Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Planning your trip to Bar Harbor? Known for its rugged coastal scenery and quintessential New England downtown, Bar Harbor, Maine, is a nature-lover’s dreamscape. This quaint seaside village is beloved for its fresh seafood, fascinating history, and wealth of outdoor adventure. But with so much to see and do, it may seem impossible to narrow down your itinerary. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Of all Bar Harbor things to do, the activities and destinations below are a surefire way to make your New England getaway one to remember. Continue reading, and start planning your itinerary.
Few towns are as charming as Bar Harbor. This seaside village is brimming with colorful storefronts, delicious eats and drinks, and a rich history waiting to be explored. See what Bar Harbor things to do await you on your trip.
One thing is for sure, and that’s that Bar Harbor offers some of the best lobster rolls in New England. If the lobster traps floating in the harbor weren’t any indication, fresh lobster is a staple in Bar Harbor restaurants. Local favorites like The Travelin Lobster and Bar Harbor Lobster Pound feature live lobster on display and plenty for seafood lovers and non-seafood lovers alike. Dig into clam chowder, lobster bisque, crab, shrimp, and, of course, plenty of lobster. Other can’t-miss Bar Harbor restaurants include Geddy’s, a town staple that’s been in business for over 50 years, and the Terrace Grille, an outdoor cafe overlooking the natural beauty of Frenchman Bay. But wherever you choose to dine, a delicious dish with fresh, high-quality ingredients awaits you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sink into the rich history of Bar Harbor by catching a show at the historic Criterion Theatre. This Bar Harbor landmark opened its doors in 1932, launching its longstanding orchestra performances, vaudeville acts, and film showings amidst its glamorous Art Deco design. Today, the Criterion has been lovingly restored to its original glory, from its floating balcony to the hand-cut French glass chandelier. It hosts a variety of live music shows, plays, musicals, movies, and more for your art-loving pleasure. So, check out the event calendar to see if your vacation dates align with any upcoming events!
Who doesn’t love a good haunt? Bar Harbor is home to an award-winning ghost tour company: Bar Harbor Ghost Tours. These chilling experiences feature professional storytellers dressed in 1870s Bar Harbor Cottage Era attire. Hold tight to each other as they lead you to some of the most haunted locations in town by lantern light. Listen as they share frightening stories of authentic hauntings. In fact, this tour offers exclusive access to the aforementioned Criterion Theatre at night, where it is said wealthy ghosts of the past make an appearance. Moreover, many guests have claimed to witness partial or full apparitions, as well as photos of orbs, ectoplasms, and shadow people during these tours. So, if you love the spooky things in life, be sure to book a tour.
Planning a group getaway? Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or co-workers, these stunning destinations are sure to keep everyone entertained.
The best things in life are free. Namely, the scenery in Bar Harbor. If you’re looking for attractions in Bar Harbor in the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered.
Escape into nature with Acadia, one of the ten most visited national parks in the United States. Fortunately for nature lovers, Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, with the entrance just four miles from the harbor. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the countless hiking trails and breathtaking scenery among the highest rocky highlands of the Atlantic Coast. Visitors to Acadia wander along historic carriage roads, designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., sunbathe on tranquil beaches like Sand Beach or Echo Lake Beach, and, most notably, venture to the pink granite peak of Cadillac Mountain.
Here, soak in awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the sparkling Atlantic and islands beyond. What’s more, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States, and from mid-October to early March, this mountain is the first place in the U.S. to see the morning sun break the horizon. No wonder Maine is one of the best states for hiking! So, of all Bar Harbor things to do, step into the undisturbed grandeur of nature with Acadia National Park.
With a coastline as stunning as Mount Desert Island’s, getting on the water is a must-do. Bar Harbor is renowned for its vibrant marine life, particularly its population of baleen whales, which includes fin, minke, and humpback whales, among others. A whale watching tour off Bar Harbor is an unforgettable experience, full of majestic breaching and slapping tails. These tours also often reveal a variety of dolphins and seals native to this region, as well as the beloved puffin. But if you want Bar Harbor things to do that aren’t centered on wildlife, this tour company also offers historic lighthouse tours, romantic sunset cruises, and more. Either way, taking a nature cruise or a historical cruise around the harbor is a quintessential Bar Harbor activity you won’t want to miss.
Last but not least on our list of Bar Harbor things to do is the Thunder Hole, a year-round attraction on the eastern shoreline of Mount Desert Island. This carved inlet, hidden along the island’s rocky coastline, is famed for the booming roar created by waves slamming into the inlet during storms and turning tides. This thrilling thunder draws travelers from all over to experience the phenomenon, where wave sprays have been known to reach heights of over 40 feet. To reach Thunder Hole, you can either walk along Ocean Path or drive Park Loop Road. It’s best to arrive one to two hours before high tide to hear the thunderous noise. Yet, during low tide, visitors can follow the stairs downward for a peek at the carved cliff walls.
With so many spectacular things to do in Bar Harbor, you’ll want to stay close to the action. So, where to stay in Bar Harbor? For the best Bar Harbor experience, we recommend staying at Terramor Outdoor Resort, and you’ll soon see why.
Combine the beauty of nature with home-like comfort at Terramor Outdoor Resort. Nestled off the beaten path, just minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia, this one-of-a-kind landscape hotel is the perfect place to call home during your stay. Here at Terramor, guests discover immersive outdoor experiences that enrich their stay in Bar Harbor. Book a private experience at the on-site bee apiary, sign up for guided fishing or kayaking excursions, or unwind with s’mores and a cocktail under the stars. Yet, Terramor also offers the typical resort amenities, including a pool and hot tub, yard games, and on-site dining.
But what’s not so typical about Terramor is its luxurious glamping accommodations. These “tents” go beyond your weekend camping trip, plunging you into refined glamour you’ll reminisce on for years to come. Not only do these tents feature wifi, electricity, and AC, but they also offer resort-style comfort that makes reconnecting with nature more comfortable than ever. Browse tent accommodations below.
Checking off your list of Bar Harbor things to do is simple when you book with Nook. But more importantly, with Nook Outdoors, you can see more of the country’s most breathtaking outdoor destinations. From the rolling landscape of Texas Hill Country to the daunting mountain peaks of Jackson Hole, Nook’s resort portfolio makes spending time in nature more luxurious than ever. Browse our curated collection of boutique hotels, glamping resorts, and cabin rentals below, and start making unforgettable memories in nature.
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