{"id":939,"date":"2021-11-12T17:02:51","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T17:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/?p=939"},"modified":"2025-09-15T06:28:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T06:28:53","slug":"bar-harbor-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/bar-harbor-things-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Bar Harbor Maine Things to Do: Top 14 Things To Do On Your Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vacation time is for relaxation, fun, and creating memories, and that’s what you’ll get at Bar Harbor, Maine<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being one of the country’s small towns, this picturesque township is now considered one of the best destinations for a summer vacation in New England, if not the entire United States. But is Bar Harbor, Maine worth visiting? And what is Bar Harbor, Maine, known for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The charming seafront town is the entryway to the remarkable Acadia National Park<\/a>, which spans a more significant part of Mount Desert Island. It’s also home to the College of the Atlantic, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, and Abbe Museum, where you can learn about the Wabanaki culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the town is known for its one-of-a-kind seafood joints, world-class watersports, and artisan shops just beyond the town limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can imagine, there are numerous things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine. This detailed travel guide will enlighten you on the town’s historical significance and the things you’ll enjoy doing on your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several fun activities will keep you coming back to this historical town after your first visit. Here are the things to do near Bar Harbor, Maine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go Hiking On Cadillac Mountain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor<\/em><\/strong> (Photo Credit: Richard Nieves<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. national park system ranks Acadia National Park as the fifth smallest in the country. However, it’s among the most visited thanks to its hiking opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cadillac Mountain<\/a> summit is among New England’s most famous hikes, and you can easily tell why. A hike on this mountain can be among the unique things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This spot stands at 1,530 feet above sea level to offer sweeping views of the park’s lush scenery and rugged Atlantic coastline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s easy to get here via the Park Loop Road, which is 27 miles long and runs directly past the park’s best vistas. You can also drive straight to the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Your Way Across the Northeast Harbor Village <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When figuring out Bar Harbor Maine what to do, this activity should be among the top. You can also enjoy strolling through Northeast Harbor Village not too far from the main street, a historic summer reserve for the most affluent families in the U.S. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, you’ll get to view the quaint town’s ocean-facing mansions, tree-lined streets, and glamorous yachts at the harbor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, the exclusive community is walkable, and you’ll encounter chick boutiques and delicious restaurants. You’ll want to stop by a Bar Harbor Staple, Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegar, and Shaw Jewelry to pick locally made gifts and souvenirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whale Watching on the Atlantic Ocean Waters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Whale Watching Tour, Bar Harbor<\/em><\/strong> (Photo Credit: WoodsyPhotos<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bar Harbor whale watch<\/a> is among the best things to do around Bar Harbor, Maine, in the summer. While the cold Northern Atlantic Ocean waters may hinder you from a leisurely swim, this is the ideal environment for whales, especially between April and October. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick your camera and head out to the ocean on a whale-watching cruise. A naturalist will help you spot humpback whales, dolphins, and sharks and dispense valuable information about their biology and migration patterns. You’ll also learn how to identify a blowhole sound that occurs right before the whale breaches the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diver Ed’s Dive, a reputable boat tour agency, can help you with this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Asticou Azalea Garden<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Asticou Azalea Garde<\/em><\/strong>n, Bar Harbor<\/strong><\/em> (Photo Credit: Felix Lipov<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you still want to spend more time in nature, then this 2.5-acre botanical paradise should be in your plans. Visiting this park will give you a glimpse of the look and feel of Japanese-themed gardens, and you’ll enjoy meditative lawns, zen surroundings, and the numerous native American and exotic azaleas species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the namesake florals, you’ll also encounter huge purple rhododendron bushes and pink cherry trees. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely outdoor walk, so be sure to confirm the blooming schedule to know the most brilliant flowers during your visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, you can also visit Village Green for an almost similar and memorable experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn How to Lobster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Commercial fishing may comprise a more significant fraction of Bar Harbor’s economy, but independent fisheries still operate here. While here, take a thrilling sightsee onboard a traditional lobster boat and learn a new skill: catching lobster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll learn the several lobstering ins and outs from fishers as they make regular checks on their day’s traps. This is among the fun things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, in summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After having enough fun for the day, you’ll sail back down the coast then get a traditional lobster bake from any waterfront restaurant you like. Here, you’ll try local cuisines like clam chowder, steamed lobster, classic blueberry pie, and mussels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Porcupine Island Kayaking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Porcupine Islands, Bar Harbor <\/strong><\/em>(Photo Credit: ESB Essentials<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can also kayak around the Porcupine Islands, a dotted chain evergreen island archipelago, where you’ll interact with birdlife like puffins and seals during high or low tide. This can be the most scenic activity in Bar Harbor and a fun method of exploring the outdoors on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town has several kayak rental outfitters offering full gear and equipment and charging per hour. They also offer guided tours. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n