• Home
  • U.S. Destinations
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
    • Coastal
  • International Destinations
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Antarctica/Arctic
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Food & Drink
    • For the Home
    • On The Town
    • At the Bar
    • Recipes
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Getting There
    • Staying There
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear & Gifts
    • People Stories
    • Focus on Photos
  • About
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate travel, culture, connection
Coastal, Northeast, U.S., U.S. Destinations 3

10 Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine

By Martin Banks · On July 27, 2020


Bar Harbor, Maine, is a little town located on the coast of Mount Desert Island. Only a few thousand people live there year-round. Yet, millions flock to the area every year — with good reason. The scenic coastal town is home to souvenir shops, local food, lighthouses and wildlife. Plus, it offers hiking trails, a national park, ocean excursions and many other activities. Here are a few things you simply must do if you visit in Bar Harbor.

the shops in Bar Harbor, Maine

1. Visit Acadia

Maine’s Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S. Each year, 3.5 million people travel to this gem to enjoy 158 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of historic motor roads. Climb Cadillac Mountain, visit Thunder Hole, hike out to one of the many ponds or lounge on the beach at Echo Lake. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll surely enjoy the rocky cliffs, wooded paths and gorgeous coastal views.

2. Hike the Bar

Bar Harbor’s neighboring island is also part of Acadia. While you could take a boat over, the best way to experience Bar Island is to hike the gravel bar that appears during low tide. Before going, be sure to check local times for high and low tide so you don’t get stranded. Otherwise, you will have to wait another 12 hours to cross back over to Mount Desert Island.

Jordan Pond in Bar Harbor, Maine

3. Walk the Shore Path

While you’re in the hiking mood, you might as well traverse Bar Harbor’s Shore Path, too. This walking trail is more than 100 years old and is about a mile and a half long, offering stunning scenic views. As you make your way from Ells Pier to Wayman Lane, you’ll be able to see Egg Rock Light, the Porcupine Islands and the Schoodic Peninsula.

4. Visit the Abbe Museum

The Abbe Museum is Maine’s first and only Smithsonian affiliate and highlights the history and culture of the Wabanaki natives. Changing exhibitions, special events and workshops ensure guests learn something new no matter how many times they visit. Plus, the museum works closely with the Wabanaki people to relay accurate information and contemporary objects. It also has the largest collection of Maine Native American basketry in the world.

in Bar Harbor, Maine

5. Relax at the Atlantic Brewing Company

The Atlantic Brewing Company, previously called Acadia Brewing, has been serving up local brews since 1991. Their Bar Harbor Real Ale was their original beer and remains their most popular. They also have a delicious Blueberry Ale that has those famous wild Maine blueberries complementing the hops. You can relax in their tasting room, take a tour of the brewery, or grab some to go.

6. Go Glamping at Terramor

Find peace of mind in the great outdoors by spending a few nights in the woods. The island’s Terramor Outdoor Resort offers a luxurious getaway among the trees of Mount Desert Island. Plus, glamping tents are at least 50 feet away from one another, giving you privacy and a relaxing space to call your own. Some even come with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi and overhead fans for maximum comfort. Take advantage of the pool and other recreation areas while you’re there, too.

7. Taste Some Local Fare

If you’re going to Maine, you simply must eat some lobster. Since fishermen catch the creatures right off the coast, whatever you order will likely be fresh. Plus, since it doesn’t have to travel very far to reach your plate, Maine lobster is significantly cheaper than buying and eating it at home. You might also try some blueberry-flavored beer, coffee, chocolate and other products, as the state proudly boasts 44,000 acres of blueberry fields.

Main seafood

8. Kayak or Canoe the Harbor

Looking for some adventure? Get off-shore and take a kayak or canoe tour of the harbor. A handful of adventure shops and nature centers offer tours and supply all the gear you’ll need. Spot wildlife like otters, seals, sea birds and even whales while exploring the coastlines and breathing in the ocean air. Your guide might point out a few lighthouses or private islands as you paddle.

