Bar Harbor may have been a quiet, undiscovered haven for decades, but today its cool summers and ample natural beauty welcomes thousands of visitors from near and far. Located on Mount Desert Island, this seaside village is ideal for tourists who enjoy a small-town atmosphere and all of the charm that comes from being in close proximity to the water. Book Bar Harbor vacation rentals with views of the Atlantic coastline or rugged Cadillac Mountain, and prepare to be impressed.
Climate
Bar Harbor residents and visitors enjoy mild summers and cold winters. Temperatures in July and August rarely top 80 degrees, while winter temperatures typically hover in the 20s and 30s. Summer is generally the most popular time to visit, given the pleasant weather, but fall also draws crowds thanks to the area's stunning foliage. Whenever you decide to visit, pack appropriately by bringing clothing for cool weather as temperatures can fluctuate significantly from day-to-day and from daytime to nighttime.
Transit
Bar Harbor is relatively remote, but that doesn't mean it isn't easily accessible via major highways. If you're driving north along the East Coast, Bar Harbor is just a few miles off U.S. Highway 1 or about 35 miles off Interstate 95. If you fly into the area, book your flight into Hancock County - Bar Harbor Airport or Bangor International Airport, which is about 50 miles from Bar Harbor. In Bangor, it's easy to rent a car and drive to and from Bar Harbor vacation rentals and the area's top attractions.
Things to Do
No trip to Bar Harbor is complete without a visit to Acadia National Park or a hike across Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park is home to some of Maine's most gorgeous, rugged coastline, as well as Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the East Coast. Here you can hike, climb, fish, or take a scenic tour straight to the summit. There are roughtly 125 miles worth of trails for hiking and walking around Bar Harbor. To explore the best of Mount Desert Island, charter a boat, go whale watching, or rent a kayak to go at your own pace.
Bar Harbor is a great place to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Spot whales off the coast or take a guided tour to see other forms of wildlife, such as seabirds, dolphins and sharks.
Museums are also a wonderful place for families to visit while staying in Bar Harbor vacation rentals. The George B. Dorr Museum of Nature is one such museum and includes exhibits featuring a variety of marine creatures. Abbe Museum has two locations and visitors can explore exhibits of the Wabanaki, the native people of Maine, at the museum’s downtown location. At the second location, tourists can view archeological discoveries of the early 20th century.
Food
Bar Harbor is best known for its cozy cafés and downhome seafood spots, so be sure to add one or two of both to your agenda. The 2 Cats Inn and Café is the ideal Bar Harbor breakfast spot, with hearty smoked salmon omelets, rich eggs Benedict, and sweet stacks of pancakes. Get there early to snag one of the coveted outdoor tables, where you can enjoy your breakfast while you watch the town come to life.
For a bite of some of Bar Harbor's freshest seafood, look no further than the Lazy Lobster. A great spot for lunch, this café specializes in lobster rolls, steamed lobster, clam chowder, lobster bisque, and freshly baked Maine blueberry pie.
Events
For decades, early summer has signaled the start of the Bar Harbor Music Festival, which brings thousands of musicians and music lovers to Bar Harbor. Get your tickets ahead of time so you don't miss a single orchestra, chorus, or ensemble performance from internationally renowned artists.
In June, vacationing families can attend the Art in the Park Art Show on the Village Green. This is a two-day event that features the works of photographers and painters who both display and sell their works during the show.
Every summer, the Acadia Night Sky Festival lights up the sky and showcases one of the most spectacular expanses of starlit sky around the globe. Since the Bar Harbor area suffers from significantly less light pollution than many other areas around the U.S., the stars shine brightly here. At the festival, you can attend astronomy workshops, view the night sky with locals and tourists, and witness the sunrise from one of the easternmost vantage points in the U.S.
From the scenic coastline to the cozy cafés, Bar Harbor welcomes you. Whether you visit during the height of summer or the colorful fall season, book your Bar Harbor vacation rentals in advance for the best selection.
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