Exploring Maine: Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park + Bangor Itinerary
This was our second trip to Maine, and it reminded us why we love coming back—it’s such an easy getaway from NYC! The first time, we did a road trip, but this time we hopped on a quick flight to Bangor and discovered a whole new side of the state. From exploring Bar Harbor to Bangor and of course, adventuring through Acadia National Park, we had the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Maine makes an ideal destination for a quick getaway, and that’s exactly what this weekend turned out to be.
Bar Harbor
How to get to Bar Harbor
From NYC you can either hop on a quick hour flight to Bangor, or you can drive. If you choose to drive, it will be around 8 hours from NYC. Either way, you will most likely need to rent a car to get around. Bar Harbor is about an hour drive from the Bangor Airport and you will probably need a car to explore the state!
Check out rental cars here in Expedia!
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
We stayed at Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor, which was amazing because it was so close to the entrance of Acadia National Park. Salt Cottages is a luxury cottage accommodation on the water with breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay. It’s also the closest resort to Acadia! Their rooms are stylish with a coastal vibe and they also have a swimming pool, snack bar, and nightly activities by the fire.
Find other Bar Harbor hotels here on Expedia!
Best Things to do in Bar Harbor
Acadian Boat Tours
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park
The Claremont
Visit Acadia National Park - the only National Park in the Northeast of the USA! Acadia is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the visit on your trip. We did the Park Loop Trail and stopped at Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, but sadly we didn’t have enough time for a hike but we were looking at Beehive Trail or Great Head Trail.
Sightseeing and Nature Cruise with Acadian Boat Tours - here we learned a lot about the history of the area as well as the local nature. We also got to see some whales and sea lions!
Asticou Azaela Garden - Inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, but combines the natural beauty of coastal Maine.
Watch the sunset at The Claremont - The Claremont is a luxury, waterfront, hotel in Southwest Harbor. The sunset here is insane! We came for drinks only but you can also eat here at their restaurant The Little Fern.
Find other tours & activities in Bar Harbor here on Expedia!
Where to Eat & Drink in Bar Harbor
Thrive Juice Bar
The Claremont
Thrive Juice Bar
Milk & Honey Cafe
Little Fern at The Claremont
Cottage St. Ramen
Bangor
How to get to Bangor
From Bar Harbor, it’s about an hour drive back to Bangor. Bangor is where the airport for this area is located so if you flew into this region of Maine, you will most likely need to be in Bangor for one reason or another!
Where to Stay in Bangor
We stayed at the Tarratine Inn on French Street which was the cutest B&B right in the heart of town! It’s within walking distance to the main street as well as restaurants, bars, etc.
Find other Bangor accommodations here on Expedia!
Best Things to Do in Bangor
Stephen King’s House
Greetings from Bangor Mural
Walk along the Bangor Waterfront Trail
Go shopping in Downtown Bangor - some of our favorite local shops included Cool Girl Collective, Mexicali Blues, and Antique Marketplace
Visit Stephen King’s House! - Stephen King, the famous author, is from Bangor and his former mansion is in Bangor! You can’t miss the house, as it has spider web gates and bat decor haha. Bangor is said to be the inspirational for nearly all of King’s Maine towns in his books/movies (including the famous fictional town Derry) and when you visit Bangor you will understand why. The house is located at 47 W Broadway, Bangor.
Snap a pic at the Bangor Maine Postcard Mural- located at the intersection of Union & Main St.
Where to Eat & Drink in Bangor
Chimera Coffee
Miguel’s
Barliman’s
Chimera Coffee
Harvest Moon Deli
Miguel’s
Timber Kitchen & Bar
The LGBTQ+ Scene in Bangor
We visited Bangor during Bangor Pride and got to attend the festival as well! It was raining the day of the parade, but it was so fun to see the whole city still come out and support the queer community. This Pride felt very local and grassroots which we loved. There was also a Pride fair with tons of local vendors as well. If you’re looking for a small city Pride with a lot of heart, definitely check out Bangor Pride.
We also got to see a local drag show called ABRACABANGOR which was so much fun. I believe they put on the show every few months, so if you are a queer Bangor local, definitely check it out!
If you want to see everything we did on our trip to Maine, make sure you check out our YouTube vlog of the whole trip!
Thank you to Visit Maine for hosting us on trip! As always, all opinions are honest and our own. Some links on this post are affiliate links of which we receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you.