Things To Do

Acadia National Park

Island Explorer Free Bus System

The Island Explorer is a great option for getting around the island (MDI). The bus is free. They are flexible and will drop you off anywhere along a route (within reason considering safety) all you have to do is speak to the driver. The bus can take bikes as well so if you find yourself too tired to bike all the way back to your point of origin, hop on the bus!

Little Long Pond

This is a favorite of ours. This walk is a very relaxed walk around Little Long Pond, located in Seal Harbor (Doug's first home on the Island). This property is not part of Acadia, but is part of a land trust (Land & Garden Preserve) donated by David Rockefeller Sr in 2015. This is open to the public with no entrance fee, is free for dogs to roam off leash and connects to the carriage road system of Acadia. Bikes are not allowed in the Land and Garden Preserve, however you may encounter a horse drawn carriage.

Bar Island Walk

This island is accessed by a tidal patch. You need to be very careful as the tidal fluctuation is extreme and moves quickly. This walk is accessed from downtown Bar Harbor, and takes about 1.5 hours with lovely views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman's Bay.

Carriage Road Bike Ride

There are over 45 miles of carriage roads around Acadia National Park originally built and owned by J.D. Rockefeller Jr. and eventually donated to the Dept. of the Interior between 1913 and 1940. Here you can enjoy pleasant rides on gravel carriage roads, free from cars and traffic. Experience level and difficulty vary so please have a look at the website and speak with a rental specialist at the bike rental shop. They will be able to give you guidance based on your fitness and experience levels. Please take a map!

Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop

Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop is a great place for bike rental. We recommend you reserve in advance as this tends to be a very busy venue.

Coastal Kayaking Tours Inc

Coastal Kayaking Tours has been operating guided sea kayak tours in Bar Harbor, Maine since 1982, longer than any other outfitter on the East Coast. Coastal Kayaking has grown to become New England's premier outfitter, running a wider and more enjoyable variety of trips than anyone else.

Wildwood Stables

Acadia by Carriage provides one- and two-hour horse drawn carriage tours in Acadia National Park. The 2025 season will run from Saturday, May 24th through Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 for carriage tours, stall rentals and equestrian camping.

Oli's Trolley Inc

Narrated Trolley Tours of Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island Maine

Islesford Dock Restaurant and Gallery

Islesford Dock Restaurant is a great place for casual food and drink. A ferry ride leaving from the town of Northeast Harbor is required to reach this venue as it is located on a smaller island South of MDI. Walk-ins are welcome however we recommend reservations.

Northeast Harbor Ferry Services

Please have a look at this website for transportation and ferry information leaving between Northeast Harbor and the Cranberry Isles.

The Nor'Easter Pound & Market

Great local spot on Northeast Harbor. Great for before and after a ferry ride.

Havana

Classy, colorful spot for upscale dinners featuring a contemporary blend of Latin & American food. Walk-ins are welcome however we recommend reservations.

Balance Rock Inn / Veranda Cocktail Bar

The Veranda restaurant has been one of Bar Harbor's few ocean front dining locations for over thirty years. Great for a cocktail on the deck. Enjoy live music in the piano lounge and the occasional jazz singer. Walk-ins are welcome however we recommend reservations.

Leary's Landing Irish Pub

Leary's is a great spot for a quick bite and a beer. Located downtown near the village green, Leary's is casual and lively. Walk-ins are welcome however we recommend reservations.

The Barnacle

The Barnacle is great spot for oysters! The Gulf of Maine (Not the Gulf of America) is home to some of the best cold-water shellfish the world has to offer. We recommend stopping in for a happy hour drink and some Bar Harbor Blondes (Oysters). Walk-ins welcome.

Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound

For those looking for live lobster, crab, steamers and mussels, Trenton Bridge is a great spot. This lobster pound and restaurant is owned by a close friend of Doug's from High School. This family has been instrumental in the Maine Lobster Fisheries Industry for generations opening Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in 1957. This lobster Pound is located on the west side of Rt. 3 as you approach the bridge to MDI. We would recommend stopping in here on either the approach to the island or on your way home.