24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bar Harbor (Maine)
1. Coastal Kayaking Tours
Get in touch with Coastal Kayaking Tours if you’re an experienced kayaker looking for some excitement on the sea.
Kayak rentals and trips can be arranged for you and your family by Coastal Kayaking trips.
Every tour departs from Mount Desert Island and offers you a different perspective on the surrounding attractions of the island.
Coastal Kayaking Tours offers kayak tours that range in duration from 2.5 to 4 hours, during which time certified instructors will instruct you while you explore uncharted waters.
Some of the cruises go around the harbor, some are accessible for paddle sessions at sunset, and several of the tours explore Porcupine Island and Frenchman Bay.
You may encounter some of the local marine life, including seals, porpoises, birds, and other species, while on a kayak excursion.
For those seeking an alternative experience, Coastal Kayaking experiences offers customized hiking experiences in Acadia Park.
Coastal Kayaking Tours are one of the most exciting activities you can do in Maine and should definitely be on your list of things to do.
Address: 48 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
2. D’Alessio Gallery
A well-known local artist in the center of Bar Harbor is Russell D’Allessio.
Every art lover’s sensibility will be satisfied by D’Alessio’s amazing breadth of work, which encompasses multimedia and canvas mediums.
Every piece of art in the gallery is a vibrant exploration of the human spirit.
The artwork of D’Alessio is imaginative, audacious, and realistic.
The atmosphere of the gallery is friendly rather than stuffy as some galleries may be.
D’Allessio uses paint to communicate amazing stories, and each brushstroke he makes deepens his connection to the spirit of the observer.
Apart from the pieces created by D’Alessio, the gallery showcases the creations of other nearby artists.
D’Alessio Gallery invites guests six days a week or by appointment, regardless of whether you’re hoping to connect with a specific artist or experience something different while connecting with artwork.
Address: 12 Mount Desert Street space #1& 2, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
3. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Near the center of Bar Harbor lies Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, offering family enjoyment in one convenient location.
With a pirate theme, this 18-hole mini golf course has tons of amazing elements, like a sunken ship, scary tunnels, waterfalls, and even cave features.
Enormous vegetation and ominous footbridges contribute to the pirate motif.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is a great option if you’re searching for an entertaining family activity.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, one of the best activities in Bar Harbor, with 18- and 36-hole golf courses.
A bit of a legend, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf has locations around the United States.
No matter where you play mini golf, you’ll definitely have a great time, but Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is more unique than the others because every detail has been well thought out.
Address: 368 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
4. Bar Harbor Town Pier
Town Pier is at the base of Bar Harbor Village and has more than four acres of clean waterfront paths.
With two privately owned piers on either side, Town Pier is a great place to enjoy the view of the water.
The views from Town Pier are unbeatable. You can watch sea birds fly high, look at the beautiful boats float by, or enjoy the stunning sunsets.
Along with that, Town Pier is a great place to launch a kayak, rent a boat, go windjamming, or go deep-sea fishing.
The well-kept grounds next to the pier are the best place to set up a blanket for a picnic, take in the view, or read a book.
One of the many great things about Town Pier is the awesome beach that shows up every day at low tide.
Now is the best time to look for seashells, rocks, and riches that have sunk.
The Town Pier in Bar Harbor, Maine, is one of the best places to visit there.
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
5. Agamont Park
Agamont Park is a city park in the middle of Bar Harbor, Maine. It is at the very end of Main Street.
From the park’s beautiful hill, you can see Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and Mount Desert Island in every direction.
Agamont Park is one of the few free things to do in town. It has beautiful landscaping, winding walks, and nice benches from which to enjoy the view.
A beautiful fountain at the park’s entrance makes for a great picture background.
Plus, Agamont Park is one of the best places to see the fireworks show every Fourth of July.
There is free Wi-Fi in the park, and you can walk out to the nearby Ellis Pier, which goes to Frenchman Bay.
The park is located where the Agamont House used to be, which was a hotel that sadly burnt down. This is an interesting historical fact.
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
6. ImprovAcadia
ImprovAcadia is a great place to go in Maine if you want to do something fun with other adults.
