A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Aspen for Food, Resorts, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Aspen?

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 Aspen 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 charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Bar Harbor and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, and christmas markets, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Bar Harbor different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is terrific for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

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

Aspen is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a well-known place for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen 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 Aspen, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

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 Aspen Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen 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.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

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 Aspen?

Both Bar Harbor and Aspen are great shopping destinations.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a world class destination during the Christmas season. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Bar Harbor does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Families?

Both Bar Harbor and Aspen are notable to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Aspen is a family-friendly coastal town. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Aspen are great 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.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Aspen is a ski town with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Aspen a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Aspen both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Aspen is a very walkable coastal town. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Aspen?

In either Bar Harbor or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Bar Harbor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen 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 Aspen.

One day in Bar Harbor or Aspen?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and live music around the artsy ski town of Aspen, 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 Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With live music and food around the small town destination of Aspen, 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 Aspen?

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen, a popular ski town, 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 ski town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Aspen?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen 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.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bar Harbor and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Bar Harbor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bar Harbor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bar Harbor 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Bar Harbor.

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 Aspen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Aspen?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Aspen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.