The Abbe Museum is an affiliate of the prestigious Smithsonian Institute and boasts one of the country’s best collections of Maine Native American basketry. The museum works with the indigenous Wabanaki nation to preserve and share its history and culture through exhibitions of ancient and modern artifacts, workshops, and special events. The main building in downtown Bar Harbor is open daily between May and October, and Thursday through Saturday between November and April. The museum also has a rural outpost at historic Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park, which is open during the summer months only.
Bar Harbor became a popular summer playground for the East Coast elite during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. Celebrities, artists, tycoons, and statesmen competed to build the most palatial mansions, and lavish hotels sprung up to cater for the growing influx of wealthy vacationers. Today’s visitors can get a glimpse of this golden age on a walking tour of Mount Desert Street, where several of these former summer homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another side of Bar Harbor’s heritage can be experienced on a cruise around Frenchman Bay aboard an authentic lobster boat.
Although the town originally made its name as a summer resort, the proliferation of fully equipped Bar Harbor vacation rentals in recent years has allowed visitors to make the most of Maine’s changing seasons without sacrificing the comforts of home. The spectacular natural beauty of Acadia National Park takes on a new magic when the temperatures plummet, especially during the snowfalls of December through March, so simply check out Bar Harbor vacation rentals with a hot tub and cozy open fire and enjoy the depths of winter minus the high-season crowds.
The rich and varied marine life around Mount Desert Island is a major attraction for visitors. Whales can occasionally be spotted with the naked eye from the shore, although venturing into deeper waters offers a better chance of spotting these huge, graceful creatures. Humpbacks, minkes, and finbacks share their home in the Gulf of Maine with sharks, dolphins, and porpoises. Specialized nature cruises from Bar Harbor pier are accompanied by wildlife experts who know all the best locations and are happy to answer questions. Trips run daily between May and October.
The nearest airport is in Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor), located 8.6 mi (13.9 km) from the city center.
Kids will love the fun and educational attractions in Bar Harbor. Vacation homes can be found near places like the Mount Desert Oceanarium, a hands-on aquarium with a lobster hatchery and ecological marsh walk, and George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, a museum with natural science exhibits and interactive displays. Families will also like Lamoine State Park, a seasonal waterfront recreational area with camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Bar Harbor is an idyllic location for couples to explore. Vacation homes are available near places like Cadillac Mountain, a massive summit with a hiking trail and expansive views, and Jordan Pond, a mountain lake with a teahouse, loop nature trail, and restaurant. You'll also enjoy Somes Sound, a tranquil inlet formed by glacial activity with opportunities for boating and camping.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 1,142 vacation rentals around Bar Harbor. From 998 house rentals to 352 cabin rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.
Yes, of course. Vrbo has 998 Houses in Bar Harbor. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Bar Harbor include:
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Condos/Apartments and more.
Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 28 vacation rentals with pool available in Bar Harbor. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.