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Bar Harbor Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Coastal Maine

There’s something about Bar Harbor that just feels right. Maybe it’s the salty breeze off the harbor, the scent of pine in the air, or the way you can start your day with a scenic hike and end it with a fresh lobster roll. This Bar Harbor itinerary will help you plan the perfect three-day trip to explore the best of coastal Maine and nearby Acadia National Park.

Bar Harbor sits on Mount Desert Island, surrounded by rocky shores, forested trails, and charming streets full of local shops and cafes. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. Whether you’re here for the views from Cadillac Mountain, the popovers at Jordan Pond House, or just some quiet time by the sea, there’s something for everyone.

This 3-day itinerary includes top hiking trails, scenic drives along the Park Loop Road, and all the local eats you don’t want to miss. So pack your hiking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with one of the most iconic towns in New England.

Happy travels to Maine!

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Getting to Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor might feel tucked away, but it’s actually pretty easy to get to—especially if you’re already planning a coastal New England road trip.

The closest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), located about 3 hours away. It’s a great option if you want to keep your driving time shorter. That said, flights to Portland can be pricey and limited.

Instead, I recommend flying into Boston Logan International Airport. This is what I did on my last trip, and it saved me about $300 in airfare. The drive from Boston to Bar Harbor takes just under 5.5 hours and takes you through some of the best coastal Maine scenery.

>> You can also save on your airfare booking with your travel points – even transferring them from your travel bank credit card.

Once you land, renting a car is a must. This isn’t the kind of place where you can rely on public transportation—driving is what gives you the freedom to explore Acadia National Park, grab lunch at roadside lobster shacks, and pull off at scenic overlooks whenever you want.

Travel Tip: Always compare car rental prices between the airport and nearby off-site locations. You can often save a good amount just by booking at a rental office a mile or two away from the terminal.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time to visit Bar Harbor is late spring through early fall. May and early June offer mild weather, blooming landscapes, and lower prices before the summer rush. 

July and August bring sunny skies and ideal hiking conditions, but also the highest crowds and hotel rates.

If you’re looking for fewer tourists and stunning fall colors, mid-September to mid-October is perfect—and often cheaper.

Many seasonal businesses stay open through mid-October, making it a great time for scenic drives along the Park Loop Road or a peaceful walk around Jordan Pond.

Where to Stay

Bar Harbor has some incredible local places to stay—no need for a chain hotel here. In fact, most of the big-name hotels are located outside the downtown area. If you want to soak in the town’s charm, it’s 100% worth it to stay somewhere walkable.

Expect to pay around $140–$250 per night in Bar Harbor during shoulder season, which includes late May to mid-June and mid-September through early October. Prices jump during high season—late June through August—with many hotels ranging from $200–$450+ per night, especially for downtown locations or popular inns.

You can save money on hotel nights by staying outside of the main town. However, getting in and out of Bar Harbor can be quite a hassle, especially to find parking. If you can afford it, staying in Bar Harbor will give you a better experience.

I stayed at Bar Harbor Manor and absolutely loved it. It’s located on a quiet street just a short walk from downtown, and the historic homes in the area make it feel like a scene from a storybook. The staff was super friendly, breakfast was great, and I especially loved having my morning coffee out on the patio.

Where to Stay on a Budget

If you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay during your Bar Harbor itinerary, these budget-friendly options offer great value and location:

Best Bed & Breakfasts and Boutique Inns

Bar Harbor is packed with independently owned inns and charming B&Bs that offer a more personal, local experience. These are perfect if you want a cozy atmosphere and easy access to the harbor, shops, and local restaurants:

Your 3-Day Bar Harbor Itinerary

This 3-day Bar Harbor itinerary is the perfect mix of charming small-town vibes and outdoor adventure in Acadia National Park. Whether you’re here for the views from Cadillac Mountain or a Bar Harbor food tour, this itinerary packs in the best of the region without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Explore Bar Harbor

Welcome to Bar Harbor, the perfect starting point for your coastal Maine adventure. Whether you’re flying into Portland or Boston and making the scenic drive up the coast, arriving in Bar Harbor feels like stepping into a postcard. The town is tucked into the edge of Mount Desert Island and has just the right mix of salty sea air, historic inns, and lobster shacks.

Once you check into your hotel (I stayed at Bar Harbor Manor and highly recommend it), head into town for your first look around. Bar Harbor’s downtown is walkable and filled with cute shops, local bookstores, and waterfront views.

Be sure to stop into Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, the state’s oldest bookstore with a wide selection of books to choose from.

If you’re arriving in the afternoon or evening, take a stroll along the Bar Harbor Shore Path. It’s a flat and easy walk with some of the best ocean views right off the harbor.

Hungry? Walk over to Black Friar Inn and Pub, a cozy local favorite known for its hearty food, craft cocktails, and happy hour oysters. I recommend the blueberry mojito—it’s made with wild Maine blueberries and feels like summer in a glass.

After dinner, make a stop at Mount Desert Ice Cream for a scoop of something unexpected. This spot has fun flavors like goat cheese and wild blueberry, and it’s a local favorite for good reason.

If you want to try a little bit of everything Bar Harbor has to offer, you can also spend your afternoon on a guided food tour downtown. It’s a great way to sample multiple restaurants, learn a bit of local history, and discover spots you might otherwise miss.

Day 2: Visit Arcadia National Park

Today’s all about Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just here for the scenic drive, there’s something for everyone in Acadia.

Start your day early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time. The Park Loop Road is the main driving route through the park and a great way to see several key spots even if you’re short on time or not up for long hikes.

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, which gives you access for seven consecutive days. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass, you can use that here too.

Travel Tip! Download the Acadia driving tour audio guide before you go—it syncs with your GPS and shares fun facts as you drive.

Best Places to Visit in Acadia National Park

Sand Beach
Start your loop at this beautiful stretch of coastline. It’s chilly (even in summer), but a must-see stop with dramatic views.

Thunder Hole
Just down the road from Sand Beach, this rocky inlet is famous for the thunderous crash of waves hitting the rocks.

Otter Cliff
One of the most scenic stops on the Park Loop Road, Otter Cliff offers sweeping views of the ocean and rugged coast.

Beehive Trail
This short, steep hike includes iron rungs and ladders. It’s not for those afraid of heights, but the views from the top are unforgettable. You’ll see Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, and the Atlantic laid out below you.

Jordan Pond & Jordan Pond House
Take a relaxing walk around Jordan Pond, or grab a reservation at the Jordan Pond House. The popovers and jam are iconic, and the view from the lawn is one of the best in Acadia.

Cadillac Mountain
Whether you drive or hike, this is the perfect place to end your day. From May to mid-October, you’ll need a timed reservation to drive up during sunrise.

Travel Tip! Pack plenty of water, snacks, and layers. Even in the summer, the weather in Acadia can shift quickly.

Day 3: Choose Your Own Bar Harbor Adventure

If you have a third day in Bar Harbor, this is your chance to slow down and really take in the area. Whether you want to dive deeper into Acadia National Park, explore more of downtown, or relax at the water’s edge, there’s no wrong way to spend your final day in coastal Maine.

Option 1: More Hiking or a Second Day in Acadia

If Acadia National Park still has more you want to see, today is your chance to go deeper. Start your morning with a peaceful hike around Jordan Pond, a flat 3.3-mile loop trail that’s easy and scenic. Pack a snack or grab a pastry and coffee from Mount Dessert Bakery before heading in.

If you’re looking for a trail that’s a bit more adventurous but less crowded than Beehive, try the Champlain South Ridge Trail.

Option 2: Explore More of Bar Harbor

Not every day has to start with a summit. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed pace, spend your third day soaking up Bar Harbor’s quieter side.

Start your morning with a pastry and latte from Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, one of the town’s most beloved breakfast spots. Their wild blueberry pancakes are a Maine classic.

After breakfast, take a short drive to visit the Abbe Museum, which focuses on the Indigenous history of Maine. It’s located right in downtown Bar Harbor.

Later in the day, make your way over to Agamont Park. Located near the waterfront, this open green space is ideal for relaxing with a book, watching the boats come and go, or just taking in the view. If you’re up for a short walk, you can connect back to the Bar Harbor Shore Path from here.

Before dinner, swing by Atlantic Brewing Midtown, a laid-back local brewery downtown. Grab a flight or a pint, and if you’re feeling snacky, they usually have a food truck or light bites on site.

For your final meal, head out of town to the local favorite The Happy Clam Shack. This small family-owned lobster shack serves up some of the best lobster rolls in Northern Maine.

Option 3: Take a Boat Tour or See the Coast from the Water

If you haven’t had a chance to get out on the water yet, this is a perfect way to wrap up your Bar Harbor itinerary. Head to the harbor in the morning and book a nature cruise or lobster boat tour—many of them leave right from downtown and can be booked the same day.

