Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a quintessential New England town, famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, charming downtown, and a rich history as a summer retreat for America's elite. Situated on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is also the gateway to Acadia National Park, the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. As a cruise port, Bar Harbor offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, and it's an ideal destination for cruisers who want to explore on their own.
⛵ Port Introduction
Bar Harbor is a tender port. Your cruise ship will anchor offshore in Frenchman Bay, and you will be taken to shore on a tender boat. The tender ride is a short and scenic journey, about 10-15 minutes, and it offers a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding islands as you approach the pier. You will be dropped off at the Town Pier, which is a small pier located in the heart of downtown.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Town Pier is a small, public pier that is used for a variety of boats, including the cruise ship tenders. There is no large, permanent terminal building. The area is a small, open-air setup with a covered walkway and a few benches.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
While there is no main terminal building, the tender landing is well-equipped with amenities. You will find a small welcome area with local volunteers who can provide maps and information. There are also public restrooms and a few shops selling snacks and souvenirs. Tour pickups and the local trolley service are located just a short walk away.
🗣️ Language
The local language is English. You will have no problem navigating, communicating, or exploring the area.
💰 Money
The currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are universally accepted everywhere. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find at banks, inside grocery stores, and throughout the downtown area.
🚗 Transportation
Bar Harbor's downtown is very walkable, and many of the main attractions are within a short walk of the tender pier. To get to Acadia National Park, you have a few options:
Walking: The best way to explore downtown is to walk. The tender pier is in the heart of town, and you can easily walk to the shops, restaurants, and the waterfront.
Island Explorer Bus: This is the most recommended way to get to Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer is a free, propane-powered shuttle bus that runs on multiple routes around Mount Desert Island and through Acadia National Park. The bus stops are located throughout Bar Harbor, and you can get a map and schedule from the visitor information center.
Oli's Trolley: This is a popular hop-on, hop-off tour that offers a narrated tour of Acadia National Park. You can buy tickets at the pier.
Taxis: Taxis are available but can be expensive. They are a good option for a group or if you want to go to a specific location.
♿ Accessibility
Bar Harbor has an accessibility rating of 2 out of 10. The tender process is a major barrier for people with limited mobility, as you have to get on and off a moving boat. The historic downtown area, with its uneven cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks, can also be challenging to navigate. Acadia National Park itself has a mix of accessible and less accessible trails.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town is to simply walk. The tender will drop you off in the heart of downtown, and from there you can walk to many of the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in Bar Harbor, particularly at the Town Pier and in public parks. They are generally clean and free to use. Many restaurants and cafes also have restrooms for customer use.
💊 Drugstore
Rite Aid: 101 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. This is located in the downtown area.
Walgreens: 255 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Dine on a Local Lobster Roll or Steamed Lobster: No visit to Bar Harbor would be complete without trying the local lobster. Seek out a local seafood shack or restaurant and get a fresh lobster roll or a steamed lobster dinner. It's a delicious and essential part of the Maine experience.
2. Walk the Shore Path: For a taste of the area's natural beauty, take a walk on the Shore Path. This scenic path starts at the Town Pier and winds along the coast, offering stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the historic "cottages" (mansions) that line the coast.
3. Visit Acadia National Park on the Island Explorer: For a great way to experience the park on your own, take the free Island Explorer bus. The bus will take you to some of the park's most famous sites, including the Jordan Pond House, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole, where you can hear the famous "thunderous boom" of the waves.
