A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Sequoia National Park for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

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 Sequoia National Park 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 quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking, surreal, and impressive national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Bar Harbor and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Bar Harbor and Sequoia National Park are both popular with visitors, Sequoia National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sequoia National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bar Harbor is known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also home to the General Sherman tree. 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 Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Neither Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Bar Harbor for the nightlife. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Sequoia National Park doesn't offer many options. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.


Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Sequoia National Park 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

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 Sequoia National Park?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.


Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park 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.

Sequoia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

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 Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Both Bar Harbor and Sequoia National Park 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.

Sequoia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sequoia National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

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 Sequoia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Both Bar Harbor and Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Is Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Sequoia National Park

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

Both Bar Harbor and Sequoia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Sequoia National Park 2-7

One day in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the surreal national park of Sequoia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Sequoia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Sequoia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sequoia National Park, a popular national park, 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 national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sequoia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this national park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park 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.


Which place is cheaper, Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park is $130. 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 Sequoia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Sequoia National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Sequoia National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park? 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 Sequoia National Park


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
    Sequoia National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Sequoia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sequoia National Park 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
    Sequoia National Park $31
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
    Sequoia National Park $31
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:

  • 3 Hour Private Tour: Insiders tour of Acadia National Park: $675
  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $775
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $1,000
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour: $548
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $279
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

For Sequoia National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Semi Private Sequoia National Park Tour with lunch.: $299
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Sequoia National Park $7.84


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

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 Sequoia National Park Expensive?.