When time is short and there is so much to see, it can feel like a whirlwind of checking attractions off a list. Luckily, Mt. Desert Island (which is home to both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park) is very easy to get around, and is home to some of the most beautiful parts of America. This is how to spend a weekend in Bar Harbor, Maine!
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is iconic Maine and classic Americana. The view from the top offers sweeping 360 degree views of Mt. Desert Island, overlooks Bar Harbor, and Frenchman Bay. For an unforgettable experience, start the day early and watch the sunrise from the top. Drive back up after the sun has fully set to get the most incredible views of the stars. I’ve truly never seen so many before in my life! A perfect place to practice your nighttime photography!
Shopping on Main Street
Why they didn’t call it “Maine Street”, I’ll never know.
Bar Harbor is one of the most adorable towns you’ll ever walk through. Small, local shops and restaurants line the main drag and side streets. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating so you can take advantage of the cool, salty breeze off the bay. The souvenir shops aren’t overly kitschy, and are actually things you’ll want to take home to remember your trip! Breakfast at Great Maine Breakfast was definitely something to write home about. Try the M&M pancakes and thank me later. 😉
Agamont Park
An absolute perfect waterside park! Take a seat on the large lawn after hitting the nearby shops and watch fishing boats sail into and out of the harbor. During the summer months, you’ll find lots of free live entertainment. I can’t think of a more perfect place to sit for an ice cream cone at the end of a long day. Plus- there are public restrooms!
Drive Park Loop Road
Venture slightly outside of Bar Harbor to nearby Acadia National Park! Park Loop Road is the main road that – you guessed it – loops around the park. The road passes by highlights such as Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and Sand Beach. There is also a long stretch where it runs literally along the rocky coast. Atlantic views for days!
Park Loop Road is a wide, nicely paved two lane road with plenty of scenic viewpoints and places to pull the car over. The entire loop is only 27 miles long, but you will want to plan a good chunk of your day to it and account for stops. I’d recommend about 3-4 hours in the morning (for fewer crowds and less traffic)!
Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is a stop along Park Loop Road, and is located within Acadia National Park. It’s a scenic stop with tranquil views of mountains, lush green trees, and crystal clear water. In fact, the water is so clean that is actually provides some of the drinking water to the area! The Jordan Pond Path is a 3.3 mile trail that runs along the circumference of the pond. The trail is moderate, but relatively flat. At times, it is covered by wooden planks to make things easier. “The Bubbles” is the name given to the large boulders that jet out of the lake along the shore. These make for a perfect place to rest along your walk!
Sunset at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
While doing research for my trip, everyone seemed to have a different “best place to watch the sunset.” One place however, kept popping up more than any other. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is about 30 minutes outside of Bar Harbor, and is absolutely worth the drive. Watching the sun set over the Atlantic here was absolutely spectacular. Plus, if you arrive during daylight, there are small trails over the rocky cliffs for amazing photo ops.
Tip: The parking lot is small though so get there early to watch the sunset!
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