Notably, ImprovAcadia is a cool place to see great live theater, such as comedians, magicians, musicians, and drag queens.
Game nights and open acting nights are two more fun things that happen at ImprovAcadia.
Before you go to Bar Harbor, make sure you look at the events schedule to see who or what will be happening at ImprovAcadia while you’re there.
Here are some planned events at ImprovAcadia that will give you a better idea of what to expect there: a pizza night, live music, karaoke, and stand-up comedy.
Making a table reservation ahead of time is possible at ImprovAcadia.
A full bar, as well as light snacks and desserts, let you drink and eat while you watch great entertainment.
Address: 15 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
7. Jordan Pond
This is a one-of-a-kind body of water in Acadia National Park. Jordan Pond is one of the most beautiful places to visit.
That the pond is one of the few oligotrophic tarns in the U.S. makes it interesting. This means that the pond can’t support any kind of life, whether it’s fish, plants, or something else.
The pond is almost 200 acres big and has a clean edge that is three and a half miles long.
It’s about 150 feet deep, and the pond was formed during the last glacial time.
Impressively, Jordan Pond is bordered by the tall peaks of Cadillac Mountain and a beautiful forest.
Also, the glacier that made Jordan Pond also cut out amazing rock formations that are a lot of fun to explore and take pictures of.
If you want to go to Jordan Pond, you should know that there is limited parking inside the park. To get around, shuttle buses from public lots close are helpful.
Finally, it’s always nice to have a picnic lunch by the pond, but the pond is also home to the Jordan Pond House, a great restaurant that you should check out.
Address: ME, United States
8. George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
The amazing museum’s main goal is to explain and show artifacts that are related to the natural history of Maine.
The museum first opened in 1969 in the building that used to be the offices of the nearby national park.
Bar Harbor has a lot of places to learn. The George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History has many beautiful displays that can be seen and understood with the help of a guide who knows a lot about them.
Amazing wildlife dioramas, hands-on displays, a touch tank with sea life, and so much more are just a few of the great things you can see at the museum.
At the museum, there are also educational events that both kids and adults will enjoy.
You could go on a scavenger hunt, check out a tidal pool, learn about nature, and so much more as part of the fun events.
The George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is one of the top ten places to visit, so you should put it on your list.
Address: 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
9. Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit. It’s only four miles from Bar Harbor.
The Schoodic Peninsula is on the only island part of Acadia National Park. It covers more than 2,500 acres.
You can watch beautiful nature things like granite headlands, flood tides, and waves crashing on the shore.
Schoodic Research Learning Center and Campgrounds are all around the peninsula.
Schoodic Peninsula is one of many popular places to visit in Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a few hours or even a few days.
The study center is a great place to learn about the area, but the campgrounds are where you should go to spend time outside with great views.
A lot of the campsites are primitive hike-in sites, but there are also cabins and RV hookups.
If you’re in Bar Harbor today or this weekend, Schoodic Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit.
Address: Bar Harbor, ME, United States
10. Great Harbor Maritime Museum
Located on Northshore Harbor’s Main Street, the Great Harbor Maritime Museum is one of many excellent points of interest near Bar Harbor, Maine.
The Great Harbor Maritime Museum is one of many great places to visit near Bar Harbor, Maine. It is on Northshore Harbor’s Main Street.
The museum is a memorial to the maritime past of the area and is housed in what used to be the town’s fire station.
Historical postcards, old-fashioned newspaper stories, harbor furniture, and so much more are just a few of the great things you can see at the museum.
When you visit the Great Harbor Maritime Museum, you can always see something new.
Along with model boats, steamship transportation has been part of some past shows.
One of the many interesting things to do in Great Harbor is visit the Great Harbor Maritime Museum with adults or kids who are interested in both local and maritime history.
There are a few free things to do near Bar Harbor, which is even better.
Address: 124 Main St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, United States
Why not check out some of the things to do in Portland, ME?
11. Criterion Theater
Visit the Criterion Theater in Bar Harbor, Maine, if you’re not sure what to do there.