9. Take a Boat Tour

If you’d rather let someone else steer the boat and do all the work, take a lighthouse boat tour. As you sail through the harbor, the captain will point out some of Maine’s most historic and picturesque lighthouses. They may even fill you in on some facts about lobster buoys, local wildlife and which celebrities live on which islands. You might also opt for a seal or whale watching tour if lighthouses aren’t your thing.

lighthouse in Bar Harbor, Maine

10. Explore Tidal Pools

Learn more about Maine’s many lighthouses by getting up close and personal with a few. Most are accessible by car and open to the public during the summer months. Plus, visiting lighthouses will allow you to explore the rocky coastline and all the tide pools left by the waves and tides. If you have kids, they’ll especially love wading through these shallow pools looking for crabs, starfish, urchins and other ocean organisms.

Maine, the Way Life Should Be

After visiting Bar Harbor, you may find Maine’s state slogan, “the way life should be,” perfectly encapsulates your sentiments toward the beautiful coastline and scenic trails. Before you know it, you’ll be admiring your photos and planning your next trip back to the charming little town to enjoy all it has to offer.

For More:

  • Maine, official tourism bureau
  • Visit Bar Harbor
  • On our site:Milk Street: The New Home Cooking Cookbook
  • On our site: Foodie Adventures: 6 U.S. Cities for Seafood Lovers

Download PDF
Abbe MuseumAcadia National ParkBar Harborboats tourscoastal townsMaineMartin BanksMount Desert IslandTerramortidal poolswalking
Share Tweet
Avatar

Martin Banks

Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded where he covers travel, lifestyle, gear, and more.

You Might Also Like

  • save money on food while traveling Food & Drink

    How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad

  • International Destinations

    5 Things You Should Know Before You Start Mountain Biking

  • photographing the Oregon coast Coastal

    Photographing the Oregon Coast: Yachats to Heceta Head Lighthouse

3 Comments

  • Avatar
    Stella Wilson says: August 10, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    Wonderful blog. Amazing things to do in Maine. I am in love with all these beautiful photographs. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    Reply
    • Nancy Zaffaro
      Nancy Zaffaro says: August 10, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      So glad you enjoyed Martin’s article, Stella. We so appreciate having you as one of our readers!

      Reply
    • Avatar
      Martin Banks says: August 11, 2020 at 7:18 am

      Thanks so much Stella!

      Reply

    Leave a reply Cancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Search

    Like What You See? Write For us!

    We're always interested in publishing new stories that celebrate travel, culture and connection. Take a look at our Submission Guidelines and pitch your story.

