Bar Harbor New England

Discover more of Bar Harbor New England

Located on Mount Desert Island on Maine's Atlantic Coast, Bar Harbor is a beautiful place to explore and makes a great base to visit the nearby Acadia National Park. Around half the Mount Desert Island is dedicated to Acadia National Park and it offers an expansive wilderness area that is great for those who want to connect with nature, be outdoors and enjoy great walking paths, scenic coastal views, picturesque beaches, and of course try some of Maine’s most famous dish: Lobster! .

Things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine

When visiting Bar Harbor in Maine, there are a variety of things to do and see; one of the main attractions is Acadia National Park and it's nearly 50,000 acres of almost pristine wilderness that offers visitors a chance to connect with the natural world around them. The National Park is also home to Cadillac mountain, the largest mountain on the US's Atlantic Coast, and guests to the park can hike around the mountain and admire its beauty.

Another great spot to visit when at Bar Harbor is Thunder Hole, located along the Loop Road in Acadia National Park. Thunder Hole is one of the parks most famous and iconic things to see- formed by a break in the rocky shore that funnels water from the waves through a narrow channel, this is now an extremely photogenic spot and has a similar effect to a geyser. Alongside the beauty of Thunder Hole, you will also be treated to expansive views out over the Atlantic Ocean. A hazard of visiting Thunder Hole is that you may get wet, so be sure to pack and a change of clothes before you venture off to admire this natural beauty.

Another of Acadia National Park’s best attractions is the Acadia Night Sky Festival - due to the park’s natural darkness and no light pollution, visitors are treated to stunning views of the Milky Way high above. During the Acadia Night Sky Festival there will also be other celebrations including films, tours, workshops, and just all-round amazing views of the night sky. In 2022 the Acadia Night Sky Festival ran between September 21st to September 25th, so if this is something you are interested in doing on your New England holiday to Bar Harbor, Maine then be sure to ask your Travel Consultant at Charter Travel when the Acadia Night Sky Festival is taking place in 2023/ 2024.

Mount Desert Island is known for its dramatic, rugged coastline however for a brief moment this rugged coastline gives way to Sand Beach - you guessed it, a sandy beach perfect to spend some time at relaxing, playing in the sea, and enjoying the sunshine. This inviting stretch of golden sand is a great place to stop for a picnic on your exploration of Acadia National Park.

Another great activity whilst in Bar Harbor, Maine is to go Whale Watching in the Gulf of Maine. The Gulf of Maine lies between Cape Cod and Sable Island in Nova Scotia, Canada so it attracts a variety of Whale species throughout the year. In the Gulf of Maine, you are likely to see Humpback Whales and Finback Whales, alongside other the marine animals. Be sure to dress for the occasion and pack layers as the sea breeze can get quite cold.

Bar Harbor is also home to Shore Path – a walking path that takes you along the Atlantic coastline that was built in the 1880s and begins near Ellis Pier in Agamond Park. Shore Path follows the Atlantic coastline around most of the island and includes stunning views out over the Atlantic Ocean and also of other notable attractions on the island like the historic Bar Harbor Inn and Porcupine Rock. Starting your walk along Shore Path before the sun is even up is an amazing experience as you can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.

There is a lot to do in see in Bar Harbor and walking will only get you so far; so, a great way to explore the area is on one of the charming old fashion trolleys from Oli’s Trolley. These trolleys would take you around Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and/or the Cadillac Mountain. Alongside a relaxing, slow drive along the coast a knowledgeable guide will tell you the stories of the area's history and the important landmarks. This is a great way to see the area if you're travelling as a family or simply if you want to sit back and relax rather than walk to various destinations.

Hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar harbor is home to beautiful, old traditional Inns and new chic Hotels so you can choose what experience you wish to have. The Acadia Inn is a great choice for a family holiday or couples holiday if you are looking for great location, access to the Acadia National Park, and affordable rates. If you are looking for a more resort style hotel in Bar Harbor, then why not stay at the Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor and enjoy its outdoor/ indoor pool, fitness centre, hot tub, restaurant and more. Or, stay at the Harborside Hotel Marina And Spa where you can enjoy spa services, an outdoor pool (seasonal), 2 restaurants, waterfront views and more. Finally, if you are looking for a Colonial-style, authentic New England Inn then why not stay at The Inn on Mount Desert - this is a beautiful property with a large porch, columns, quaint and quirky furniture and Inn-style accommodations with a shared living room space where you can chat with fellow guests.

Twin Centre Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine is a great location to visit as part of a Twin Centre New England Holiday. Another great destination to visit in Maine alongside Bar Harbor is Sebasco Harbor – Sebasco Harbor is home to the wonderful family beach resort, Sebasco Harbor Resort, where you can truly relax and spend time together as a family whilst enjoying the many amenities such as bowling lanes, harbor cruises, a swimming pool, amazing views, fabulous Maine Lobster and more! These two destinations in Maine would make for a great Twin Centre New England Holiday, however you can also make your visit to Bar Harbor part of a larger New England holiday where you can also explore Boston & Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and more. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today by calling us on 01635 551011 and speak to a New England Expert or fill out our enquiry form which will send an e-mail directly to our sales team. We can't wait to help you plan your perfect New England holiday.

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