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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains 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. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls.

How is Bar Harbor different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Bar Harbor is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Pocono Mountains specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

If luxury resorts are your style, both Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains have nice options.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

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 Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Bar Harbor is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Both Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.


Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Both Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains offer reasonable 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Pocono Mountains

Bar Harbor is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable coastal town. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.


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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and skiing around the magnificent region of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With skiing and food around the destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pocono Mountains, a popular region, 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 region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains is $174. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains? 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 Pocono Mountains


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
    Pocono Mountains $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $53
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
    Pocono Mountains $30
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
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $22
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and 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

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64
  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Pocono Mountains $13


When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is cooler than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. In July, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pocono Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is much colder than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is much colder than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)