Bar Harbor, Acadia & Down East
Bar Harbor is considered by many as the crown attraction of Downeast Maine. Filled with shops and restaurants that lure visitors by car, motorcycle and cruise ship throughout the summer, this region of Maine is actually as wonderful in the spring, fall and winter as it is filled with visitors in the summer. From a wide variety of outdoor recreation to cultural experiences and a packed events calendar, Bar Harbor offers up one of the biggest draws to a trip in Downeast in Maine.
The community was first settled in 1763 by Israel Higgins and John Thomas, and incorporated on February 23, 1796 as the town of Eden, named after Sir Richard Eden, an English statesman. Bar Harbor’s long and renowned history as one of New England’s premier resort and tourism destinations, however, began in the mid 1800’s.
Outdoor Adventure and Wildlife
A trip to Bar Harbor would not be complete without exploring Acadia National Park, considered by many to be one of the nation’s true treasures and a must-see on your Coastal Maine getaway. Bordered by Acadia on three sides and Frenchman Bay on the fourth, and less than three miles from the main entrance to the Park Loop Road and Visitor's Center, the town of Bar Harbor makes an ideal base for the outdoor enthusiast.
Art, Culture & Tours in Bar Harbor
Explore the historic landmarks in Bar Harbor on a self-guided walking tour aptly named the Museum in the Streets. Bar Harbor offers renowned music festivals featuring string orchestras, steel drums, chamber music, jazz, and the Bar Harbor Town Band which was founded in 1898. As for Bar Harbor nightlife, bars and clubs host a range of bands and solo artists that complete the musical mix. Improvisational comedic theater is available too. Visit the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce calendar of events for art shows, weekly band concerts, farmer’s markets, and other Bar Harbor and Island events.
Dining & Shopping in Bar Harbor
With fresh seafood, fine international cuisine, vegetarian alternatives and festive brews, Bar Harbor offers a diverse selection of restaurants and other dining options including locally owned gourmet restaurants, pubs and all the lobster you can eat. And speaking of lobster, or as the natives say, “lobstah”, Bar Harbor’s got it all. Steamed, baked, stuffed, grilled, chilled, served over rice, served over pasta, served in a roll or in a scoop of vanilla ice cream (it’s an acquired taste), you can’t come to Maine and not eat a lobster.
Downeast Day Trips & Lighthouses
Take a 30-minute drive west of Bar Harbor, and you can easily spend the entire day among the villages of Southwest Harbor, Tremont, Bass Harbor and Bernard, or what locals affectionately refer to as “The Quiet Side” of the island. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Echo Lake, Somes Pond, and the south end of Long Pond. Discover more of Acadia’s magnificent walking/hiking trails such as Wonderland, Ship Harbor, Beech Cliff Loop, Flying Mt, and Acadia Mt.
Festivals and Events
Spring kicks off with Acadia's birding community invites you and your family to celebrate the ecological wonders of the birds of the Gulf of Maine at the Acadia Birding Festival, in May. Explore the island and its native bird species through numerous events and venues. Greet the warblers on early morning birding walks, visit with puffins and pelagic birds at sea, and observe Peregrine Falcons at active breeding sites in Acadia National Park. A combination of lectures, walks and adventures will connect you to Downeast Maine’s many bird species, diverse habitats and local experts.