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

Should you visit Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Bar Harbor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint 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 shopping, food, and beaches.

Nantucket and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is known for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Nantucket different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nantucket 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 Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket is a island 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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in 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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nantucket and Bar Harbor both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

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

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Nantucket is a island 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.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Nantucket and Bar Harbor are superb when it comes to walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

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

One day in Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor. 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.

A weekend in Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

You'll find shopping and food around the picturesque small town of Bar Harbor. 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.

Five days in Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Nantucket, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor. 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.

A week in Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Bar Harbor, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Bar Harbor?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Nantucket during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantucket is around the same temperature as Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Nantucket usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nantucket is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantucket in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantucket or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. Nantucket can be very cold during winter. In January, Nantucket is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nantucket usually gets more rain in January than Bar Harbor. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Nantucket is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Nantucket