Our Favorite Things to Do in Bar Harbor
There’s so much to do in Bar Harbor that it’s hard to narrow down our list, but here are a few of our favorite things.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks in the country. Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak in the eastern US. It’s the first place you can see the sunrise in America. Also, Jordan Pond House and the historic carriage trails donated by the Rockefellers are great places to walk and experience all of Maine’s natural beauty.
The Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum is a small, beautifully designed, multimedia museum in downtown Bar Harbor that showcases the history and cultures of the Wabanaki, native people of Maine. Open nearly year-round (closed in January), the museum is the only Smithsonian affiliate in Maine. The Abbe also maintains a historic trailside museum at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park.
The Criterion Theatre
The Criterion Theatre is our favorite place for movies, live music, children’s programming, and all kinds of events. Built in 1932, they give historic tours of this art deco showplace. Check the website to see what’s playing.
Downeast Windjammer Cruises
We send all our visitors on Downeast Windjammer Cruises because it’s a great way to experience Bar Harbor. It’s family- and pet-friendly. We particularly love the Margaret Todd, a 151’ schooner that does several trips a day.
Bar Harbor Popcorn Company
We’re crazy about the Bar Harbor Popcorn company on Main Street. They have a bunch of flavors, but our favorite is the Maine Wild Blueberry popcorn—a must try!
MDI Ice Cream
There are tons of great places to get ice cream in Bar Harbor, but our favorite is Mount Desert Island (MDI) Ice Cream on Main Street. This is where the Obama family went for ice cream when they visited Bar Harbor a few years back. So if it’s good enough for the President…