18+ Best Things To Do In Bar Harbor, Maine

Last updated August 27, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Renowned for its breathtaking seaside beauty and numerous delightful sights, the charming town of Bar Harbor provides a wide array of fun activities.

And if you’re curious about what to explore when you come for a visit, you’ve come to the right spot.

In fact, given the abundance of enjoyment available here, it’s unsurprising that it ranks as a top northeastern travel location.

Here are 18+ best things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine!

Also Read:

1. Acadia National Park

The park of 47,000 acres is an amazing destination to visit, particularly if you seek enjoyable outdoor adventures.

Located along the Atlantic coast’s sandy beaches, the park is found on Mount Desert Island.

Among the top attractions in this park is the scenic Mount Cadillac. It stands prominently in the park’s background.

Acadia National Park also features a landscape filled with forests, rugged shorelines, and rocky summits, ideal for adventure.

It additionally hosts numerous amazing wildlife such as bears, whales, moose, and seabirds.

The park even offers recreational amenities such as historic roads of 27 miles, hiking paths of almost 160 miles, and carriage routes of 45 miles.

In this park, you have the opportunity to camp, climb, ride horses, swim, boat, fish, and carry out other enjoyable activities.

Without a doubt, a trip to Acadia is very recommended as one of Bar Harbor’s most amazing trips.

Also Read:

27 Best Things To Do In Acadia National Park

2. Criterion Theater

If you want a Bar Harbor fun activity, make sure to check out the lovely Criterion Theater.

Constructed in 1932, this theater features art deco style, French chandeliers, floating balconies, and various stunning architectural details that justify a visit here.

This theater is truly magnificent and more importantly, it's a venue for the performing arts that hosts events live and shows movies.

So, if you want a fantastic spot to watch a new movie release, take a look at the theater's movie timetable.

Also, regarding live shows, the iconic Criterion Theater maintains a schedule all year round featuring a mix of seasonal, musical, holiday, dance, and comedy performances.

Previous performances here featured Billy Bob, Bob Marley, Irish artists, and various other thrilling acts.

A well-liked autumn event in this theater is the Hallow dean show featuring a fun Prince band and a costume competition.

The theater also has a small concession stand and a remarkable gift shop.

So, if you're looking for what to check out while in Maine, consider attending a performance at the lovely Criterion Theater.

3. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company

For unforgettable experiences that create magical memories, this company is essential to try out.

While it is primarily recognized for its whale watching excursions, they also provides additional services like nature boat trips and lighthouse visits.

Regardless of the tour you select, you will join a vessel that offers stunning vistas of coastal landscapes, Frenchman Bay, Acadia National Park, and various other important local attractions.

Additionally, every cruise provided by this whale watching company takes place on a cozy catamaran operated by an experienced and skilled captain.

The tours are led by local residents who can highlight the most amazing sights you'll ever encounter.

From seabirds to whales, puffins and lighthouses, the views you’ll experience are truly unique.

Definitely, this company is highly recommended if you want to enjoy nature's finest in Maine.

4. Schoodic Peninsula

Schoodic Peninsula, situated close to Bar Harbor only four miles from the town, is a remarkable place to visit.

Covering over 2500 acres, it is located on the sole mainland part of Acadia.

Among the incredible natural attractions to observe here are granite cliffs, tidal floods, and roaring waves.

Also, encircling the peninsula are Campgrounds and the Schoodic ResearchLearning Center.

A stunning location to enjoy several days or some hours, Schoodic Peninsula even remains among the most well-known Bar Harbor attractions.

Their research center here offers valuable insights into the local environment, and the campgrounds stand as an excellent choice for enjoying the outdoors with stunning vistas.

Although numerous campsites here are basic hike-in locations, additional options comprise RV hookups and cottages.

Without a doubt, a delightful Bar Harbor destination to explore is Schoodic Peninsula because it offers everything.

5. Bar Harbor Inn

This Inn, a top vacation destination in Maine, is a place that offers guests exceptional lodging.

