Things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine

Nestled on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a haven for boaters, seafood lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The hour or so scenic drive from Bangor airport sets the tone for a classic coastal escape.

“Around every corner, whether it’s by land or by sea, you’re going to see something absolutely magical,” says local journalist Erin Ovalle. “Bar Harbor has it all. You can go off the beaten path and have some quiet time, or you can go to downtown Bar Harbor and enjoy eating and shopping.” Here, she shares the best things to do on your Bar Harbor, Maine, vacation, from hiking and boat tours to local dining that captures the spirit of this unforgettable corner of New England.

What you’ll learn:

• Visitors to Bar Harbor can explore top attractions such as Acadia National Park, Abbe Museum and Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium.

• Dining options include Havana for Latin-meets-Maine cuisine, Terrace Grille for scenic waterfront views and Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream for a local sweet treat.

• Those planning a stay might consider the historic Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor or downtown favorites like Sand Bar Cottage Inn and Bar Harbor Inn.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

In Bar Harbor, every road seems to lead to another view worth pausing for: jagged cliffs, quiet harbors, trails through pine forests and water that shifts from steel gray to brilliant blue.

For Ovalle, Acadia National Park is where the beauty surrounding Bar Harbor really comes into focus. “When you’re visiting Bar Harbor and the neighboring towns, the point is to be immersed in nature and have the peace and quiet of Acadia,” she says. “There are so many beautiful vistas you can explore and see.”

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, is home to nearly two dozen mountains, 60 miles of ocean shoreline, abundant wildlife and more than 1,000 species of flora living across its forests, freshwater lakes and wetlands. It offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can witness the sea’s relentless power at Thunder Hole, walk barefoot along Sand Beach or enjoy warm popovers and hot tea at Jordan Pond.

Acadia: 25 Visitor Center Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-3338

Downtown Bar Harbor has a magic all its own. “It’s quaint and charming,” Ovalle says. “Even though it’s a tourist destination, you still feel like you can escape, get away and have some downtime.”

The Abbe Museum, for example, offers a different kind of discovery. A Smithsonian affiliate founded in 1926, it holds a collection of Native American artifacts found on Mount Desert Island and around Frenchman Bay, as well as one of the world’s top collections of Wabanaki basket-weaving spanning nearly 12,000 years.

Abbe Museum: 26 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-3519

A few blocks away, Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium can be a fun stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. This family-owned confectioner has been part of Bar Harbor for decades and is known for handmade buttercrunch, chocolates and fudge—the perfect treats after a day on the trails or the water.

Ben & Bill’s: 66 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-3281

Speaking of the water, “it’s just as beautiful to see Maine on a boat excursion,” Ovalle says. “Get out on the water—you won’t regret it. This is quintessential Maine.”

You could take a ride with Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines on a 4-masted schooner as it glides past the harbor’s islands and coves. The sunset sails are a local favorite, but the company also offers lobster picnic cruises and boat tours that provide sweeping panoramic views of the coastline. 

Downeast Windjammer: 1 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-4585

Bar Harbor’s food scene is as inviting as its scenery, with restaurants that celebrate local ingredients and the flavors of coastal Maine.

For Ovalle, one of the town’s dining highlights is Havana, a beloved local staple that’s been blending Latin American spice with Maine’s coastal bounty for more than two decades. “Havana is different from what you might expect on the coast of Maine,” she says. “Their paella is by far my favorite dish—probably the best paella I’ve ever had. They take pride in their ingredients and sourcing local, and you just feel at home.”

The restaurant also includes an outdoor tapas bar, The Parrilla, with menu standouts like lobster moqueca (lobster in a coconut broth with haddock, red peppers and onions, served over jasmine rice and garnished with grilled pineapple) and whipped almond cheesecake. 

Havana: 318 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-2822

For something that captures the heart of Bar Harbor dining, Ovalle recommends grabbing a bite at Terrace Grille, known for its easygoing atmosphere and open-air views. “I love having lunch or dinner at Terrace Grille overlooking Frenchman Bay,” she says. “It’s a place where you can just relax and take it all in.” You could sit in the shade under one of the iconic yellow umbrellas enjoying a lobster roll or hang out by the firepit in an Adirondack chair with a tasty burger and craft brew. 

