A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Adirondack Mountains for Food, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Adirondack Mountains is famous for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain.

How is Bar Harbor different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Adirondack Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Bar Harbor is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bar Harbor. 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.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.


Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

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 Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Bar Harbor is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Both Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.


Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

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 Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Bar Harbor is a moderate coastal town for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Adirondack Mountains

Bar Harbor is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable coastal town. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

With nightlife and food around the pristine region of Adirondack Mountains, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

Adirondack Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

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.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Bar Harbor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bar Harbor


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Bar Harbor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bar Harbor $57
    Adirondack Mountains $49
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Adirondack Mountains $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Ocean Path: Acadia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Adirondack Mountains $19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Adirondack Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adirondack Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.

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



When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Adirondack Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Adirondack Mountains. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Adirondack Mountains can be very cold. Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Adirondack Mountains. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is cooler than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Adirondack Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)