Gateway to Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor,
Maine

Rugged coastline. World-class national park.
Legendary lobster. Wild Atlantic magic.

Explore Acadia Things To Do

🦞 Summer 2026: Peak season is June–September — book lodging early, especially for Acadia's popular sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.

Hikes, drives & sunrise

Inns, B&Bs & hotels

Lobster, seafood & more

Whale watching & kayaking

Maine's Most Iconic Coastal Town

Bar Harbor sits at the heart of Mount Desert Island — the third-largest island on the US East Coast. With Acadia National Park at its doorstep, the town blends dramatic granite cliffs and carriage roads with a lively waterfront village full of seafood shacks, art galleries, and whale watching boats.

Whether you're hiking the iconic Precipice Trail, watching the Atlantic sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, or cracking a freshly steamed lobster at a harborside restaurant, Bar Harbor delivers the full Maine experience.

Top Attractions

Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

The first place in the US to see sunrise October–March. Reserve your summit drive permit well in advance.

Acadia Guide →

Whale watching off Bar Harbor, Maine

Whale Watching

Finback, minke, and humpback whales feed in the Gulf of Maine. Daily tours depart from Bar Harbor pier.

Book a Tour →

Bar Harbor village waterfront with lobster boats

Bar Harbor Village

Stroll Cottage Street and the Village Green. Browse galleries, pick up fresh blueberry jam, and find a lobster roll around every corner.

Best Restaurants →

Pack for Bar Harbor

Maine weather is famously unpredictable. Here's what to bring.

Waterproof Hiking Boots

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Packable Rain Jacket

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Binoculars

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Acadia Guide Book

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Find the Perfect Place to Stay

From cozy harbor-view inns to full-service hotels near the park entrance — Bar Harbor has accommodation for every style and budget.

Browse Lodging Options