Explore The Best of Bar Harbor’s Activities

Bar Harbor’s working waterfront is the perfect launch point for scenic boat tours. Hop aboard an Acadian Boat Tour for a relaxing nature cruise through Frenchman Bay, gliding past secluded islands, rocky bluffs, and historic lighthouses. For a more immersive experience, charter a traditional lobster boat with Island Cruises out of Bass Harbor, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of Maine’s lobster industry as you haul traps and scan the water for seals.

Few experiences rival the thrill of spotting a whale breach against the backdrop of the open Atlantic. With daily departures just steps from the hotel, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. takes you into the heart of the whales’ seasonal feeding grounds. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter humpbacks, finbacks, or even the elusive North Atlantic right whale, along with dolphins, puffins, and soaring seabirds.

Climb aboard the Lulu, a classic Down East–style lobster boat that offers a front-row seat to Maine’s most iconic industry. Cruise past Bar Harbor’s rocky shoreline and watch real lobster traps hauled from the ocean floor, learn the ins and outs of sustainable lobstering, spot seals sunning on the rocks, and take in panoramic views of Frenchman Bay. Equal parts educational and scenic, it’s an authentic slice of coastal life you won’t want to miss.

Just minutes from the hotel lies one of the most stunning natural playgrounds on the East Coast. Acadia National Park is a rugged expanse of granite peaks, pine forests, and dramatic coastline, offering over 150 miles of hiking trails. Summit Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views that stretch to the sea, or explore the park’s famed carriage roads, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride along car-free gravel paths. With each season, Acadia reveals a new side of its wild beauty, from springtime wildflowers to brilliant autumn foliage.

Paddle your way through the serene waters of Frenchman Bay, where Acadia’s mountains rise in the distance and seals, porpoises, and seabirds often make an appearance. Local outfitters like Coastal Kayaking Tours and Maine State Sea Kayak offer guided excursions that range from calm harbor paddles to adventurous open-water routes around nearby islands. With expert instruction and a front-row view of Bar Harbor’s wild beauty, sea kayaking is one of the most immersive ways to experience the Maine coast.

Just a short drive from downtown, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf brings a swashbuckling twist to your Bar Harbor itinerary. Putt your way through cascading waterfalls, scenic bridges, and pirate-themed obstacles on two lushly landscaped 18-hole courses. It’s lighthearted fun for all ages and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon away from the trails and tidepools.

Just steps from the hotel, Bar Harbor’s charming downtown is full of character and coastal charm. Wander tree-lined streets filled with art galleries, independent bookstores, and specialty shops stocked with everything from local crafts to Maine-made treats. Sidewalk cafés and waterfront restaurants invite lingering, while street performers and harbor views keep things lively. It’s a relaxed way to explore the town’s personality, one boutique and lobster roll at a time.

There’s something quietly unforgettable about standing atop Cadillac Mountain as the sky begins to glow. From early fall through spring, this is the first place in the U.S. to catch the sunrise – and the views are well worth the early wake-up call. Watch as morning light spills across the treetops, islands, and open waters of Frenchman Bay below. Whether you drive up or hike one of the nearby trails, the summit offers a calm and elevated start to your day in Bar Harbor.

Step inside a slice of Bar Harbor history at the Criterion Theatre, a restored 1932 art deco gem just a few blocks from the hotel. This intimate venue hosts a rotating lineup of live music, film screenings, and performances – from indie acts and local theater to classic movie nights. With its vintage charm and eclectic programming, it’s a cultural anchor in the heart of town and a perfect way to wind down your evening.