The theater was built in 1932 and has an art deco style that is reason enough to go see it.
The theater is simply wonderful, with its floating platforms, French chandeliers, and other lovely architectural features.
The theater is an important place to remember because it hosts live events and shows movies.
Check out the theater’s movie schedule if you want to find a great place to see a new movie.
Live events at the Criterion Theater happen all year long. They have a mix of holiday and seasonal shows, musicals, dances, and comedies.
Billy Bob Thornton, Irish singers, comedian Bob Marley, and other great performers have been at shows in the past.
The Hallowdean show, which has a costume contest and a Prince tribute band, is a famous fall event.
There is a great little snack stand and a great gift shop at the theater.
There is a show at the Criterion Theater that you should see when you’re in Maine.
Address: 35 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
12. Thunder Hole
Before you decide what to do outside in Bar Harbor, make sure you check out Thunder Hole.
Beautiful scenery can be found at this natural rock harbor deep in Acadia National Park.
A trip to Thunder Hole, which got its name from the loud sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks, is truly amazing.
With an observation pier made on top of the sticking out jetty, you can feel the spray from the waves hitting your skin with every break.
When you go to Thunder Hole, the views are stunning, no matter what time of day it is or how rough the water is.
Make sure you bring a camera with you because there will be so many beautiful photo possibilities.
People come from all over the world to see the small entrance made of naturally shaped rocks.
You can go on a date or ask someone to marry you at Thunder Hole, which is also one of the most beautiful things to do in Maine. It’s also one of the few free things to do.
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
13. Bar Harbor Inn
Bar Harbor Inn is one of the best places to stay for a holiday in Maine, and the rooms are perfect.
The inn was built in the 1887s and is right on the water, so there are amazing views of the ocean everywhere you look.
Along with being on Frenchman Bay, the inn is one of the best places in Maine to watch the sunrise. Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain are in the background.
The best thing about the inn is that it has amazing amenities, beautiful design, and great service.
The Bar Harbor Inn has rooms with lovely decor and soft beds.
There are two full-service restaurants with views of the ocean, great spa services, continental breakfast, an exercise room, hot tubs, pools, and a gift shop at the inn.
You won’t be sorry if you book your stay for today, tomorrow, or this weekend. The inn is one of the best things to do in Bar Harbor.
Address: 1 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
14. Ocean Path Trail
On the Ocean Path Trail, you can hike along a beautiful path that leads to some great places in Bar Harbor.
The Ocean Path Trail winds along the coast of Maine and is about 4.5 miles long when you go both ways.
The trail is a mix of concrete, gravel, and uneven, rocky ground. Some parts of the trail have stone stairs that you have to climb to get to the next section. The trail is good for first-time walkers and kids who are well-supervised.
It’s worth noting that the walk starts at Sand Beach and goes by Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and the beautiful Otter Point.
The Ocean Path Trail goes through beautiful rock formations and past huge granite slabs. It winds in and out of lush forests.
You’ll be able to see Cadillac Mountain and Door Mountain from the whole path.
The Ocean Path Trail is one of the best places to visit in Bar Harbor, ME, because it leads to so many beautiful places.
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
15. Frenchman Bay
Frenchman Bay is one of many beautiful places to visit in Bar Harbor. It was named for the French traveler Samuel de Champlain.
Frenchman Bay is a place to watch the world go by and do a lot of water sports. It is between the shore of Mount Desert Island and the southern coast of Maine.
From Bar Harbor to Mount Desert Island, the bay is seven miles long at its largest point.
There is an easy-to-use boat that runs back and forth all summer, making this the fastest way to get to Mount Desert Island.
There are lots of fun and interesting things to do in Bar Harbor. All you have to do is go to Frenchman Bay.
You can have fun on Frenchman Bay by sailing, taking boat tours, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, going on sightseeing trips, watching whales, kayaking, and going on scenic tours.
Frenchman Bay is a great place to go because there are lots of fun things to do on and around the water.
Address: Bar Harbor, ME, United States
16. Wild Acadia Camping Resort
One of the most exciting and daring things to do in the Bar Harbor area is to camp at the Wild Acadia Camping Resort.