These tours are a great way to learn more about Maine’s marine life, lighthouse history, and working harbors, all while getting views you can’t get from land.

Things to Do in Bar Harbor

If you’re planning a little extra time in Bar Harbor, or want to explore beyond Acadia, here are a few of the best things to do in town and nearby.

Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path

A scenic, flat walking trail that runs about a mile along the harbor. It’s perfect in the early morning or at golden hour and gives you peaceful views of the water, the Porcupine Islands, and Cadillac Mountain in the distance.

Join a Bar Harbor Food Tour

If you want to sample as much of Bar Harbor’s food scene as possible without planning each meal, a guided food tour is a fun and easy way to go. It’s a great first-day activity if you want to know where to eat for the rest of your trip.

>> Book the best Bar Harbor food tour!

Visit the Abbe Museum

Located right in downtown Bar Harbor, the Abbe Museum offers thoughtful exhibits on Wabanaki culture and the Indigenous history of Mount Desert Island. It’s a great cultural stop and a way to better understand the roots of coastal Maine.

Rent Bikes and Explore

Bar Harbor has a variety of bike and e-bike rental shops to choose from all with similar prices. Bikes are a great way to get out and explore the coastline and if you’re up for a bit of adventure you can also choose to ride them to Arcadia National Park.

Relax at Agamont Park

This small waterfront park sits at the start of the Shore Path and makes a great stop to take in the view. Grab a bench, sip your coffee, and watch the boats drift across the harbor.

Get Ice Cream at Mount Desert Ice Cream

A trip to Bar Harbor isn’t complete without a scoop from Mount Desert Ice Cream. This locally loved shop is known for its unique flavors like goat cheese and wild blueberry or Maine sea salt caramel.

Try a local beer at Atlantic Brewing Midtown

A casual, centrally located brewery offering flights and pints of Maine-made beer. It’s a great spot to hang out before dinner or unwind after a day in the park.

Enjoy the Seafood

There is certainly a lot of amazing seafood to choose from in Bar Harbor. Take advantage of all the oysters, lobster rolls, calamari and fish you can handle.

Catch the Great Maine Lumberjack Show

Located a short drive outside of Bar Harbor, this family-friendly show highlights classic logging skills like axe throwing and log rolling. It’s touristy in the best way and especially fun if you’re traveling with kids.

Visit the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History

Operated by the College of the Atlantic, this small but engaging museum features local marine life, geology exhibits, and hands-on displays. It’s a great rainy-day option or quiet afternoon stop.

Take a boat tour from the harbor

Whether it’s a lighthouse cruise, a wildlife spotting trip, or a lobster fishing tour, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to experience Bar Harbor. Most tours leave right from the main pier downtown.

Shop locally in downtown Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor’s downtown is full of independent shops with everything from handmade goods to Maine-made snacks and gifts. Skip the chains and explore the side streets—you’ll find some hidden gems.

Grab a Coffee in Town

Start your morning like a local with a strong cup of coffee before heading to the park or the harbor. Coffee Hound Coffee Co. is right downtown and serves locally roasted coffee with baked goods, while Choco-Latte is another favorite, especially if you’re craving something sweet with your espresso.

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor (Mini-Guide)

Seafood & Lobster Shacks

  • C-Ray Lobster – Casual, outdoor seafood stand just outside of town; known for lobster rolls and laid-back vibes.
  • The Travelin’ Lobster – Roadside lobster shack with huge rolls and picnic tables; great no-frills experience.
  • Black Friar Inn and Pub – Cozy pub-style restaurant with happy hour oysters, local beer, craft cocktails, and blueberry mojitos.
  • The Happy Clam Shack – A local favorite located outside of Bar Harbor but worth the drive.

Restaurants & Pubs

  • Black Friar Inn and Pub – Also fits here for dinner recommendations; local favorite for hearty food and drinks.
  • Jordan Pond House – Located inside Acadia National Park; famous for popovers, tea, and views of Jordan Pond. Reservations recommended.
  • PeekyToe Provisions – Local seafood eatery with a variety of classic Maine dishes like oysters, fish burgers, and lobster.

Coffee Shops + Breakfast

  • Coffee Hound Coffee Co. – Downtown favorite with strong coffee and pastries, walkable to the Shore Path.
  • Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast – Beloved for blueberry pancakes, classic breakfast plates, and generous portions. A popular, wait-worthy spot.
  • Choco-Latte – Great coffee spot with sweets and a relaxed vibe, also near the main town area.

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