Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Bar Harbor (Hancock County, Maine; pop. 2,552) sits at 18 m (59 ft) elevation near Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum, with regional transit access via Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (14.3 km). Visitors pair Bar Harbor landmarks with signature Maine specialties including Maine lobster roll on split-top grilled bun and Whole steamed Atlantic lobster with drawn butter.
Within Maine, Bar Harbor (Bar Harbor, ME) serves as a major hub city in maine. Travelers exploring Maine often combine a stop in Bar Harbor with state highlights such as Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island, Portland Head Light & Old Port, Camden Harbor, Kennebunkport & Baxter State Park (Mount Katahdin).
| Fact | Details for Bar Harbor (Bar Harbor, ME) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Bar Harbor, ME |
| County & Role | Major hub city in Maine |
| State & Major Hubs | Maine (Portland, Bar Harbor & Kennebunkport) |
| Population | 2,552 residents |
| Elevation | 18 m (59 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (14.3 km) |
| Coordinates | 44.3876°N, 68.2039°W |
Getting to Bar Harbor & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (14.3 km)): Portland International Jetport (PWM), Bangor Airport (BGR), Amtrak Downeaster from Boston North Station, and I-95 / US-1 coastal route.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into PWM Portland Jetport & Amtrak Downeaster (Boston–Portland–Brunswick)? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Bar Harbor includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Bar Harbor (Maine)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Bar Harbor (Hancock County, Maine), local tables feature: Signature Maine dishes—Maine lobster roll on split-top grilled bun, Whole steamed Atlantic lobster with drawn butter, and New England clam chowder & Casco Bay oysters.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Bar Harbor and across Maine, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Maine: Portland craft IPAs & blueberry ales, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Bar Harbor (Maine), look for: Local specialties across Maine: Wild Maine blueberry pie & whoopie pies, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Maine dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a smaller American town like Bar Harbor (pop. 2,552), dining centers around Main Street cafés, family diners, barbecue smokehouses, and seasonal farmers markets; note that rural kitchens in Hancock County often wrap up dinner service by 20:30–21:00.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 18 m (59 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (14.3 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum (0.0 km) · Bar Harbor Whale Museum (0.5 km) · West Street Historic District (0.7 km) · College of the Atlantic Natural History Museum (1.6 km) · Newlin Gardens (1.7 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Historic Downtown Bar Harbor, Hancock County District
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Ellsworth, ME (24.3 km)
- Bucksport, ME (51.3 km)
- Holden, ME (55.4 km)
- Orrington, ME (62.4 km)
- Brewer, ME (63.4 km)
Regional Specialties Across Maine
- Maine lobster roll on split-top grilled bun — a signature specialty across Maine.
- Whole steamed Atlantic lobster with drawn butter — a signature specialty across Maine.
- New England clam chowder & Casco Bay oysters — a signature specialty across Maine.
- Wild Maine blueberry pie & whoopie pies — a signature specialty across Maine.
- Portland craft IPAs & blueberry ales — a signature specialty across Maine.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Bar Harbor
Best time to visit Maine: Jun–Oct.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Bar Harbor exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Bar Harbor; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bar Harbor (Bar Harbor, ME) located in the United States?
Bar Harbor (Bar Harbor, ME) is a us city in Maine, United States (coordinates: 44.3876°N, 68.2039°W, elevation: 18 m (59 ft)). It has a population of approximately 2,552.
How do I get to Bar Harbor by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Bar Harbor via Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (14.3 km). Portland International Jetport (PWM), Bangor Airport (BGR), Amtrak Downeaster from Boston North Station, and I-95 / US-1 coastal route. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Bar Harbor and Maine known for?
In Bar Harbor and across Maine, signature regional dishes include Maine lobster roll on split-top grilled bun, Whole steamed Atlantic lobster with drawn butter, New England clam chowder & Casco Bay oysters, as well as Wild Maine blueberry pie & whoopie pies and Portland craft IPAs & blueberry ales. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Bar Harbor?
Best time to visit Maine: Jun–Oct. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: