Bar Harbor Attractions: Your Definitive Guide

Bar Harbor is the ultimate New England getaway. From maritime charm to natural beauty to endless outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone. By the same token, trying to fit it all into one vacation can be tough. That’s where we come in. In this blog, we’ll reveal the Bar Harbor attractions that are a must for your vacation. Moreover, we’ll tell you about the one-of-a-kind glamping retreat where solitude and convenience, immersion in nature and home-like comforts, exist in perfect harmony. Let’s get started!

Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor Attractions for Outdoors Enthusiasts

When it comes to Bar Harbor attractions, Acadia National Park is the crown jewel. This nearly 50,000-acre national park has it all, from rugged, rocky shorelines to lush green forests. Here are some must-see attractions within Acadia National Park:

Cadillac Mountain

Wake up early and hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, and you’ll get the ultimate reward: the chance to see one of the earliest sunrises in America. In fact, between October 7th and March 6th, Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see the sun rise in the US. There are several trails to choose from. If you’re looking for a shorter route, experienced hikers can complete the North Ridge Trail in about one and a half hours (round-trip). The South Ridge Trail, on the other hand, offers a more leisurely ascent, but can take three or more hours to complete.

Jordan Pond Path

Jordan Pond is a unique Bar Harbor attraction where the reward for hiking isn’t just great views but a full belly. The pond, a glacial tarn formed by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet, is renowned for its deep, crystal-clear waters, and the loop trail that surrounds it offers stunning views of the lake, as well as the Penobscot, Pemetic, and Bubble Mountains. After you work up an appetite on the Jordan Pond Path, it’s time to refuel at the Jordan Pond House. Open mid-May through mid-October, this celebrated tea house and pastry shop has been a fixture of the Bar Harbor area since the 1890s, thanks in large part to its famous popovers. Other popular menu items include lobster rolls, clam chowder, and crab cakes.

Ocean Path

This spectacular hiking path starts just inside Acadia National Park and hugs the shore for over two miles, passing some of Bar Harbor’s most iconic coastal sites, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. The trail is relatively easy, and the breathtaking scenery is some of the best on the Southern Maine Coast, making the Ocean Path a must for your Bar Harbor itinerary. Despite its relative ease, however, the path never strays far from the Park Loop Road, meaning you can also drive the four-mile round trip if you don’t feel like hiking.

Bar Harbor Attractions on the Water

As we’ve seen, Acadia National Park can take you from the dense spruce-fir forest to the rocky coast of the Gulf of Maine. But you don’t have to stop there. Here are some of the best Bar Harbor attractions on the water:

Whale-Watching Tours

A whale-watching tour is one of the most unforgettable things you can do on the Southern Maine Coast. You’ll find no shortage of tours operating out of Bar Harbor, whether you’re looking for the comfort of a cruise or the adventure of a kayak tour. Whale-watching season starts in June and runs through September. Whale species you can expect to see include humpback, minke, and fin whales, while dolphins, sharks, and bald eagles are known to make guest appearances from time to time.

Island Hopping

Bar Harbor lies on Mount Desert Island, the largest island in Maine. However, the Southern Maine Coast is home to several large islands, each with something unique to offer. Hop a ferry boat and discover the diverse pleasures of Southern Maine’s many islands, such as:

• Peaks Island: Charming village atmosphere with a lively waterfront.
• Great Diamond Island: Strong sense of community, home to the historic Diamond Cove.
• Chebeague Island: Charming shops, art galleries, a golf course, and the Chebeague Island Inn.
• Long Island: Quiet village setting, home to South Beach.
• Cliff Island: Gorgeous views, nature preserve, fewer crowds.

Downtown Bar Harbor Attractions

Natural attractions like Acadia National Forest might be Bar Harbor’s biggest draw, but visitors will find plenty of cultural attractions here, too. And nowhere can you experience the cultural richness of Bar Harbor like downtown. Here are some of the best things to do in downtown Bar Harbor:

Dining in Downtown Bar Harbor

It wouldn’t be a trip to Bar Harbor without sampling the local delicacies. If you love seafood, you’re in for a treat. On the move? Stop by one of the town’s many rustic lobster shacks for a roll or a cup of lobster bisque to go. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, you’ll find no shortage of fine dining restaurants with ocean views. Top eateries in downtown Bar Harbor include:

• Table Salt: Upscale Main Street eatery with great service and fabulous cocktails.
• Geddy’s: Local favorite seafood restaurant with top-notch drinks, apps, and entrées.
• Brasserie LeBrun: Impeccable service, handcrafted eats made with local ingredients.
• Project Social Kitchen and Bar: Tapas in a tranquil rock garden setting.
• Havana: Delicious Latin American food with a fun and lively ambiance.

Shopping in Downtown Bar Harbor

Looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to commemorate your trip to Bar Harbor? Or maybe you’re in search of the perfect gift for that special someone. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in downtown Bar Harbor. Here are some can’t-miss shops to visit while you’re downtown:

• Little Village Gifts: Family-owned and operated gift shop, perfect place to find a kitschy souvenir.
• The Rock & Art Shop: Fossils, gems, geodes, and more!
• Bar Harbor Pick-A-Pearl: Pick your own oyster, harvest the pearl, and watch as a professional jeweler turns it into a precious piece of wearable art.

Museums and Other Cultural Attractions in Downtown Bar Harbor

While you’re in downtown Bar Harbor, explore cultural attractions like museums and art galleries for a convenient, affordable glimpse into the past and present of the region. Here are some of the best cultural attractions in downtown Bar Harbor:

• Abbe Museum: Traditions, art, and governance of the Native American peoples who once called Bar Harbor home.
• Oceanarium and Education Center: Located about 20 minutes from downtown, featuring educational exhibits on local ecology and marine biology.
• George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History: Hands-on museum dedicated to the natural history of Bar Harbor.
• D’Alessio Gallery: Showcasing the art of local painter Russell D’Alessio.

Terramor Outdoor Resort: Luxury Glamping Near the Best Bar Harbor Attractions

Looking for a unique lodging experience near Bar Harbor’s best attractions? You’ll find no shortage of quality hotels and B&B’s in and around Bar Harbor. However, if you want lodging that’s like an attraction in and of itself, we recommend staying at Terramor Outdoor Resort. Located just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Terramor Outdoor Resort is a luxury glamping retreat where rugged adventure meets modern comfort.

Terramor Outdoor Resort Accommodations

Terramor Outdoor Resort boasts 64 luxury canvas tents in five models. Enjoy the immersion and adventure of camping without sacrificing the comforts of home. Here’s a closer look at what each Terramor tent offers:

• Birch Tent (Sleeps 5): 1 king bed, 1 bunk bed, upscale linens, connected bathroom, private fire experience, overhead fans.
• Moosewood Tent (Sleeps 5): 1 king bed, 1 bunk bed, upscale bathroom, indoor shower, private outdoor shower.
• Alder Tent (Sleeps 5): 1 queen bed, 3 twin beds, spacious patio, private bathroom with granite countertops and shower.
• Bayberry Tent (Sleeps 2): 1 king bed, overhead fan, private bathroom, walk-in rain shower, private outdoor fire experience, outdoor seating.
• Hemlock Tent (Sleeps 2): 1 king bed, overhead fan, connected bathroom with walk-in rain shower, private outdoor shower.

Terramor Outdoor Resort Amenities

Terramor Outdoor Resort is just minutes from Bar Harbor’s best attractions. But you don’t have to leave the resort to find fun. Terramor offers a generous suite of on-site amenities designed to promote wellness, community, and comfort. There are so many things to experience at Terramor. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Hiking Trails: Didn’t get enough hiking at Acadia? Explore Terramor’s 47-acre grounds via miles of private hiking trails!
• Wellness Programming: Yoga sessions, massages, artisanal coffee services, tea rituals, and more!
• Restaurant/Bar: Terramor’s gourmet chef leverages local produce and products to create iconic Maine dishes with a creative twist.
• Pool/Hot Tub: Beat the summer heat or warm up on chilly Maine nights at the outdoor pool/hot tub area.
• Experiences and Events: Live music, birdwatching, stargazing lectures, communal fire experiences, and more!

Explore More With Nook Outdoors!

Planning a winter getaway? Not sold on Bar Harbor? Whatever the reason, if Terramor isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t sweat it. Nook Outdoors is your home for the best glamping retreats, boutique hotels, and landscape hotels in America. Explore our curated collection of outdoor accommodations and book your next adventure today!