Bar Harbor Town Pier
Bar Harbor's Town Pier is the heart of this charming Maine coastal town, offering stunning harbor views and gateway to Acadia National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Bar Harbor Town Pier
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bar Harbor's Town Pier is the heart of this charming Maine coastal town, offering stunning harbor views and gateway to Acadia National Park.
"Nice spot to view the sunrise / sunset. The scattered boats and distant shoreline make for great pictures."
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Witnessing sunrise from the pier or nearby Cadillac Mountain is unforgettable. Book Cadillac Mountain reservations early!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Shore Path
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore path for lovely ocean views and fresh sea air.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bar Harbor Town Pier Views
Bar Harbor Town Pier
Iconic waterfront views with scattered boats and a picturesque distant shoreline. Perfect for photos.
Acadia National Park Access
Adjacent to the pier
Your launchpad to explore Acadia's stunning landscapes, from Cadillac Mountain to scenic carriage roads.
Seaside Town Exploration
Main Street, Bar Harbor
Wander through charming shops and enjoy delicious local cuisine, capturing the essence of coastal Maine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Witnessing sunrise from the pier or nearby Cadillac Mountain is unforgettable. Book Cadillac Mountain reservations early!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Shore Path
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore path for lovely ocean views and fresh sea air.
🦞 Savor a Lobster Roll
Don't leave without trying a classic Maine lobster roll from a local spot like Travelin Lobster. +1
🚗 Explore Beyond the Island
Venture to Schoodic Peninsula for a less crowded Acadia experience. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Witnessing sunrise from the pier or nearby Cadillac Mountain is unforgettable. Book Cadillac Mountain reservations early!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Shore Path
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore path for lovely ocean views and fresh sea air.
🦞 Savor a Lobster Roll
Don't leave without trying a classic Maine lobster roll from a local spot like Travelin Lobster. +1
🚗 Explore Beyond the Island
Venture to Schoodic Peninsula for a less crowded Acadia experience. +1
☕ Grab a Coffee
Fuel your adventures with a blueberry macchiato from Acadia Perk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bar Harbor's beautiful seaside charm, picturesque harbor views from the Town Pier, and its convenient access to Acadia National Park. The abundance of fresh seafood and the quaint atmosphere are major draws. Some find the town can be very crowded during peak season, and restaurant hours can be earlier than expected.
"Last year we took a cruise of the New England shore area up to Halifax from NYC. It was a very relaxing cruise. One of the stops was Bar Harbour. After we got on the land,we walked around looking at the shops, having lunch and taking lots of pics of the area."
THE EXPLORER
"Nice spot to view the sunrise / sunset. The scattered boats and distant shoreline make for great pictures. Busy during the day, but not so much at night as the resteraunts are mostly closed."
Nick W
"The view is beautiful here. Such a lovely seaside town."
D Green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bar Harbor is accessible by car, with major routes leading to Mount Desert Island. Once in Bar Harbor, the Town Pier is centrally located and easily walkable from most accommodations. Parking can be challenging, so consider utilizing the free Island Explorer shuttle during peak season. +1
Yes, the Island Explorer shuttle service operates seasonally and connects Bar Harbor with Acadia National Park and surrounding towns, making it a convenient way to get around without a car.
The closest major airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR), about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor. From there, you can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service.
Walking is ideal for exploring the downtown area and the pier. For Acadia National Park and further afield, the Island Explorer shuttle is highly recommended.
Absolutely! Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are a highlight for many New England road trips, offering stunning coastal scenery and outdoor adventures. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bar Harbor Town Pier itself is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. However, access to Acadia National Park requires a park entrance pass.
Park entrance fees vary depending on the pass type (e.g., 7-day pass, annual pass). Check the official Acadia National Park website for current pricing.
Yes, during peak season, vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Mountain. These can be booked online in advance.
Yes, numerous boat tours, including whale watching and scenic cruises, depart from the Bar Harbor Town Pier. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods.
The Bar Harbor Town Pier is generally accessible 24/7, but businesses and tour operators have their own hours. It's busiest during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic views, watch boats, embark on whale watching or scenic tours, and access the shore path. It's also a great starting point for exploring downtown Bar Harbor. +1
While not explicitly advertised as a primary fishing pier, some visitors do fish from the Town Pier. Check local regulations and consider dedicated fishing charters for a better experience.
The pier itself offers great shots of the harbor. For wider vistas, walk the shore path or head to Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views. +1
Public restrooms are typically available in the vicinity of the Town Pier and along the waterfront.
You might spot seals, various seabirds, and if you're lucky on a boat tour, whales and dolphins.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Downtown Bar Harbor, just steps from the pier, offers a wide array of dining options, from casual lobster shacks to upscale restaurants. +1
Lobster rolls, blueberry pancakes, popovers, and fresh seafood are local specialties. +2
Yes, spots like Cafe This Way and Jordan's are popular for breakfast and coffee.
Abel's Lobster and The Travelin Lobster are highly recommended for their seafood and atmosphere. +1
Yes, many restaurants tend to close earlier than in larger cities, especially outside of peak season. It's wise to check hours and make reservations.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for capturing the pier, harbor, and distant islands. Golden hour is also excellent. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbor views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting on boat tours.
The Town Pier itself, the shore path, and the summit of Cadillac Mountain (with a reservation) provide iconic photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park. Always check current regulations before flying a drone in the Bar Harbor area.
The combination of a charming seaside town, rugged coastline, historic boats, and the natural beauty of Acadia National Park makes it incredibly photogenic. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the shops on Main Street can be fun for kids, and many eateries offer kid-friendly menus. The Island Explorer shuttle is a convenient and free way for families to get around without the stress of parking.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
For dining, opt for casual lobster pounds or grab-and-go options instead of sit-down restaurants. Picnics with supplies from local markets are also a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when accommodation prices are typically lower.
couples
For a touch of adventure, tackle a moderate hike in Acadia National Park together, or rent bikes to explore the picturesque carriage roads. A visit to Cadillac Mountain for sunset, with its sweeping vistas, provides a memorable backdrop for a romantic evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Acadia National Park from the Pier
Many visitors opt for boat tours departing directly from the pier to experience Acadia's beauty from the water. These tours often include whale watching excursions, providing opportunities to see marine life like seals, dolphins, and whales.
Remember that Acadia National Park requires an entrance pass, and vehicle reservations are needed for Cadillac Mountain during peak times. Planning your park visits, especially for popular attractions, is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Island Explorer shuttle is an excellent, eco-friendly way to navigate between Bar Harbor and various park locations, reducing traffic and parking hassles.
The Bar Harbor Dining Scene
Beyond lobster, you'll find excellent opportunities to enjoy other local delicacies. Blueberry pancakes are a breakfast favorite, often found at places like Jordan's, and popovers are another treat worth seeking out.
It's important to note that dining hours in Bar Harbor can be earlier than in larger cities, and popular spots can get busy, especially during the summer months. Making reservations, particularly for dinner, is a wise strategy to ensure you get a table.
Capturing Bar Harbor's Charm Through Photography
Beyond the grand vistas, the charm of Bar Harbor lies in its details. Strolling along the Shore Path offers intimate views of the coastline, weathered docks, and the ebb and flow of the tide.
When packing your gear, a wide-angle lens is invaluable for capturing the expansive harbor and coastal scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant boats or wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit