Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine

The small town of Bar Harbor, Maine is one of Maine’s most popular summer destinations. Bar Harbor offers a lot to do all year round.

Bar Harbor Things to Do

Located right next to the Atlantic Ocean, Bar Harbor is an ideal destination for those who love the ocean. Enjoy hiking, sailing, kayaking the cold waters, or just catching the rays at a local beach.

The Beaches and Paths of Bar Harbor

Aptly-named Sand Beach is the only traditional, sandy beach in Bar Harbor. Set up a towel, bring a sun umbrella, and dive right into the water. Another great place to catch some sun and sand is Bar Island Path. The path is a stretch of sandy beach that’s only accessible for a few hours a day because it’s a sand bar that emerges only at low tide. At the right time of day you’ll find lots of small tidal pools, stunning ocean views, and a chance to get far out into the bay. Make sure you have a tide schedule on hand: the twelve-foot tide comes in twice a day. There is a shore path nearby that stays above the water all the time from which you can see the entire village.

Get Out on the Water

The Maine coast teems with wildlife. Perhaps the most impressive are the whales. Take a whale watching boat trip to see them in their natural habitat. A boat will bring you out where they stay each year. Many boats have a wildlife guide who can help you identify the various whale species you’ll see along the way.

Whales are not the only marine mammal you can see in Bar Harbor. Seals also love to make this place their own. A seal watching tour lets you see hundreds of these charming creatures. Some boats will combine seal watching with lobster fishing. Lobsters are also abundant here. You can catch your own for a delicious, totally fresh meal.

Another amazing way to get directly on the water here is with a kayak. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one or take a kayaking tour. This is a good idea if you’ve never been here before or you haven’t kayaked before.

Acadia National Park

The oldest national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia lies adjacent to Bar Harbor. Lush with land that was donated by some of America’s richest men, Acadia today is one of Maine’s jewels. There’s a bus tour that will help you get a feel for the landscape. You can also bring in your car but be aware that many paths are not accessible by car so you’ll do a lot of walking. If you like to hike, head up Cadillac mountain. The entire park is home to wildlife at every turn, including majestic bald eagles and playful otters.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Bar Harbor.