Bar Harbor has long been a tourist attraction. From the mid-19th century to the 1930s, it was a summer retreat for the rich and famous. The city is located on a deserted mountain and is just a short drive from the world-famous Acadia National Park.

This seasonally bustling metropolis is a hotspot for summer tourism and is home to tourist shops, ice cream vendors, and busy streets and sidewalks. But you’ll also find charming historic homes, fine dining, artsy shops, and popular attractions.

If you want to enjoy a lot of things to do in bar harbor with its quiet surroundings and scenic countryside, this is the place to go.

Top 15 Places to Visit in Bar Harbor

With the bounty of nature, wildlife, and charming city life, here are 15 of the best things to do in bar harbor.

1. Visit Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park’s world-class hiking trails, sublime scenery, and coastal vistas draw more than 3.5 million visitors annually. The park is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks annually and is just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor.

The bar harbor attractions are the Precipice Trail, Beehive, and Thunderdome. Rent an electric bike to get all the cycling gear he needs for a day in the national park.

2. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Just a 30-minute drive southwest of the coastal city is the stunning Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which overlooks the raging waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Perched on a craggy cliff, the lighthouse and its glowing white tower provide great photo opportunities with dramatic coastal views. The country’s historic buildings offer stunning panoramas of the sea and islands.

3. Cadillac Mountain

One of the mountains’ biggest draws is that it’s the first geographic location in the United States to see the sunrise in winter. Watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is a popular pastime and one of the most desirable mount desert island things to do.

Once you reach the top of Cadillac Mountain, you’re in the perfect position to capture some of Maine’s incredible scenery. The summit is great to enjoy a picnic, watch the sunrise, or simply relax and contemplate.

4. Agamont Park

At the northern summit of Main Street in Bar Harbor, charming Agamont Park is one of the city’s most popular, quiet, and picturesque spots. From the top of the grassy hills, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay and all the boats and islands moored to the sparkling waters.

5. Mount Desert Island

Mount Desert Island is the largest island off-coast of Maine and the special island Bar Harbor calls home. The rest of the island has places worth exploring, including Southwest Harbor and Tremont.

If you feel seaworthy, visit Cranberry Island by ferry from Southwest or Northeast Harbour. The views from this place are truly majestic, and you don’t want to miss this particular destination.

6. Atlantic Brewing Company

Just a 15-minute drive west of town, Atlantic Brewing Company is one of the best places in the area for draft beers and IPAs. After the brewery outgrew its former premises, it moved to its current attractive location in the countryside.

Visitors can go to stis location when looking for things to do in bar harbor maine and visit the brewery to see how small-scale beer production works and taste a few batches in the taproom.

7. Bar Harbor Boat Trip

Most of Bar Harbor can be explored on foot. However, you can book a boat tour if you want to explore the city’s waterfront. Acadian Boat Tours offers a variety of tours, including nature tours, seabird and puffin tours, and Sam’s Sound tours.

For romantic sailing, consider this Frenchman Bay Windjammer sailing tour. This bar harbor attractions tour is packed with tips and insights into local history and geography. Eagles, seals, and porpoises may also be spotted.

8. ImprovAcadia

If you’re looking for fun things to do in bar harbor, check out ImprovAcadia. Other fun events to enjoy at ImprovAcadia include gaming nights and open improv nights.

To give you a sounder idea of ​​what to expect at ImprovAcadia, upcoming events include karaoke nights, live musicians, stand-up comedy, and pizza nights. Dining reservations can be made before visiting ImprovAcadia.

9. Kayaking around Porcupine Island

Kayak through the evergreen-mottled island chain known as the Porcupine Islands. Kayaking around the island is one of Bar Harbor’s most scenic activities and a fun way for visitors to explore nature on the water.

Several outfitters in town offer kayak rentals by the hour or day. These outfitters also offer tours and provide the information you need.

10. Village Green Park

Bar Harbor’s heart is the lush Village Green Park, with its many pleasant walking trails and impressive historical sites.

Today, when visitors search for things to do in bar harbor maine, they often flock at the park can find a beautiful bandstand, an antique Italian fountain, and a cast-iron clock, among many other attractions.

11. Bridge to Bar Island

As it only appears at low tide, crossing the Land Bridge to get to Bar Island is one of the most unforgettable activities in the Harbor. The rest of the time, the isolated island and its intriguing hiking trails are separated from the city and Mount Desert Island by the waters of Frenchman Bay.

12. Jordan Pond

One of the most beautiful spots, Jordan Pond, is a unique body of water in Acadia National Park. This pond is interesting because it is one of the few oligotrophic ponds in the United States.

A pond cannot support fish, plants, or other kinds of life. Amazingly, Jordan Pond is surrounded by towering Cadillac Mountain and incredible woodland scenery.

13. Try the Local cuisine

No Maine dining experience is complete without sampling various seafood dishes such as Lobster Mac & Cheese, Seafood Dip, and Maine Hot Lobster Rolls. The locations listed below are Bar Harbor’s best restaurants regarding culinary talent, service, and experience.

• Stumans Downtown is the perfect place to experience Maine’s gastronomy and take in views of the surrounding area.
• Travel back to the 1950s and enjoy steamed lobster mac and cheese at Route 66 Restaurant.
• Thirsty Whale Tavern is a great place for an afternoon lunch while sitting outside enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

14. Walk Along the Sea ​Path

The impressive Ocean Trail is one of the most beautiful and popular hiking trails in Acadia National Park, taking you from Sand Beach to Otter Point. Lush forests lie on one side, while the other faces the rough Atlantic waters lapping against the idyllic island’s craggy rocks and steep coastal cliffs; which is another favorite from the various things to do in bar harbor.

15. Criterion Theater

Built in 1932, the theater has an Art Deco aesthetic worth visiting. The theater is truly spectacular with floating balconies, French chandeliers, and other beautiful architectural elements. A performing arts venue that streams movies and hosts live events.

Check out if you’re looking mount desert island things to do, to catch a new movie release. Previous shows have included Billy Bob Thornton, Irish musician and comedian Bob Marley, and more. It included an exciting performance.