A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Grand Teton National Park for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park?

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 Grand Teton National Park 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 picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a impressive, vast, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Bar Harbor and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Bar Harbor and Grand Teton National Park are both popular with visitors, Bar Harbor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Grand Teton National Park is known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also home to Acadia National Park. Grand Teton National Park is popular for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife.

How is Bar Harbor different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

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

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a moderate park for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its beaches. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is terrific 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.

Around Grand Teton National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

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 Grand Teton National Park?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for shopping. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Grand Teton National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.


Is Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton 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.

Grand Teton National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Grand Teton National Park is a great park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

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.

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

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grand Teton National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Bar Harbor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Grand Teton National Park

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its walkability. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.

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

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

How long in Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Bar Harbor and Grand Teton National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton National Park.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park?

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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the vast park of Grand Teton National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Grand Teton National Park, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park?

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Grand Teton National Park, a popular park, 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 park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Grand Teton National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this park 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, Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park? 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 Grand Teton National Park


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 and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Grand Teton National Park $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105
  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park 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
    Grand Teton National Park $46
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

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


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Grand Teton National Park $43
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:

  • 3 Hour Private Tour: Insiders tour of Acadia National Park: $675
  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $775
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $1,000
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour: $548
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $279
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Grand Teton National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Grand Teton National Park.

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Grand Teton National Park $19


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

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 Grand Teton National Park Expensive?.