Constructed in the 1880s, this inn is located by the shore with stunning ocean views in every direction.

It is not just among the finest Maine spots to view a sunrise, it’s also located on Frenchman Bay together with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia as its scenery.

Most importantly, the inn boasts awe-inspiring amenities, beautiful architecture, and exceptional service.

Elegant rooms adorned with lovely decor and cozy beds are ready for you here.

The inn also features oceanfront dining across two restaurants, a continental breakfast, exceptional spa treatments, a fitness center, hot tubs, a nice gift shop, and swimming pools.

In fact, this inn ranks among the top attractions in Bar Harbor, so go ahead and reserve your stay and you’ll surely be pleased.

6. George Dorr Museum Natural History

This remarkable museum focuses on interpreting and showcasing artifacts related to Maine’s natural history specifically.

Located in the adjacent national park’s original headquarters, the museum was inaugurated in 1969.

It is one of several Bar Harbor educational sites, featuring numerous stunning exhibits that will be explained by a well-informed docent.

Among the numerous fantastic exhibits at this museum are wildlife dioramas, a unique touch tank featuring marine life, interactive displays, and much more.

This museum also offers engaging educational programs that’ll appeal to both children and adults.

Also, exciting activities here include scavenger hunts, tidal pool exploration, exploring nature, and a lot more.

Ranked among the top destinations to visit in Maine, this museum should definitely be on your itinerary of sites to explore.

Also Read:

7. Wild Acadia Camping Resort

This resort is among the most exciting and adventurous activities to enjoy in Bar Harbor.

This resort includes both water and land rides that are enjoyable for everyone in the family.

When you stay here, the Fun-park attractions are part of your stay, but day passes are available for those who are not guests.

An adventure park featuring a fun climbing wall, exciting obstacles, and zip lines is among Wild Acadia Camping Resort’s main attractions.

There are also other attractions like a golf course of 18 holes, a trampoline, and go-kart racing.

Then, regarding water attractions, the resort offers an exhilarating array of water war activities, waterslides, and swimming pools.

The resort also features delightful concessions, an arcade, and a lovely gift shop.

Wild Acadia is definitely among the most enjoyable activities to experience with the entire family in Bar Harbor, Maine.

8. Jordan Pond

This is a distinctive water body located in Acadia.

This pond's allure lies in its status as one of America's rare oligotrophic tarns; this indicates that this pond cannot sustain any form of life, including fish and plant life.

Jordan Pond features 3+ miles of untouched shoreline and encompasses almost 200 acres.

It was created during the very last ice age and is around 145 feet deep.

This pond is notably encircled by Cadillac Mountain’s towering summits and a stunning forested scenery.

The exact glacier that created Jordan Pond likewise shaped geological formations that are exciting to discover and capture in photos.

In case you intend to pay a visit to Jordan Pond, be aware that parking is limited, though buses from public lots nearby are available.

Even, apart from enjoying a lunch by the pond which is always pleasant, the pond also features the JordanPond House, a fantastic restaurant that is definitely worth a visit.

9. Frenchman Bay

Frenchman Bay, which was named after Samuel Champlain, a French explorer, is among the numerous stunning Bar Harbor attractions to visit.

Nestled between Mount Desert Island’s shore and the southern coast of Maine, Frenchman Bay serves as a location for numerous watersports and observation.

At its broadest point, the bay spans 7 miles from Bar Harbor mainland to MountDesert Island.

It's actually the fastest path to take if exploring Mount DesertIsland, and there's a handy ferry operating back and forth throughout the summer.

Frenchman Bay activities that you may find enjoyable include boat tours, sailing, fishing, paddleboarding, sightseeing trips, whale watching, scenic tours, and kayaking.

Filled with enjoyable activities in and near the water, an adventurous trip here is strongly encouraged.

10. ImprovAcadia

For an enjoyable activity in Bar Harbor, Maine with adult audiences, make sure to check out ImprovAcadia.

