A coastal New England town next to Acadia National Park, with granite cliffs and whale watching tours. Local restaurants serve fresh lobster caught daily.
In Bar Harbor, Maine, you can walk across a natural sand bar to Bar Island at low tide, spot humpback whales breaching in Frenchman Bay, or climb Cadillac Mountain to see the first sunrise in the United States. This coastal town on Mount Desert Island sits at the doorstep of Acadia National Park, where you'll find granite peaks, dense forests, and rocky beaches. Local restaurants serve lobster caught daily in the bay, while boat tours take you past colonies of seals and puffins along the coast.
Getting to Bar Harbor
Maine State Route 3 connects Bar Harbor to mainland Maine, while Hancock County Airport operates year-round flights to Boston. During summer months, ferries run from Winter Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, providing an alternative way to reach the island.
Exploring Acadia National Park
You can explore 28,800 acres of Acadia National Park right from Bar Harbor. Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at 1,530 feet - the highest point on the North American eastern seaboard. The park's Wild Gardens contain over 200 species of local plants, and you can walk or cycle 45 miles of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Maritime Activities
Take whale watching tours from spring through fall to see humpback and finback whales feeding in Frenchman Bay. Local boat captains lead trips to nearby islands where you can spot seabirds, seals, and puffins. Many guides are former fishermen who share stories about the local fishing industry and marine ecology.
Local Food Scene
Local fishermen bring in fresh lobster daily to Bar Harbor's docks. You'll find both casual seafood shacks and formal dining rooms throughout town. Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, which President Obama visited in 2010, creates ice cream flavors using ingredients from local farms and producers.
Natural Phenomena
Walk across the natural sand bar to Bar Island during low tide - the path remains accessible for about four hours each day, two hours before and after low tide. The Shore Path runs half a mile along the eastern shore since 1880, passing historic summer mansions with views of the Porcupine Islands.
Research and Education
Several research centers make their home in Bar Harbor. The Jackson Laboratory conducts genetic research, while the College of the Atlantic specializes in human ecology. At the Abbe Museum, you can learn about the Wabanaki people's culture and history through artifacts, art, and interactive exhibits.
