Bar Harbor is located on the northeast coast of Mount Desert island. One of many islands on the northern coast of Maine offering fresh, off the boat seafood and breathtaking scenery. Located just outside of Acadia National Park, this town is full of beautiful things to do, see and taste. I visited during peak season in the fall and it was incredible with all the foliage. Below is my ultimate guide to Bar Harbor, Maine to help plan your trip!
What To Do in Bar Harbor
Walk the Shore Path
Iconic path that starts at the bottom of the town pier hugging the coast of Frenchman’s Bay. Stretching about 3/4 of a mile, its a great casual stroll taking in the scenery. It passes by beautiful hotels and you can walk down to the water as well. Keep your eye out for wildlife!
Walk the land bridge to Bar Island
During low tide, you are able to walk across the bay to reach Bar Island by foot. Once you cross the bay, Bar Island offers great views of Bar Harbor as well as a short mile hike to to top of the island. It’s truly an experience but keep in mind the tide does rise and you don’t want to get stuck!
Bar Island land bridge, high tide Bar Island land bridge, low tide
Grab some Blueberry Coffee – or anything blueberry!
Maine is know for their wild fresh blueberries, so it’s hard to not see something blueberry on any menu. Although pies, pancakes and muffins are amazing, blueberry coffee from Black Fly is a must try. The flavor is delicious and its a nice treat in the morning
Get on the water
Being an island, it’s very accessible to book sailings, cruise boats, tour boats, lobster fishing’s, etc. There is much to see on the water and to learn. Many trips offer sunrise and sunset tours and I would highly recommend doing one that suits your needs. You can even see Puffins!
Eat, Drink and Shop (aka my favorite things to do)
Once you step foot into the town, you’ll immediately notice the abundance of restaurants, bars and shops. It can be a little overwhelming, but you can check out my recommendations below to help guide your appetite!
Blueberry Coffee Sunset from Bar Island
Where to Eat and Drink in Bar Harbor
Once you are in the town, you’ll notice the abundance of places to eat either along the harborside or within the many blocks of the downtown area. It can be a little overwhelming, but just know, they do not disappoint. With the fishing boats pulling right up to the docks, the seafood is unmatched! For more recommendations (and my favorite lobster spot) outside of Bar Harbor, check out this post!
- The Barnacle: this a small but mighty restaurant that I visited THREE times! It’s tiny, probably only can seat about 20-25 people while being first come first serve. You may have to order a drink and hang around or take a walk and come back, but its worth it. The oysters are beautifully shucked, a clam chowder that was my favorite on the trip and an amazing crab roll. This was my absolute favorite place for oysters, we tried Bar Harbor Blues + Swan Islands, chefs kiss.
- Salt ‘N Steel: upscale restaurant offering a tasting menu paired with wine, great date night spot. Their food was a bit more sophisticated and eclectic but just as delicious – definitely make a reservation in advance.
- Leery’s Irish Pub: when you’re seafood-ed (if that’s a word) out, this pub offered amazing classic Irish fare. We got the fish and chips and a Shepard’s pie – great portions and delicious fried haddock.
- Havana: again, if you want something other than seafood, give this place a try. They put a Latin flare on their tapas style dishes with great cocktails. If you go, get the Proveleta with sausage (its basically melted provolone with spices served on a buttery focaccia), yum.
- Choco-Latte Café: great place for coffee, but don’t sleep on their breakfast and lunch menu. Their tacos were incredible.
- Tap & Barrel Tavern: we didn’t eat here but they have an extensive list of craft beer from all over Maine and the east coast. If beer is your friend, you should definitely make a stop here
Swan Island Oysters, The Barnacle Lobster Roll, The Thirsty Whale
- Stadium: if you are hankering for something sweet – this place has you covered. From homemade pop-overs to cookies and blueberry crumbles, you can’t go wrong with anything they offer. Pop-overs are a staple in Maine and this is THE place to get one – they come with homemade blueberry jam + cream cheese. Grab one, get a bench at the park overlooking the harbor and enjoy!
- Jordan’s Restaurant: great breakfast spot, they open at 5am. Yup, 5am. When you shop around bar Harbor you will always see the “Jordan Restaurant Blueberry Pancake Mix” so we had to try them. They are known for their wild blueberry muffins and pancakes and they were lovely. If you can’t make it there, there is always the mix you can buy!
- Cottage Pub: this is the spot in town for craft cocktails. They have a great cocktail list and even infuse their own spirts that some of their cocktails have in them. I had a habanero infused tequila and you didn’t even need a mixer with it. Definitely a local spot as well – so you know it’s a good time.
- Atlantic Brewing: great hand crafted beers with a food menu to follow. Stop for a beer and hang outside in their Adirondacks or chill upstairs at their rooftop.
- The Thirsty Whale: this pub surprised me with their food tbh. The lobster roll was amazing along with their blackened haddock sandwich, definitely don’t walk by this spot, go inside for a bite!
- Thrive: great spot for fresh juices, smoothies and healthy options
- Ivy Manor Inn: you can’t walk past this quaint Inn without staring. They open up their lawn to the public around dusk with an outdoor bar, live music and firepits. Great spot to have a drink before dinner
Bay Harbor Blues, The Barnacle Lobster Poke, Thrive Crab Roll, The Barnacle
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