Bar Harbor is a picturesque, charming town on the beautiful Maine coast. Sitting on Frenchman Bay of the Atlantic Ocean, every turn looks like you have stepped onto a movie set. The town is small and almost everything is walkable. Bar Harbor sits at the base of Acadia National Park so it makes the perfect home base for those wanting to visit this beautiful national park. Here is a perfect 4 day itinerary that will allow a slow, relaxing way to see Bar Harbor.
Day 1
Fly into Bangor, Maine. Bangor is about an hour from Bar Harbor, but it is one of the closest airports. We rented a car at the airport. While in Bangor, make a quick pit stop and check out Stephen King’s house. He still lives there and it is a cool house to take your picture in front of. Then take the beautiful drive from Bangor to Bar Harbor.
Check into the West Street Hotel. This hotel is beautiful. The rooms are so spacious with luxurious amenities. The location is perfect and the views of the bay cannot be beat.
West Street Hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool with panoramic views of Bar Harbor. If it is warm enough on your trip, head up to the pool to relax after a day of travel.
That night head to dinner at Galyn’s. Order the clam chowder and the lobster enchiladas. They are fantastic.
Day 2
The next morning, head to the spa at Harborside Hotel. Harborside Hotel is a sister property to the West Street Hotel. It is right across the road and you are allowed access to their spa since they are sister hotels.
Then after the spa, head to lunch at Route 66. This is such a fun, eclectic restaurant serving diner style food. It is really good.
After lunch, walk around the quaint town and check out many of the cute shops in Bar Harbor. Stop and get ice cream at one of the many ice creams shops along the way.
That night head to dinner at Side Street Cafe. Get the lobster roll and the blueberry pie. Maine is famous for their blueberries and this was seriously one of the best desserts I have ever eaten. I still dream about it.
Day 3
The next morning, head to breakfast at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast. The food was phenomenal and a perfect start to your day.
After breakfast, take the 3 hour lighthouse tour around the bay. The boat is ride is so fun and the tour guides are great. Seeing the beautiful rocky shorelines and the gorgeous lighthouses is quintessential Maine.
Day 4
Get an early start to your day and head to Acadia National Park. We drove our rental car into the park, but Bar Harbor offers shuttles and day tours of the park as well.
Head to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the most incredible views of the park and Bar Harbor.
Then head to Jordan Pond. Here you can eat lunch at Jordan Pond House Restaurant and have a famous popover.
Other must sees in Acadia National Park include: Thunderhole, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff and Park Loop Road.
After spending the whole day in Acadia National Park, head back to Bar Harbor and have dinner at Stewman’s Lobster Pound for your last dinner of this amazing trip.
Bar Harbor is an incredible place to visit. It would be a great couple’s trip, girls’ trip or the perfect family vacation. Visit in the summer for amazing weather and numerous activities or visit in the fall for the beautiful foliage and gorgeous scenery. This charming destination needs to be added to your USA bucket list.
Want more itineraries like this? Check out my itineraries for Jackson Hole, Boston, and Key West.
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