So Much to Do, You’ll Want to Stay Longer

There’s so much to experience in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park that a quick trip just won’t do it justice. Here are 50 great ways to make the most of your Bar Harbor vacation when you at Mira Monte Inn & Suites for four nights—or longer!

Outdoor Adventures

  1. Walk the Shore Path any time from dawn to dusk (25 min)(pictured).
  2. Cross over to Bar Island at low tide (25 min).
  3. Stroll the Connector Trails to the base of Dorr Mountain (1 hour).
  4. Borrow our CD tour and drive through Acadia National Park—allow 4–6 hours with scenic stops.
  5. Picnic at Otter Point on the rocks or at Bar Island (we’ll share tide times—remember, tides rise and fall 12 feet every six hours!).
  6. Walk the Ocean Path from Sand Beach to Otter Point, past Thunder Hole, boulder beaches, and tidal pools.
  7. Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern seaboard.
  8. Take a thrilling ladder hike on Beehive, Beech Cliffs, Precipice Trail, or Jordan Cliffs.
  9. Explore Schoodic Peninsula, known as “the other Acadia,” for dramatic waves and fewer crowds.
  10. Walk through the natural bonsai forest at Wonderland, near Bass Harbor Lighthouse (30 min).
  11. Take a horse-and-buggy ride on Acadia’s scenic Carriage Roads (2–4 hours).
  12. Bike the Carriage Roads, with 50 miles of car-free paths winding through hills, ponds, and forests (3–4 hours).
  13. Canoe on Long Pond or paddle with the tide up Northeast Creek and back.
  14. Enjoy a freshwater swim at Echo Lake’s beach on a warm summer day.
  15. Fish in Acadia’s lakes and ponds, or cast a line from the shore.
  16. Take a chilling dip at Sand Beach, then warm up on the sand.
  17. Stroll the Jesup Path boardwalk, surrounded by birch stands and marshland meadows.

Strolling and Walking Tours

  1. Sail on the Margaret Todd, the area’s only four-masted schooner with picturesque red sails (2 hours).
  2. Board the lobster boat “Lulu” for a hands-on lobster fishing experience (2 hours).
  3. Go whale watching (mid-June to late October) for a 4–5 hour adventure.
  4. Try sea kayaking along Maine’s rugged shoreline (1–3 hours).
  5. Take a Sea Princess Nature Cruise out of Northeast Harbor into the only fjord in the lower 48 states (2.5 hours).
  6. Hop on the Sea Princess dinner cruise to Islesford (Little Cranberry Island) for a unique island dining experience (3 hours).

Gardens and Scenic Walks

  1. Explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia, featuring all of the island’s native plants (30 min).
  2. Visit the Azalea Gardens in Northeast Harbor (pictured), with a Japanese-style design, Zen sand garden, and breathtaking blooms in June (30 min).
  3. Climb or drive to Thuya Garden on Asticou Terraces, an English-style garden with Dawn Redwood trees and stunning views of Northeast Harbor.

Local History & Culture

  1. Take a historic walking tour of Bar Harbor, and hear fascinating tales of early “rusticators” and their summer “cottages” (2 hours).
  2. Visit the Abbe Museum of Native American culture (3 minutes from Mira Monte) (pictured).
  3. Tour the Oceanarium, featuring a lobster hatchery and marine exhibits (2 hours).
  4. Visit the La Rochelle Mansion museum, home of the Bar Harbor Historical Society (just 2 blocks away).
  5. See antique cars and motorcycles at the Seal Cove Auto Museum.
  6. Enjoy summer theater in Somesville (late June through Labor Day).
  7. Attend a Bar Harbor music festival performance or live concert.
  8. Catch a band concert on the Village Green every Monday and Thursday evening in summer (1 hour).
  9. Learn or try rock climbing – lessons are available right in the village.

Seasonal & Special Events

  1. Celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade, music on the Village Green, a lobster festival, and fireworks over the ocean at 9 PM.
  2. Take in fall foliage in Acadia, with vibrant hillsides peaking in October, and color lasting from late September to November.
  3. Use Bar Harbor as your home base for nearby county fairs from June to October.

Food & Drink

  1. Eat lobster one night, scallops the next, fish another, and fried clams the fourth night—sample it all!
  2. Indulge in wine tasting at Bar Harbor Cellars or House Wine.
  3. Enjoy a local craft beer at one of Bar Harbor’s taprooms or microbreweries.
  4. Treat yourself to a lobster ice cream cone at a local creamery.
  5. Savor popovers at the Jordan Pond House, a beloved Acadia tradition.

Family-Friendly Fun

  1. Take the kids to Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show, Wild Acadia waterpark, or play mini golf at Pirate’s Cove.
  2. Spend an afternoon at Jesup Path (pictured) or the Great Meadow—easy, scenic, and kid-friendly.

Exploring Nearby Villages & Day Trips

  1. Visit the quaint villages of Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Bass Harbor on the island’s “quiet side.”
  2. Stop at the iconic Bass Harbor Lighthouse for photos (you can climb on the rocks for great views) (pictured).
  3. Hop on the high-speed CAT ferry to Nova Scotia (passport required)—or save it as a reason to come back!

Shopping & Local Treasures

  1. Browse local shops for Maine tourmaline jewelry, coastal artwork, and distinctive souvenirs that celebrate Bar Harbor’s seaside character. Explore downtown boutiques, artisan studios, and gift shops filled with handmade pieces, nautical keepsakes, and locally sourced treasures to remember your visit.
  2. Hunt for treasures in the area’s antique shops and galleries, where you can uncover everything from vintage maps and maritime collectibles to fine paintings and folk art. Each stop offers a glimpse into Maine’s rich history and creative spirit, making the search as enjoyable as the finds themselves.

A Four-Night Stay Means You Can Do It All!

Bar Harbor and Acadia offer something for everyone- outdoor adventurers, foodies, history lovers, and families alike. Staying for at least four nights allows you to mix and match activities, take your time, and experience the very best of Mount Desert Island without feeling rushed.

What our Guests are Saying: “Stayed 4 nights and it was very nice and relaxing. You can have a big breakfast in the morning or a small one. It is your choice they have the food set out and you can get what you like. They make their own muffins and bread. My favorites were the blueberry pancakes and the blueberry scones which were so tasty. They make their own granola. They are located close to the restaurants that you can just walk down to eat and shop. I would definitely stay here again if in the area.” Bella