Bar Harbor, Maine: Top Five Things To Do | Geddy’s

If you are visiting Bar Harbor, Maine this year, here are a few suggestions on local attractions and fun activities that are sure to keep you busy. Explore Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and other quaint New England coastal towns on Mount Desert Island. Also, travel to Nova Scotia, Canada  for the day on The Cat Ferry or take a boat ride to Cranberry Isles, Maine. So, pick and choose what strikes your fancy … and be sure to check-out our “Know Before You Go” blog to plan for that perfect vacation.

Thunder Hole, Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine

1. EXPLORE ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, BAR HARBOR, MAINE

The highlight of everyone’s visit to Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park. It is one of the most popular national parks on the east coast – offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and a plethora of islands (with over 3,000 off the coast of Maine). Also, be sure to read our blog on the top ten facts about Acadia.   Note: Acadia National Park requires park passes from May 25^th to October 22nd. A printed copy of the pass should be prominently displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard.

PARK LOOP ROAD 

Enjoy the scenic attractions of Acadia National Park, driving or biking on the 27 mile Park Loop Road, stopping along the way.

• • Sand Beach – Take a dip in the frigid Atlantic Ocean on Mount Desert Island’s famous Sand Beach … and the only sandy beach in Acadia. Beach swimming is permitted from June 15^th to September 8^th.
  • Beehive – Hike popular Beehive with climbing rungs and ladders for a panoramic view of Mt. Desert Island. Rated medium strenuous.
  • Precipice Loop – Feeling more adventurous? Take the Precipice Trail. Rising over 1,000 feet in slightly less than a mile, it is one of the most strenuous climbs on the island. Note: Acadia National Park closes the trail during the summer, typically, March 15^th to August 15^th, when the peregrine falcons are nesting on the cliffs.
  • Ocean Path – Take a 2.2 miles (4.4 miles round trip) scenic hike along the coastline, enjoying the dramatic rugged terrain and vast Atlantic Ocean.
  • Thunder Hole – At Thunder Hole, watch the ocean spray from waves splashing against an inlet of large boulders. Note: tides matter.
  • Jordan Pond – Hike around Jordan Pond or up to the Bubble Rocks. Afterwards, sit outside on picnic tables at Jordan Pond House Restaurant – overlooking the pond and dining on local favorites – popovers, strawberry jam, and lobster stew … or just go for tea.
  • Carriage Roads – Explore forty-five miles of famous carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller, and used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Also, check-out our blog on Bar Harbor Then and Now. 
  • Eagle Lake – Take a scenic walk or bike ride around this picturesque freshwater lake.

Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine

Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park

With an elevation of 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the east coast and the first place to see the sun from October through March. So, wake-up early and watch the spectacular sunrise … or enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine and cheese & crackers. Note: Acadia National Park requires visitors to purchase a separate park pass specifically for Cadillac Mountain from May 25 through  October 22, 2022. Sunrise passes can be difficult to get. 

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine

Acadia’s Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Built in 1876, the picturesque Bass Harbor Head Light Station is located within Acadia National Park in Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. While there is a path to the lighthouse, it is a private residence. So, visitors are unable to access the building.

Lunch at The Pickled Wrinkle, Birch Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula, Maine

Schoodic Peninsula, Acadia

Take a day trip to Schoodic Peninsula, the quieter side of Acadia National Park. Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park that is on the mainland. Drive or take the Ferry to Winter Harbor – catching the ferry from the pier in front of the Bar Harbor Inn. In Winter Harbor, take the free shuttle, The Island Explorer, to Schoodic Peninsula for a quieter hiking experience – stopping along the way for lunch at The Pickled Wrinkle in Birch Harbor or Corea Lunch on the Wharf in Corea, if you have a car.

Downtown Bar Harbor, Maine and Geddy’s Restaurant overlooking Agamont Park and the Waterfront

2. STROLL THROUGH THE SEASIDE TOWN OF BAR HARBOR, MAINE

Bar Harbor is a quintessential New England coastal town and the largest community on Mount Desert Island. It is also the home to famous Acadia National Park. So, it is the perfect spot to stay during your vacation. You can shop for local gifts, dine on Maine lobster and fresh seafood, and enjoy waterfront activities. Additionally, check out our blog on What’s on your Bar Harbor Bucket List. Suggestions of popular activities to do in Bar Harbor include:

