A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. 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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, hiking, 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course.

How is Bar Harbor different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Carmel-by-the-Sea specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. 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 Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer respectable public transit options.

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 mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very walkable coastal town. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty 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. It offers something for everyone.

With museums and food around the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and shopping around the small town destination of Carmel-by-the-Sea, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Bar Harbor