Town of Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor was an established English settlement in 1796, and its original name was Eden. You might think that it’s named Eden after “The Garden of Eden” because of all its wonderful qualities, but it’s actually named after Sir Richard Eden, an English leader, in a document signed by non-other than Samuel Adams.

Eden’s name was changed to Bar Harbor in 1918 and is a reference to a sandbar that connects the town to the close-by island called Bar Island. And, because there are so many amazing things to share about Bar Harbor, a quaint seaside village in Acadia National Park, we’ll hold off with the historical trivia and dive right in with the exciting details.

Located on the northeastern side of Mount Desert Island overlooking Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park. Many guests start their exploration of the island right in Bar Harbor. And if you choose to make Bar Harbor your home base rather than pitching a tent in one of the many campgrounds in the area, you’ve made an excellent decision. There’s so much to see and do and many wonderful places to stay in this harbor town.

Exploring Bar Harbor Maine

There is so much to experience in Bar Harbor it’s difficult to know where to begin. We’ve narrowed the choices down to a handful of activities not to be missed.

The Shore Path runs along the waterfront for about half a mile with gorgeous views of Frenchman Bay. The path starts at Municipal Marina and ends at Wyman Lane. As the tide recedes, you can explore tidal pools that form on the rocky shore. There are park benches all along the way where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view.

Abbe Museum is an outstanding museum dedicated to Native American culture and history in Maine, focusing on the Wabanaki Nations. There are two locations; the original, at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park, is open seasonally. The newer Abbe Museum is located across from the Village Green and offers changing exhibitions and activities, including guided tours, archaeology field schools, and workshops geared for all ages. The museum is open year-round (limited winter hours).

At low tide, the sandbar or land bridge that inspired Bar Harbor’s name is accessible, and you can hike over to Bar Island. The trek over sand and rock can be wet, so wear appropriate footgear, and remember your timing with the tides. You’ll have about two hours before and after low tide to complete the trip. Not only are the tidal flats your temporary path to Bar Island, but they are also an excellent spot to explore exposed ocean bottom to look for shells, seaweed, and other treasures.

You can join the crew of the four-masted schooner Margaret Todd and enjoy a sail out on a tall ship in Frenchman Bay. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can take part in hoisting the sails or just sit back and relax and appreciate the sights and sounds of the harbor. The schooner is dog-friendly, so your furry, four-footed friends are welcome along.

For another unique Maine experience out on the water, consider climbing aboard LuLu Lobster Boat, a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat, and learn all about lobstering along the coast of Maine. Steaming around on the LuLu Lobster boat also provides an excellent opportunity to look for seals and other marine wildlife while getting a unique view of Mount Desert Island from the mighty Atlantic ocean.

Accommodations in Bar Harbor

For lodging, we thought we’d focus on what has made Bar Harbor and many other seaside villages in this region so popular- their historic and charming waterfront resort-style hotels with beautiful ocean views.

The Bar Harbor Inn has a long history dating back to 1887 when it started as a clubhouse and reading room called the Mount Desert Reading Room right on the rocky shores of Frenchman Bay. Over time it has evolved into three separate and distinct buildings and has incorporated the Reading Room into a “one of a dining experience,” with amazing bay views. The Inn with lush lawns and gorgeous gardens has an infinity-edge ocean pool and spa just minutes from downtown activities. Hugging the edge of the property along the ocean is the Shore Path mentioned earlier as “an activity not to be missed” in Bar Harbor.

Another exciting place to consider for lodging right at the water’s edge is Balance Rock Inn. The Inn is named for a “glacial erratic” you can view along Shore Path. The rock in question, which isn’t typically found here, was carried by a glacier and set down along the coast so that it delicately balances on top of another slender stone, and it is just awe-inspiring. The Inn is as unique as the stone it’s named after. Built in 1903 as a summer cottage, Balance Rock was restored and redesigned in the mid-1980s into an elegant and cozy luxury retreat with all the amenities. Check out the Inn’s Piano Lounge and enjoy drinks and music while taking in breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay.

Delectable Delights

One item not to be missed is the Lobster Ice Cream at Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium. If you aren’t sure seafood in your ice cream is your thing, there are 63 other flavors of ice cream, 12 flavors of gelato, and a gigantic line-up of candies and chocolates, all made from original recipes.

Side Street Cafe’s motto is “Eat, Drink, Live Like A Local.” This locally-owned and family-run business welcomes those from away as whole-heartedly as they embrace their community, and the fare is made with care and served up with kindness. Their menu features award-winning mac & cheese, lobster rolls, lobster dinners, specialty burgers, and Maine blueberry pie. There is always a Margarita of the Moment! Side Street Cafe just seems to be the place to get a great meal and get a good feel for the local vibe.

We wanted to wrap this up by sharing a singular Bar Harbor location that features an intimate coastal garden with spectacular views of Frenchman Bay and a natural history museum. The College of the Atlantic is home to Turrets Seaside Gardens and the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. Stop, smell the flowers and learn about the natural world!

Be sure to check out our full article on Bar Harbor restaurants for more dining recommendations.

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