We are proud to be a part of the official Maine Tourism Association!
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” ~Jane Austen
Before lobster became a symbol of New England luxury, the culinary icon of Maine, it was so abundant in the cold waters off this coast that it was considered “poor man’s food” or even used as fertilizer. The area known today as Bar Harbor was once a simple fishing outpost that saw its shores spectacularly transformed by the arrival of America’s wealthiest families during the extravagant Gilded Age.
This charming coastal town is a walk through two distinct eras. It is a unique blend of rugged New England coastline and the lavish historic architecture of the nation’s elite, inviting you to explore how a humble fishing community became the ultimate summer playground. You will discover a world of ocean breezes, deep-rooted Native culture, and the remnants of fortune that shaped this seaside village.
With the Bar Harbor Tour: Self-Guided Walk, you can stroll alongside the Atlantic, unlocking the rich history behind every grand home, historic landmark, and scenic vista at your own pace.
Wander the West Street Historic District and gaze upon the spectacular estates of the Gilded Age, including the stunning La Rochelle Mansion. Discover the incredible legacy of the Native Wabanaki people at the Abbe Museum and admire the unique architecture of landmark churches like St. Saviour’s Episcopal. If the tide permits, take a dramatic walk across the sandbar to the beautiful, untouched Bar Island. Finish your exploration with a moment of repose on the Village Green, designed by the same visionary woman who created the White House Rose Garden.
We guarantee this tour will dive deep into history, but we are not responsible if you miss the tide for Bar Island, suddenly feel compelled to buy a yacht, or find yourself mistaking a local for a Gilded Age ghost.
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Nearby Tours
Driving 36+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs Driving 48 Stories 2 - 3 Hrs 
Walking 34 Stories 30 mins - 1 Hour Hrs Bar Harbor Maine Map
Where To Start?
23 Ells Pier, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(This tour begins at the John B. Ells Pier located at 23 Ells Pier, Bar Harbor. As you approach, you’ll see the Bar Harbor Port Security Building on your right and Ellis Park with open green space and a gazebo directly in front of you. Please note, this is the suggested starting point, and we are not affiliated with any businesses or locations here, so the staff may not have information about this tour.)
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Bar Harbor Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome to Bar Harbor
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Bar Island Trail
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West Street Historic District
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The Tides, La Rochelle
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Primrose Inn
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Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
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St. Saviour's Episcopal Church
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Jesup Memorial Library
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Abbe Museum
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Village Green
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Main St
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Shore Path
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Frenchman Bay
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Balance Rock
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Grant Park
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Bar Harbor Inn
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine, USA.
Yes, Bar Harbor is worth visiting for its stunning coastal scenery, Acadia National Park, charming downtown, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Spending 2 to 3 days in Bar Harbor allows you to explore the town, visit Acadia National Park, and enjoy its attractions and natural beauty.
The best months to visit Bar Harbor are from late spring to early fall, particularly June to September, when the weather is pleasant and most attractions are open.
Bar Harbor is famous for being the gateway to Acadia National Park, its stunning coastal landscapes, outdoor activities, and historic charm.
While you can experience some highlights in 2 days, extending your stay to 3 days allows for a more relaxed exploration of the area.
Maine can be moderately expensive to visit, especially during peak tourist seasons. Accommodation, dining, and activity costs can vary.
Three popular foods in Maine are lobster, clam chowder, and blueberry pie.
Outdoor activities in Bar Harbor include hiking in Acadia National Park, kayaking, whale watching, and enjoying scenic boat tours.
In Bar Harbor, you can explore the downtown area, enjoy fresh seafood, take boat tours, hike in Acadia National Park, and visit attractions like the Abbe Museum.
Yes, Bar Harbor is known for its delicious lobster dishes, and you can find various seafood restaurants offering fresh lobster rolls and other seafood specialties.
Yes, there are several nearby islands that you can explore from Bar Harbor, including Mount Desert Island (where Bar Harbor is located), Isle au Haut, and the Cranberry Isles.
Absolutely, Bar Harbor offers whale watching tours that allow you to see various whale species, seals, and other marine life in their natural habitat along the coast of Maine.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems. Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station. 