Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip. For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination. Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international! We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and always use NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi connections. For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels.
Where to Stay During Fall in Bar Harbor
Depending which month of Fall you visit, you'll have some very different experiences. In the early Fall, you can still see crowds around enjoying their summer travels. In mid Fall, tourism in Bar Harbor peaks drawing the many crowds chasing the Fall Colors, typically around mid-October. And after that? Well, in late Fall there aren't too many visitors around, some stores and restaurants begin closing in preparation for the upcoming winter season, and many trails and drives throughout Acadia National Park are left empty. Weather gets chilly, and it feels almost like you have the entire place to yourselves.
During our visit, we stayed a little ways out of town near Hancock in this adorable little cabin called the Sweet Fern. However, we also put together a short list of lodging you can find in Bar Harbor that'll be much closer to town and has great reviews - just make sure to call ahead before your visit to make sure they are still open during your dates!
Our Favorite Tours near Bar Harbor :
- Acadia National Park Bus Tour - Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour - Safari Kayak Tour
Best Fall Things to Do in Bar Harbor
1. Explore Acadia National Park
We first visited Acadia during our trip to Bar Harbor, and we were lucky to have almost the entire park to ourselves. We have a full guide to Acadia National Park here, but I recommend doing the Beehive Loop Trail (iconic hiking trail with iron rungs to climb), visiting Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, and enjoying the coastal trail to see sights like Thunder Hole! 2. GEM Driving Tour During our tour we were first taught how to drive these electric vehicles, then we were both able to take it around and through Acadia National Park! With a max of 25 mph, and the option to take the doors off with nice weather, this was such a unique, hands on experience that we loved! 3. Chase the Fall Colors Depending what Fall month you choose to visit Bar Harbor, you might or might not be able do some chasing of the fall colors! New England is known around the world for their amazing leaf peeping, and Bar Harbor might be one of the best places to base yourself! Typically, peak colors in Bar Harbor are around mid-October, but it's important to check current conditions since each year can change depending on the weather. 
4. Cadillac Mountain
I mentioned Cadillac Mountain above as something to do if you decide to visit the National Park, but it's such a great experience we figured it needed it's own spot on our list. This spot inside Acadia National Park is said to be the first place in the entire United States where the sun hits each morning - making you and anyone else here the very first people to see the sunrise in the entire United States. Just be prepared to get up very early, I recommend checking the sunrise time and heading up at least 30 minutes to 1 hour beforehand, or to make it really easy, you can just book a guided tour. 5. Hiking There are so many great hikes around Bar Harbor, especially in Acadia National Park. Our absolute favorite was the Beehive Loop, famously known for their iron rungs that lead you to some amazing views, but you can read our full list of hikes in our Guide to Acadia National Park!
6. Bass Harbor Head Light Station
This lighthouse was built way back in 1858 and guards the entrance to Bass Harbor. The half mile out and back hike brings you right to the lighthouse, however there are people who live in the house attached to the lighthouse so it's important to be respectful while visiting. 7. Whale Watching Tour Although the whale watching season begins to quiet down in the Fall, you still have a chance to see whales during your stay. I recommend keeping your eyes peeled on the horizon for any breaches or tail slaps, and heading out on a guided whale watching tour for your best chance to see them!
8. Try Some Local Bites
While in Bar Harbor we made it a point to eat at as many places as we could. Below, we've gathered a list of our favorite stops, where to get lobster, and where to simply have some drinks!
9. Bar Harbor Bed Races
Of all the things we did during our visit to Bar Harbor, our all time favorite was the Bar Harbor Bed Races & Early Bird Pajama Sales, one of the most unique events we've ever seen. Held in mid November, participants create groups of 5, with 4 pushing and 1 riding their "homemade bed on wheels" down Cottage Street. Seriously the most fun we've had in a while! Plus, dress up in pajamas and join the festivities to get a percentage off when shopping local!
Watch our Bar Harbor Adventures here!
Other East Coast Blog Posts :
-> Dyker Heights Christmas Lights -> Congaree National Park -> Acadia National Park Guide
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Hi, we're Deborah & Tyler!
After our first move to Alaska, we decided to take a gap year and visited 30+ countries on a budget of $100 a day. This blog shares our best budget saving travel tips & international itineraries.
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