Have a weekend and looking to spend it in Bar Harbor, Maine? We can't blame you. Bar Harbor is a great town surrounded by one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States (Acadia National Park) and belongs on everyone's bucket list. Check out our perfect weekend itinerary in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine, where we've highlighted some of the best restaurants, bars and hotels!
Just a note about timing. The best time to visit Bar Harbor is during the summer months, from June to August. Obviously, this avoids both the depths of winter (when many spots are closed for the season) and the muddy Spring season. Of course, Summer is the most visited and, thus, crowded time of year, so be sure to book your accommodations and activities (including a pass to Acadia) in advance. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider visiting Bar Harbor during the shoulder months (May or September). The weather is still pleasant, there are fewer crowds and hotel prices might be a bit cheaper.
Day 1:
First things first: everyone talks about how beautiful the sunrise is from Acadia National Park, and that is for good reason. It is stunning! The scene from Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Eastern seaboard, is breathtaking, but it can get very, very congested. Skip it. Just plant yourself along the eastern edge of Park Loop Road (the outcropping between Sand Beach Overlook and Thunder Hole is perfect (see below)). It's a serene setting and a wonderfully meditative way to start your day, with the calming ebb and flow of the water against pink, sun-kissed granite and the shadowy black igneous rocky shore. Acadia is one of the 10 most visited U.S. National Parks, and this sunrise is a good reason why.
A trip to one of the most beautiful National Parks in America wouldn't be complete without a fair amount of time spent outdoors. Acadia has over 150 miles of trails to choose from, spread out over more than 47,000 acres and ranging from more casual strolls (like the 1.3 mile Ship Harbor Trail) to the not-for-the faint of heart Precipice Trail (which requires you to climb, via metal handrungs set into the stone, up the sheer face of the cliff - but the views are stunning). Start early, particularly in the Summer, as some of these trails (e.g. the Beehive, Precipice and Jordan Pond Path) can get a bit busy (and can be quite hot by midday). If hiking doesn’t work for you, the Park Loop Road, which winds its way through Acadia, is gorgeous and offers many beautiful picture-perfect overlooks and points of interest (such as Thunder Hole, Otter Point Overlook and more). Remember that Acadia requires an entrance pass, and if you want to drive up the Cadillac Summit Road between the end of May and end of October, you'll need a separate vehicle pass (which you should book in advance). Both passes can be obtained here.
Once you've taken in some early morning beauty, it's time for a late breakfast or early lunch. Head to the Jordan Pond House and get a table with a view of eponymous Jordan Pond, so you can continue to enjoy the stunning scenery whilst refueling. Their popovers have a bit of a following (and come in strawberry jam and better, or blueberry (upon request)) but the entire menu is solid, especially after a long morning exploring.
If your still craving scenery, check out the 1.5 mile Shore Path starting at Agamont Park and heading towards Main Street. From there, and for the rest of the day, we'd suggest some leisurely wandering around Bar Harbor itself. This pretty New England town, which dates back to 1796, has lots to see and do. Main and Cottage Streets, for example, have a number of cute local shops to explore. Whether you're in need of some hiking and climbing gear from Cadillac Mountain Sports, some luxury jewelry courtesy of Bliss Jewelers, or locally made arts and crafts from Island Artisans, there are plenty of great locally owned vendors to help fill your suitcases with treasures.
Looking for a good bar brewery in Bar Harbor? Check out Fogtown Brewing Company located on Cottage Street which focuses on farmhouse ales, sours, spiced ales and a whole slew of other craft concoctions. With a respectable focus on sustainability (73% of their electricity needs are generated renewably) and a heavy emphasis on waste reduction (they utilize the spent grains from brewing in their pizza dough, as food for local farm animals and their own hogs (which eventually show up in their sausages and pizza)) Fogtown is an ethically focused business that does not compromise on flavor.
For dinner, end your first day strong with a trip to Havana, an excellent local spot with a relaxed but elegant atmosphere. Serving up fine dining Cuban American fare with a focus on humanely, organic and ethically sourced meats and seafood, Havana has been going strong for over 25 years. You're in Maine and can't go wrong with the fresh lobster moqueca (served with haddock over jasmine rice, with red peppers, onion, pineapple and a coconut broth). Alternatively, you can opt for more turf than surf and go with the carne (a charbroiled beef tenderloin with brown butter, whipped potatoes and herbed asparagus). And be sure to check out their extensive wine and drink list (they won a Wine Spectators Award of Excellence in 2021 for a reason) which includes a number of cognacs, armagnacs and grappas (with a selection of cigars to go with it). It's a great, laid back but epicureally exciting way to start your weekend.
