Situated on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine, Bar Harbor serves as the entry point to Acadia National Park, esteemed as one of New England’s premier attractions.

This quaint town has a resident population of around 5,000, but the numbers multiply substantially during spring and summer as visitors flock to the area.

Bar Harbor hosts The College of the Atlantic, several noteworthy biotech companies, and boasts a diverse range of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

The following are 15 activities in and around Bar Harbor that should not be overlooked.

1. Hulls Cove Visitor Center

For newcomers to the region, visiting the Hulls Cove Visitor Center is an advantageous first step to familiarize yourself with the various experiences and attractions available in Bar Harbor.

This center is part of the national park and features a large scale model displaying key locations, roads, and prominent attractions.

Rangers are available to address inquiries, and an introductory film provides a comprehensive overview of the park.

2. Acadia National Park

Encompassing a diverse landscape of islands, waterways, marshes, and dunes along Maine’s rugged coastline, Acadia National Park spans nearly 50,000 acres of elegantly preserved habitats that have inspired artists, authors, and visitors for many years.

The park features Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, and a range of recreational opportunities that extend far beyond simple enumeration.

Nature enthusiasts and national park aficionados alike could spend days exploring this area without a hint of monotony.

The charming town of Bar Harbor offers an assortment of quaint shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes that provide perfect relaxation after a busy day exploring the coast.

3. Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is an iconic attraction located along the Loop Road in Acadia National Park. It is created by a gap in the rocky shoreline that channels incoming waves into a confined channel, producing a striking visual display reminiscent of a geyser.

The powerful sounds and force of the crashing water can be experienced from a distance, and for those keen to experience it up close, access is available.

However, caution is advised due to the slick, uneven surfaces of the wet rocks; thus, this area may be more suitable for sure-footed, adventurous visitors.

4. Jordan’s Pond House

Locals report that Jordan’s Pond House Restaurant has been providing quality meals for over a century.

This establishment is the sole full-service restaurant within Acadia National Park, housed in a building that was originally a farmhouse dating back to the early 1800s.

This historic and charming restaurant is situated next to a scenic pond and offers lunch and dinner services.

Visitors should anticipate crowds, particularly during peak tourist season from May to September, as it is a favored stop for explorers seeking to refuel after a long day.

5. Gorham Mountain

While not the tallest peak in Acadia National Park, Gorham Mountain rewards those willing to expend some energy with breathtaking views throughout the park.

The famous Loop Trail on Gorham Mountain extends for two miles, featuring sections that are mostly manageable, but with a few challenging areas that can become slick and hazardous during inclement weather.

There are less frequented, steeper trails requiring short climbs via precarious ladders attached to the rocks.

Ensure you acquire a trail map at the park’s visitor center before commencing your hike.

6. Take a Boat Tour

While Acadia National Park offers numerous breathtaking viewpoints, seeing the landscape by boat adds an extra dimension of enjoyment.

The Maine coast is characterized by a robust fishing heritage, with houses, villages, and vessels dotting the islands and bays, appearing as if they have emerged from an 18th-century masterpiece.

A range of boat tour options are available, usually featuring historical narration by a park employee or a knowledgeable local, all of which showcase the region’s time-honored lobster industry.

7. Timber Tina’s Maine Lumberjack Show

Historically, Maine’s forests once thrived with lumberjacks who felled massive trees using unwieldy two-person saws and axes prior to the advent of chainsaws.

Although the industry has transitioned largely to mechanization, Timber Tina’s Maine Lumberjack Show offers a captivating glimpse into this unique aspect of New England culture.

The show features lumberjacks competing in sawing, chopping, climbing, and ax throwing events that are truly impressive.

Additionally, supervised activities for children enhance the experience, and the show is conveniently located in Trenton, just a short drive from Bar Harbor.

8. Whale Watching

The Gulf of Maine lies between Cape Cod to the south and Sable Island in Nova Scotia to the north, attracting a plethora of whale species throughout the year.

Fortunately, many marine mammals make regular appearances during the tourist season from June to September, with various tour options accessible for interested visitors.

Humpback and finback whales are among the most frequently observed species, in addition to plentiful seals.

It is advisable to dress in layers, as even in summer, the brisk sea breeze can create a significantly cooler atmosphere.

9. Mount Desert Oceanarium

Recently renovated following a fire, the Mount Desert Oceanarium now provides extensive educational opportunities for those interested in the natural environment, allowing closer engagement with nature.

This facility houses a lobster hatchery aimed at sustaining the local crustacean population inhabiting the cold Atlantic waters off Maine’s coastline.

Visitors can explore marsh and dune habitats, along with a museum featuring engaging, interactive exhibits that appeal to both children and adults alike. The Oceanarium’s indoor section is an excellent venue for spending an hour or two during inclement weather.

10. Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island Photo Tour

Aiming to capture the beauty of Acadia Park, amateur photographers have access to various guided tours conducted by seasoned professionals skilled in the art of photography.

Acadia Photo Safari is a notable provider offering four distinct options: Jordan Pond, Night Sky, Sunset by Sea, and Ocean Drive.

Typical tours span three hours and are limited to six participants to guarantee personalized attention for optimal photographic outcomes.

Due to their popularity, openings fill swiftly, making it prudent to consider scheduling in advance.

11. Abbe Museum

With a profound heritage dating back thousands of years prior to European colonization, the Native American cultures of Maine often receive less attention compared to other prominent attractions such as Acadia National Park.

The Abbe Museum was originally part of the park but has expanded to include an additional site in downtown Bar Harbor since 2001.

This museum stands as a premier destination for those interested in exploring the history and culture of the area’s Native American peoples; both locations are accessible to the public.

Owing to its significance and world-class collection, the Abbe Museum is now affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute.

12. Shore Path

For those willing to rise early, Bar Harbor’s shore path offers a wonderful opportunity to commence the day with a refreshing walk along the Atlantic coast while awaiting the sunrise.

Established in the 1880s, this pathway begins at Agamont Park near Ellis Pier.

It meanders around much of the island, revealing stunning vistas of other noteworthy landmarks, including Porcupine Rock, the historic Bar Harbor Inn, and picturesque seaside cottages and boats navigating to and from the sea.

13. Frenchman Bay

Named in homage to French explorer Samuel de Champlain who traversed the area in the early 1600s, Frenchman Bay covers significant stretches of land preserved for habitat conservation.

This area supports a variety of wading and shorebirds, and while it remains protected, accessible trails allow visitors to appreciate the natural beauty without causing environmental harm.

Spanning thousands of acres, the bay comprises nearly 25 miles of trails freely accessible, with many visitors opting to make voluntary donations.

14. College of the Atlantic Gardens

Comprising various distinct gardens, the College of the Atlantic Gardens stands as a highlighted feature of the seaside campus, predominantly vibrant during spring and summer when flora is at its pinnacle.

The garden grounds feature interconnected pathways leading to each sector, with informative markers providing insights into the plants encountered.

The guiding objectives for the garden’s management focus on education and conservation. Many areas are named in honor of horticulturalists who historically contributed significantly to the garden’s upkeep and development.

15. George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History

Situated on Eden Street in Bar Harbor, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is replete with interactive displays and artifacts pertaining to the region’s natural history.

Housed within what once served as Acadia National Park’s main administrative offices, one of the museum’s most notable exhibits is a life-sized diorama illustrating the intertwined ecosystems of land and sea.

The museum also features a lifelike tidal pool filled with fascinating marine life, including snails, starfish, and various crab species.

Designed with children in mind, many exhibits encourage hands-on exploration, allowing visitors to engage with nature actively.