Escape to Maine’s coast for an unforgettable summer getaway in New England! Leave the planning up to us and live like a local with our specially curated guide to the top 10 things to do in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island in the summer. Our oceanfront Bar Harbor boutique hotel is the ideal location to call home between adventures. With a waterfront lounge, spacious rooms with private decks, outdoor pool and downtown shuttle, The Bayview Hotel, is the perfect summer destination.
1. Tee Up at Kebo Valley Golf Club
Play a round of golf at the ninth oldest, and we think most beautiful, golf course in the United States, Kebo Valley Golf Club.
2. Enjoy a Waterfront Walk
Familiarize yourself with the area on a waterfront walk along Bar Harbor Shore Path. Take a walk early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sights and sounds of a waking Bar Harbor.
3. Find a New Favorite Brew
Grab a six pack of local beer at Atlantic Brewing Company’s Midtown location. This pilot facility creates small batch beers and offers flights, beer by the glass, or in a growler to take home.
4. Let Your Worries Float Away
Destress by booking a session in the Float Tank at Destination Health on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor. Less than a mile down the road from our oceanfront hotel, Destination Health offers fitness, yoga and spin classes and so much more.
5. Delight Your Tastebuds at Side Street
Sit at the bar and enjoy the camaraderie at the local favorite, Side Street Cafe on Rodick Street. This family-run cafe features creative comfort food, signature cocktails, beer, wine and more.
6. Visit the East Coast’s Only Fjord
Cruise along Sargent Drive in Northeast Harbor for beautiful views of the East Coast’s only fjord, Somes Sound. With depths of up to 175 ft, this fjord almost splits the island into two.
7. Dine On the Water
Grab a late lunch and margarita at the oceanside Batson Fish Camp at the Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor.
8. Hike the Great Head Trail
Enjoy breathtaking views and Acadia National Park’s Sand Beach from the “other side”. While most people drive the Park Loop Road, Great Head Trail gives you the same amazing experience with a 1.4 mile moderate hike.
9. Stop by Sawyer’s Specialties
Pop in at Sawyer’s Specialties Northeast Harbor or their original shop in Southwest Harbor for gourmet cheese and wine from around the world.
10. Uncover a Historic Gem
Take in a film or concert from the Loge seats at Criterion Theatre, an Art Deco jewel box whose exterior gives away nothing of the magical space inside.
Stay in Style
Your summer getaway wouldn’t be complete without luxurious Bar Harbor, Maine accommodations. Each of the 26 rooms celebrate the area’s natural beauty with exceptional attention to detail. Plus every overnight stay comes with a delicious complimentary vegetarian or vegan breakfast to enjoy on your ocean view deck. Plan your stay and start checking off the top local things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine this summer.
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