A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Palm Springs for Resorts, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs 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. 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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Bar Harbor and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Bar Harbor and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is known for its beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Palm Springs is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is Bar Harbor or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is terrific for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs is a must-see party destination. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is terrific for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is very good for its beaches. However, Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bar Harbor to enjoy the beach. 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.

Palm Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby 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 Palm Springs?

Both Bar Harbor and Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Is Bar Harbor or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Palm Springs are superb 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.

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Both Bar Harbor and Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Bar Harbor or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is notable for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Bar Harbor or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Bar Harbor or Palm Springs?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the ritzy city of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Palm Springs?

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Palm Springs, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Palm Springs?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Palm Springs, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Palm Springs?

Bar Harbor is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Palm Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Palm Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

Both Palm Springs and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bar Harbor is cooler than Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

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

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is much colder than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Palm Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Palm Springs. The winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Palm Springs. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Bar Harbor