Maine
Gateway to Acadia National Park
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Bar Harbor sits at the doorstep of Acadia National Park, America's first national park east of the Mississippi. This charming Victorian resort town on Mount Desert Island has welcomed visitors since the Gilded Age, when wealthy families built grand "cottages" along the shore.
The town's Main Street bustles with galleries, restaurants, and shops selling everything from Maine blueberry products to handcrafted jewelry. But the real draw lies beyond town limits—Cadillac Mountain's sunrise views, the thunder hole's crashing waves, and miles of carriage roads perfect for biking through pristine forests.
Fresh lobster is practically mandatory here, whether enjoyed at a waterfront restaurant or a casual lobster pound. Whale watching tours depart from the harbor, and the clear waters offer some of the best kayaking on the East Coast.
Over 47,000 acres of stunning Atlantic coastline, mountains, and forests
The first place to see sunrise in the United States from October to March
Victorian-era downtown with galleries, restaurants, and unique shops
Tours departing daily to see humpback, finback, and minke whales
Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island, about 45 miles southeast of Bangor. Summer is peak season with warm weather and full services, but fall offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Many businesses close November through April.