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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. 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. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bar Harbor and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego. Although Bar Harbor and San Diego are popular destinations, San Diego has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Diego is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Diego is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Diego 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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Bar Harbor or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

San Diego offers plenty to do in the evening. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a well-known place for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Diego is very popular with diverse venues. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Bar Harbor or San Diego Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Bar Harbor and San Diego 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, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is Bar Harbor or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bar Harbor or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific 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 San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego 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.

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

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 San Diego?

Bar Harbor is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Bar Harbor or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific 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.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego Better for Couples?

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

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Diego is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is terrific for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Both Bar Harbor and San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Bar Harbor or San Diego a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal town. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or San Diego?

In either Bar Harbor or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego 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 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Bar Harbor or San Diego?

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 nightlife around the energetic coastal city of San Diego, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 San Diego?

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 nightlife and live music around the destination of San Diego, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or San Diego?

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.

San Diego, a popular coastal city, 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 coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or San Diego?

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.

San Diego is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as San Diego. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than San Diego. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. Bar Harbor is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and San Diego. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than San Diego. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Bar Harbor