Bar Harbor, Maine
Gateway to Acadia National Park
Overview
Key Facts
What Bar Harbor Is Known For
Bar Harbor Local Highlights
Things to Do
Living in Bar Harbor
Living in Bar Harbor means embracing the rhythm of the seasons. Summer is vibrant and busy with visitors from around the globe, while the off-season offers a tight-knit community feel and quiet beauty. The town has a K-8 school, a high school, and is home to the College of the Atlantic.
Weather & Seasons
summer
Mild and pleasant, 65-75°F
winter
Cold and snowy, 20-35°F
spring
Cool with fog, 45-55°F
fall
Crisp air with brilliant foliage, 50-60°F
Local Wildlife & Nature
How to Get There
Bar Harbor is accessible via Route 3 from Ellsworth. The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) offers regional flights, while Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour away. The Island Explorer bus provides free seasonal transit.
Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.
Satellite preview
Bar Harbor outline
Trip Ideas Featuring Bar Harbor
Acadia & Bar Harbor: The Perfect 3-Day Plan
How to see the best of Acadia National Park without feeling rushed, including iconic hikes, scenic drives, popovers at Jordan Pond, and sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
The Ultimate Route 1 Road Trip: NH Border to Canada
A classic Maine road trip from the New Hampshire border to the Canadian border, hitting iconic lighthouses, lobster shacks, and coastal villages along the legendary coastal highway.
Outdoor Recreation
Related Guides
The Abbe Museum: Celebrating Wabanaki Culture
Discover the rich history, art, and vibrant culture of Maine's Wabanaki people at the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bar Harbor known for?
Bar Harbor is world-famous as the gateway to Acadia National Park, offering direct access to the Park Loop Road, carriage roads, and hiking trails. The town features Gilded Age architecture, fresh Maine lobster, whale watching tours, and the historic Shore Path with views of Frenchman Bay.
How do I get to Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor?
Acadia National Park shares Mount Desert Island with Bar Harbor, making access immediate. The Park Loop Road entrance is just minutes from downtown. The free Island Explorer bus provides seasonal transit to park destinations.
What is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?
Summer (June-August) offers warm weather and the busiest season with all attractions open. Fall brings brilliant foliage and fewer crowds. For the famous Cadillac Mountain sunrise, visit when Bar Harbor is among the first places in the U.S. to see dawn—typically late September through early March.
Is Bar Harbor worth visiting?
Absolutely. Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of America's most visited national parks. The town offers immediate access to hiking, carriage roads, whale watching, and some of Maine's best seafood. Most visitors consider it essential to any Maine trip.
How many days do you need in Bar Harbor?
3-5 days is ideal to explore both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Two days minimum for Acadia highlights (Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond), plus time for the town, whale watching, and dining.
What is Bar Harbor famous for?
Bar Harbor is famous as the gateway to Acadia National Park, the Cadillac Mountain sunrise (first in the US certain times of year), whale watching tours into the Gulf of Maine, fresh Maine lobster, and its Gilded Age history as a summer retreat for America's wealthy elite.