My husband Drew has been going to Maine with his family for vacation every other year since he was born. Needless to say, they know SO many great spots! As I’ve married into the family, I’ve reaped the benefits of their 30+ year adventures to the beautiful state of Maine! Below you’ll find recommendations (and some pictures pepper throughout) for great views, food, excursions, hiking and shopping, specifically in the Bar Harbor, Maine area. Shoutout to my amazing mother in law for helping put together all these recommendations! Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at monicabrownphoto@gmail.com with any questions you might have!

Whether you’re driving or flying with kids, here’s some my top tips for traveling with a babies/kids!

GREAT VIEWS

All of the hikes listed a few sections down also have great views!

–Acadia National Park is a MUST! It’s worth the cost of the pass to get in. Driving, going on mopeds or e biking the main loop is gorgeous! Make stops along the way. While there, walking the rocks from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs (there is also a nice path along the road) is breath taking!

-Climbing on rocks from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole (Acadia). I’d say kid friendly if wearing them. This is loud at high tide.

–Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset. Make sure you get there with enough time because it’s usually crowded & there’s a small parking lot so parking is often a mad house. Kid friendly with caution.

–Sand Bar walk (also called Bar Island Path) with low tide in Bar Harbor. You can walk across only at low tide. It’s close to town and worth it to walk across to see ocean on both sides of you. You can walk all the way to the island where there is a short hike to a beautiful lookout over the ocean. Just watch the tides and don’t get caught! Kid friendly.

-The paved Shore Path in Bar Harbor is short and beautiful along the ocean. Easy walk from the shops (more on this below). Kid friendly.

FOOD

-Jordan Pond House (they have amazing popovers + lemonade!)

-West Street Cafe/Restaurant for a nice dinner (we have done this for bday dinner celebration) Look for their lobster special if you want to crack one open. Amazing blueberry pie!

-Side Street Cafe (mac-n-cheese is SO good)

-The Common Good breakfast at SW Harbor

-Cafe this Way (great for breakfast)

-Atlantic Brewing Company (Good place for a beer and bbq)

-Bar Harbor Inn (pricey, but delicious)

-Colonel’s Restaurant and Bakery in NE Harbor (get a doughnut here!)

-Asticou Inn in NE Harbor (you can dine on their back patio with harbor views + check out the gardens across the street!) There’s a beautiful drive nearby on Sargeant Road along Somes Sound.

-Udder Heaven Ice Cream Retreat (and the Mainly Meat next door)

-2 Cats Restaurant (AMAZING breakfast food & if you like hot sauce, do yourself a favor and buy some to take home! We almost exclusively use 2 cats hot sauce year round)

Pro tip: always check for early bird specials

EXCURSIONS

-Kayaking in the ocean and getting to see seals, porous, and a bald eagle! Two years ago we kayaked on our own but this year we did a guided tour and it was AMAZING! We highly recommend using Maine State Sea Kayak. You go in a group with a guide on the ocean. It’s beautiful and not too difficult on a calm day, not kid friendly.

-Renting E-bikes in Bar Harbor & riding the loop in Acadia National Park (kid friendly). At Jordan Pond House, you can pick up the Carriage Roads and bike forever! Fun to see the park at a slower pace than a car. 

-Renting mopeds in Bar Harbor & riding the loop in Acadia National Park (not kid friendly)

-Whale Watch boat tour. We haven’t done this, but have heard great things about it!

-Sight seeing & nature cruise from Acadian nature cruises. We haven’t done this, but know someone who did and loved it! They specifically recommend the Acadia Puffin Cruise.

HIKING

–Jordan Pond: Lovely and flat, goes all around the pond, kid friendly. Pro tip: plan to eat at Jordan Pond House for amazing popovers & lemonade after!

–Beehive: This is a short hike and straight up a cliff! If you’re afraid of heights, this is NOT the hike for you. It’s not kid friendly but super fun and great views at the top!

–Cadillac mountain: This is chilly at the top so make sure you bring layers! It’s a moderate hike & kid friendly (recommend backpacking carrier or ergo baby carrier). You can also drive up this if you’d rather not do the hike!

–Bubble Rock Mountain: There’s two routes up to the top- one easier & one harder, kid friendly.

–Great Head (Acadia National Park): Access to it is at the end of Sand Beach. It is steep and rocky at some spots, but amazing ocean views!

You can download the All Trails app to see more hiking options & all the details of each trail.

SHOPPING

-Shopping in Bar Harbor- there are TONS of cute shops everywhere!

–Southwest Harbor is adorable with shops and restaurants. One of our favorites is Quietside Cafe and Ice Cream Shop (they have amazing lobster rolls and pies!)

Hope you enjoy!