Bar Harbor

Activities

Around town:

Explore Bar Harbor’s history and get to know the lay of the land with a walking tour, indicated by signs titled Museum in the Streets.

Check into a museum or gallery. Bar Harbor’s museums are small and focused. You can learn about Bar Harbor’s “Gilded Age,” the island’s Native American heritage, the Gulf of Maine’s unique ecosystems and species, and the natural wonder of Acadia National Park. Galleries include contemporary artists, Maine artists, and historic works.

For the culturally inclined, Bar Harbor offers two celebrated music festivals offering everything from string orchestras, through chamber music, to jazz. As for Bar Harbor nightlife, bars and clubs host a range of bands and solo artists that complete the musical mix. Improvisational comedy theater is available as well.

Bar Harbor shopping is another relaxing pastime.

Our shops are varied and enticing.

Check our calendar for art shows on the green, weekly band concerts, farmer’s markets, and other Bar Harbor and Island events.

Transportation

Driving to Bar Harbor, Maine: Bar Harbor is easily accessible by car. From Boston (268 miles) - follow Interstate I-95 through to Bangor (exit 182A - 395), then pick up Route 1A to Ellsworth, and follow Route 3 to Bar Harbor. Another route would be to take I-95 to Augusta, take Route 3 to Belfast over to Route 1 to Ellsworth, then back to Route 3 into Bar Harbor. Local taxi service is available from all airports, ferries, bus stations and cruise ships.

By Boat: Since Bar Harbor is an island and a popular place for both sailing and powerboating, there are many suitable moorings. You should check with the Harbormaster's Office at 207-288-5571.

By Air: Bar Harbor is serviced by a local airport, the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located just 12 miles from the village, and by Bangor International Airport only 50 miles away.

By Cruise Ship: A wonderful way to visit Bar Harbor is on one of the over 70 beautiful cruise ships that arrive in Bar Harbor each year.

Food & Drink

With the fishing fleet often landing your entree at the dock that day, you would be hard pressed to find fresher seafood anywhere than on the Maine coast. Our succulent Maine lobster is the reason many travel to Bar Harbor, and you may want to eat it every day, but there is also pub fare, flavors from around the world, dining al fresco or at elegant cloth-covered tables, and farm-fresh regional cuisine. You’d need more than a summer to try all Bar Harbor’s excellent dining choices, but at least there are three meals a day, so get started sampling Bar Harbor’s fare at a bustling breakfast spot, then make your choices for lunch and dinner. Dietary restrictions, health-conscious or seeking the most extravagant foodie fare? We have you covered.