How to Plan a Family Vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine

Since the Gilded Age of the late 19th century, the seaside community of Bar Harbor, Maine has been a haven for tourists. Today, Bar Harbor offers visitors a variety of amenities, including sailing, biking, hiking, as well as shopping and fine dining. Adjacent to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a great destination for families who seek outdoor adventure combined with the convenience of a seaside resort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

On Land

1. Begin your visit to Bar Harbor with one of Acadia and Island Tours on Oli's Trolley. Highlights of this streetcar tour include glimpses of historic "cottages" (mansions), passes through Acadia National Park and travels up Cadillac Mountain.
2. Rent a bike from Acadia Bike and take your own tour of the carriage roads, or ride through the scenic Park Loop Road. If you're worried about getting lost, sign up for a group tour.
3. Climb a mountain after taking lessons from the Acadia Mountain Guides. With professional guides that also act as instructors, courses at the school include basic skills necessary for beginning climbers.
4. Take a break from all the physical activity and watch a movie at the historic Criterion Theatre. This newly restored theater offers movies, dramatic performances and live music.

On Sea

5. Sign up for a group kayaking tour of the rugged Maine coast. Coastal kayaking tours specialize in small tour groups. No kayaking experience is necessary.
6. Charter a sailboat and head out for a day of peace and relaxation on the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Several companies in Bar Harbor offer boat rentals for both small and large groups.
7. Go fishing on the Tiger Shark, a fifty-foot vessel that takes guests out on four-hour fishing trips. Catch your own dinner of cod, black sea bass or red fish.
8. Look for whales. No trip to the Maine coast is complete without an afternoon of whale watching. The Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company offers several tour options, including nature cruises and a fascinating lighthouse and park tour.