Bar Harbor

Mt. Desert Island’s beautiful rugged coastline and dramatic interior was the inspiration for 19th Century artists Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, whose paintings then inspired people to visit. And by the turn of the century, Bar Harbor was one of America’s most dreamed about summer resorts. Today the best places to stay in Bar Harbor are still those with the best artist’s view. And cutely, our Guru’s list of the best places to stay in Bar Harbor seems to include only wonderfully traditional wooden structures painted in shades of blue.

Now on the cruise ship route, Bar Harbor can be quite busy, and the downtown area has plenty of souvenir stores, cafes and ice cream parlours. But it’s not so busy to have lost its charm, and its visitor friendliness makes it very easy to book sailing trips, try sea kayaking, do some whale watching, schedule in some rock-climbing, or just enjoy yourself in the evenings in the bars and restaurants.

Just outside town is the Acadia National Park, with its wonderful landscapes, both strange - like Bubble Rock, and ordered - like the Wild Gardens of Acadia. The geological diversity of this place is astounding. Here you’ll find thick woodland, sheer granite cliffs and remote, placid lakes in lush valleys.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Bar Harbor is ideally placed to enjoy everything from the great outdoors to the shops, cafes and restaurants.

• Painted blue and white, Shore Path Cottage is a lovely family run B&B with ten rooms - some with beautiful ocean views. This is a great place for hikers, bikers and those who want to get out on the ocean as the owners will help you make the most of Bar Harbor’s great outdoors.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Bar Harbor for you? Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Bar Harbor, expand your search to include the whole of Maine, or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.