Travel Guide

Experience the heart of Bar Harbor in its vibrant downtown area, where quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes line the streets. Perfect for an afternoon stroll, visitors can enjoy local crafts, fresh seafood, and the welcoming atmosphere of this charming coastal town. 

Acadia National Park is a pristine natural wonder, sprawling over 47,000 acres of Atlantic coastline. Renowned for its diverse habitats, from dense forests to rocky shores, the park offers endless outdoor activities. Hike the rugged trails, cycle the historic carriage roads, or simply enjoy the breathtaking vistas. 

Standing as the tallest peak on the U.S. East Coast, Cadillac Mountain offers unparalleled views of Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands. A sunrise visit here is unforgettable, illuminating the Atlantic in brilliant colors. Accessible by foot or vehicle, it's a highlight of Acadia National Park.

Only accessible at low tide, Bar Island offers an adventurous escape with its unique land bridge from Bar Harbor. Hike its trails for panoramic views of the harbor and discover the island's serene beauty. This natural phenomenon provides a rare opportunity to walk the ocean floor to an island retreat.

Perched on the rugged cliffs of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Lighthouse is a historic beacon offering picturesque views of the Atlantic. This quintessential Maine lighthouse, active since 1858, is a favorite subject for photographers and a symbol of the region's rich maritime history.

The fare-free Island Explorer features bus routes linking hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations in Acadia National Park and neighboring village centers. 

We are a small, family owned farm-to-table restaurant on the edges of Sweet Pea’s Farm & Bar Harbor Cellars Winery. We use local caught, raised, foraged, or farmed ingredients and always feature daily menu additions built from the morning’s harvest. Our menu is built around our wood fire oven, and changes from season to season.

Our staffs' most beloved local restaurant is "The Chart Room" and it has been a local favorite for decades. "Locally owned and operated for over thirty years, we pride ourselves on fresh seafood and beautiful views."  Located about a  5 minute drive from our property at Hull's Cove.

Mother’s Kitchen in Bar Harbor is a cozy, family-friendly café and sandwich shop known for its fresh-baked goods, creative sandwiches, and specialty coffee, serving locals and tourists alike since 1997.

🌿 Overview

Location: 1501 ME-102, Town Hill village, Bar Harbor, Maine

Type: Café, sandwich shop, bakery, and coffee roastery

One of our favorite neighbors up the street - their comittment to quality is obvious if you can visit.  "We buy our lobster from local fishermen right off the dock. From the dock to our Pound - you’re guaranteed the freshest lobster around! Straight off the ocean floor."

The Thirsty Whale Tavern, a cozy pub in the heart of Bar Harbor, invites you to enjoy hearty New England classics in a laid-back setting. Famous for its lobster rolls and friendly atmosphere, it's a place where locals gather and visitors feel at home.

Eat, drink and be messy. A visit to Beal's Lobster Pier is always a highlight - a restaurant that's on the water, with an atmosphere that's down to earth. At our working lobster pier in Southwest Harbor, Maine, you and your family will have a blast watching the boasts coming in and the lobstermen unloading their fresh catch. Hear the creak of rope on the moorings. Catch the scent of saltwater on the breeze and enjoy the waterfront view while chowing down on the freshest lobster you can eat.

Great for kids!  This wildly popular Maine boat tour is consistently one of the top-rated boat cruises in the region. They are the only lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat, offering exclusive two-hour tours that are personal and unique. They sail from the heart of the Bar Harbor waterfront at the beautiful Harborside Hotel & Marina. Go experience what is sure to be a highlight of your time in Maine!

A wonderful organization with multiple locations all right here on the island.  The mission of the Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve is to conserve and share the beauty of our historic lands and gardens. 

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden

Asticou Azalea Garden

Thuya Garden

Little Long Pond & Natural Lands

Built in 1903, La Rochelle has seen the glitz and glam of the Gilded Age to the lean years of the Great Depression. Today, it stands as the headquarters of the Bar Harbor Historical Society as well as a museum, housing all kinds of Bar Harbor history!

"A little off the beaten path, but well worth the drive (1 hour 15minute drive from our property approx.)for some of Acadia’s prettiest scenery."  Generally less crowded compared to the park on MDI.

 Departing from Bar Harbor and sailing across the scenic waters of Frenchman Bay, our historic schooners and modern ferries offer a unique way to experience the beauty of the coast, the grandeur of Acadia National Park, and the thrill of adventure on the water. 

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon sail, a sunset cruise, a ferry ride to an island escape, or a private charter for your group, our bar harbor boat tours deliver unforgettable views, expert crew, and the expertise to make your time on the water truly special.

The Abbe Museum celebrates the heritage of Maine's Native American communities through thought-provoking exhibits and artifacts. It provides a deep dive into the Wabanaki Nations' history, art, and culture, making it an essential visit for those looking to understand the area's indigenous roots.