Falling for New England: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

Updated: 9/21/26

One late August we took a road trip from Boston to Maine. It was several years ago, but we remember the trip as if it were yesterday. We had stayed at the Harbor Ridge timeshare in Southwest Harbor. When we checked in, the front desk clerk asked if we wanted to order lobsters.  Of course, we said yes!

And boy, were they delicious! They were some of the best lobsters we’ve ever had. At just $7 each—and all weighing more than a pound—the fresh-off-the-boat lobsters were an incredible steal.

DIY dinner - delicious lobsters with corn and blueberry pie

Bar Harbor is such a delightful little town. Not only does it have wonderful galleries and interesting, fun shops, but it also offers at least two easy and beautiful walking paths.

Starting at the town pier, the Shore Path is a one-mile walk along the waterfront, offering beautiful views of Bar Harbor’s rocky shoreline. Along the way, you’ll also catch glimpses of charming waterfront inns and stately residences.

It’s an easy, relaxing stroll and a wonderful way to take in the beauty and character of Bar Harbor.  

The Shore Path (Bar Harbor Inn in the distance, Agamont Park on the right)

There aren’t many places where you can walk to an island at low tide, but Bar Island, just north of the town pier, is one of them. Walking across the sandbar was such a unique experience, and we even found shells and sea glass among the pebbles.

If you decide to make the walk, be sure to check the tide table before you go. The sandbar is only accessible for a few hours around low tide, and you definitely don’t want to get stranded on the island when the tide comes in!

Scenic view and interesting terrain on Bar Island

Don't say we didn't warn you

Hungry after all that walking? No worries - there are restaurants galore! We chose Geddy's (see review) and got a table overlooking Agamont Park. Our lobster dinner was the perfect ending to an awesome day.

Yummy lobster and clam chowdah

typical nautical décor in down East Maine

The next few days were spent hiking in Acadia National Park. One evening, on a whim, we decided to drive up Cadillac Mountain, which rises 1,530 feet above sea level. The winding road offered spectacular views, but halfway to the summit, we found ourselves surrounded by thick fog. We decided not to push our luck and cautiously made our way back down.

The next time, we came prepared. We got up before dawn, packed warm blankets, and headed to the summit to watch the sunrise. As the first place in the U.S. to see the morning sun, Cadillac Mountain is a popular sunrise destination. We arrived around 4:26 a.m., only to find the parking lot already almost full!

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. Clouds and haze obscured the sunrise that morning. So much for planning! Once most of the visitors left, we practically had the mountain to ourselves and enjoyed a peaceful, leisurely hike.

View of Bar Harbor and the islands on Frenchman Bay from Cadillac Mountain

Acadia is chock-full of hiking and biking trails, with plenty of places to stop and admire nature’s beauty. We especially love picturesque Jordan Pond. There are several trails, a gift shop, and a full-service restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

Jordan Pond

Get a rush of adrenaline at Thunder Hole, where waves crash into a narrow inlet, creating a thunderous roar against the rocky shore. It’s beautiful, a little scary, and incredibly exciting—all at the same time.

Thunder Hole

Entrance to Bass Harbor Head Light

Walk down a few flight of stairs

to see the sunset and rocky cliffs at Bass Harbor Head Light

We spent our last evening in Acadia National Park watching the sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light. By the time we arrived, visitors and photographers had already staked out the best spots for the perfect picture. Luckily, we were treated to a beautiful sunset—a fitting end to our Maine adventure.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Through My Lens.

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