Best Things To Do in Bar Harbor, Maine (2023)

Welcome to the coastal paradise of Bar Harbor, Maine. The best things to do in Bar Harbor range from enjoying the local seafood, such as fresh lobster rolls, to hiking rugged trails for mountaintop vistas.

Immerse yourself in the history of downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, where the natural scenery is spectacular.

Whether you’re seeking to hike the highest peak on the East Coast (Cadillac Mountain) or yearn for tranquility amid quaint gift shops and cozy cafes, Bar Harbor is the ultimate summer destination.

This list of the best things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, begins with what you’ll find in town. Then I’ll share top tours and day trips, including the best places in nearby Acadia National Park. And we’ll wrap up with a few of Bar Harbor’s best bites.

Before we begin, I’d like to acknowledge that the land on which Bar Harbor and Acadia were founded is the traditional territory of the Wabanaki, including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac Nations.

Let’s recognize and honor the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

Bar Harbor Activities

1. West Street Historic District

The West Street Historic District is a well-preserved area that exudes affluence and charm.

Located along the north coast of downtown Bar Harbor, from Eden Avenue to Billings Avenue, this district showcases a collection of 17 historic buildings, including Late Victorian mansions and stylish inns.

The district’s tree-lined streets and meticulously manicured gardens create a tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to take strolls and admire the architectural beauty.

All the buildings were initially used as summer cottages by wealthy families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Of particular note is “La Rochelle,” a 41-room red brick mansion built in the style of a French Chateau and belonging to an heir to the Campbell Soup Company fortune.

As of 2019, it’s home to the Bar Harbor Historical Society and opens to the public seasonally.

2. Bar Island

The waterfront buildings of the West Street Historic District face north toward Bar Island, the only one of the nearby islands accessible on foot. Low tide and a sandbar named Bar Island Land Bridge make this possible.

Warning signs remind visitors that the best time to cross is within 90 minutes of low tide (either before or…