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Destination Guide: Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine
Allianz - Bar Harbor, Maine

Feel the cool Atlantic breeze on your face. Hike through fiery foliage and fragrant balsam firs. Catch the sunrise as it breaks over the waves, or stay up late to see the Milky Way stretch across the sky.

You can do it all in Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park and a popular destination in its own right. The ideal time to visit is fall, once the crush of summer crowds ends and the temperature drops. We have a few recommendations for what to do and where to stay… and, of course, the best travel insurance for your Maine getaway.

3 reasons to buy domestic travel insurance for U.S. trips

  1. You need to defend yourself against travel delays. More than one in 5 domestic flights was delayed in 2023, the highest rate in nearly a decade.1 Fortunately, your travel delay benefits can reimburse you for eligible expenses, such as meals and lodging, during a covered delay.
  2. You don’t want to risk losing your trip investment. You’ve worked hard for your vacation, so it makes sense to protect it! Trip cancellation/trip interruption benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.
  3. You can protect your rental car for less. Don’t overpay for the rental car insurance they push at the counter. You can save money and get extra protection when you purchase your own plan through Allianz Travel Insurance.

3 of the best travel insurance plans for U.S. trips

  1. OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan is a popular and affordable domestic travel insurance plan. You get trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits as well as travel delay and 24-hour assistance services.
  2. AllTrips Prime is tailor-made for frequent travelers. If you’re planning two or more trips in the next 365 days, this annual travel insurance plan is the economical way to protect all your adventures. It even includes rental car damage and theft coverage! (Not available in all states.)
  3. OneTrip Rental Car Protector provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage up to $50,000, along with trip interruption, baggage coverage, and 24-hour emergency assistance—for only $11 per calendar day.

3 of the best things to do in and around Bar Harbor

  1. Explore Acadia National Park. Acadia is one of the most visited national parks, so it pays to plan ahead. You’ll need a vehicle reservation to drive Cadillac Summit Road, both at sunrise and during the day, so check the windows and be sure to book in advance. You can also ride the bus or hike the park’s 150-plus miles of trails.
  2. Take a culinary walking tour of Bar Harbor. Coastal Maine is renowned for its cuisine, and a guided food tour is the best way to taste a little of everything. Try all the local specialties, like blueberry soda, lobster rolls, and crab cakes.
  3. Cruise Frenchman Bay at sunset. An evening sail is the best way to take in the sublime beauty of the rocky coast, including the Egg Rock Lighthouse and Mount Desert Island. Bring binoculars in case you spot seals, eagles, harbor porpoise or other wildlife. (Most Bar Harbor cruise companies end the season in early to mid-October.)

3 of the best hotels in Bar Harbor

Looking for a Bar Harbor hotel that’s as charming and historic as the town itself? Founded in 1887, the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa stands right on the shore of Frenchman Bay. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, a hot tub and heated pool. The on-site Reading Room restaurant is a favorite for elegant dining with sweeping sea views.

The Bass Cottage Inn may have a humble-sounding name, but it’s anything but. This boutique hotel in the heart of Bar Harbor is known for its immaculate rooms, welcoming staff, and absolutely spectacular complimentary breakfasts, with home-baked goods and hearty meals cooked to order. Special dietary needs are happily accommodated.

Finding an affordable Bar Harbor hotel is tough in the high season. Consider the Bar Harbor Motel, a family-friendly place that offers trail access into Acadia National Park. Rooms are basic but spacious, and guests love the abundance of free amenities: lawn games, a playground, a heated pool, and a shuttle to downtown Bar Harbor.

3 of the best places to eat in Bar Harbor

Who serves the best lobster rolls in Bar Harbor? The owners of the Bass Cottage Inn say it’s Side Street Café, a family-owned restaurant near the Village Green. Expect 6 ounces of luscious lobster with mayo on a buttered bun. If you’re not a lobster lover, the mac & cheese, burgers and fish tacos are also highly recommended.

For fine dining, head to Havana in downtown Bar Harbor. For 25 years, this local favorite has been serving a seductive combination of Maine ingredients plus Latin flavors. Begin with a mojito made with Stone Pier rum from Maine distillery Three of Strong. Then try the lobster moqueca, simmered in a savory coconut broth; the chorizo-crusted halibut; or whatever’s new on the seasonal menu.

If you have even a little room left after your feast, a Mount Desert Island Ice Cream cone is mandatory. Founder Linda Marie Parker started the business in 2005 with a simple dream: “to create flavors that are unexpected without being gimmicky or sensational... to elevate the classics: to make the best chocolate, the richest vanilla, the realest blueberry.” That’s exactly what you’ll get.

Hungry for a taste of Bar Harbor? Before you go, browse the best domestic travel insurance options from Allianz Travel Insurance.

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Sep 12, 2023