivated you to head to Bar Harbor for your next RV trip.

See you on the road!