ImprovAcadia stands as a fantastic venue to enjoy fun live performances from comedians, illusionists, singers, and drag performers.

Also, other enjoyable activities at ImprovAcadia include open improvisation sessions and game evenings.

Be sure to look at their events calendar prior to your trip to find out who will be happening during your visit.

Future events will include karaoke evenings, live performers, stand-up comedy, and pizza events.

You can even book a table ahead of your trip to ImprovAcadia.

They also have a complete bar along with light bites and sweets, so you can sip and snack while enjoying first-class entertainment.

11. Ocean Path Trail

This is a picturesque hiking route that allows access to several remarkable Bar Harbor sights.

Winding alongside the Maine coastline, this trail stretches around four miles for a round trip.

This path consists of a combination of gravel and concrete, along with rough, rocky areas, and certain sections feature stone steps that need to be climbed in order to continue.

This trail is appropriate for novice hikers and closely supervised children.

It starts at the beautiful Sand Beach, then goes by Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and the scenic Otter Point.

This trail meanders through verdant woodlands alongside stunning rock structures, and near remarkable granite surfaces.

Throughout the trail, you'll experience stunning vistas of Door Mountain and Cadillac Mountain.

It is among Bar Harbor’s premier tourist spots due to the numerous stunning views it offers from a single hiking path.

12. Agamont Park

This is a city park located in Bar Harbor center.

Situated on a beautiful hill, the park offers stunning 180° vistas of Frenchman Bay and Bar Harbor.

Enveloped by beautiful gardens, winding paths, and charming benches for enjoying the views, Agamont Park stands as one of the few free activities to enjoy while you're visiting.

The entrance to this park features a stunning fountain that serves as an ideal photo backdrop.

The park also offers useful features like free wifi and access to Ellis Pier nearby.

An intriguing historical fact is that this park is located on the Agamont House’s site, a previous hotel that was unfortunately consumed by fire.

Also Read:

13. Oli’s Trolley

This tour ranks among the most exciting Bar Harbor activities to enjoy.

The tours are entirely guided by local specialists.

Oli's provides a variety of tour options to pick from, and regardless of which options you choose, they all lead you to key sites in Bar Harbor.

During your visit, you’ll discover local historical landmarks, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the important figures of the area.

The most sought-after trolley tours consist of an Acadia Tour, a Bar Harbor Downtown Tour, a Tour of Cadillac Mountain, and small private tours.

The duration of the particular tour you select can range from 3 to 4 hours.

Along your journey, there will be numerous brief pauses meant for discovery.

Every tour starts and finishes at the lively Harbor Place. Here, visitors can find a nice gift shop and restrooms at Oli’s.

In fact, among the Bar Harbor activities, Oli’s Trolley offers a very fine way to explore numerous important locations.

14. Town Pier

Located at Bar Harbor Village’s foot, Town Pier features over 4 acres of unspoiled waterfront pathways.

Nestled between two private piers, it is an ideal location to enjoy the breathtaking waterfront scenery.

Here, you can appreciate seabirds soaring above, gaze at the beautiful vessels drifting past, and enjoy the stunning sunsets.

Additionally, Town Pier serves as an ideal location to kayak, hire a boat, engage in fishing, and experience wind jamming.

The perfectly maintained lawns next to Town Pier remain the ideal spot for spreading a picnic blanket, enjoying the views, or reading a book.

Even, one of Town Pier’s numerous remarkable features is its impressive sandbar that unveils itself daily at lower tide.

Here, you can look for geological structures, seashells, and hidden treasures.

Indeed, Town Pier remains essential to visit and a main Bar Harbor tourist spot.

15. Thunder Hole

In case you're considering Bar Harbor's great outdoor activities, don’t miss Thunder Hole.

This natural stone cove, located deep inside Acadia, is a breathtaking view to witness.

Named because of the mighty noises of the ocean’s powerful waves slamming against the rugged coasts, a Thunder Hole trip is truly amazing.

