There’s no denying that there’s truly something magical about Bar Harbor. This charming town of 5,400 sits nestled along Frenchman Bay, surrounded by breathtaking nature. This place may be known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, but it’s an absolutely delightful destination all on its own.

Bar Harbor is the kind of place you have to see to believe.
Matthew Paulson / Flickr
Perched on Mount Desert Island, this stunning town is surrounded by water on three sides.
Every season is beautiful here, but summers are especially amazing.
gracao2017 / TipAdvisor
This is a stretch of the Shore Path, which begins at the Town Pier.
This historic resort town has a rich history and a culture you won't find anywhere else in Maine.
David Wilson / Flickr
This spot has been a local vacation destination for over 200 years, and Wabanaki people and their ancestors lived here long before that.

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During the 19th century, a lot of powerful American families built their homes here, causing the town to boom.
kmf164 / Flickr
Unfortunately, a 1947 fire destroyed almost everything, including 5 hotels and almost 70 homes. The buildings that did survive the fire have been preserved, meaning you'll see plenty of historic architecture next to modern structures. And you'll want to spend plenty of time exploring the downtown area -- the shops are charming, and the local food scene is fantastic.
This place is a total nature-lover's paradise.
Canyoneer / TripAdvisor
Some of the area's best hiking trails are just a few minutes away, there are plenty of picturesque parks and secluded beaches, and the town's backdrop is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard. In the winter, the locals stay active by snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
This region is home to a wide variety of birds, so it's a popular destination for bird watching.
Christian Collins / Flickr
Off the coast, you might spot whales, dolphin, seals, and possibly even an Atlantic puffin, if you're lucky.
It's easy to see why Bar Harbor is such a wildly popular vacation destination.
John6536 / Flickr
And although tourists come from out of state from all walks of life to experience it, to Mainers, it simply embodies everything there is to love about the state.

Bar Harbor is definitely one of Maine’s finest gems. But since it can be pretty crowded in the summer, you may want to pass the time with some of these summer day trips until autumn.

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