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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or San Francisco?

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 Francisco 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. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it 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 shopping, food, and beaches.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a quirky, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bar Harbor and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. San Francisco is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in San Francisco that are not to be missed. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Bar Harbor or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for theatre. However, Bar Harbor is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Bar Harbor is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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.

Is Bar Harbor or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

San Francisco is a coastal city 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

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 Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Bar Harbor or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco 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 beache.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir 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 Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific 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.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

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 Francisco?

San Francisco is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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

Is Bar Harbor or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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 Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 Francisco Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and San Francisco are high quality 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.

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Bar Harbor or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and 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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and San Francisco both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal town. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

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

How long in Bar Harbor or San Francisco?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bar Harbor or San Francisco?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 San Francisco?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

San Francisco, 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 Francisco?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. 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 Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?

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 Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bar Harbor is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both San Francisco and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Bar Harbor is much colder than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both San Francisco and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Bar Harbor