A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Bar Harbor for Beaches, Food, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Bar Harbor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a luxurious, posh, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

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.

Boca Raton and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boca Raton is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Bar Harbor both to be very good destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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.

Is Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

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

Boca Raton offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

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

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Boca Raton and Bar Harbor, and they are notable.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. 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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boca Raton and Bar Harbor both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Bar Harbor both very good destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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.

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

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Boca Raton or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxurious coastal city of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Boca Raton, 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 beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Boca Raton, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Boca Raton 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.

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Bar Harbor, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Bar Harbor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bar Harbor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bar Harbor 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Bar Harbor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Bar Harbor, 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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor?

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 Boca Raton or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Bar Harbor. The autumn months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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.

In October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Bar Harbor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. Boca Raton is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Boca Raton