Guide to Bar Harbor and Acadia - Madeline on the move

Bar Harbor was our final stop on our Maine Summer Road Trip. Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, and it also serves as a great home base for exploring the rest of Mount Desert Island. However, many of the restaurants and shops in the area are only open seasonally so keep that in mind when planning your trip. We spent the majority of our time here outside, enjoying the summer weather. We would wake up for breakfast in town before heading into Acadia National Park for the day, and returning to town for dinner in the evening. I hope this guide to Bar Harbor and Acadia inspires you to plan your next weekend getaway or even your own Maine Summer Road Trip!

Snapshot

3+ DAYS

Best TIme to Visit – June through August for the best weather, October for fall foliage

Weather – Highs of 70-80F in the summer with cooler evenings

Getting Around – Rental Car

Nearby Airports – Boston Logan (BOS), Portland International (pdx)

Accommodation in Bar Harbor books up far in advance. I wish I could recommend the inn that we stayed in, but I found the property a bit dirty and uncomfortable. If we were to go again, I would definitely stay at Atlantean Cottage. The rooms are cozy and clean and the location is perfect – within walking distance from everything in town. Also, they serve gourmet breakfasts each morning!

Where to Eat

Cafe This Way – a casual spot for a delicious breakfast

Jordan’s – rustic diner serving all-day breakfast. Do yourself a favor and get the blueberry pancakes!

McKay’s Public House – organic produce and fresh seafood served in a historic, Victorian building on Main Street

Jordan Pond House – a lively, historic lunch spot located within Acadia National Park. Come for the ambiance, not the food. Sit outside and order the popovers and a drink.

Side Street Cafe – an American eatery serving classic bar fare and lobster rolls

Beal’s – a lobster pier located in Southwest Harbor. A quintessential Maine summer experience. Check out Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse while you’re in the area!

Havana – an upscale restaurant with a Latin influence. Perfect for a date night!

Rosalie’s – a cozy pizzeria serving up pizzas, pasta, and salads in a casual setting

Atlantic Brewing Company – family-owned brewery serving classic and seasonal craft beers

What to Do

Swim or Sunbathe at Sand Beach – Acadia’s only sandy ocean beach. Beware, the water here is cold! We swam here in July and it definitely felt more like a polar plunge than a refreshing summer swim

Take in the view from Otter Cliffs – a worthwhile stop along the park loop road featuring ocean views and the occasional harbor seal spotting

Visit Thunder Hole – a natural rock inlet where waves crash and create a thunderous blowhole. It was a little anti-climatic when we visited but apparently, the best time to go is halfway between low and high tide. You can check the tide here and maybe you will have better luck!

Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain – the highest point on the east coast of the U.S, and for part of the year, this is the first pace that you can view the sunrise in the U.S. Drive to the top for sunrise (make reservations here) or if you’re feeling ambitious, hike the 4.4 miles roundtrip

Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – a well-known lighthouse located near Southwest Harbor. Come for the sunrise or sunset for some stunning photos! (keep in mind, this is a popular spot, so you will likely be battling some crowds)

Ride bikes along the carriage roads – built by John D Rockefeller and closed to all motorized traffic. Check our different bike routes here and rent from Acadia Bike.

Take a guided kayak tour – get out on the water with Driftwood Kayak and explore uninhabited islands known as merchant row. We missed out on this excursion when we went to Acadia, but I would love to do this next time!

Where to Hike

Walk around Jordan Pond – after enjoying a popover at Jordan Pond House, enjoy an easy stroll around a scenic lake

Hike the Bubbles – also located at Jordan Pond, the bubbles are two small mountains that vaguely resemble two bubbles. Hike 1.5 miles roundtrip to the summits to enjoy panoramic views of Acadia National Park

Walk to Schooner Head Overlook – a pleasant stroll that leads to a cliffside viewpoint overlooking the ocean, Schooner Head, and the mansions built on the island

Hike the Beehive Trail – an adventurous hike with spectacular views from the top. Note: this hike is 1.4 miles roundtrip but most of the trail is exposed and you will use metal rungs to assist you along the trail

Hike the Precipice Trail – if Beehive was too easy for you, check out this 3.2-mile roundtrip hike. The trail was closed when we were there to protect nesting birds but we would love to go back and try this hike!