On a tall observation pier constructed atop the extending jetty, the seaspray (occasionally more than mere spray) feels against the skin with every crashing wave.

Regardless of whether you come when the waves are raging or on a serene ocean day, the splendor you will witness here is unmatched.

Make sure to bring a camera since you will not want to overlook the amazing photo chances.

Thunder Hole, formed by naturally shaped rock structures, attracts tourists from all over.

So, if you're seeking a unique spot to propose or for a romantic date, Thunder Hole remains without a doubt a romantic activity in ME; plus, it’s one of the few free options available.

16. Abbe Museum

This is a well-known local spot that features two sites, both situated in Bar Harbor.

This museum focuses on safeguarding and presenting the history of Maine’s native inhabitants, the Waponahki.

The museum was established in the year 1928 and discovered by a dr who began a Bar Harbor summer residency.

Named after Dr. Abbe, its founder, the museum features a Native American artifacts unique assortment, all originating from the Frenchman Bay Area of Maine.

Some other local entrepreneurs with similar interests also contributed to the collection of the museum.

Even, this museum was Maine’s initial institution to promote archeological studies, further demonstrating its value for public learning and regional artifacts.

At the iconic Abbe Museum, you'll encounter Waponahki art along with artifacts that are over 12000 years old.

So, if you want the top activities in Bar Harbor that explore local history, be sure to visit this museum.

17. Acadia Scenic Flight

For an unforgettable adventure and to view Bar Harbor, Maine’s most picturesque locations, take in the sights from the sky.

Acadia Scenic Flights offers you the chance to glide over the charming seaside village in an exciting Cessna 172.

You can experience many sights easily through this incredible aerial tour of the numerous Bar Harbor attractions.

Scenic Flights provides several outstanding options, all narrated and led by skilled and knowledgeable pilots.

Several of their aerial excursions feature Schoodic Point sights, nearby lighthouses, and the beautiful autumn foliage.

Their flight excursions range from 35 - 75 minutes based on the package selected.

And regardless of the duration of your flight, this bird’s-eye perspective of several important locations in Bar Harbor is invaluable.

18. Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain’s most notable feature is that it is the first place in the US to witness the sunrise in wintertime.

Therefore, viewing a Cadillac Mountain sunrise is a favored activity in Maine.

Cadillac Mountain may be accessed by hiking or by car, with a climb of almost 3 ½ miles to the summit of the mountain.

Upon reaching the summit, you will have an ideal point for capturing photographs of the most stunning landscapes of Maine.

The summit of Cadillac Mountain is a beautiful spot for having a picnic, observing the sunrise, reflecting, and unwinding.

Additionally, the summit features public restrooms and a lovely gift shop just for visitors' convenience.

So, make sure you visit Cadillac Mountain because it's one of Bar Harbor’s most exciting activities.

19. GreatHarbor Maritime Museum

Situated on Main Street in Northshore Harbor, this museum is among the numerous outstanding attractions close to Bar Harbor.

It’s precisely located in the old town firestation and serves as a tribute to the area's maritime heritage.

Among the numerous fantastic displays you’ll find at this museum are antique news articles, vintage postcards, harbor furnishings, etc.

New displays are also constantly appearing at the museum.

Previous exhibits here have showcased steamship travel along with model ships.

So, if you’re traveling with kids or adults interested in local and maritime history, this museum is a distinctive activity to enjoy.

Even better, this museum is among the limited free activities available in Bar Harbor.

Also Read:

Conclusion

In case you arrived in Bar Harbor feeling uncertain about what to explore, you can now be confident that there are many options available for you.

With a vibrant art community, fantastic dining options, breathtaking natural landscapes, and numerous family-oriented activities, Bar Harbor offers an abundance of experiences.

This charming town in Maine is recognized for its friendliness and hospitality while truly embodying a coastal lifestyle.

So, regardless of how you arrange your plans, a Bar Harbor trip will not let you down.

Search This Blog

My Uc Travels