3-Day Bar Harbor Family Itinerary
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Bar Harbor is the ultimate home base for exploring Acadia National Park. This charming seaside town blends cozy small-town energy with incredible access to hiking trails, lighthouses, and ocean views. Whether you’re walking the Bar Harbor Shore Path, watching the sunset from Cadillac Mountain, or eating popovers at Jordan Pond House, this 3-day Bar Harbor itinerary is your guide to the best of Maine’s coast in fall.
Start here: Portland, Maine Fall Getaway: Best Stops Before Acadia
Next: Acadia National Park in Fall: Family-Friendly Hikes & Views
Day 1: Arrive, Explore Downtown, and Catch the Sunset
Morning / Afternoon
Arrive in Bar Harbor, check into your hotel or motel, and take a little time to settle in. Stop by Hannaford Grocery to stock up on hiking snacks and water.
Evening
Start with a relaxing walk along the Bar Harbor Shore Path—it’s a flat, scenic trail that hugs the water with views of the Porcupine Islands.
Grab dinner at The Thirsty Whale Tavern for casual seafood and burgers (my kids loved the fish and chips). End the night with ice cream or pie from Mount Desserts—the strawberry rhubarb is legendary.
Optional sunset stop:
Drive up to Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands. It’s one of the best sunset spots in New England.
Day 2: Acadia National Park Adventures
Morning
Head to Hull’s Cove Visitor Center to grab a map and Junior Ranger booklet for your kids. Then hit one of Acadia’s family-friendly trails:
- Jordan Pond Path – easy 3.3-mile loop with mirror-like reflections of The Bubbles.
- Sand Beach & Thunder Hole – short scenic stops that are perfect for photo breaks.
- Cadillac Summit Loop Trail – easy 0.5-mile walk with unbeatable views.
Lunch
Dine at Jordan Pond House—the popovers and tea are iconic Acadia traditions.
Afternoon
Drive the Park Loop Road for a scenic fall foliage route. Stop at Otter Cliff and Beech Mountain overlook for family photos.
Dinner
Back in Bar Harbor, eat at Side Street Café for lobster mac and cheese and a cozy indoor vibe.
Evening Treat:
Grab hot chocolate from Choco-Latte Café before heading back to your hotel.
Day 3: Lighthouse Views & Local Shopping
Morning
Drive to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse—get there early for parking and to watch the waves crash against the rocks. The views are especially beautiful in fall.
Brunch Stop:
Try Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast for pancakes and blueberry syrup.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon
Stroll downtown for souvenirs. Kids will love Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop and The Acadia Shop.
If you’re visiting in October, you might also catch Bar Harbor’s Oktoberfest or the Acadia Night Sky Festival.
Afternoon Drive Back to Portland
Before leaving, take one last drive through the park for any missed stops. On your way south, plan a quick break in Freeport for the LL Bean Flagship Store and snacks from The Bakeshop or Bite Into Maine.
Using Points and Miles to Save
This entire Maine trip—from flights to hotel—was almost free thanks to points and miles.
- Flights: Covered with Southwest points + Companion Pass
- Hotel: Booked through Chase Travel℠ using Ultimate Rewards®
- Rental Car: Paid with Chase Sapphire Preferred® for built-in coverage
Want to plan your own nearly-free Maine adventure?
Earn the Southwest Companion Pass Over and Over
How to Book Hyatt Stays on Points for $0
Final Thoughts
Bar Harbor is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation—hiking by day, harbor walks by night, and cozy meals in between. Pair it with a day or two in Portland and time in Acadia National Park, and you’ve got the ultimate Maine fall family road trip.
Plan the rest of your trip:
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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