    Follow Us on Instagram

    confettitravel

    Some happenin’ colors out there this morning! . Some happenin’ colors out there this morning!
.
.
#sunrise #sunriseoftheday #goodmorning #breathe #oregon #coldair #gooddayahead #goodvibes
    So today I made a treat; squid ink #paella . Even So today I made a treat; squid ink #paella . Even got a pretty good socarrat, that savory bottom of the paella pan crust going.
.
I love a good paella and I love squid. I’ve cleaned the buggers just so I could know how to do it and decided it’s worth buying them already cleaned! But today I used what had on hand, and that meant no squid, just some large shrimp and tiny bay shrimp from the freezer. I had a good #bomba rice. Red and green pepper and a bit of garlic. And Aneto brand cooking base made it reeeally easy, with lots of good squid and fish flavors, a bit of tomato and veggie flavors and seasonings, including a bit of #saffron 
.
.
I’m not Spanish and didn’t grow up with this. But I’m Italian and did enjoy squid a few different ways, and there was a neighborhood Greek restaurant that made the best stuffed squid too. So this was a savory and salty happy-happy meal on a Sunday afternoon.
.
Here’s to keeping a good stocked pantry!
.
#paella🥘 #squid #squidink #shrimp #aneto @anetobroth #spanishfood #seafood #rice #sunday #sundaydinner #foodie #homecooking #homecooked #cooking #quickmeals #backtoworktomorrow
    What a day, what a day!!! . (Not my images of cour What a day, what a day!!!
.
(Not my images of course and normally wouldn’t do it...but. 🎉)
.
.
#inauguration #inaugurationday #freshstart #hope #healing #action #46 #celebrate
    Remember that lovely little #amaryllis bulb encase Remember that lovely little #amaryllis bulb encased in red wax? Well, I’ve been enjoying the growth and blooming process! With #gratitude for such a thoughtful gift.
.
The tall #bulb is in its third bloom by the way; great fun to help make happen!
.
#amaryllisflower #flowers #winter #wintercolors #addsomecolor #friendship #gifts #newyear
    Morning cappuccino and homemade biscotti! . Fun to Morning cappuccino and homemade biscotti!
.
Fun to have my daughter making the biscotti now, from my favorite recipe.
.
#morningcoffee #morningmotivation #coffee #coffeelover #espresso #cappuccino #biscotti #chocolatechips #chocolatechipbiscotti #chocolatechipcookies #startmyday #happysunday
    ‘Tis the spirit of the season! A good friend sto ‘Tis the spirit of the season! A good friend stopped by with the most #apropos #gift !
.
 #christmas2020 #christmas2020🎄🎅🎁 #tistheseason #besafe #besafeoutthere #xmas #christmasdecor #christmasornaments2020 #friends #friendship #makemelaugh #laugh #smile #wehavetolaugh
    Raise a glass ... Happy Christmas Eve! . . #girlfr Raise a glass ... Happy Christmas Eve!
.
.
#girlfriends #morningyoga #christmas #friends #friendship #giftexchange #christmasgifts #christmastime #mimosa #mimosas #raiseaglass #soover2020 #before5
    A good start to any #holiday ! We had every intent A good start to any #holiday ! We had every intention of doing our morning yoga ... but #mimosas and gift exchanges were calling! Rare to miss ... but ... Happy Christmas Eve!
.
.
#girlfriends #morningyoga #christmas #friends #friendship #giftexchange #christmasgifts #christmastime #mimosa #mimosas #raiseaglass #soover2020
    Christmas Eve and the last window on my 1960 Adven Christmas Eve and the last window on my 1960 Advent calendar is open! I love this little tradition.
.
Sorry, no chocolates in this one! Merry Christmas! I wish you all a healthy and happy and safe #holiday !!
.
#christmas #merrychristmas #advent #adventcalendar #childhoodmemories #windowsofinstagram #familytime #memories #tradition #traditions #familytraditions #nochocolate #besafe  #besafeoutthere
    A bad mom moment ... I don’t remember which #kid A bad mom moment ... I don’t remember which #kiddo made this or when! But I still love my #winter doorstop! Ha! Merry Christmas!🎁 
.
.
#christmas #christmasdecor #christmaspast #homemade #kidmade #doorstop #family #familytime #gifts #kidmade #christmastime
    Always something new under the stars and sun and m Always something new under the stars and sun and moon! A friend gave me an #amaryllis and check it out! Encased in red wax, no watering needed. Can’t wait to see the #bloom! And I’m including a shot of my “old” Amaryllis as well. The blooms won’t be ready for the holidays, but this will be the third time since last Christmas that they will bloom. Yay me!
.
.
#flowers #flower #christmas #gift #tradition #enjoytheholidays #happyholidays #red #colorful #christmasgifts #christmasdecor #friends #friendship #luckyme
    Squash seeds ... I’ve always baked them with dry Squash seeds ... I’ve always baked them with dry spices. But this time around, I took a tip from my daughter-in-law and baked them in a little #marinade of soy sauce, ginger and some hot chili oil. Delicious!
.
.
#squash #seeds #snacks #fallfoods #foodies #foodie #foodporn #foodiesofinstagram #fromthegarden #gardentotable #chilioil #soysauce #ginger
    My city of bridges ... A #saturday walk around dow My city of bridges ... A #saturday walk around downtown Portland ...
.
.
#portlandoregon #portland #eastside  #westside #inmycity #takeawalk #willametteriver #walk #walking #fall #fallvibes #fallweather #waterfront #bridges #tillikum #tillicumcrossing #steelbridge #steelbridges
    Perfect day to walk the Esplanade in downtown Port Perfect day to walk the Esplanade in downtown Portland ...
.
.
#portlandoregon #portland #eastside  #westside #inmycity #takeawalk #willametteriver #walk #walking #fall #fallvibes #fallweather #waterfront
    happens every December, don’tcha know ...the foo happens every December, don’tcha know ...the food bill goes through the roof! Can’t resist buying all kind of little favorite delicacies!!
.
.
And I haven’t even STARTED picking up #cheese and #charcuterie yet! LOL!
.
#holidays #foodie #foodiesofinstagram #favoritethings #favoritefoods #christmas #gourmet #gourmetfood #truffles #cranberries #mussels @penncoveshellfish #capers #dittmann  #saltedcapers @starvationalley  @drinkcacoco #drinkingchocolate @jacobsensaltco #oregon #washingtonstate #washington #cooking #cookingathome
    And a merry Christmas ... I really do love the hol And a merry Christmas ... I really do love the holidays and this year, in that regard, is no different than any other. #bekind #beafriend #breathe 
.
.
#christmas #christmastree #christmas2020 #christmastime
    A little prayer for peace...happy #Hanukkah! . . # A little prayer for peace...happy #Hanukkah!
.
.
#hannukah #hanukkah2020
    A #granddog boy-dog and his treat! Cooper, loved s A #granddog boy-dog and his treat! Cooper, loved seeing you ... oh, oh and your mom and dad...😉
.
.
@cooper.d.shiba #dog #dogsofinstagram #caninelove
    Exploring the neighborhood and this is the view on Exploring the neighborhood and this is the view on my way back before getting off the main road and back onto my little side street.
.
#walking #takeawalk #fall #walk #mthood #mthoodoregon #portland #oregon #inmyneighborhood
    New house, new garden, new season, new world...in New house, new garden, new season, new world...in full fall color!
.
.
#fall #autumn #fallcolors #mybackyard #trees #hugatree #outside #garden #inthegarden #fallcolor #newhouse #oregon #clackamas #portland #happyvalley #happyvalleyoregon #peaceful #relax
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Our Contributors!

    We love our Contributors and enjoy building a community of writers. Take a look at who’s writing for Confetti Travel Cafe on our Contributors page!

    Find us on Facebook

    Recent Comments

    • Nancy Zaffaro on 7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers
    • writeessaytoday on 7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Moscow
    • Arie on Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Moscow
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Tiffany Stained Glass Windows in Franklin, Pennsylvania
    • Donald Ziegler on Tiffany Stained Glass Windows in Franklin, Pennsylvania

    Archives

    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016

    Categories

    Recent Posts

    • Tips For Moving to a Different State
    • How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad
    • 10 Need-To-Know Tips for Cold-Weather Kayaking
    • Share Your World: Top Travel Instagrammers Build Community
    • Travel For All: Accessible Travel for Those of Us with Disabilities
    • 7 Technologies to Protect Your Home While You’re on Vacation
    • Preparing for a Long Road Trip
    • Home
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure

    Categories

    • Africa/Middle East (15)
    • Antarctica/Arctic (1)
    • Art & Culture (26)
    • Asia (31)
    • At the Bar (54)
    • Canada (3)
    • Coastal (36)
    • Europe (42)
    • Food & Drink (139)
    • Food And Drink (67)
    • For the Home (31)
    • Getting There (22)
    • International (91)
    • International Destinations (116)
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean (13)
    • Midwest (4)
    • Northeast (12)
    • Northwest (76)
    • Oceania (7)
    • On The Town (75)
    • Outdoors (16)
    • People Stories (23)
    • Recipes (30)
    • South America (6)
    • Southeast (33)
    • Southwest (17)
    • Staying There (45)
    • Travel & Lifestyle (70)
    • Travel Destinations (21)
    • Travel Gear & Gifts (27)
    • Travel Tips (53)
    • U.S. (73)
    • U.S. Destinations (138)
    • Uncategorized (1)

    Recent Posts

    • Tips For Moving to a Different State
    • How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad
    • 10 Need-To-Know Tips for Cold-Weather Kayaking
    • Share Your World: Top Travel Instagrammers Build Community
    • Travel For All: Accessible Travel for Those of Us with Disabilities
    • 7 Technologies to Protect Your Home While You’re on Vacation
    • Preparing for a Long Road Trip

    Tag Cloud

    Christopher Kimball flamenco dance Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge gift books airbnb hosting road trip Lowcountry Castello di Amorosa 12 Spies gazpacho ponies of Chincoteague travel guides in Myanmar bee hive Wild and Precious memoir Tsukiji Fish Market Artisans on the Ave Blue Ridge Parkway Tanzania Manmohan Singh Erg Chebbi sleep historic inns Tri-Cities Vincent Family Cranberries Pollo Bravo art appreciation travel trade shows Luang Prabang Great Smoky Mountains National Park food tours Columbia Gorge wines Kate Howard Iberian cuisine long haul flights Selina Kentucky Bourbon Trail cooking classes Namib-Naukluft National Park silig crabbing

    © 2020 Confetti Travel Cafe. All rights reserved.