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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Newport?

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 Newport 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Newport travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, 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. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is Bar Harbor different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newport is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Newport.

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.

Newport has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Bar Harbor or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Newport is a town 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 Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport 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 beach.

The beaches at Newport attract visitors from all over. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

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 Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Newport is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Bar Harbor or Newport Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is very good for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Newport?

Both Bar Harbor and Newport are superb 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.

Newport is well-known for its shopping. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Bar Harbor or Newport More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Is Bar Harbor or Newport Better for Families?

Newport 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

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

Newport is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is a 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.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Newport both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Newport is a very walkable coastal town. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Newport?

In either Bar Harbor or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport 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 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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

One day in Bar Harbor or Newport?

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the coastal town of Newport, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Newport?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bar Harbor has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Newport, 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 Newport?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Newport 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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 Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Newport, 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 Newport?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Newport. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Newport. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bar Harbor is cooler than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Newport. The winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Newport. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Newport. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newport and Bar Harbor