This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re planing on spending Fall in Maine here’s are some of the great things to do around Bar Harbor! Take in the lighthouses, delicious lobster, fall foliage, and of course Acadia National Park!
We spent the most glorious few days in Bar Harbor. Fall in Maine has always been on my bucket list. So of course I jumped at the chance to visit in fall, even with a toddler in tow.
In fact, all of the east coast is actually on my bucket list come every fall. Something about the crisp fall air, the cozy sweaters, the turning leaves, it just brings my soul back to life. Especially after enduring 110ºF of the Texas sun.
Don’t believe me? I left my heart in Stowe, then in Woodstock, and then in Boston.
So if you’re thinking September or October with pumpkin patches, warm cider, best fall colors, trails and hikes, I am your girl!
For this trip, we decided to spend all of our time in Bar Harbor. We really wanted to hike Acadia so though Portland, Camden, and Kennebunkport are on my list too, we used this time to solely explore Bar Harbor.
Things to know
- 🚗 Where do you arrive? we flew into Bangor International Airport and then drove to Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor doesn’t have large chain stores like Target or Walmart, so we did a quick drive up pickup order for baby essentials like diapers, which I refused to lug from Houston.
- ⌛️ How far in advance do you recommend booking a fall trip to Bar Harbor? Bar Harbor is tiny! So if you plan on staying there, plan well in advance, at least 3-4 months to get your ideal hotel accommodations. If you’re willing to do a day trip into Bar Harbor, you can get away with booking a couple months in advance.
- 🍂 When is it peak fall foliage in Bar Harbor Maine? typically it is the middle two week in October. However, you may want to look at a fall leaf calendar to see what the predictions are for the year you’re visiting.
Where to Stay
- Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor. Beautiful cottages in Bar Harbor. Great for larger families and they also have small suites for smaller families. A friend of mine recommended this place, but we weren’t able to snag reservations as they had already filled up (and we booked about 3 months in advance!)
- West Street Hotel. This is where we stayed. It’s in the heart of Bar Harbor downtown close by to the water. They have great amenities and offer hot cider that we enjoyed every night with a warm crackling fire. I would 1000% stay here again next time.
What to do when it’s Fall in Maine
- Cadillac Mountain. starting in the first week of October this is the very first place that the sun rises in the United States. If you plan on going for sunrise, you will need to plan ahead. Make reservations online and pay a fee. You can head here to book.
- Hike Ocean Path Trail. This is one of the most scenic hikes in Acadia National Park. You get gorgeous views of the coastline. It is mostly flat, so easy to take a stroller with you, with just a few rocky areas. Make these stops along the way:
- Thunder Hole: right on the path and it’s a must-stop. Going around high tide makes the most sense so that you get the most dramatic thunderous noise!
- Otter Cliff: dramatic cliffs with stairs to an outlook. The most glorious sweeping views.
- Drive Park Loop Road. It officially starts are the Hulles Cove visitor centers.
- Jordan Pond Path and Great Head Trail. It was impossible to do both Ocean Path and Jordan Pond Path with a toddler in one day, so we split it up.This is a very easy loop about 3 miles all around and takes just under 2 hours. The views here are striking. Think panoramic coastline views. We ended up skipping the Great Head Trail, because we wore our toddler in a carry and it would’ve been too strenuous. But you could do either of these hikes or both!
- Stop by Jordan Pond House. A beautiful restaurant situated right inside the National Park. Even if you don’t plan on eating there (which you can forget about unless you’re a visitor that made reservations well in advance) you can stop by the popover booth outside. This is a first come first serve location for popovers and blueberry lemonade – which were both delicious. The lines aren’t too bad and you can take in the landscape while you wait.
- One thing to keep in mind is that reception is extremely spotty here! I realized after I sent my toddler and husband back to the car that I didn’t have my wallet on me. But I did learn that tap pay on an iPhone still works without reception. I wasn’t leaving without my post-hike popover 😉
- Walk around Bar Harbor. Go on the Harbor Walk. You can access it from the pier area near Agamont Park and the Bar Harbor Inn. It’s a casual walk around the Frenchman Bay, offering views of the islands, mansions, and Schoodic Peninsula.
- Bass Harbor Lighthouse. it’s a bit of a drive out there, and trust me when I tell you this, the parking lot is tiny and there’s a line to park and walk around. Is it an absolute must? No. But if you like chasing lighthouses like I do, then I’d say it’s worth a look!
Where to eat in Bar Harbor
- Stewman’s Lobster Pound. Hands down my favorite seafood place to eat in Bar Harbor. We stayed right across the street and could practically see the place from our balcony. Besides the lobster, I highly suggest the smoked dish dip and the Frenchman Bay Fish and Chips. The house made pickles still make my mouth water too.
- Choco-latte. Grab a breakfast sandwich, a bagel, and a coffee. Lines get long so plan ahead or you can order online for pick up!
- Thirsty Whale Tavern. Another spot in downtown. Great Maine eats. Ioved the Freuben here – that’s a fried haddock sandwich with sauerkraut ands much more.
- Side Street Cafe. For when you need a break from the lobster. Though they do serve a variety of seafood, they also have burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and more.
- Mount Desert Ice Cream. Are you brave enough to try Lobster Ice Cream? I certainly am not.
- Thrive June Bar and Kitchen. This place had the most delicious pumpkin chia pudding. It was the inspiration behind this bowl.
- Jordan Pond House. We didn’t eat here, but I loved the blueberry lemonade and the popovers with fresh preserves that we picked up.
- Beal’s Lobster Pier. Grab a lobster roll or enjoy the fried seafood here with a view 🙂
- Rosalie Pizza. This place has the best pizza. They make both the dough and the sauce in house and lines are long! We ended up taking it back to our hotel because the dine-in line was super long.
