Bar Harbor is the perfect getaway for travelers of all kinds. Whether the family is in tow, as a solo traveler, or for a romantic weekend, make sure you check out Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. Even though Acadia could take days exploring on its own, the whole of Mount Desert Island (where the town and national park are located) has so much to offer in its own right. For our weekend in Bar Harbor, of course, we’ll spend time in the park and on the streets of Bar Harbor, but also checking out lesser-known museums, eating ice cream, and sipping craft beer.
Seal Cove Auto Museum
In the village of Seal Cove is a really neat auto museum, the Seal Cove Auto Museum. This charming museum showcases a collection of antique automobiles from the early 20th century, focusing on cars from 1895 to the 1920s. It’s a fascinating step back in time for car enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of transportation, but at the same time, perfect for my three kids. Where many classic car museums feature vehicles from the ’50s and ’60s, this museum’s wheelhouse is early autos.
Bar Harbor
Heading to the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is not only the gateway to Acadia National Park but a vibrant town in its own right. This picturesque town offers a quintessential New England experience with its charming downtown streets, historic architecture, and a bustling waterfront. Bar Harbor in the off-season can be quiet, but in-season, it’s teeming with travelers! Visitors can explore a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants featuring fresh local seafood. The town’s proximity to Acadia National Park makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures, while its lively atmosphere and scenic beauty provide plenty to enjoy within the town itself.
Acadia Inn
Located just a short drive from the bustling heart of Bar Harbor and the entrance to Acadia National Park, the Acadia Inn offers a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors. This family-friendly hotel provides a range of amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, a complimentary breakfast, and comfortable rooms, making it a great option for those looking to balance exploration with relaxation. Its prime location allows for easy access to the park’s trails and attractions while still being close enough to enjoy Bar Harbor’s dining and shopping scene. If you want to ditch the car entirely, take the trail that leaves from the hotel’s backyard; it’s a mile into the park via this path.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
For the tastiest ice cream in the region, you must head to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream in the heart of Bar Harbor. They have a wide variety of flavors, with inspiration coming from Japan. They even have two locations in Japan! Flavors include Bay of Figs, Blueberry Sour Cream Crumble, and Maine Sea Salt Caramel. The ice cream itself is delicious and the flavors make it an adventure that’s worth the journey.
Acadia National Park
The main attraction for most visitors for their weekend in Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park, New England’s only National Park. Acadia is a must-visit. With rocky shorelines, lapping waves, mountainous terrain, and spectacular foliage, Acadia is a sight to behold. Take a ride on Park Loop Road, which traverses the park, to enjoy many of what Acadia has to offer, including Sandy Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.
Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is where the roaring sea comes crashing into the rugged coastline. As the waves thunder through this rocky shore, the spray shoots up into the air. The ocean was calm on the day I was there, so the effect was not quite as strong as it could be, but it was still a picturesque and impressive sight.
Wild Gardens of Acadia
Nestled within Acadia National Park, the Wild Gardens of Acadia offer a serene and educational experience. This unique botanical collection showcases over 300 species of native plants, organized into distinct habitats found within the park, such as woodlands, wetlands, and coastal environments. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those interested in local flora to stroll, learn, and appreciate the ecological diversity of Mount Desert Island. It’s an easy walk with no strenuous hiking, instead just a saunter through a garden.
Ship Harbor Trail
When I go to Acadia, I like to do the “can’t miss” spots, but quite honestly, these are teeming with tourists in season. To get away from the crowds, I like to explore lesser-known but still beautiful areas of the park, such as the Schoodic Peninsula or this trail in Southwest Harbor.
The Ship Harbor Trail offers a leisurely and picturesque walk along the coastline, perfect for all ages, as even my two-year-old could trek it. This relatively flat loop trail winds through spruce forests and opens up to stunning views of the rugged shoreline and small coves. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of the ocean, with opportunities to explore tide pools at low tide. My family enjoyed just sitting on the rocks, enjoying the perfect day, while the kids climbed up and around. The trail provides a more secluded experience compared to some of the park’s more popular attractions, making it ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Atlantic Brewing Company
A few years back, Atlantic Brewing acquired Bar Harbor Brewing and now brews some of their classic offerings. Atlantic has two locations, one in Bar Harbor and one out of town. For the whole fam, the location out of town is perfect as it also has Mainely Meat BBQ on site. It’s a lively spot that features live music, a small playground for kids, a restaurant, a taproom, and a store. It’s easy to lift a pint or sample a flight while digging into some excellent BBQ after a day of hiking.
Pirate’s Cove mini golf
Although Pirate’s Cove has outposts in many touristy areas, it has a fun mini golf course. It’s got challenging holes with elaborate obstacles and really plays up the pirate theme. Highly recommended!
For our weekend in Bar Harbor, we ate well, drank well, explored well, and altogether had an excellent time wandering from location to location on Mount Desert Island