Terrace Grille: 1 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-3351

If you’re up for a little adventure, Islesford Dock and Gallery rewards the effort. Located 2 miles from Northeast Harbor on Little Cranberry Island, it’s accessible only by boat—but the trip is half the fun. The restaurant and gallery overlook the fishing harbor and mountains of Acadia National Park, offering spectacular sunset views that rival the food itself. Expect fresh-caught seafood, local produce and a real sense of remoteness.

Islesford Dock: 1 Main St., Islesford, ME 04609; 207-244-7494. Open seasonally; will reopen June 18th.

For a true Maine experience, head to Thurston’s Lobster Pound in nearby Bernard. You can dine on freshly caught lobsters, steamers, mussels and crab the way they’re meant to be enjoyed: outdoors on an airy, awning-covered deck just feet from the waterfront. You can wash it all down with a classic Bar Harbor Real Ale from nearby Atlantic Brewing Company.

Thurston’s Lobster: 9 Thurston Road, Bernard, ME 04612; 207-244-7600. Open seasonally; will reopen on Memorial Day weekend.

“You must stop at Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream,” Ovalle insists. “I like a fresh strawberry cone with a little mint—they use their own mint and local strawberries.” Churning out small batches of handcrafted cups and cones in flavors like Cinnamon Cardamom and Salt Wildflower Honey, this local legend has expanded to Washington, D.C., and even Japan.

Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream: 7 Firefly Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-801-4007.

Bar Harbor’s hotels capture the town’s coastal elegance: historic cottages with wraparound porches, oceanfront inns with sweeping vistas and newly reimagined resorts that blend old Maine character with modern luxury. Each offers its own take on island life, whether you’re looking for peaceful harbor views or a quick stroll to downtown.

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These Bar Harbor hotels are available through Capital One Travel:

For Ovalle, few places embody Bar Harbor’s history and tranquility quite like The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor. “We love staying at The Claremont,” she says. “It’s truly an escape—you feel like you’re in another world. It’s a historic property built in the late 1800s that recently went through a major renovation but still kept the charm and feel of old Maine with modern amenities and an upscale premium vibe.”

The seasonal property (open mid-May through mid-October) offers sweeping views of the mountains, woods and waters of Mount Desert Island. Accommodations include oceanside cabins and spacious “signature houses.” The heated outdoor pool, rentable cabanas and relaxing botanical spa are just some of the luxe amenities here. And down by the water, the resort’s Batson River Fish Camp restaurant completes the experience. “Fish Camp is really cool down on the dock,” Ovalle says. “You can grab a lobster roll or a cocktail and enjoy looking out at the different boats.”

The Claremont: 22 Claremont Road, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679; 207-244-5036. Book through Capital One Travel.

Closer to downtown, you’ll find Sand Bar Cottage. Comprising a 3-story 1887 summer “cottage” surrounded by a cluster of smaller cabins, this recently renovated inn offers several styles of accommodation on its green and manicured grounds. Small garden cottages have their own porches and fireplaces to keep you warm on chilly summer nights, while the main house—which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places—and its next-door chauffeur’s cottage offer freshly reimagined interior design and modern amenities.

Sand Bar Cottage: 106 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 207-288-3759. Book through Capital One Travel.

Bar Harbor Inn offers its own mix of tradition and luxury. The 19th-century property has been renovated and expanded to exude elegance and offer modern amenities. The inn’s sweeping ocean views and manicured gardens are just a short walk from the bustle of downtown.

Bar Harbor Inn: 1 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor, ME 04609; 844-814-1668. Book through Capital One Travel.

In Bar Harbor, the days unfold at a leisurely yet stimulating pace. You could hike among Acadia’s granite peaks in the morning, browse downtown shops in the afternoon and linger over dinner with a view of Frenchman Bay. The mix of natural beauty, coastal flavor and small-town charm makes it easy to see why this corner of Maine feels timeless. 

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