Things to Do in Bar Harbor
There is a lot to see and do while you’re visiting Bar Harbor. Most of the time visitors come for Acadia National Park and spend their time in town after their park day is done. We hope that our guide to the best things to do in Bar Harbor helps you plan your perfect trip.
Getting Around
Driving through Bar Harbor can be a pain at times. Knowing where to park and what streets to avoid during peak hours can make your trip so much easier. As a general rule we try not to drive down Main Street between 10am and 6pm. You certainly can, it just gets backed up with cars due to pedestrian traffic. Unless you’re going somewhere specific and want to park close to that location walking through town is easiest.
Tip: There are parking areas all around the outskirts of town that are just as accessible as parking in town.
If you are coming in from the cruise ports, more often than not your ship will have a tender bring you to the pier. The pier is within fair walking distance of the downtown area. You certainly don’t need to book an excursion to see everything that Bar Harbor has to offer. You also can book your own boat rides and excursions directly in town on your own time. The only downside to that is they are not done through your cruise line and if they run late the ship can leave you behind. If you are just exploring in town, that is more than doable on your own.
Things to Do
Take a Boat Ride
You have a few different choices on the types of boat rides offered in Bar Harbor. There are whale-watching cruises, scenic rides, sailboats, charter boats, lobster fishing charters, and regular fishing charters. Depending on which one you’re looking for you’ll be looking at several different price points.
Walk to Bar Island
Bar Island is the namesake for Bar Harbor. The trail to the island is only available an hour and a half before and after low tide. You have to mind how much time you spend on the island or you will get stuck there as the tide comes in. It is a mile out and a mile back, walking on rocky beach.
Explore Downtown
You could explore downtown Bar Harbor for hours and not see it all. The streets are lined with shops, inns, restaurants and breweries. There is always something to look at no matter which street you turn down. If you’d like to extend your walking time try out the Shore Path that goes from the town pier to Wayman Street.
Spend the afternoon at Ivy Manor Inn
The lawn at the Ivy Manor Inn is open to the public. They have an outdoor bar, lawn chairs, tables, and occasionally live music. If you’re there during peak season it may be difficult to find a spot during dinner hours.
Find the Bar Harbor Inn
Across from the town pier, the Bar Harbor Inn is one of the staple locations in town. You can explore their grounds, check out the gift shop, or dine in one of their restaurants. The Terrace Grille is their outdoor patio restaurant and a great spot when the weather is right. The Reading Room is their indoor dining room with nearly the same view. In addition to lunch and dinner service, the Reading Room also does weekend brunches.
Eat, Drink and be Merry
Bar Harbor is lined with restaurants to choose from, and this list is not all-inclusive. These are just a few of our go-to’s when we are in town.
McKay’s Public House
McKay’s has an awesome atmosphere in both inside and outside seating areas. They have traditional pub food with an upscale twist. In the peak seasons, you’ll want to snag a reservation to ensure you can eat at the time you desire.
Bar Harbor Lobster Co.
If you’re looking for traditional seafood they have all the basics, they also have turf for those who don’t like seafood. Their pricing is fair. A lot of seafood restaurants in tourist towns take advantage with incredibly high prices.
Blaze
Blaze specializes in wood-fired pizza and burgers, and they have an extensive specials and beer menu. They have less seafood than other restaurants in the area but are a perfect family-friendly spot.
The Barnacle
An aesthetic oyster bar with specialty cocktails and a solid beer list. They are only an oyster bar though, so if you’re looking for a full spread you’ll want to try one of the other restaurants. They also do not take reservations. Worth the experience if you can snag a seat!
Project Social Kitchen and Bar
A super fun atmosphere for outdoor seating and chill indoor seating. Their menu is meant for sharing, and they specialize in small plates you order as a table to share. A great place to come with a group of friends.
Breakfast
Breakfast spots in town can get very busy in the mornings, especially on summer weekends. Go on the early side to avoid the crowds, or be prepared that you might be on a waitlist for a while. All of these great spots have their own unique flair but describing a breakfast spot over and over can get repetitive. Therefore you will notice for each spot we put our favorite things about each spot. You can probably guess which is Ben’s favorite and which is mine.
Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
Known For: Stuffed French Toast
Favorites: Pot Roast Delight & Camp Skillet
2 Cats
Known For: Their Garden & Patio Seating
Favorites: Mediterranean Breakfast & Ho Hum
Cafe This Way
Known For: “Eclectic Casual Dining” pretty spot on.
Favorites: The Country Breakfast & Chorizo Benedict
Jordan’s Restaurant
Known For: Blueberry Muffins
Favorites: Blueberry Pancakes and Belgian Waffles
Breweries
Fogtown Brewing
Fogtown has a location in Ellsworth and a location in Bar Harbor, right in town. They also follow the typical craft brew vibe and have a small tasting menu with pub food.
Atlantic Brewing
Atlantic has two locations in Bar Harbor, one on the main drag and one slightly out of town. The one out of town location partners with Mainely Meat BBQ. The in-town location has a fun modern vibe and offers a limited menu.
Dessert
Bar Harbor Cheesecake Company
I have never seen a spot quite like this one, and it is amazing. They offer cheesecake flights with three flavors of your choice, and you can add more for a few dollars extra. Their list of cheesecake flavors is extensive, so be prepared to try more than three! They also have gourmet chocolate and other cheesecake creations. Their hospitality and service is 10/10, be sure to pay them a visit if you’re in Bar Harbor.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Gourmet ice cream flavors with a local twist. They began in Bar Harbor and have grown to several other locations.
CJ’s Big Dipper
CJ’s has a big selection of flavors to choose from and most have the local flair. Blueberry, Moose Tracks, Salted Caramel, the full range.
Graffiti Donuts & Coffee
Graffiti Donuts is a newer addition to the sweet treat lineup in Bar Harbor. Specialty donut flavors such as Blueberry Coffee Cake, Smore’s, Oreo, Peanut Butter Cup and Maple Bacon. They take donuts one step further with Donut Nachos, Sundaes, Ice Cream and more. In addition to donuts, they have coffee, espresso, and milkshakes.
Ben& Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
Craving chocolate? You found the spot with it all. They have chocolate, candies, fudge and other hand made goodies by the pound. They also ship if you’re a visitor and want more when you get home.
We hope that our list of favorite things to do in Bar Harbor will help you plan out your next trip! Whether you’re cruising or visiting by land there is plenty to do for everyone. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or want current advice on getting around.
There are so many fun things to do in Bar Harbor,great places to eat, and things to see. Make sure you get out and explore a little bit of everything on your trip Downeast!