Bar Harbor Itinerary: One Perfect Day in Bar Harbor, Maine

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Formerly a hidden gem, Bar Harbor has become a hot spot in recent years. It’s easy to see why, with an adorable shopping district downtown, tons of great restaurants, and it’s just minutes away from the beautiful Acadia National Park.

Lucky for you, I’ve crafted the ultimate Bar Harbor itinerary for one perfect day in this quaint New England town!

Things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine

Despite being a pretty small town, there are lots of things to do in Bar Harbor and many places to visit. A day in Bar Harbor is pretty laid back, and should primarily be spent exploring the downtown area. Downtown Bar Harbor is SO cute, and it’s made of a small network of streets, making it super easy to get around on foot.

You’ll can spend the majority of the day browsing the various shops, grabbing a bite to eat, and even enjoying some of the nightlife, if you’re up for it!

Here are some of the best things to do in Bar Harbor:

Shopping at Maine’s Oldest Bookstore, Sherman’s
A beautiful woodworking shop where you can ride a giant rocking horse and browse around a beautiful woodworking shop at In the Woods
Collecting some cool souvenirs at Cool as a Moose or one of the other souvenir stores (there’s a lot!)
Trying lobster ice cream at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium (don’t worry, there’s lots of other handmade flavors, too)
Sipping on a hot coffee from Coffee Hound or Choco-Latte
Buying something for your furry friend at Bark Harbor, a pet store and a quirky pun

Bass Harbor Head Light

Everyone knows you can’t visit Maine without stopping by at least one lighthouse! The most famous lighthouse around is without a doubt The Bass Harbor Head Light. Just remember: it’s located on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island, so it’s about a 30 minute drive from the city center. Nonetheless, it still definitely deserves a spot on any Bar Harbor itinerary.

If you’re looking for iconic “Maine” vibes, you’ll find it here. This beautiful lighthouse is surrounded by tall pines, and it teeters on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the roaring sea.

I visited at sunset, and although the views are lovely, it’s SUPER crowded. The parking lot is pretty small, so you sometimes have to wait a while just to find a spot. If I ever visit again, I’ll definitely go earlier in the day for sunrise. It was already pretty difficult taking photos on all those slippery, uneven rocks, but clueless tourists standing RIGHT IN FRONT of the lighthouse made it even worse. The life of travel blogger – am I right?

If one lighthouse isn’t enough, be sure to check out my post on a Weekend in Portland, Maine for locations and photography tips for all the best lighthouses in Portland.

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor

If you only have one day in Bar Harbor, you’ll want to scope out all the best places to eat. There are lots of fantastic restaurants here, so you won’t be disappointed no matter where you eat. I’ll give you some highly recommended eats that I’m still dying to try along with the restaurants I actually went to – so you know they’re good!

Galyn’s – During my one day in Bar Harbor, this is where my mom and I went for dinner. I opted for the steak, and it was easily one of the best cooked steaks I’ve ever had. My mom is a seafood fanatic, so she ordered the sampler plate. Even though seafood isn’t my favorite, I nibbled on all the different samplers. I’m now a HUGE fan of scallops! This place is on the end of the Main Street towards the wharf, and it’s pretty fancy. I suggest calling ahead to make reservations.

Side Street Cafe – As you might have guessed The Side Street Cafe is located on a side street just a few blocks from the main tourist area, so it’s not a place you’ll just stumble upon, but rather should make plans to visit ASAP. Everyone knows I’m not a big seafood lover, but I was pleased with the lobster quesadilla, and the fresh blueberry pie was heavenly!

This is a trendy hot spot among locals. With great food at great prices, it’s easy to see why. If you don’t come for the food, come for happy hour and the beer!

The Thirsty Whale – This laid back tavern is the perfect place to enjoy some hearty dishes and good drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. The prices aren’t bad, either! I’ve been told the lobster bisque is a highlight on the menu. Checkout the website The Thirsty Whale for more info.

Pink Pastry Shop – Yes, this place is as adorable as it sounds. Before we hit the road for the long drive back to Portland, we stopped here and stocked up on as many goodies as we could carry! I highly recommend one of the whoopie pies and a chocolate peanut butter cookie. They also have lots of yummy cupcakes, donuts, and different coffees, teas, and smoothies.

Other suggested Bar Harbor restaurants:

2 Cats Restaurant
C-Ray Lobster
Lompoc Cafe
The Reading Room, Bar Harbor Inn

Where to stay in Bar Harbor

There is no shortage of great places to stay in and around Bar Harbor. There’s lots of adorable inns in the downtown area, and they host fun parties outside on the lawn with fires and food. But those inns are popular so they fill up pretty fast. There’s lots of hotels, too, just outside the city center. I stayed at a Comfort Inn just five minutes down the road. It was super affordable and in a great location.

Final Thoughts

Bar Harbor offers the perfect mix of coastal charm, outdoor adventure, and small-town New England vibes. Whether you’re hiking through Acadia National Park, savoring fresh lobster by the waterfront, or strolling through the quaint downtown shops, every moment in Bar Harbor feels like a breath of fresh, salty air. This itinerary is just the beginning—there’s always more to discover in this picturesque corner of Maine. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with Bar Harbor.