A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Sedona for Couples, Food, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Sedona?

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 Sedona 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.

Sedona

Sedona is a desert, dramatic, and scenic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Bar Harbor and Sedona: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sedona. Although Bar Harbor and Sedona are popular destinations, Sedona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sedona is very popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Sedona is famous for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also well known for Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Sedona is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Sedona is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bar Harbor
Sedona

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

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.

Sedona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Bar Harbor or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Sedona 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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

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 Sedona Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Sedona is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Sedona, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

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 Sedona Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the beache. However, Sedona is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Sedona is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Sedona to see the historical old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Bar Harbor or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Sedona 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.

Sedona is a popular spot for hiking. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

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 Sedona?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

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

Sedona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Sedona 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.

Sedona is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

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

Sedona is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

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

Sedona is a good town to visit for backpackers. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Both Bar Harbor and Sedona 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Bar Harbor or Sedona a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Sedona

Bar Harbor is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable coastal town. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Sedona?

In either Bar Harbor or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona 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 Sedona.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Sedona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Sedona 3-5

One day in Bar Harbor or Sedona?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the dramatic town of Sedona, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Sedona?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the small town destination of Sedona, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Bar Harbor or Sedona?

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. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sedona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sedona 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 Sedona is $165. 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 Sedona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Sedona $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Sedona $186
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Sedona

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Sedona? 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 Sedona


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 and Sedona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Sedona $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Sedona?

Prices for flights to both Sedona 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
    Sedona $48
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $119
  • Uptown Explorer Sedona Food Tour: $185
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $252

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Sedona $19
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:

  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $700
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $950
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Acadia Full-Day Private Bike & Hike Tour: $648
  • Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour: $548
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia NP: Half-Day Private Tour with Cadillac Mountain: $498
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.

  • Self-Guided Driving Tour with GPS Audio Guide App: $9.99
  • Arizona Audio Tour Guide in Sedona: $15
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Red Rock Scenic Drive Adventure: $17
  • Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Grand Canyon & Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour from Sedona: $26
  • From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $28
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $43
  • Main Street Ghost Adventure: Walking Tour in Jerome with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $45
  • Feel the Sedona Vortex Mindfulness Game and Adventure: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Sedona $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bliss - Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour - Lunch Included!: $115
  • Grape Train Escape: Wine Tasting and Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure: $175
  • Sedona-Jerome Scenic Vortex, Wine Tasting Grand Tour. See It All!: $199
  • Voted Best in Sedona-Best Value Private Wine Tour, great price: $215
  • Voted Best in Sedona-Tastings Included! EXPRESS PRIVATE WINE TOUR: $240
  • Sedona Arizona Wine Tasting Experience: $250
  • 5 Star, Private Wine Tour, BEST in Town, TASTINGS INCLUDED!: $260
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $295


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

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 Sedona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Sedona?

Sedona has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Sedona, 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.