What To Know Before You Go: Bar Harbor, Maine | Geddy’s
Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine this year? Know before you go to make the most out of your Mount Desert Island vacation. Enjoy everything that this quaint New England coastal town has to offer, including Acadia National Park. Whether you are staying for a week or just for a day, Bar Harbor is the perfect vacation destination for enjoying the great outdoors!
A TOP VACATION DESTINATION – BAR HARBOR, MAINE
A charming seaside town located on Mount Desert Island (“MDI”), Bar Harbor is the largest town on MDI and home to famous Acadia National Park. US News & World ranks Bar Harbor as the #16 top US place to visit in its annual ranking of best vacation spots for 2021 – 2022. Visiting the area this year? Read more.
PLAN AHEAD FOR THE PERFECT TRIP – MOUNT DESERT ISLAND, MAINE
- HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU SPEND IN BAR HARBOR?
Typically, visitors spend 3 days to a week or more in Bar Harbor – enabling them to get a good taste of what the area has to offer – scenic Acadia National Park, hiking trails, biking paths, whale watching, puffin excursions, kayaking trips, golf outings, rock climbing classes, bird watching adventures, lighthouse tours, and quaint New England villages. Also, shop and dine in historic downtown Bar Harbor. If you don’t have three days to spare, no worries. You can still get a good sense of the area in just a day or two.
- WHAT ARE THE COVID REQUIREMENTS IN THE STATE OF MAINE?
The State of Maine is currently not requiring Covid testing, proof of vaccination, or the wearing of masks. While mask wearing is optional, some businesses may require patrons to wear face coverings and to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Typically, signage is posted outside the establishment. Prior to your trip, please confirm the most recent COVID requirements at https://www.maine.gov/covid19/.
- WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN VISITING BAR HARBOR’S ACADIA NATIONAL PARK?
> ACADIA NATIONAL PARK PASSES
Acadia National Park is the crown jewel of Bar Harbor and a popular destination for over 3 million visitors annually. From May through October 19th, Acadia National Park passes are required and should be purchased in advance of your trip at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74271. However, they can also be purchased in-person at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Park passes are valid for seven days, and the cost varies based on the pass type – individual with no vehicle ($15), motorcycle ($25), private vehicle ($30), annual ($55), annual senior pass ($80). Federal Recreational Land Passes can also be used. A hardcopy of park passes must be printed and prominently displayed on your vehicle dashboard. For additional information on park passes, please reference https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/fees.htm.
> CADILLAC MOUNTAIN PASSES
In addition to Acadia National Park Passes, a separate pass MUST be purchased in advance for Cadillac Mountain, whether you are watching the sunrise, sunset, or just sightseeing during the day. The cost is $4.00 per vehicle. Passes can be purchased at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/400000 and can be printed out or scanned digitally. As Internet connectivity can sometimes be sporadic, we would suggest printing out the pass or taking a photo of the QR code from your phone, just to be safe.
If Cadillac Mountain Passes are unavailable on your preferred date/time, please note that visitors can also enter the area by foot, bicycle, or taxi with an Acadia National Park Pass and without a Cadillac Mountain Pass. Also, tour agencies typically provide both park passes for their guests. Reference “What Is The Best Way To Tour Mount Desert Island.” - WHAT AIRPORTS ARE CLOSE TO BAR HARBOR, MAINE?
There are two airports that are conveniently located near Bar Harbor – Hancock County-Bar Harbor Regional Airport, approximately 10 miles away in Trenton, and Bangor International Airport for major carriers and international connections, roughly 50 miles away. Another alternative is the much larger Boston Logan Airport in Massachusetts, which is 280 miles or about a 5-hour drive. Rental car and ground transportation options can be found at each airport. Please note that transportation reservations are highly recommended. - WHERE TO STAY IN BAR HARBOR?
Bar Harbor offers a wide selection of choices to fit your vacation needs at every price point– whether you are looking for a less expensive place to stay or a luxurious accommodation. Find that ideal hotel, cottage, inn, bed & breakfast, motel, vacation rental, historic property, or campground. Several popular choices include: the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa to pamper yourself, Balance Rock Inn for an exclusive boutique experience, The Bayview for a distinctive historic estate rental, and The Central House for a charming historic inn in the center of town with modern amenities. Keep in mind that prices vary by season with higher costs in June through August, when the weather is typically warmer. So, find that perfect place to hang your head in Bar Harbor. - WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TOUR MOUNT DESERT ISLAND?
> Island Explorer – provides complimentary transportation to Acadia National Park from late June through Columbus Day. The bus also makes stops in town and other locations on Mount Desert Island. For the latest information, please check out their website at http://www.exploreacadia.com/.
> Oli’s Trolley – offers narrated open-air tours of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Experience the best of Mount Desert Island on Oli’s Trolley. For additional information, please reference their website at https://olistrolley.com/.
> Acadia National Park Tours – operates sightseeing excursions of Acadia National Park with experienced guides in the comfort of buses. Open mid-May through October. Discover more: https://www.acadiatours.com/.
> At Your Service – narrates private and personal van tours of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Mount Desert Island with local island guides. Learn more at https://www.atyourservicetours.net/. - WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR NORTHEAST ADVENTURE?
Typically, temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit on Mount Desert Island. In the spring, summer and fall, temperatures can vary between 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees F. So, pack accordingly, bring casual clothes, … and layer your wardrobe. In the warmer summer months, bring shorts, swimsuit, and a pair of pants/jeans for hiking, walking, golfing, or swimming, along with summer tops/t-shirts … and comfy shoes. Also, pack warmer cloths, such as a jacket, rain gear, sweatshirt, and sweater – as the temperatures can drop at night … and it can be particularly cold out on the water. For planning your trip, check out Bar Harbor average monthly temperatures. - WHERE TO DINE IN BAR HARBOR?
Hungry? There are plenty of casual and family-friendly restaurants in Bar Harbor. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Dine and unwind on Seafood, Italian, Indian, American, Japanese, Chinese, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Latin American cuisine. Of course, be sure to visit famous Geddy’s – serving-up authentic local Seafood and American eats with a hip island vibe overlooking the harbor. Other popular dining options include Jordan’s Restaurant, Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, Café This Way, 2 Cats Restaurant, The Jordan Pond House, Thirsty Whale Tavern, Galyn’s, and Havana. - WHAT TO SHOP FOR ON MOUNT DESERT ISLAND?
Forget to pack a sweatshirt? Looking for that perfect souvenir or a one-of-a-kind gift? Bar Harbor has plenty of quaint shops to find exactly what you are looking for – memorable t-shirt, a good book, hiking gear, art & photography, fashionable accessories, or that special gift. So, shop ‘til you drop in downtown Bar Harbor. There are plenty of choices. So, discover local finds from a variety of high-end boutiques and unique specialty shops, including Geddy’s Down-Under, Geddy’s By The Sea (formerly Patrick’s By The Sea), The Acadia Shops, Versatile-U, Penelope’s, Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shops, Katahdin Photo Gallery, and Cadillac Mountain Sports, to name a few.
A PERFECT ISLAND GETAWAY – BAR HARBOR
So, come enjoy everything that Bar Harbor has to offer. Know before you go … and create lasting memories of your Mount Desert Island vacation. Interested in learning more? Read our next blog on top Bar Harbor Attractions. Also, contact the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce – a great resource for helping you to plan that perfect island getaway.
Cheers, 🙂
Heather
Geddy’s