Family-friendly land and aquatic attractions may be found throughout the park.
The Funpark activities are free to use while camping at Wild Acadia Camping Resort, although non-guests can purchase day passes.
A thrilling aerial adventure park featuring zip lines, a climbing wall, and other exciting obstacles is one of Wild Acadia Camping Resort’s main draws.
Go-karts, a slingshot trampoline, and an 18-hole miniature golf course are some other dry fun.
In terms of aquatic entertainment, the Wild Acadia Camping Resort features a thrilling network of pools, water wars, and waterslides.
The resort’s attractions include an arcade, a gift store, and delicious snacks.
One of the most enjoyable activities for the whole family is camping in the Wild Acadia Camping Resort.
Address: 233 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605, United States
17. Oli’s Trolley
Oli’s Trolley tours are one of the coolest activities to do in Bar Harbor.
Local professionals narrate the trolley trips in their entirety.
There are several different tour routes available from Oli’s, but all of them take you to significant locations in Bar Harbor.
You will discover fascinating facts about the town’s notable residents, breathtaking natural landscapes, and historic sites along your tour.
Notably, the most well-liked trolley trips include the tours of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Downtown Bar Harbor, and even small-group private tours.
The length of the tour will vary from three to four hours, depending on what you choose.
There are a few quick stops along the route where you can explore.
At Harbor Place, where Oli’s has bathrooms and a gift store, all trips start and finish.
Oli’s Trolley offers you one of the greatest methods to view many of the important places in Bar Harbor out of all the things to do in Bar Harbor.
Address: 1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
18. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
A must-do if you’re searching for things to do that will leave you with genuinely magical memories is Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.
While whale watching trips are the company’s most well-known offering, they also provide other tours, like lighthouse and wildlife boat cruises.
Whichever trip you select, you’ll set sail aboard a vessel that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, Acadia National Park, Frenchman Bay, and other noteworthy local landmarks.
Furthermore, every tour provided by Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company takes place on a cozy catamaran captained by an experienced and informed captain.
Locals who are knowledgeable about some of the most amazing locations you will ever see lead the tours.
There is nothing like the things you will witness at a Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, from whales to seabirds, puffins, and lighthouses.
And lastly, if you want to enjoy Maine’s natural beauty, a Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company comes highly recommended.
Address: 1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
19. Scenic Flights of Acadia
If you’re looking for both a memorable experience and to see some of the most scenic spots in Bar Harbor, Maine, do so from the best vantage point: the sky!
Take a thrilling flight in a Cessna 172 and soar above the charming seaside town with Scenic Flights of Acadia tours.
You could certainly fit in a lot of sights from an incredible aerial tour because there are so many things to see in Bar Harbor.
When it comes to tours, Scenic Flights of Acadia has a few top-notch options, all of which are led and explained by competent and seasoned pilots.
Aerial tours feature views of Schoodic Point, the entirety of Acadia, nearby lighthouses, and a unique tour of the fall foliage.
Your choice of package will determine how long the aerial tours last, which can range from 35 to 75 minutes.
Regardless of the duration of your trip, the aerial perspective of several of Bar Harbor’s most important locations is incomparable.
Address: 1044 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605, United States
20. Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater
Diver Ed’s is an instructional trip that explores Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor and its aquatic fauna.
You, Diver Ed’s journey begins with a quick boat ride to a bay diving spot.
A licensed commercial diver will use his underwater camera to descend far into the harbor once they are anchored.
Throughout his dive, the captain/diver will tell fascinating tales that come to life with all the marine life he finds.
Diver Ed’s is a pleasant place for the whole family to make reservations because of its kid-friendly and entertaining fictional stories.
Watch Diver Ed’s antics on the boat like it’s a movie scene; you’ll be amazed at the riches he finds underwater and when he returns to the deck with his unusual finds, you can see them for yourself.
There is a bathroom on board for your convenience, and you are invited to bring food and beverages to enjoy while on board.
Consider scheduling a trip with Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater this weekend if you’re searching for something to do in and near Bar Harbor.
