Bar Harbor Vacation Rentals
Bar Harbor is Maine’s most visited destination, sitting at the gateway to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Vacation rentals here range from cozy in-town cottages to secluded waterfront homes, ideal for families, couples, and outdoor adventurers. Peak season runs July through September, so book early for summer stays.
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Best Areas to Stay in Bar Harbor
Downtown Bar Harbor puts you steps from Cottage Street restaurants, the Village Green, and ferry service to the Porcupine Islands. Walkability is excellent and most shops and dining are reachable on foot.
Eagle Lake and North Bar Harbor offers a quieter, more wooded setting with easy access to Acadia carriage roads and hiking trailheads. Great for families who want space and privacy. Expect larger homes and better availability in peak season.
Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor are upscale villages on the south side of Mount Desert Island, about 20 minutes from downtown. Waterfront homes here offer stunning views of Somes Sound and the open Atlantic.
When to Visit Bar Harbor
Summer (July through August) is peak season with the highest rental rates and the most crowds. September is the sweet spot — foliage begins, crowds thin, and rates drop. October brings peak foliage. Winter rentals are rare but exist for those seeking complete solitude.
Things to Do Near Your Rental
- Hike Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views across Acadia National Park
- Bike the historic carriage roads — 45 miles of gravel paths through the park
- Take a whale watch or puffin cruise from Bar Harbor town pier
- Eat lobster rolls on Cottage Street or at the Bar Harbor Inn waterfront
- Drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road past Thunder Hole and Sand Beach
Planning your full Bar Harbor trip? Find restaurants, events, and attractions at MaineGuide.com.