A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Lewisburg for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

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 Lewisburg 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. 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 also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a quaint, charming, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Bar Harbor and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Bar Harbor and Lewisburg are both popular with visitors, Bar Harbor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lewisburg is known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Lewisburg and is known 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. Lewisburg is popular for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Bar Harbor different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Lewisburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

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 Lewisburg Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its resorts. However, Lewisburg is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Lewisburg is not a resort destination.


Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its beaches. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lewisburg to see the historical old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Lewisburg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is well known for shopping. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lewisburg. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Both Bar Harbor and Lewisburg are good 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.

Lewisburg is a family-friendly coastal town. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is well known for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.


Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a town with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Lewisburg is a good town to visit for students. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Both Bar Harbor and Lewisburg offer decent 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 Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Bar Harbor or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Lewisburg

Bar Harbor is well known for its walkability. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.


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

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bar Harbor than Lewisburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lewisburg.

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

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


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

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 has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the quaint town of Lewisburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lewisburg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 shopping and museums around the destination of Lewisburg, there's plenty to do. 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 Lewisburg?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lewisburg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Lewisburg?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lewisburg 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.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg is $136. 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 Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Lewisburg? 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 Lewisburg


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
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg $34
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
    Lewisburg $18
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's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $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
  • Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Maine Tours: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Lewisburg $12


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

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 Lewisburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Lewisburg?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Lewisburg, 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 Lewisburg?

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 Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bar Harbor is cooler than Lewisburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Lewisburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Lewisburg. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Lewisburg. 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. Also, most visitors come to Lewisburg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is cooler than Lewisburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lewisburg. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lewisburg can be very cold. Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Lewisburg. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Lewisburg in the Spring?

Both Lewisburg and Bar Harbor during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Lewisburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lewisburg. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)