Bar Harbor, Maine, Offers ‘Crown Jewel’ of North Atlantic Coast

Charming coastal town is the gateway to scenic Acadia National Park and unique flying adventures.

Grant Boyd

Monday, October 13, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

About one-third of the town of Bar Harbor, Maine's 63 square miles is water. [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Bar Harbor, Maine, is a quintessential New England fall destination, celebrated for its vibrant foliage, scenic beauty, and history as a popular tourist hub.
The region's primary draw is Acadia National Park, offering breathtaking natural landscapes, iconic sites like Cadillac Mountain, and diverse activities such as scenic drives, hiking, and stargazing.
Beyond the park, visitors can enjoy a wide array of experiences including aquatic adventures like whale watching and lobster fishing, exploring historic lighthouses, unique walking trails, and indulging in fresh local cuisine.

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When you think of fall, cool weather, crisp air, and vibrant foliage come to mind. Maine, particularly Bar Harbor, is the poster child for a stereotypical New England autumn.

In its early days, Bar Harbor was an economic center of the Northeast, but its many visitors began seeing the seaside town more as an attractive tourist destination. In the late 1800s, hotels began popping up en masse, and soon more people were only staying temporarily rather than living there on a full-time basis.