Skip to main content

Travel Bar Harbor: The Best Places to Play, Eat, and Stay in Maine’s Easternmost Outpost

Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most iconic seaside towns. Tourists travel from around the globe to sleep in its generations-old B&Bs, climb Acadia Park’s pint-sized “mountains,” and taste the state’s world famous lobster rolls. While it’s difficult to write an off-the-beaten-path travel guide to Bar Harbor, in particular, and to Mount Desert Island (MDI, for short) as a whole, here are a few of our favorite places to play, eat and sleep.

Play

As the most extreme Eastern point in the country, Bar Harbor allegedly sees the first rays of sunlight before any other point in the United States. Most travelers know witnessing a sunrise atop Mount Desert Island (MDI)’s highest point, Cadillac Mountain, is a bucket-list-worthy experience. But, while most travelers drive to the summit, the real gem is to hike its moderate North Trail to the top. Trust us, having to wake up at an ungodly hour to accomplish this feat is well worth the payoff. Perhaps the best part: you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself.

Stock-View-from-the-precipice-trail-in-Acadia-National-Park-looking-at-Bar-Harbor-along-the-cliff-ledge
Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine Image used with permission by copyright holder

For the more adventurous traveler, check out Precipice Trail. While it has frequently closed off and on throughout the years, this near-vertical climb is surprisingly open to the public. Be warned it’s definitely not for kids, dogs, or the faint of heart, even among seasoned hikers. While it’s not especially long, it is steep and some portions require hand-over-hand climbing of rungs built into the rock wall. It’s well worth it, though, as the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular.

Recommended Videos

Whichever hike you opt for, be sure to hit up nearby Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park afterward for the island’s best popovers. Sure, they’re criminally overpriced, but with stunning views of Maine’s most beautiful freshwater lake, who really cares?

Eat & Drink

There’s no better breakfast in town than Cafe This Way, where the menu runs the gamut from vegan tofu scrambles to their insanely good Lobster Benedict. The tourists have mostly caught on to this stellar diner, but not nearly as much as the town’s more popular pancake joints (namely Jordan’s and Jeannie’s on nearby Cottage Street).

Stewman's-Lobster-2
Stewman’s Lobster Pound Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lunch, and dinner if you like, is best eaten at a traditional Maine lobster pound. Most are not exactly “off the beaten” path, but there’s a good reason why: Maine lobster is the best in the world. Period. If convenience and a panoramic water view are deciding factors, check out Stewman’s Lobster Pound. However, if you’re willing to make the half-hour trek to the less-traveled “backside” of MDI, Thurston’s Lobster Pound is a local favorite with some of the best lobster rolls in the state.

Stay

The streets of sleepy Bar Harbor are peppered with quaint, pint-sized inns and B&Bs. While there’s nothing pint-sized about the Harborside Hotel, this classic Maine lodge offers stunning sunrise views of Frenchman Bay at a reasonable price. With a beautiful marina, outdoor pools, a modern luxury spa, and one of the best restaurants in town, it’s more like a resort than any other property on the island. It’s also situated at the western end of the town’s famous Bar Island hike. At low tide, you can step outside your room and trek the short sand bar to this tiny, peaceful dot of land.

Bar-Harbor-Hotel-Maine
Bar Harbor Hotel, Maine Image used with permission by copyright holder

For a more boutique experience, West Street Hotel across from the Harborside offers equally stunning views in a modern, upscale, marine-inspired setting. This is a property that gets the finer details right. Think fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies every afternoon, a stocked snack bar on every floor, and lovely third- and fourth-floor balconies overlooking the water. What’s more: the hotel boasts the only rooftop pool in the state, with a vibe that feels far more Miami Beach than Maine.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Get hands-on at The Sonoran Epicurean Escape: An interactive culinary retreat at Castle Hot Springs
Enjoy a premium culinary experience
Castle Hot Springs

Food lovers and luxury travelers alike can now embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure at Arizona’s premier wellness retreat. Castle Hot Springs has announced The Sonoran Epicurean Escape, a four-night interactive retreat designed to immerse guests in the artistry of fine dining. Launching in June and returning in December 2025, this exclusive experience invites participants to step behind the scenes with the resort’s expert culinary team for hands-on workshops, curated dining events, and in-depth explorations of farm-to-table cuisine.

Led by Executive Chef Chris Knouse, Sommelier Sarah Foote, and Agronomist Ian Beger, the retreat showcases the flavors of the Sonoran Desert while offering guests an opportunity to refine their culinary skills. Beyond the kitchen, guests can unwind in the stunning surroundings of Castle Hot Springs, a historic 1,100-acre resort nestled against the Bradshaw Mountains, just outside of Phoenix. Known for its natural hot springs, spa treatments, and wellness experiences like Watsu Water Therapy and Paddleboard Yoga, the resort is a dream come true.
Immersive experiences

Read more
A new study reveals the most breathtaking rail journeys on Earth
You'll have to head to Asia to catch the world's best journey
Train

Luxury rail travel is booming, offering travelers a chance to experience the world’s most stunning landscapes in comfort. But with so many options, where should you book your journey? Thanks to Titan Travel, the answer is now clearer. Their latest study analyzed the most picturesque train routes based on ticket prices, Tripadvisor reviews, route length, and the number of stops.

Topping the list is The Himalayan Queen in India, scoring 7.35 out of 10. Running from Kalka to Shimla, this UNESCO-listed journey winds through North India’s mountains on charming “toy trains” originally designed for narrow-gauge tracks. With beautiful valley and Himalayan views, it stands out for its affordability, and tickets cost just $3 to $4.

Read more
Delta announces expanded Hawaiian routes
Delta expands service to Hawaii
Maui

Starting next December, Delta will expand service to Hawaii with a new route and increased flights on existing ones. That includes the debut of service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Kona International Airport (KOA), a nonstop trip from December 18 through March 26. The airline is also starting several Hawaiian routes earlier than usual, and increasing the number of flights.
Delta makes Hawaii more accessible for winter 25/26
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Wikimedia Commons

In addition to the Kona route, Delta’s flight between SLC and Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) will start earlier than ever, on October 6, with four weekly flights. That increases to daily flights in November and then to twice-daily flights between December 19 and January 5. Delta will also add a second daily flight between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu during that time.

Read more