Enjoy free time in Bar Harbor. Varied and enticing shops and galleries line the streets of Bar Harbor and offer unique shopping experiences. Come hungry and visit one of Bar Harbor’s restaurants, the town is home to some of the best in Maine and New England. Explore historic sites and landmarks that bring the heritage and culture of Bar Harbor to life.
Things to Do in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor Shopping
Bar Harbor boasts over 50 speciality shops and galleries that stock everything from Maine made items like tourmaline jewelry, maple syrup and the works of local artists and artisan to imports you won’t find anywhere else.
Island Artisans
Shop high quality crafts made by island residents in the Island Artisan gallery. Works of over 100 Maine artisans whose trades include weaving, basketry, glass, jewelry, pottery, embossed cards, handspun and printed fabrics are also featured in the gallery.
The Sagegrass Gallery
The Sagegrass Gallery is known for showcasing sensational American artisans and their handcrafted products. Discover jewelry, wearable and hanging art, glasswork, fragrances and lotions and home décor.
Sea Dawg
Sea Dawg is a gift and souvenir shop that has it all. You’ll find t-shirts and sweatshirts, locally made goods, jewelry, Boyds Bears and other interesting items.
The Naturalist’s Notebook
Named a Best of New England destination by Yankee magazine and one of the 50 Things to Do in Maine This Summer by the Bangor Daily News, the Naturalist’s Notebook combines nature, science, learning, fun, art and shopping.
Willis’ Rock Shop
Custom 14K gold jewelry, local beach stone bracelets and genuine Maine tourmaline in a variety of colors and styles can be found in Willis’ Rock Shop. Home accents made from natural materials like local granite vases and unusual wood boxes are also available for purchase.
Bar Harbor Restaurants
Bar Harbor boasts being home to some of Maine and New England’s best restaurants. With fresh seafood and local farm-grown produce on offer, Bar Harbor restaurants pride themselves on using only the freshest and finest ingredients. Be sure to try Bar Harbor’s succulent Maine lobster fresh off the docks, many visitors travel to the town just for the lobster! A favorite restaurant for lobster among locals and tourists is the Travelin Lobster LLC, a family owned and operated lobster takeout restaurant where you can hand pick your own lobster. If seafood isn’t for you, pub fare is served at Paddy’s Irish Pub and Black Friar Pub. Havana and Mache Bistro offer flavors from around the world. For farm-fresh regional cuisine head to Sweet Pea’s Cafe. Bar Harbor’s mid-morning or late-afternoon pick-me-up cafés and coffee shops, like the Coffee Hound Coffee Bar, don’t fall short of quality either.
Historic Landmarks and Fantastic Scenery
Interested in learning more about Bar Harbor? If weather permits, follow Museum in the Streets signs to learn about Bar Harbor’s rich history, from its establishment in 1796 to current day events. Museum in the Streets Signs will take you on an exploration of the historic city’s sites and landmarks with Acadia National Park as the backdrop.
- Ensure you wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Visit the official website of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce to find out about events taking place during your visit such as art shows on the green, weekly band concerts and farmer’s markets.