Bar Harbor, Maine: Practical Guide to Acadia Access, Dining, and

Q: When do kitchens typically close in Bar Harbor?

Most kitchens close by 9 pm, with some spots like West Street Cafe around 8:30 pm; House Wine stays open to about 9 pm. Always check hours the night you go.

Q: Where can I grocery shop for a quick stock-up?

Hannaford is your main full-service grocery (86 Cottage Street). For local/gap items, Acadia Country Store and Edwards Brothers in Trenton cover essentials.

Q: What’s the nearest hospital and are there urgent care options nearby?

Mount Desert Island Hospital sits in Bar Harbor; urgent care services are available in Bar Harbor as well.

Q: Is Bar Harbor walkable, or do I need a car?

Downtown Bar Harbor is walkable and convenient for meals and shops, but to explore Acadia and Cadillac Mountain you’ll want a car or use the Island Explorer shuttle for park access.

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Overview

About This Town

Bar Harbor is a year-round resort town on Mount Desert Island serving as the gateway to Acadia. It swells with visitors in summer and fall, then quiets after 9 pm outside peak. Downtown is walkable with harbor views, but lodging fills fast in peak season.

The Vibe

Bar Harbor is a working-hub resort town: vibrant in the day, quieter after 9 pm in shoulder seasons; you’ll need a car for longer trips, but downtown is walkable for meals and sights.

Stock Up Here

• Hannaford Supermarket (86 Cottage Street) for groceries; Acadia Country Store (Trenton); Edwards Brothers Supermarkets (Trenton); extended-season gas stations; plan to stock up before driving into Acadia.

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens close by 9 or 9:30 pm; West Street Cafe closes around 8:30 pm; House Wine stays open until 9 pm; late-night dining options are limited.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Tourist Hub

Population

5,098

Distance to Park

10-15 minutes

Highlights

Known For

Proximity to Acadia National Park and a lobster/seafood dining scene

Main Attractions

Acadia National Park entrances, Cadillac Mountain, Shore Path, Bar Harbor waterfront

What Makes It Special

Harbor-front charm, quick access to Cadillac Mountain, and a real lobster-shack-to-table vibe. Island Explorer shuttle reduces parking stress, and you’ll find a mix of casual eateries and seafood joints along the waterfront.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

Summer and early fall

Shoulder Season

Late spring and early fall

Winter

Year-round destination, but many tourist-focused businesses close from late October through spring; some dining/shopping remains

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are calmer; summer/fall bring the crowds and peak activity.

Tips & Advice

Gas stations hours vary; check hours and plan ahead.
Island Explorer is a free shuttle (late June–mid-October); it saves parking headaches.
Downtown parking is aggressive; arrive early or use the shuttle.
Groceries: Hannaford (86 Cottage Street), Acadia Country Store and Edwards Brothers (both in Trenton).

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 40

B&Bs 25

Hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts dominate; condo rentals exist; mix of budget to mid-range.

Dining

Restaurants 40

Price Range Expensive due to tourism; some value options like Side Street Cafe and local spots

Seafood-focused, casual diners, bakeries, and a few higher-end options

Essential Services

Grocery: Hannaford Supermarket (86 Cottage Street); Acadia Country Store (Trenton); Edwards Brothers Supermarkets (Trenton)
Gas: Hours vary; extended in peak season. Check signs; plan to gas up before heading into Acadia.
Gear/Outdoor Shops: General outdoor/sporting goods; bear spray availability not detailed; gear options exist in town and nearby
Medical: Mount Desert Island Hospital (Bar Harbor); urgent care available in Bar Harbor

Conveniences

Banks/ATMs Available Laundry Facilities

Insider Tips

• Island Explorer saves you from parking battles; catch it from downtown. • West Street Cafe closes around 8:30 pm; House Wine stays open to ~9 pm; plan dinners accordingly. • Reserve dinners during peak season; downtown parking is tight. • Stock up groceries at Hannaford before heading into Acadia; Trenton stores cover gaps.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Hiking the park, carriage road biking, boat tours, lobster shacks along the Harbor

Winter Activities

Limited dining/shopping; some outdoor activities remain; many tourist-focused businesses close late Oct–spring

