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Fall In Love With Bar Harbor, Maine—Here’s What To Do Beyond Acadia NP
Bar Harbor usually gets the intro of “gateway to Acadia National Park,” which, sure, sounds nice – but honestly, that barely scratches the surface. Because this delightful little coastal town has way more going for it than just an epic park in its backyard (though the park is admittedly stunning).
Bar Harbor is an irresistible cocktail of history, charm, and that postcard-perfect seasonal beauty New England is famous for. It’s the kind of place where you can watch the sunrise from a craggy shore one minute and be elbows-deep in a bowl of chowder the next – and somehow, it just works.
Whether you’re sipping your third cup of coffee on a dock surrounded by morning mist or treasure-hunting in tiny artisan shops, there’s so much more to this town than hiking trails and stunning views. (Not that we don’t love those too.)
This quick guide will explore three sides of Bar Harbor that you won’t find on your average itinerary: where to go when you’ve ditched the national park, what locals are eating when they’re not scarfing lobster rolls, and how to soak in the town’s vibe over the summer season. Have a suggestion – leave a comment and tell me what you recommend in the area!
Strolls, Shorelines, And Secret Paths In Town
Acadia might hog the spotlight with its epic mountain trails, but Bar Harbor has its own scenic strolls that deserve a moment of fame.
The Shore Path, for example, is a fan favorite. Starting near the Bar Harbor Inn, this dreamy oceanside trail casually winds past what they call “cottages” (spoiler: they’re basically mansions) and offers a much more chill time than scaling a mountain.
If you hit it at sunrise or sunset – the views of the Porcupine Islands and bobbing boats? Chef’s kiss.
But don’t stop there. The historic district is practically begging you to slow your roll. Its tree-lined streets are sprinkled with preserved Victorian homes and adorable inns, all oozing serious Gilded Age energy. Pro tip? A lot of these beauties moonlight as independent galleries, quirky shops, or bookstores.
Venture off Main Street, and you might just stumble upon quiet residential lanes with secret gardens and porches that’ll make you feel like you’ve crashed a Hallmark movie set.
And for the ultimate hidden gem, make your way to Compass Harbor Trail, just outside of town. It’s a short, shady walk where you can play amateur archaeologist poking around the remains of George Dorr’s estate (he’s kind of a big deal in Acadia’s history).
The trail leads to a rocky, secluded shoreline where you can soak up the sounds of the waves… no people, no noise, no problem. Paradise, right?
Eating Well Without Always Ordering Lobster
Yes, you’re in Maine, and yes, the lobster is basically the main act of the menu. But guess what? Bar Harbor’s food scene has way more to offer than cracking claws and dripping butter.
After you’ve checked “lobster roll” off your Maine bucket list (maybe at Beal’s Lobster Pier or Thurston’s in nearby Bernard), take a minute to explore some less obvious but equally mouthwatering options.
Start your morning at Cafe This Way, a cozy, quirky spot that feels like eating breakfast in your artist friend’s funky living room. Whether you’re into granola that makes you feel virtuous or huevos rancheros that’ll require a post-meal nap, this place has your back.
For lunch, Side Street Cafe is calling your name. It’s bright, cheery, and home to a mac & cheese masterpiece topped with local goodies like haddock or pulled pork. Take a bow, carbs.
Dinner? Oh, dinner is when Bar Harbor ditches the flannel and gets fancy. Havana serves up Latin-inspired dishes with local seafood that’ll keep you guessing in the best way possible. And if pizza’s more your mood, Rosalie’s delivers (literally, if you’re lucky), with its buttery, garlicky crusts.
Top it all off with a scoop (or three, no judgment) from Mount Desert Island Ice Cream. And this isn’t just ice cream; it’s a masterpiece with flavors like Maine sea salt caramel or Girl Scout thin mint. Our tip? Snag some and wander the harborfront.
Summer Days That Stretch Just Right
Summer in Bar Harbor hits that sweet spot between a laid-back atmosphere and just enough excitement to keep things interesting.
Picture boats bobbing cheerfully in the harbor before you’ve even had your first (much-needed) cup of coffee, and by mid-morning, the coffee shops are buzzing with folks who clearly didn’t snooze their alarms five times.
The sidewalks? Full of vacationers in no particular hurry… probably debating lobster rolls versus clam chowder for the third time today.
And summer is when the great outdoors starts flaunting its best stuff. Hop on a whale-watching tour to spot some humpbacks, minkes, or finbacks. Not a fan of marine wildlife? First of all, how dare you!
Second, no worries – schooner sunset sails are here to deliver jaw-dropping views without a whale in sight. Back on land, the town’s alive with impromptu concerts, craft markets… and flowers so fresh they probably grew themselves just to impress you.
Need a breather from all this unintentional cardio and go-go-go? Snag a picnic lunch and set up at Agamont Park, where you can people-watch, ferry-gaze, and maybe even get a couple of shots of the wildflowers framing that perfect sea view.
Feeling brave? Cool off by tiptoeing into the tide pools at Bar Island (shoes are optional, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the occasional sharp shell).
It’s summer in Bar Harbor, where no one’s rushing – but you’ll definitely want to stick around a little longer. Always.
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