Bar Harbor Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Skeezix1000 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; George L, Arek P-A, Mike Pool, John Sonatore · via Google Maps
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- USA & Canada (New England)
- Coordinates:
- 44.3858° N, 68.2094° W
About Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a resort town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine. With a population of 5,089, it serves as a port of call for cruise visitors exploring the USA & Canada (New England) region. The town is home to the College of the Atlantic, Jackson Laboratory, and MDI Biological Laboratory.
Things to do in Bar Harbor
Visitors have plenty to explore within walking distance of the port. The Village Green and Abbe Museum are just 0.3–0.4 km away, while the Bar Harbor Shore path (1.0 km) offers scenic coastal walks rated 4.8 by visitors. Agamont Park (0.7 km) and Wild Gardens of Acadia (2.6 km) provide green spaces for relaxation.
For those wanting to venture further, Thunder Hole scenic point lies 7.4 km from the port and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History (1.4 km) and Sieur de Monts Nature Center (2.6 km) offer cultural and natural history insights.
Nearby ports
Bar Harbor connects easily to other New England destinations. Boston, New York, Halifax, Québec City, and Saint John are all nearby ports for extended cruises in the region.
Bar Harbor is a resort town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population is 5,089. The town is home to the College of the Atlantic, Jackson Laboratory, and MDI Biological Laboratory. During summer and fall seasons, it is a popular tourist destination.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Bar Harbor on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Georgy Bernstein · via Google Maps Scenic point
Thunder Hole
4.6 (3,515) 7.4 km from port
Natural rock inlet where waves crash with a thunderous boom & high-flying foam when seas are up.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “This was a cool pitstop during our day long trip through Acadia. We were lucky enough to stop when the…” — Ctine Doza
- 5 · “Visited Thunder Hole in Acadia and it was such a fun spot! 🌊 It's this rock inlet where the waves…” — Sri Nath Reddy Palem
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Photo: Carl Adam Ekblad · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Agamont Park
4.7 (1,875) 0.7 km from port
This bustling ocean-side park offers live events, open green space, trails & picnic spots.
Near: Geddy's (44 m) · Galyn's (45 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Came here multiple times during my stay on MDI and had a wonderful experience each time. The changing tide and…” — Rebecca Blaske
- 5 · “Beautiful Harbor Views and Perfect Location! Agamont Park is a hidden gem right in Bar Harbor. With stunning panoramic views…” — Bill Mann
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Photo: Susan Ward · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Village Green
4.6 (1,251) 0.4 km from port
Grassy, central town square with benches, a gazebo, summer concerts & a national park info center.
Near: Acadia Hotel - Downtown (70 m) · Cafe This Way (78 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 am
- 5 · “A nice green space in the center of Bar Harbor. It is an easy walk to almost everything (shops, waterfront…” — Stephen Matthews
- 5 · “Nice park at the end of Bar Harbor. We sat and listened to a street musician there. 👍” — Scott Bloomer
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Photo: Byron ONeal · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Wild Gardens of Acadia
4.6 (827) 2.6 km from port
Native trees, wildflowers & ferns in a rustic setting with a stream & paths like the Jesup Trail.
Near: Sieur de Monts Nature Center (75 m) · Homans Path (213 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “Super sweet spot to visit. Especially if you are into all sorts of plants and flowers. It was not in…” — Hollie Sanderson-Shore
- 5 · “A low key garden compared to others. Well kept and a great way to relax for a bit. Includes a…” — JC
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Park and Garden
Bar Harbor Shore path
4.8 (500) 1.0 km from port
Accessible coastal park featuring easy walking paths with scenic ocean views.
Near: Balance Rock (312 m) · Grant Park (364 m)
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “Bar Harbor Shore Path is an easy, relaxing walk with beautiful coastal views the whole way. It’s a great activity…” — Billy
- 5 · “Nice little 1 plus mile path with small rocks and dirt. A beautiful view with a breeze to enjoy.” — Karl O'Leary
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Museum
Abbe Museum
4.5 (364) 0.3 km from port
Modern museum showcasing the culture of the native Wabanaki people with various exhibits & events.
Near: Acadia Hotel - Downtown (25 m) · Jesup Memorial Library (62 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “while visiting acadia national park, i became so curious about the indigenous communities — so glad this museum exists and…” — Muna A
- 5 · “Visiting the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor is a wonderful and enriching experience that offers a fascinating look into the…” — ursus2170
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Visitor centre
Sieur de Monts Nature Center
4.6 (263) 2.6 km from port
Exhibits on park nature & science in historic Spring House complex, the site of Acadia's origins.
Near: Wild Gardens of Acadia (42 m) · Homans Path (215 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “With the rain this day we had to adapt our plans for our visit to Acadia National Park and the…” — Richard Hamilton
- 5 · “Beautiful nature center with multiple trails to walk. Easy for children and adults. One trail is a wood walkway where…” — Heath Coxall
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Museum
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
4.7 (171) 1.4 km from port
Educational natural history museum featuring student-created wildlife exhibits and an interactive tide pool touch tank.
Near: College of the Atlantic (57 m) · Edenbrook Motel (138 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “We did the Acadia Park Ranger Touch Tank activity. The kids (10 & 13) had a blast. Bonus: We got…” — Sean Troxell
- 5 · “Admission is donation only. Go during the summer months and park rangers will tell you about the creatures in their…” — Maegan Longyear
Map of Bar Harbor and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Bar Harbor
Deals update daily — see all USA & Canada (New England) cruises.