Shopping

Downtown Bar Harbor along Main Street with souvenir shops and eateries

Breweries & Nightlife

Bar scene exists with seafood eateries and wine bars; notable options include House Wine (wine bar) and The Thirsty Whale (seafood with bar)

Events & Festivals

Summer and fall draw crowds; events vary by year; check local calendars

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)

Shuttle to Park

Island Explorer; free, propane-powered shuttle; connects Bar Harbor, nearby villages, and Acadia; operates roughly late June–mid-October

Cell/WiFi

Cell service can be spotty in and around Acadia; Verizon and AT&T best; hotels and many businesses offer WiFi

Visitor Center

Bar Harbor Visitors Center, downtown

Best Area to Stay

Downtown Bar Harbor is highly walkable for easy access to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront, while Eastern Bay has a quieter, family-friendly vibe.

Book Ahead

Book six months ahead during peak season; last-minute options are limited

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Walkable downtown with occasional hills; car helpful for Acadia access; Island Explorer reduces parking needs

Family-Friendly

Family-friendly with harbor walks and easy access to Acadia; parking remains a challenge for families with gear

Nearby Facilities

Gas stations, Hannaford, Mount Desert Island Hospital, ATMs, general services

FAQs

Is the Island Explorer shuttle free and when does it run?

Yes. The Island Explorer is a free, propane-powered shuttle that connects Bar Harbor, nearby villages, and Acadia National Park. It runs roughly from late June through mid-October.

When do kitchens typically close in Bar Harbor?

Where can I grocery shop for a quick stock-up?

What’s the nearest hospital and are there urgent care options nearby?

Is Bar Harbor walkable, or do I need a car?

Cozy motel row with red siding, white-framed windows, pink flower boxes, and trimmed hedges in Acadia National Park.

Highbrook Motel

Vintage 1950s motel near Acadia. Quiet, spotless, breakfast delivered to your door.

Bar Harbor

Overview

About This Town

The Vibe

Stock Up Here

Late Night Intel

Town at a Glance

Highlights

What Makes It Special

Seasonal Planning

Best Time to Visit

Tips & Advice

Lodging in Bar Harbor (34)

Highbrook Motel

Primrose Inn

The Pathmaker Hotel

Ivy Manor Inn – Village Center

Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B

The Elmhurst Inn

Hanscom’s Motel and Cottages

Emery’s Cottages On the Shore

The Bayview Hotel

The Inn on Mount Desert

Cromwell Harbor Motel

Bar Harbor Villager Motel

Bar Harbor Manor

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

Mira Monte Inn

Main Street Motel

Little Fig Hotel

Moseley Cottage Inn and Town Motel

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center

Queen Anne’s Revenge

Terramor Outdoor Resort

Hampton Inn Bar Harbor

Edenbrook Motel

Black Friar Inn & Pub

Best Western Acadia Park Inn

Balance Rock Inn

Atlantic Eyrie Lodge

Acadia Inn

Eden Village Motel & Cottages

Bluenose Inn – Bar Harbor Collection

Belle Isle Motel

Anchorage Motel

Seasider Motel

Wonder View Inn – Bar Harbor Collection

Camping in Bar Harbor (5)

Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday

Hadley’s Point Campground

Evergreen Yurts

Bar Harbor Campground

Bar Harbor / Woodlands KOA

Trails in Bar Harbor (9)

Gorham Mountain Trailhead

Beehive Trail

Precipice Trailhead

Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop

Ocean Path Trailhead

Bar Island Land Bridge

Dorr Mountain

Wild Gardens of Acadia

Thunder Hole

Food & Drinks in Bar Harbor (39)

PITA COAST

Mount Desserts, Homemade Pies

Dinner

Mother’s Kitchen

Island Take Out

Bar Harbor Lobster Pound

Melt

Mainely Meat Barbeque At Atlantic Brewing Company

Mainely Meat BBQ on Dreamwood Hill

Cafe This Way

Coffee Matter

Porcelli’s

Reel Pizza Cinerama

Mount Dessert Bakery

Lompoc Cafe

Jordan’s Restaurant – Breakfast – Lobster Rolls – Burgers – Pancakes – Sandwiches