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

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Bar Harbor 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.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking, serene, and beautiful national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

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.

Shenandoah National Park and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shenandoah National Park is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Also, Shenandoah National Park is famous for Skyline Drive. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

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

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park is a moderate national park for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

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

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly national park. 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 Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Bar Harbor are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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

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

Shenandoah National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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

Bar Harbor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

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

Bar Harbor is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable national park. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

With food and skiing around the scenic national park of Shenandoah 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

With skiing and food around the destination of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

Shenandoah 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Shenandoah National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In the summer, Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bar Harbor. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Bar Harbor. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Shenandoah National Park is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 56°F (13°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 32°F (-0°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Shenandoah National Park