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.

Discover some of the best things to do on your Bar Harbor, Maine, vacation, from hiking and boat tours to local dining, to capture the spirit of this unforgettable corner of New England.

What you’ll learn:

• Visitors to Bar Harbor can explore 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.

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 attracts many visitors, but still offers a quaint, relaxed atmosphere.

At the Abbe Museum, for example, you can explore a collection of Native American artifacts found on Mount Desert Island and around Frenchman Bay. A Smithsonian affiliate founded in 1926, it also has 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—you could treat yourself after a day on the trails or the water.

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

Taking a boat excursion lets you experience Bar Harbor’s charm from a different perspective.

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 restaurants celebrate local ingredients and the flavors of coastal Maine.

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. 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

To capture the heart of Bar Harbor dining, consider grabbing a bite at Terrace Grille, known for its easygoing atmosphere and open-air views. Whether you’re having lunch or dinner al fresco, you can relax and enjoy your meal while overlooking Frenchman Bay. 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 can be half the fun. The restaurant and gallery overlook the fishing harbor and mountains of Acadia National Park, offering spectacular sunset views. 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; it will reopen in the spring.

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; it will reopen in the spring.

Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream has expanded to Washington, D.C., and even Japan, but Maine is where it all began. This local legend churns out small batches of handcrafted cups and cones in flavors like Cinnamon Cardamom and Salt Wildflower Honey. Try the strawberry cone, which features locally grown strawberries and mint. 

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.

Plan an unforgettable trip to Bar Harbor—including hotels and vacation rentals, flights, rental cars and activities—all in one place with Capital One Travel. Eligible cardholders can enjoy these elevated rewards and exclusive benefits:

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These Bar Harbor hotels are available through Capital One Travel:

The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor was built in the 1800s but was recently renovated to preserve its old-world charm while incorporating modern conveniences and an upscale vibe. It’s a seasonal property (open mid-May through mid-October) that 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. Foodies might choose the lobster roll or sip a cocktail while watching the boats dock. 

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. 

If you’re planning a trip to Bar Harbor, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. 

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From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

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