• •  Agamont Park – Overlooking the picturesque town harbor, Agamont Park is an ideal setting for relaxing, picnicking, or watching the sunset. On Wednesday evenings from July 13^th to August 17th, Seaside Cinemas features movies in the park.
  • The Shore Path – Leisurely stroll ¾ of a mile (1 ½ miles roundtrip) from the town pier through Agamont Park along the waterfront viewing cottages/estates from Bar Harbor’s gilded age when the town was the summer resort of the rich and famous with families such as the Vanderbilt’s, Morgan’s, and Ford’s.
  • Bar Island – Walk across the famous sand bridge to Bar Island during low tide. It is how Bar Harbor got its name. Just remember that the tide comes in quickly. So, do not get stranded. The trail is approximately two miles.
  • The Criterion Theater – Enjoy a movie or live performance in this historic art deco theater.
  • The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce – Is a great resource for suggestions on restaurants, shops, lodging, and activities. So, be sure to stop-by their Visitor Center in downtown Bar Harbor on the corner of Main and Cottage.

Agamont Park and the Margaret Todd Schooner, Downtown Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine

BAR HARBOR EXCURSIONS

• • Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company – Enjoy whale watching excursions out on the ocean … and be sure to dress warmly.
  • Schooner Margaret Todd – Set sail around Frenchman’s Bay for a sunset cruise on this beautiful schooner … and step back in time.
  • Lulu’s Lobster Boat – Popular Maine lobster boat cruises that book-up quickly … so plan ahead.
  • Acadian Boat Tours – Smaller boat tours of Puffins, lighthouses, and seabirds – visiting  Mark Island, Petit Manan and Egg Rock Lighthouses. Puffin sightings typically take place between mid-May and mid-August.
  • Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop – Rent bikes in town and peddle your way through Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park. Take the famous carriage trails and park loop road.
  • Ollie’s Trolley – Hop on Ollie’s Trolley for fun tours of Downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Charming Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine

3. DRIVE THROUGH QUAINT NEW ENGLAND COASTAL TOWNS ON MOUNT DESERT ISLAND, MAINE

Somesville

Founded in 1761, Somesville is the oldest European settlement on Mount Desert Island. The village, an historic district, is known for its early architecture, the Acadia Repertory Theater, and its picturesque white picket fences … and frequently photographed footbridge in the center of town.

Northeast Harbor

This quiet New England village, Northeast Harbor, remains a popular summer resort for the rich and famous, including the Rockefeller family, Martha Stewart, and Edward C. “Ned” Johnson III of Fidelity Investments. Visit the beautiful harbor. Admire the spectacular yachts and take a leisurely stroll through the charming town with darling shops. Of course, be sure to stop-by one of my favorite boutiques, Kimball’s Shop. Also, tour the Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden.  For optimal viewing of the azaleas, visit in mid-May through mid-June. Of course, no trip to Northeast Harbor would be complete without visiting the famous Asticou Inn, dining on popovers and tea overlooking the harbor.

Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor  is home to famous Hinckley Yachts and other boat companies. Stroll through the town’s art galleries. Eat at Beal’s Lobster Pier or Thurston’s Lobster Pound, a short drive away in Bernard.

4. TAKE THE CAT FERRY FROM BAR HARBOR, MAINE TO NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

The Cat is back! After years away from Bar Harbor, this high-speed ferry will, once again, resume service between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada – beginning May 19th through October 10th. So, come aboard for this 3.5-hour ocean voyage and explore Yarmouth for the day … or spend a few days visiting other Canadian coastal towns.

5. EXPLORE CRANBERRY ISLES, MOUNT DESERT ISLAND, MAINE

Nestled off the southeast coast of Mount Desert Island, Cranberry Isles is an Archipelago of five rustic islands – Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry, Sutton, Bear, and Baker Islands – of which, only Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry are open to the public. While Great Cranberry is the largest of the islands, Islesford, which is located on Little Cranberry, is the best-known village. Islesford features a small maritime museum, Islesford Historical Museum, as well as artisan and pottery shops, kayak rentals, and cafes, including Islesford Dock Restaurant and Gallery. May through September, Acadia National Park offers ranger-narrated Islesford Historical Cruises.

Geddy’s Famous Bar Harbor Lobster Bake – Maine Lobster, Clam Chowder, Corn on the Cobb, and Yummy Blueberry Pie

So, enjoy this spectacular New England area – Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Mt Desert Island, The Cat Ferry, and Cranberry Isles. Worked-up a hearty appetite? Be sure to “Meet Me At  Geddy’s” – a Bar Harbor tradition since 1974. Come Hungry, soak-up the local vibe, … and enjoy everything that Bar Harbor, Maine has to offer!

Cheers, 🙂

Heather
Geddy’s