Experiences

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Enjoy a range of exciting Maine activities and amenities

With a coveted address overlooking Frenchman’s Bay and full access to the range of activities and amenities at Bar Harbor Club, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina provides a truly memorable setting for your next vacation. Whether you want to relax by our ocean-facing pool, sea kayak around Mt. Desert Island, or bring the entire family on a whale-watching tour, there are endless opportunities to soak up the very best of Bar Harbor. Let one of our friendly “Consider It Done” agents recommend what to do based on your interests and group size.

Activities

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in and around the resort. Outdoor lovers will embrace the incredible hiking, fishing, kayaking and boating in the area, and culture aficionados can immerse themselves in local history, art, and food.

Bar Harbor Club

Bar Harbor Club

An exclusive retreat for guests of the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina and the West Street Hotel, the Bar Harbor Club combines timeless elegance with modern amenities. Open from May through October, this private club features a stunning oceanfront pool, a full-service spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and inviting spaces designed for relaxation and connection.

Harborside Hotel Aerial at Sunset

Holidays & Resort Activities

Join us to celebrate the holidays from Easter and Mother’s Day through Thanksgiving! Visit our Holidays & Resort Activities page to stay up to date on all the exciting events and experiences we have in store, and make your time in Bar Harbor truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a family-friendly Easter brunch or a cozy Thanksgiving feast, our resort offers something special for every occasion.

Couple on Bar Harbor Dock

Whale-Watching

Experience the wonder of the area’s migratory whales and coastal wildlife on a whale watching tour. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company offers variety of boat cruises to explore the waters around Mount Desert Island and beyond. These tours provide the chance to see humpback, minke, and fin whales, as well as playful dolphins, seals, and puffins. To learn more about what makes these tours so special, check out our Q&A with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.’s lead naturalist, Julie Taylor.

Cadilac Mountain Sunrise

Acadia National Park

Located just a short distance from West Street Hotel, Acadia National Park is a sprawling playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a must-visit during Bar Harbor’s warmer months. With over 120 miles of hiking trails, you can explore everything from gentle walks to challenging climbs, all while soaking in breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, lush forests, and serene lakes. It’s a bird-watcher’s paradise, too, with migratory birds and resident species like peregrine falcons, ospreys, and various songbirds.

Couple in Downtown Bar Harbor Eating Ice Cream

Shopping

Bar Harbor’s vibrant retail scene is brimming with unique treasures and makes for the perfect afternoon off property. Discover ultra-soft bamboo bedding and apparel at Cariloha, which is housed in the street level of sister property, West Street Hotel. Explore Island Artisans‘ array of fine crafts created by local artists, or The Acadia Shops for outdoor apparel and locally inspired souvenirs. Whether you’re seeking specialty food items, kitschy-cool souvenirs, or one-of-a-kind artwork, you’ll find plenty of options to take home a piece of Maine.

Couple and Chef at Paddys Pub in Bar Harbor

Dining

Guests at Harborside are perfectly positioned to enjoy some of the area’s best dining experiences. Start with our on-site restaurant, La Bella Vita, where authentic Italian flavors meet fresh, local ingredients. Just steps away, Stewman’s Lobster Pound offers the quintessential Maine dining experience with fresh lobster and oceanfront views. For a local favorite, venture to Side Street Café, known for its award-winning lobster rolls, creative cocktails, and laid-back charm.

Downtown Bar Harbor

Culture

Discover the history and culture of coastal Maine. At the Abbe Museum, exhibits celebrate the traditions of the Wabanaki, Maine’s Indigenous people, and hands-on learning labs teach visitors to weave baskets and use stone tools. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Argosy Gallery, featuring works from regional artists inspired by the area’s beauty. And no trip to the Maine coast would be complete without a lighthouse tour—venture to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, perched above the rugged coastline. 

Couple on Acadia National Park Beach

Sea Kayaking

Embark on a sea kayaking adventure with the help of local companies that offer instruction and tours around Acadia National Park and the surrounding islands. Companies like Coastal Kayaking Tours and Maine State Sea Kayak will guide you along the rocky shoreline, gliding past towering cliffs and hidden coves while keeping an eye out for seals, porpoises, and bald eagles. Adventurers can opt for a tour that ventures to the Porcupine Islands, a collection of evergreen-spiked domes with a unique history.

Mother and Sun Hiking at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

Opal Unpacked

How to Navigate Acadia National Park’s Vehicle Reservations System

If hoping to bring a vehicle up Cadillac Mountain’s famous Summit Road between the months of May and October, you’ll need more than just a park pass, but an advance vehicle reservation. Here’s what you need to know about how to book online and common questions about the reservation process answered.

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