The 14 Best Things
to See and Do
in Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia National Park is a beloved destination, renowned for its stunning 47,000 acres of wilderness including miles of coastline, mountains and forests. Visitors to the park can explore Sand Beach with its rocky shores, Thunder Hole and the summit of Cadillac Mountain with sweeping views. There are also over 120 miles of hiking trails providing adventure and exploration.

The park contains a selection of historic sites and cultural attractions too such as the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse which sits on the waterfront; you can learn about the area’s history at Sieur de Monts Nature Center or gain insight into indigenous cultures at Abbe Museum.

With a unique mix of natural beauty, culture significance and lots to do in the outdoors, Acadia National Park should be on everyone’s must-visit list for an amazing Maine experience!

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. – Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers a variety of tours, including whale watching, puffin watching and nature cruises. They have been operating for over 30 years and provide high success rates for sightings, with smaller groups offering an intimate experience and a marine biologist on board to discuss the whales and their ecosystem. Their tours are conducted by experienced captains in full-sized boats, providing comfort during the journey.

This local tour offers a more personalized experience with small group sizes, giving you an opportunity to get up close and observe seals in their natural habitat while traveling around the Gulf of Maine on an authentic lobster boat fisherman’s cruise vessel equipped with great sound systems so that you can hear commentary about each area being explored as well as spot different species living around them through underwater cameras while they are fishing lobster traps!

The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine celebrates the culture and history of the Wabanaki people. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for Native values and heritage with every visit.

We offer a variety of exhibitions and programs that explore traditional art forms such as basketry, beadwork, carving, and more. We also have an impressive permanent collection featuring over 50,000 artifacts from thousands of years ago. Plus, you can discover modern artwork inspired by the Wabanaki people’s vibrant culture.

The Abbe Museum is a fantastic learning resource about the indigenous people of Maine. Its exhibits and programs highlight the ongoing strength and resilience of the Wabanaki people and their legacy today!

Head to the Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum for an unforgettable look at the area’s past. The 19th-century building holds a wealth of exhibits and collections, featuring everything from early Native American settlements to the rise of the Gilded Age.

The museum’s historic photos give visitors an intriguing glimpse into the town’s evolution. Plus, enjoy interactive displays such as a replica general store. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops and guided walking tours of local historic sites year-round – perfect for history buffs or anyone interested in learning more about this special place!

The Asticou Azalea Garden is a beautiful garden situated in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Charles K. Savage originally created the garden in the early 1900s and it was later expanded by his son, Joseph. Today, the Asticou Azalea Garden is widely respected for its stunning collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, making it one of the most important gardens in Maine.

Visitors to the garden can take advantage of its relaxing paths lined with vibrant colors and delightful scents. As you explore this magical place you will encounter ponds, bridges, ferns, lilies and Japanese maples that add to its charm and uniqueness. Its atmosphere is peaceful yet lively enough to make your trip enjoyable and memorable. 

Asticou Azalea Garden is an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring Maine’s abundant horticulture riches. Make sure to visit this gem when traveling to Northeast Harbor – it will not disappoint!

Are you looking for a unique way to explore the rugged coastline of Maine? Consider going on a kayak tour! Guided kayak tours are available from several companies, and range from easy paddles suitable for beginners, to more challenging excursions for experienced kayakers. You can take in breathtaking views of the rocky shores, spot an array of wildlife such as seals and porpoises, and learn about the history and ecology of the region with the help of knowledgeable guides.

Kayaking is a great way to appreciate Maine’s natural beauty while staying active. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just starting out, you can find tours that suit your skill level. With the help of expert guides, you’ll be able to navigate safely around the area’s waters and experience all that Maine’s coast has to offer – including its impressive geology and marine life! So pack your kayak and explore Maine’s scenic coastline today!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is an iconic landmark located at the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island in Maine. Built in 1858, it has been in continuous operation ever since and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Touring the lighthouse grounds is a unique way to appreciate the rugged beauty of Maine’s coastline, as well as its rich maritime history.

The original fourth-order Fresnel lens still used at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse today dates back to the 1860s, when it was first lit up to guide ships through the treacherous waters of Bass Harbor. Over the course of its 150-year history, a number of keepers and their families have manned the lighthouse until automation eventually took over.

Whether you’re into local lore and history or simply want to enjoy Maine’s natural beauty, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is an unforgettable destination that deserves a visit! Tours are available year-round so you can experience this majestic lighthouse for yourself – just don’t forget your camera for those unforgettable views.

