In 2021, my partner and I had a trip planned to Portugal. Three weeks before the trip? A COVID spike and curfews. Not wanting to potentially get trapped there, we made a pivot. "Let's go to Bar Harbor!" And while I love Portugal and WILL be back, Bar Harbor was very charming and a perfect getaway from the heat of Central Texas. And it checked off my partner's 49th state visit!
Why Bar Harbor?
Even if you just visited Bar Harbor for a lobster roll, you're already winning, but there's so much more! It's a very cute coastal New England town and it's close to a beautiful national park, Acadia. Now I grew up in a New England coastal town, but Bar Harbor is something special. The views in Acadia are worth the trip alone!
Where to stay?
We stayed at The Port Inn Bar Harbor, which was a perfect budget stay. It's walkable to the center of town and a short drive to Acadia. It's honestly nothing too fancy, but it was exactly what we were looking for. I have a lot of options from budget to luxury I can help you sort out if you're planning a visit, just let me know!
We also have cruised to Bar Harbor, which was a great experience as well. We went on the Norwegian Cruise Lines 7-day cruise from Boston to Bermuda and the last stop was a day in Bar Harbor. It was a nice addition to the trip, as it drops you off right in town!
What to see?
In Bar Harbor, there is a lot to see in town alone! The streets are walkable and full of shops and restaurants. You can take a stroll along the water with an ice cream (in the summer), eat some fudge in one of the multiple parks, or go look at a bunch of boats and wish you were rich and famous.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has no shortage of views! The beaches are worth a trip, even if the water is very chilly. Sand Beach (pictured last) is where you want to be to sit in the sand and take in the scenery. Little Hunter's Beach (all other pictures) is a small rocky beach that's off-the-beaten-path, which is right up my alley. We sat on a rock ledge and relaxed with few other people and took in the scenery.
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is a must see when visiting Acadia! You can drive (or hike if that's your thing) up to the summit for some spectacular views. It's the highest point on the US Eastern seaboard and where you see the sunrise first in the US (if waking up early is your thing)! Some trails are paved and accessible and there are facilities.
Hiking
Once again, if hiking is your thing, there are plenty of hikes to be had in Acadia! It is decidedly not my thing, but my partner has some suggestions. He talks all the time about Precipice Loop, which is extremely steep, and you have to pull yourself up using janky metal handles. I was asleep for all the hikes, so here's his list to check out:
Precipice Loop
Beehive Loop
Cadillac Summit Loop
Jordan Pond Path (a more moderate hike option)
Where to eat?
Havana
The vibe at Havana cannot be beat! We went there for dinner, and it was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy and chic. Their cuisine is described as "American fine dining with a Latin flair" which I think it a perfect description. Of course, seafood spots are a dime a dozen on the coast, but this is the place you're going to get some amazing dishes!
mckays public house
McKays Public House was a place we HAD to eat at, just for the patio alone. It's so charming! Also, the food happened to be really great, so even better. This is an awesome spot for lunch or dinner, especially when the weather is nice!
2 cats restaurant
I love 2 Cats Restaurant! This breakfast was impeccable, and once again, the patio deck was perfect to enjoy the summer weather on. Definitely a must for breakfast or brunch.
While you're in the area, stop at Mount Dessert Bakery for some treats to-go!
Lobster rolls!
Truly you can stop into almost any restaurant in Bar Harbor and find a lobster roll, and that's exactly what we did! This one is from Bar Harbor Beer Works, and it was delish. Here are some other recommendations for "Best Maine Lobster Roll" from around the internet:
The Stadium (no seating, but great coffee!)
Also, while you're at it eating local delicacies, make sure to find a whoopie pie, a blueberry pie, and a popover!
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