City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Bar Harbor, Maine
Visited by Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Fords and Carnegies, Bar Harbor packs a mountain of history, nature and outdoor attractions into a relatively small space. The popular summer destination is about 63-square-miles in size and surrounded by waterways such as Frenchman Bay, Mt. Desert Narrows, Somes Sound and the nearby Bay of Fundy.
Located on the Atlantic Coast in Northern New England, Bar Harbor is on Mount Desert Island along Frenchman Bay. Access it via a bridge (Bar Harbor Road) over Mt. Desert Narrows from the mainland. Today, we’re going to discus some of the fun things to do while boating or hanging out at a private boat dock rental.
Acadia National Park
Photo: Wikimedia
With 3.9 yearly visitors, Acadia National Park is the most famous – and definitely most popular - attraction in Bar Harbor. It encompasses roughly half of Mount Desert Island (which is 15 miles long and eight miles wide). There are 27 miles of roadway and 158 miles of hiking trails in the 49,052-acre park.
Visitors come back year after year to hike through evergreen forests, marshland and coastal scenery surrounded by rocky outcrops, ferns, grasses, moss and wildflowers. Go fishing at Eagle Lake, birdwatching on the North Ridge Trail or kayaking on Jordan Pond.
Cadillac Mountain, at 1,527 feet, is the highest point on the East Coast and a must-see while in the park. You can check out stunning views of the landscape and the Cranberry Islands. Other Acadia activities include climbing, bicycling and picnicking.
Park Loop Road
Photo: Wikimedia
Take a break from the boat dock rental and get behind the wheel along Park Loop Road. The 27-mile scenic roadway winds around the outer east edge of Mount Desert Island. Enjoy picnic areas and overlooks with views of sparkling lakes, mountains and coastline. You’ll have access to Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond and Otter Point from this roadway.
Downtown Bar Harbor
Photo: Wikimedia
Stroll along the downtown Bar Harbor waterfront for shopping, dining and excellent views of ships, sailboats and other vessels in the harbor. The resort town offers attractions like the Bar Harbor Whale Museum and the Mount Desert Oceanarium where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about lobsters. There are a couple of marinas if you’re in need of service or a fuel dock while cruising from a private boat lift for rent.
Book whale-watching tours or paddleboarding and kayaking excursions. Try to reel in cod, mackerel and redfish on deep-sea charter fishing trips or at piers around town. You can also book cruises aboard the classic Friendship sloop or a real Maine lobster boat.
Photo: Ken Lane (via Flickr/CC License)
One unique excursion from a Bar Harbor boat slip rental is the CAT high-speed ferry. It leaves from Bar Harbor and heads to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. It takes about 3.5 hours, but hey, you can add Canada to your “been there/done that” list.
Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum features exhibits on the history and culture of the native Wabanaki culture. We think it’s a cool spot to visit from a private boat lift rental. With two locations – one in Acadia and one downtown – you can check out art, artifacts, illustrations, baskets, beadwork and unique porcupine quillwork art.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Photo: Pixabay
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is found within Acadia National Park. Built in 1858, it’s 37-feet tall and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This must-do site will result in picture perfect shots for your Insta feed or family photo album. It’s on the southwest side of the island and incredibly popular (especially at sunset).
Sand Beach
Photo: Wikimedia
Sand Beach is another fun (and incredibly refreshing) spot to visit from a private boat slip for rent. This small but picturesque curve of sand is backed by forests and rocky cliffs within Acadia National Park. Get there via Park Loop Road. The island’s free Island Explorer Shuttle (it does sightseeing tours around the park) can be taken. Lifeguards are sometimes on site (but not always). There are restrooms and changing rooms.
Have you been to Bar Harbor lately? Let us know your favorite things to do from a private boat slip rental. Happy boating!