The Mount Desert Oceanarium is an exciting educational attraction located in Bar Harbor, Maine on Route 3. Here, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits featuring marine life from the waters of the Gulf of Maine. The oceanarium’s iconic touch pool invites guests to meet and interact with starfish, hermit crabs, and other incredible creatures. In addition, visitors can get an up-close look at young lobsters in various stages of development in the lobster hatchery exhibit.

Outside of the indoor exhibits, the Mount Desert Oceanarium offers outdoor experiences as well. A guided tour can take guests through the adjacent salt marsh where they may discover plants and animals that call this unique environment home. There are also several outdoor tanks with more wildlife for explorers to encounter, including harbor seals native to Maine’s coast! For families looking for an exciting and educational adventure, or anyone interested in learning about marine biology or Maine’s breathtaking coastal ecosystem – the Mount Desert Oceanarium is not to be missed!

The Acadia Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in Maine. Located in Bar Harbor, their rehabilitation center is staffed by a team of dedicated wildlife rehabilitators that provide expert care for injured animals until they are healthy enough to be released back into the wild. The center treats a variety of species, including birds of prey, small mammals, and reptiles.

In addition to providing rehabilitation services, the Acadia Wildlife Foundation is also committed to educating the public about wildlife conservation. They offer guided wildlife tours, school programs, and children’s camps as well as other educational events so people can learn more about preserving natural habitats. Visitors to the center can see first-hand the foundation’s hard work and dedication towards protecting Maine’s precious ecosystems.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, make sure you visit the Acadia Wildlife Foundation in Bar Harbor! You’ll get up close with nature while playing your part in helping preserve Maine’s incredible biodiversity.

The Jesup Memorial Library is a remarkable part of Bar Harbor, Maine. Since it was founded in 1874, it has served as a cornerstone of the community and continues to be today. Its shelves are well-stocked with books, periodicals, and other materials that can be browsed and borrowed.

At the Jesup Memorial Library, there is something for everyone! All ages are invited to take part in book clubs, writing workshops, and various other events. Culture seekers will appreciate the author talks, lectures, concerts, and more hosted by the library throughout the year. Meanwhile, children can enjoy story time as well as fun craft activities designed just for them.

The Jesup Memorial Library provides enriching opportunities for both locals and visitors alike. With its inviting environment and wide range of offerings, this historic library is a hub of knowledge and culture in Bar Harbor—a must-visit destination for book lovers regardless of age or background!

The Criterion Theater, located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, is a beloved historic movie theater. Originally built in 1932, it has been a local cultural landmark ever since. With state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment, the Criterion Theater offers visitors a wide range of entertainment options – from classic Hollywood movies to independent films, live theater performances and musicals.

In addition to its entertainment offerings, the Criterion Theater is also dedicated to preserving its historic charm through renovations and restoration projects. It is also an important hub for the community – hosting educational programs and events such as workshops, film festivals and panel discussions. These events draw people together to celebrate diversity and build a stronger sense of community.

Experience something truly unique at the Criterion Theater – where you can enjoy iconic films in the heart of a historical building that has been part of Bar Harbor for generations.

The College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum is an inspiring destination located in Bar Harbor, Maine. Its exhibits honor the natural history of Mount Desert Island, showcasing its geological history as well as the diverse flora and fauna that live there today. Visitors can explore an array of specimens, fossils, and artifacts to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystems on the island.

In addition to our indoor exhibitions, the museum offers plenty of outdoor activities like guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and marine biology programs. There are plenty of opportunities to soak up nature’s beauty – from forests and wetlands to rocky shores – while learning about the plants and animals that call these places home. If you’re looking for a fun, educational daytrip then a visit to the College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum is a must!

Are you looking for something truly special during your visit to Bar Harbor, Maine? If so, the Island Artisans Craft Market is the perfect destination! Located in the heart of town and open from May through October, this popular market features a wide selection of handmade crafts from local artists and artisans. From jewelry and pottery to wood carvings and textiles, here you’ll find one-of-a-kind items that are sure to make your stay in Bar Harbor even more memorable.

At the Island Artisans Craft Market, you can browse the stalls and meet the artists themselves! It’s a great chance to learn about their techniques and inspiration behind their work. Whether you’re searching for a unique piece of jewelry or a hand-carved wooden figurine, this craft market is sure to have something just right for you.

If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs that add a little bit of local flavor to your trip, be sure to stop by Island Artisan’s Craft Market while in Bar Harbor. You won’t regret it!