Day 2:
For breakfast, head to the very popular 2 Cats Restaurant (down Cottage, towards Eden St.). Open from 6:00 A.M. on the weekends (6:30 A.M. on weekdays) to 1:00 P.M. daily, this spot gets VERY busy, but the food is all lovingly handmade and worth the wait. You're here for breakfast, so think omelettes (like the smoked trout, red onion, dill, creamy horseradish and cheddar), traditional egg benedict (with homemade biscuits), or go veggie friendly with a tofu scramble (with a strawberry buttered biscuit). Another great option is Jordan's Restaurant, an almost 50 year old institution with a heavy focus on locally grown blueberries and traditional American style breakfast (e.g. pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon). It too is a popular spot, perfect to fuel up for another day taking in the sights.
After breakfast, it's time to do a bit more exploring. Book a tour with the Bar Harbour Whale Watch Co. to see puffins, seals, whales and/or lobster fishing in action. Tours start as early as 8 A.M. with the last run around 6:15 P.M. (for their happy hour nature cruise). If sailing is more your speed, Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines sets sail from the pier directly in front of the Bar Harbor Inn (see below). If it's late in the day, book their romantic sunset sail, with live on board music, beer and wine for some jaw dropping views of, and from, the Bay. Or, if you're in need of something a bit more private, there are local boat charters such as Acadian Boat Tours, which offer private charters (including fishing trips) for up to 6 people. Whatever you choose, this is a great way to see Frenchman Bay in more depth, and to snap some IG worthy photos of Cadillac Mountain, the Beehive, and other parts of Acadia and the surrounding area.
For dinner, it's time for a real treat. The Veranda, located in the picturesque Balance Rock Inn (see below), features both an a la carte menu and a blind tasting menu. We had the best rabbit confit we've ever had, and don't even get us started on the smoked butter and housemade rolls. Fantastic service with killer views and memory making dishes, The Veranda should be on your shortlist when visiting Bar Harbor. This is a perfect date night spot.
Alternatively, we can't say enough good things about Project Social Kitchen & Bar. They open at 4:00pm (Monday through Saturday), have a dog friendly garden and porch area and have a great cocktail list which includes standouts like their Midnight (reposado tequila infused with blackberry and thyme, Cointreau, and jalapeno simple syrup and garnished with a lime) and their Zingiber (vodka, Domaine de Canton (that brandy-based, ginger and vanilla bit of magic out of France) blueberry puree, ginger beer and citrus). Their dinner menu is nothing to scoff at either, with a large selection of boards and spreads (e.g. bone marrow, smoked trout dip and chicken liver mousse, to name a few) and our personal favorite, the achiote braised duck tacos (with green apple salsa verde, pickled red onion and watermelon radish).
Finally, while you'll need to check the schedule beforehand (obviously), the 1932 Criterion Theatre, a gorgeous near 100 year old theater on Cottage Street, gets some great acts and is definitely worth of a visit.
Where to Stay.
The Balance Rock Inn is an enchanting, and accolade-bedazzled, retreat (including a 2022 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence) that seamlessly blends luxury and tranquility. Overlooking Frenchman Bay, and a very short walk from the shops of downtown Bar Harbor, the Balance Rock Inn is the perfect home base for a weekend trip to Bar Harbor.
Just north of the Balance Rock, is the larger (but also gorgeous) Bar Harbor Inn. With an onsite spa, outdoor infinity pool, captivating gardens, and four (4) onsite restaurants, you can't go wrong with this luxurious and historic hotel (which dates back to 1887). Make a reservation at their main, fine dining spot (the Reading Room Restaurant) and enjoy gorgeous views of the Bay and the Porcupine Islands while you delight in Maine staples like the Lobster Bisque (with chive crème fraîche) or the Downeast "Lazy " Lobster (with potato purée, charred baby carrots, red wine jus and clarified butter).
Finally, there is the dog friendly The Bayview Hotel, a romantic boutique hotel on a short rolling hill nestled up against the Mount Desert Narrows and overlooking Bar Island. Its 26 comfortably appointed rooms each have their own private oceanfront balcony with views that belong on a postcard. The onsite Rusticator Lounge offers small bites and craft cocktails in a modern setting (also with views). Oh, and its dog friendly, so bring the pup!
Whenever you go, you will quickly discover that Bar Harbor, Maine, is a stunning, picture-worthy vacation destination you won't soon forget. From savoring fresh seafood to conquering thrilling hiking trails, let Bar Harbor captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more of its coastal charm.