Bar Harbor, Maine
If you're planning a cruise to New England, one port of call that you won't want to miss is Bar Harbor, Maine.
This charming coastal town, located on Mount Desert Island, is a popular destination for cruise ships and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Beautiful Shore Path
When visiting Bar Harbor by cruise ship, you have the advantage of being just a few steps away from the famous Shore Path, which is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular and breathtaking walking trails in all of America. This trail offers tourists an opportunity to take in some truly awe-inspiring views, with its stunning coastline and remarkable natural beauty that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Along the 1.5 mile trail, stunning views can be found as it follows the coastline.
Bar Harbor Highlights
One of the main draws of Bar Harbor is its stunning natural beauty.
The town is surrounded by Acadia National Park, which covers much of Mount Desert Island and offers miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning vistas.
Boat Tours
One of the best ways to experience the park is on a boat tour, which will take you out into Frenchman Bay and give you a unique perspective on the island's rugged coastline.
There are several companies that offer boat tours in Bar Harbor, ranging from simple sightseeing cruises to whale watching excursions.
Some of the most popular options include the Lulu Lobster Boat Tour, which takes you out on a traditional Maine lobster boat to see how lobsters are caught and processed, and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, which offers the chance to see humpback whales, finback whales, and other marine life up close.
Bar Harbor Culture And History
If you're interested in history and culture, Bar Harbor has plenty to offer as well.
One must-visit attraction is the Abbe Museum, which showcases the art, history, and culture of Maine's Native American tribes. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that explore the history and traditions of the Wabanaki people, who have lived in Maine for thousands of years.
Another popular attraction in Bar Harbor is the Jordan Pond House, a historic restaurant that has been serving visitors to Acadia National Park for over 150 years. The restaurant is famous for its traditional Maine dishes, including lobster rolls, blueberry pie, and popovers, and is located on the shore of Jordan Pond, which is one of the most beautiful spots in the park. After your meal, you can take a leisurely stroll around the pond on the Jordan Pond Path, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
if you're interested in learning more about the history of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island, consider taking a guided tour. There are several companies that offer walking tours and bus tours of the area, which will take you to historic sites and landmarks and give you a deeper understanding of the island's past. Some of the most popular tours include the Acadia National Park Bus Tour, which takes you to all of the park's main attractions, and the Bar Harbor Ghost Tours, which explores the town's haunted history.Cadillac Mountain
Speaking of mountains, no visit to Bar Harbor is complete without a trip to Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest peak on the eastern coast of the United States.
The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the ocean, islands, and forests, and is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and watching the sunrise or sunset.
There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, so there's something for every level of hiker.
Hiking And Kayaking
Another great way to experience the natural beauty of Bar Harbor is to go kayaking or paddleboarding. There are several companies that offer rentals and guided tours, which will take you out onto the calm waters of Frenchman Bay and give you a unique perspective on the island's rugged coastline. Kayaking or paddleboarding allows you to get up close to wildlife and explore hidden coves and beaches that are inaccessible by foot or car.
Guided Tours
If you're interested in learning more about the history of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island, consider taking a guided tour. There are several companies that offer walking tours and bus tours of the area, which will take you to historic sites and landmarks and give you a deeper understanding of the island's past. Some of the most popular tours include the Acadia National Park Bus Tour, which takes you to all of the park's main attractions, and the Bar Harbor Ghost Tours, which explores the town's haunted history.
Bar Harbor Cuisine
Of course, no trip to Bar Harbor would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine.
Maine is famous for its seafood, and Bar Harbor has plenty of restaurants and seafood shacks that serve up fresh lobster, clams, scallops, and other delicacies.
Some of the best places to try local seafood include the Side Street Cafe, which serves up delicious lobster rolls and other seafood dishes, and the Thirsty Whale Tavern, which has a great selection of local beers and pub food.
Shopping
If you're interested in shopping, Bar Harbor has a variety of stores and boutiques that sell everything from handmade crafts to high-end clothing. Some of the most popular shopping destinations include the Bar Harbor Farmers Market, which sells locally grown produce and handmade goods, and the Bar Harbor Popcorn Company, which has a wide variety of flavored popcorns and candy.
Traveling With Kids
If you're traveling with kids, Bar Harbor has plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions. One great option is the Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, which offers two challenging mini-golf courses that are themed around pirates and buried treasure. Another fun option is the Acadia Ocean Adventures, which offers family-friendly whale watching tours that are specifically designed for children
In Conclusion
Bar Harbor is a fantastic destination for anyone planning a cruise to New England. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious local cuisine, this charming coastal town has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in hiking, boating, or just relaxing on the beach, you'll find plenty to do and see in Bar Harbor. So why not add it to your itinerary for your next New England cruise? You won't be disappointed!
One thing to keep in mind when visiting Bar Harbor is that it can get quite busy during the peak tourist season, which is typically from June to August. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder season (May or September) when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer visitors.
Many of the major cruise lines offer New England cruises including Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity and more. Check with your travel agent.
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
