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Highly rated activities with free entry in Bar Harbor: The top things to do for free. See Tripadvisor's 159,962 traveler reviews and photos of Bar Harbor free attractions.
Mar 14, 2020 · Did you know there are 18 free things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine? This is home to Acadia National Park and a few famous lighthouses! These are just a few of the freebies!
- Free Outdoor Things to Do in Bar Harbor
- Free Outdoor Things to Do in Acadia National Park
- Free Indoor Things to Do in Bar Harbor/Acadia
- Cheap Things to Do in Bar Harbor/Acadia
- Free Festivals and Events in Bar Harbor/Acadia
- Free Things to Do in Bar Harbor in Winter
- Affordable Accommodation in Acadia/Bar Harbor
- How to Get Around Acadia/Bar Harbor on A Budget
It is important to mention that while many things in Acadia National Park are free, there is an entrance fee of $30 which covers a private vehicle for seven days (no limit on people). This fee is waived for all veterans and gold-star families. It can be bought online in advance at Recreation.gov.
Bike along the Old Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park
Dating back to the early 20th century, John D. Rockefeller Jr. created over 45 miles of carriage roads that allowed for horse-drawn carriages to access the interior regions of Mount Desert Island. They are an excellent way of exploring Acadia National Park without the use of hiking boots (regular sneakers will do the trick), and can be accessed via any one of the free parking areas in Acadia (with the entrance to Jordan Pond and the Bubbles being the busiest and most popular). Surrounded by d...
Ocean Path Trail
Heading to Sand Beach and want to explore the rugged coastline? You’ll notice a parking area on the left side of Park Loop Road (when coming from Bar Harbor) just before the entrance to Sand Beach. This is the trailhead for the Ocean Path Trail where you’ll get to enjoy stunning lookouts over Maine’s rocky coast and even get to stop by and see the famous Thunder Hole along the way. Be sure to get there early as parking fills up fast and the trail is about 4.4 miles roundtrip.
Watch the Sunset over Frenchman Bay
Maine is one of the best places on the East Coast of the U.S. to watch the sunset with Frenchman Bay being a top pick year after year. Grab yourself some snacks and maybe a bottle of wine and drive 10 minutes north of Bar Harbor to the Lookout Point to see a vibrant after-dinner show!
Get Lost in Sherman’s Book Shop
Easily one of the most popular book shops in New England, you can find everything from books in every genre, to kitchen items, and even ocean-themed souvenirs. Many of the items in the store are on the expensive side, but it is fun to pop in and look around while exploring Bar Harbor.
Appreciate Local Art at Argosy Gallery
Situated right on Main Street in Bar Harbor, Argosy Gallery is a great spot to appreciate local paintings and sketches from numerous artists.
Visit the Great Harbor Maritime Museum
Free to the public, children and adults can learn about the maritime history of Maine through interesting exhibits and displays. Great Harbor Maritime Museumis located on Main Street in Northeast Harbor.
Enjoy a Hot Chocolate at Choco-Latte
A personal favorite spot to grab a chai, latte, cappuccino, hot chocolate, or anything sweet and decadent! Pro Tip: try the cinnamon-vanilla latte with extra cinnamon dusted on top!
Visit the Abbe Museum
With a low entrance fee cost of just $10 per adult (seniors are $7 and kids 11-17 are $5; kids 10 and under are free), you can learn about the Wabanaki people in Maine and check out artifacts from earlier centuries at Abbe Museum.
Go on a Self-Guided Driving Tour through Acadia
This self-guided driving tourcan be done from the comfort of your own vehicle! Simply purchaseone $10 tour per car which includes live GPS, audio narration, a route that includes the best stops found all over Acadia National Park, and even animated videos that will give you an inside look at what may not be available to see on the day you decide to drive the route. The tour can be done at your own pace and is available to you forever after purchase via an app.
Enjoy a Free Outdoor Concert During the Bar Harbor Music Festival
Typically taking place every year from late June through July, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts, special kids concerts, and more! Attending the Bar Harbor Music Festivalis one of the best free things to do in Bar Harbor for many summer visitors.
Join a “Pay What You Like” Yoga Event
All throughout the summer, you can find free or “pay what you like” yoga retreats that take place in the various parks around town. Just head to the Bar Harbor Events websiteto see what’s happening in the area while you’re there!
Bar Harbor Bed Races
Every year, Bar Harbor hosts the Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races where teams from local businesses and organizations race down down Cottage Street pushing decorated beds!
Walk over the Ice on Jordan Pond
In the dead of winter around January-February, Jordan Pond completely freezes over from end to end. As long as you get enough consecutive cold days, it is very safe to walk on! This is super fun for kids, families, and even couples with a dog looking for unique free things to do in Acadia National Park.
Learn about Ice Fishing with a Local
If you do make your way onto Jordan Pond in the winter, you’ll notice dozens of people out there ice fishing. Maine locals are extremely kind and are always willing to share their knowledge with you if you ask nicely.
Make a Snowman on the South Bubble
Take the trailhead to the Bubbles on the north side of Jordan Pond and build a snowman once you get to the top! Pro Tip: you may need crampons and possibly snowshoes depending on the level of snow and ice.
When staying on Mount Desert Island, finding affordable accommodations can be difficult depending on what season you’re visiting. For example, you can find a room midweek in May for under $100 but the same room costs over $200 in late September/early October as this is when the leaf peeping visitors are in town. But, with seemingly endless options ...
Luckily for visitors, Bar Harbor is extremely walkable. You can go from one side of the town to another in just over 30 minutes, or only about 15 minutes by bike. There is also the option of renting an e-bike for the day, but those can cost you over $100 each per day from most companies. If you prefer to get around a bit faster, you can take advant...
Discover the top 56 free things to do in Bar Harbor, ME - including free activities, attractions and entertainment, ranked by 27,768 user reviews!
free. #2 in Bar Harbor. Address: The Shore Path. Free, Parks and Gardens, Sightseeing. TYPE. Less than 1 hour. TIME TO SPEND. Read More. The best introduction to Bar Harbor and its...
Sep 12, 2022 · If you’ll be traveling with adults or children who are interested in both local and nautical history, the Great Harbor Maritime Museum is one of many unique things to do. Better yet, the museum is also one of a few free things to do near Bar Harbor. Address: 124 Main St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, United States.
Jan 8, 2024 · The best things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, include whale-watching tours, exploring downtown and of course, experiencing the grandeur of Acadia National Park.