Address: 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
21. Down East Bird Watching & Nature Tours
Down East Bird Watching & Nature Tours is one of the most fascinating tours in Maine and one of the hippest Bar Harbor attractions.
For both experienced and inexperienced birdwatchers, this company provides personalized tours.
On a tour with Down East, you’ll get to see the native and migratory birds that call Bar Harbor home, as well as the unique Mount Desert Island flora and fauna.
Throughout the journey, you may see incredible birds like as warblers, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons.
The trips are not only very informative and exploratory, but they’re also quite convenient—you’ll be picked up and transported to and from your eco-tour by the tour group in their six-passenger van.
After thereafter, you will be escorted on a tour by Michael Good, who has over 25 years of expertise studying birds.
Down East Bird Watching & wildlife Tours is a must-do since it gives visitors an other perspective on island life and wildlife.
Address: 39 Cottage St #4, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
22. Argosy Gallery
The most inspirational artwork in Maine may be seen at the fine art gallery Argosy Gallery.
The gallery features artwork by thirty-six artists, all of whom are residents of Bar Harbor, Maine.
Every one of the amazing paintings in the exhibition is a unique representation of the Pine Tree State.
The artists’ styles might be classified as Impressionist and American Traditional.
Many of the paintings feature picturesque natural scenery and Bar Harbor-specific seaside feelings.
Notably, since 1999, an art historian has owned and run the gallery.
Each piece on exhibit embodies her passion for the local way of life and her proficiency in fine art.
The gallery is a great place to look around if you’re interested in art, and it’s a great place to buy if you’re an art collector.
Visit Argosy Gallery if you’re searching for a distinctive art experience while you’re in the area.
Address: 110 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
23. Acadia National Park
This amazing 47,000-acre park in Bar Harbor, Maine is a must-see, especially if you want to have fun outside.
The park is in the middle of Mount Desert Island, right on the flat Atlantic coast.
Mount Cadillac, which is in the background of the park, is one of the most beautiful things to see there.
The landscape of Acadia National Park is full of wooded areas, rocky beaches, and granite peaks that are all great for visiting.
Wildlife like bears, moose, whales, and sea birds can also be found in Acadia National Park.
The park has a lot of fun things to do, like 45 miles of carriage roads, 27 miles of old roads, and nearly 160 miles of hiking trails.
You can camp, climb, ride horses, boat, swim, fish, and do many other fun things in the park.
You should definitely go to Acadia National Park, which is one of the most amazing places to see in Bar Harbor.
Address: Maine, United States
24. Cadillac Mountain
Famed as the tallest mountain peak on the East Coast, Cadillac Mountain draws Bar Harbor visitors in droves.
One of the best things about the mountain is that it’s the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise in the winter.
So, one famous thing to do in Maine is to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
To get to the top of Cadillac Mountain, which is about 3 ½ miles up, you can either drive or walk.
When you get to the top of Cadillac Mountain, you can take pictures of some of Maine’s most beautiful views.
You can have a lunch, watch the sunrise, or just take some time to think at the peak.
In addition, the peak has public bathrooms and a gift shop for your comfort.
Plan a trip to Cadillac Mountain; it’s one of the coolest things to do in Bar Harbor.
Address: Maine, United States
25. Abbe Museum
People from all over the area love to visit the Abbe Museum, which has two sites, both on Bar Harbor.
The Abbe Museum is a great place to go if you want to see something interesting.
The museum’s goal is to preserve and share the stories of the Waponahki, Maine’s first people.
The museum was started by a doctor who spent the summer in Bar Harbor and opened it in 1928.
It is named after its founder, Dr. Abbe, and has a unique collection of Native American artifacts from the Frenchman Bay Area in Maine.
Other businesses in the area with similar views also donated items to the museum’s collection.
The museum was also the first in Maine to fund archeological study, which shows how much it values local artifacts and teaching the public.
That you can see at the Abbe Museum are Waponahki works of art and things that were used more than 12,000 years ago.
You should go to the Abbe Museum if you want to learn more about the past of the area.
Address: 26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States