Best of Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Tour

Welcome to the Bar Harbor Tour

Return to the extravagance of the Gilded Age in Bar Harbor, Maine. Once the vacation destination of choice among some of America’s wealthiest families, this quaint seaside town is still chock full of lavish historic architecture. Dive into Bar Harbor’s rich history, stroll alongside the ocean, and learn how the lobster became a Maine icon!

About the Tour

Your tour begins at the Bar Harbor Pier. From there, you’ll head west and hear about Bar Harbor’s early days as a fishing town and its transformation during the Gilded Age.

You’ll then have the chance to cross a land bridge to the beautiful, untouched Bar Island—a must-see for visitors! After that, you’ll enter the West Street Historic District, which is packed with gorgeous homes dating back to the Gilded Age!

The first major landmark you’ll find in the historic district is La Rochelle, an extravagant Gilded Age mansion that now functions as a museum. Continuing on toward the Primrose Inn, you’ll hear about a fire that ravaged the town, from how it started to how it changed Bar Harbor.

Next up are the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, each displaying eye-catching and totally unique styles. Past those is the Jessup Memorial Library, which dates back almost 150 years!

At the Abbe Museum, up next, you’ll find a collection dedicated to the Native Wabanaki of the region. Then there’s the Village Green, designed by the same woman who designed the White House Rose Garden!

Then it’s time to stroll down Main Street, loaded with shops, restaurants, and cafes offering anything your heart desires.

Afterward, you’ll head to the Shore Path, which, as you might expect, leads you along the picture-perfect waterfront. As you walk and take in the scenery, you’ll learn more about Bar Harbor’s earliest history and how to spot some of the area’s prettiest wildflowers. You’ll also come across an extraordinary landmark deposited in Bar Harbor during the Ice Age!

Next is a personal tennis court-turned-public park, which is an excellent example of how Bar Harbor has transformed since the Gilded Age. Right next to that is the Bar Harbor Inn, an essential part of the town since 1887! Your tour concludes just beyond the inn, right by the spot where you began.