Things to do in Bar Harbor

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Photo provided by Maine Office of Tourism.
Bar Harbor featuring a city

Bar Harbor Attractions

Smaller cities have an appeal about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Look up all the fun things to see and do in Bar Harbor before you head off so you can squeeze the most out of your vacation. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't always mean better!

Discover what makes Bar Harbor tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Browse through our top {53 fun activities in Bar Harbor fun activities in Bar Harbor}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Bar Harbor

Tours & day trips

See all 45 activities
Explore America's Best: 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Bundle

Explore America's Best: 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Bundle

Activity duration is 365 days
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $85 per traveler
Explore America's Best: 30+ National Parks Self-Guided BundleOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Activity duration is 365 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per traveler
Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking TourOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 5 activities
Private Fishing Charter in Frenchman Bay

Private Fishing Charter in Frenchman Bay

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $950 per traveler*
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities
2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed Captain

2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed Captain

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $70 per adult
2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed CaptainOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Bar Harbor

Number of things to do
53
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Bar Harbor

Free Things to Do in Bar Harbor

There's no need to constantly reach for your wallet in Bar Harbor. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Bar Harbor Historical Society - Bring the whole family and set off on a journey of discovery through history with one another.

West Street Historic District - This is a buzzing place where you can absorb the ambiance and feel the rhythm of the local way of life.

Thunder Hole - Simply being near the water is certain to leave you feeling calm and rejuvenated.

Jesup Memorial Library - Leave time to explore this site of local significance.

St. Saviour's Church - Spend a moment in prayer or meditation at this peaceful spiritual site.

Shore Path - Slip away from the concrete jungle and reconnect with Mother Nature at this glorious landscape.

Agamont Park - Develop your green thumb and explore the many and varied plants on display.

Things to Do in Bar Harbor with Kids

Bar Harbor boasts loads of nearby fun things to do for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang happy for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bar Harbor? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bar Harbor

Acadia National Park's Visitors Center

Acadia National Park's Visitors Center

4.5/5(158 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and also enjoy the hiking trails in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Acadia National Park's Visitors Center
Cadillac Mountain which includes a sunset, landscape views and mountains

Cadillac Mountain

5/5(532 reviews)

Drive or hike to the top of Mount Desert Island’s tallest mountain at daybreak and you will be the first person to view sunrise in the United States.

Cadillac Mountain
Village Green which includes fall colors and a garden

Village Green

4.5/5(300 reviews)

Spend some time in this peaceful park in the center of Bar Harbor to experience the village’s thriving community spirit and heritage landmarks.

Village Green
Otter Cliff featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline

Otter Cliff

4.5/5(317 reviews)

Hone your photography skills by taking artistic images of this towering headland while you listen to the soothing sound of waves lapping the rounded stones at its base.

Otter Cliff
Bar Harbor featuring rocky coastline and landscape views

Thunder Hole

4.5/5(237 reviews)

Nature’s magic produces a thunderclap illusion and offers panoramic views of the coastline at one of Acadia National Park’s most popular attractions.

Thunder Hole

Bar Harbor Whale Watching

4.5/5(109 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Bar Harbor Whale Watching during your stay in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching

West Street Historic District

Find out about the history of Bar Harbor when you take a trip to West Street Historic District. Wander the waterfront and scenic parks in the area.

West Street Historic District

Shore Path

4.5/5(200 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Shore Path and also enjoy the hiking trails in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Shore Path

Bar Harbor Historical Society

4.5/5(28 reviews)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Bar Harbor Historical Society during your travels in Bar Harbor. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Bar Harbor Historical Society

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor showing landscape views, a bay or harbor and wildflowers

Downtown Bar Harbor

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bar Harbor, Village Green and Criterion Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bar Harbor
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Hulls Cove

Waterfront views, bars, and parks highlight some of the notable features of Hulls Cove. Make a stop by Acadia National Park while you're exploring.

Hulls Cove
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Stone Haven

While Stone Haven might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bubble Rock and Acadia National Park.

Stone Haven
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Bar Harbor

Photo by Jerry Lin (Jinfu Lin)

Ellsworth

Photo by Justin Hunter

Trenton

Acadia National Park featuring forests and a bridge

Mount Desert

Photo by Austin Puchalski

Salsbury Cove

Photo by Nicole Scepkowski

Gouldsboro

Frequently asked questions

Is Bar Harbor worth visiting?
Providing a mix of walking trails and hiking, there's no shortage of things to do in Bar Harbor. While you're here, head to Acadia National Park, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Bar Harbor?
Once you've checked off key attractions like Bar Harbor Whale Watching and Echo Lake Beach, spend some time experiencing Bar Harbor's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bar Harbor?
Don't go home without exploring Acadia National Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Bar Harbor.
Is three days enough to stay in Bar Harbor?
Three days in Bar Harbor is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Acadia National Park, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and Jordan Pond are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Ellsworth.
Is Bar Harbor a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your kind of getaway, Bar Harbor is a perfect destination. Find top sights, including Acadia National Park's Visitors Center, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Downtown Bar Harbor, a hip neighborhood located about 0.2 miles from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Bar Harbor with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Bar Harbor with kids.

What to do in Bar Harbor for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Bar Harbor for adults including Naturalist's Notebook and Maine Granite Industry Museum.
Are there free things to do in Bar Harbor?
In Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park's Visitors Center is a top spot for anyone planning to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Bar Harbor.