Bar Harbor, Maine

Gateway to Acadia National Park

Overview

Bar Harbor is the world-famous gateway to Acadia National Park, situated on Mount Desert Island. This bustling coastal town combines Gilded Age history with outdoor adventure, offering immediate access to carriage roads, [hiking trails](/activities/hiking), and the rugged Atlantic coastline. The downtown area is packed with seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and galleries.

Key Facts

Population 5,089

Region Downeast & Acadia

County Hancock

Founded 1763

Nearest City Bangor (1.25 hours)

Town Office Visit official website

What Bar Harbor Is Known For

Bar Harbor Local Highlights

Acadia National Park accessibility

Bar Harbor shares Mount Desert Island with Acadia, providing direct access to the Park Loop Road, carriage roads, and trails.

Fresh Maine lobster and seafood

Home to a vibrant working waterfront where you can enjoy fresh catches directly from the fishermen.

The Shore Path

A historic seaside walking path dating back to 1880, hugging the coastline with views of the Porcupine Islands.

Historic Gilded Age architecture

Grand cottages and historic inns that reflect the town's history as a premier summer resort for America's elite.

Whale watching tours

A prime departure point for excursions into the Gulf of Maine to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales.

Things to Do

Drive the Park Loop Road in Acadia

Experience the park's greatest hits, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.

Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

Be among the first in the U.S. to see the sunrise from the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard.

Walk the Shore Path for harbor views

Stroll past historic estates and enjoy uninterrupted views of Frenchman Bay.

Take a whale watching cruise in Frenchman Bay

Embark on an ocean adventure to see whales, puffins, and seals in their natural habitat.

Visit the Abbe Museum to learn about Wabanaki heritage

Explore the history, culture, and art of the Wabanaki nations, the first people of Maine.

Living in Bar Harbor

Living in Bar Harbor means embracing the rhythm of the seasons. Summer is vibrant and busy with visitors from around the globe, while the off-season offers a tight-knit community feel and quiet beauty. The town has a K-8 school, a high school, and is home to the College of the Atlantic.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Mild and pleasant, 65-75°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 20-35°F

spring

Cool with fog, 45-55°F

fall

Crisp air with brilliant foliage, 50-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Peregrine falcons Harbor seals Bald eagles Whales (Humpback, Finback)

How to Get There

Bar Harbor is accessible via Route 3 from Ellsworth. The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) offers regional flights, while Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour away. The Island Explorer bus provides free seasonal transit.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Bar Harbor outline

Trip Ideas Featuring Bar Harbor

5-7 Days

The Ultimate Route 1 Road Trip: NH Border to Canada

A classic Maine road trip from the New Hampshire border to the Canadian border, hitting iconic lighthouses, lobster shacks, and coastal villages along the legendary coastal highway.

8 Stops View Plan

3 Days

Acadia & Bar Harbor: The Perfect 3-Day Plan

How to see the best of Acadia National Park without feeling rushed, including iconic hikes, scenic drives, popovers at Jordan Pond, and sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.

6 Stops View Plan

Outdoor Recreation

Camping

May - October

Hiking

Year-round (Best: May - Oct)

Lighthouse Touring

Year-round (Best: June - Oct)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car in Bar Harbor?

While having a car is helpful for exploring the wider island, the free Island Explorer propane bus system runs extensively during the summer and fall, connecting downtown to Acadia National Park and other villages.

When is the best time to see fall foliage in Bar Harbor?

Peak foliage typically hits coastal Bar Harbor slightly later than inland Maine, usually occurring from early to mid-October.

Is Acadia National Park open year-round?

Yes, the park is open year-round, but most of the Park Loop Road closes to vehicles from December through mid-April. It remains open for hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.