A Travel Price Comparison for Maine Acadia National Park vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bar Harbor is better known for its food, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its museums and hiking. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Also, Bar Harbor is famous for Acadia National Park.

How is Acadia National Park different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Neither Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor offer decent nightlife.

Acadia National Park doesn't offer many options. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Bar Harbor. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor have notable beaches worth visiting.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Acadia National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly national park. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. In our opinion, Bar Harbor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bar Harbor than Acadia National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

Families should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acadia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Acadia National Park.

One day in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

With around the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

With around the destination of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Acadia National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Bar Harbor for five days. Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Acadia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acadia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acadia National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor than you might in Acadia National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Bar Harbor. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acadia National Park in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Acadia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acadia National Park in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park