Visiting Bar Harbor in August

Summer in Bar Harbor is something you do not want to miss. Bar Harbor, on its own, is quite charming, and there is something about this place that makes it feel like home. The weather is pleasant and perfectly warm in August.

It's a great place to go kayaking, whale watching, enjoying salty air, sandy beaches, and much more. Oh, and there are tons of ice cream parlors all over the place, and who doesn't love ice cream? Let's unpack everything you should do in Bar Harbor in August with this guide!

Is August a Good Time to Visit Bar Harbor? 

One of the best times to visit Bar Harbor is in August because of its geographic location in the northernmost point in the U.S., due to which Maine experiences cool weather all year round. So, it is best to visit Bar Harbor when it's a little warmer. June to August is the only time when the temperature is around 21°C in the daytime. So, it should not be a surprise that it is the only good time to visit Bar Harbor. Tourists from around the world visit Bar Harbor during this time and enjoy the beautiful town. 

(Credit: Nanda Firdaus / Unsplash)

Reasons to Visit Bar Harbor in August?

There are lots of reasons to visit Bar Harbor in August:

You will find some of the most popular spots in Bar Harbor, such as Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, Otter Cliff, Sand Beach, and more.

You will find some of the most delicious blueberry pastries, lobster rolls, fresh seafood, and a must-try ice cream place at Mount Desert Island, which has tons of creative and delicious flavors.

So, why wouldn't you want to visit this place when it's full of great places, viewpoints and so much more?

Things to Do in Bar Harbor in August 

In August, you will find Bar Harbor to be the busiest and in full season. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops in Bar Harbor, and you can take souvenirs to make your holiday a memorable experience. Go for a Lulu Lobster Boat Tour, and you'll be in for the most beautiful views. Here's more:

Acadia National Park

It is one of the top ten most visited national parks in the U.S., and millions of people visit each year. Being the only park in the Northeast Harbor, it steals all the spotlight. Due to its photogenic coastline, pink granite cliffs, and carriage roads, it is one of the most beautiful places on the earth. 

(Credit: Clay Banks / Unsplash)

Both Bar Harbor and most of the Acadia National Park are located on Mount Desert Island. The distance between Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park is around 1.3 miles, which isn't a lot, but the roads there are populated. So, make sure to clear your schedule to account for the slow pace. 

Park Loop Road

Park Loop Road is a 27-mile road going around the perimeter of Acadia National Park. If your schedule is packed, then 2-3 hours will be enough for this road. But if you're looking to fill your day, there are plenty of spots where you can stop and admire the beautiful sights. Some of the main highlights of this road are: 

Cadillac Mountain

On the top of the Cadillac mountain, you'll get to see the beautiful sunrise in the U.S. in August. It is also the highest point on the North Atlantic Seaboard. Be sure to make vehicle reservations for the Cadillac Summit Road, and consider getting a pass beforehand for the whole park. Because getting a pass for Cadillac Summit Road sunrise is very difficult, so plan ahead. All in all, you don't want to miss this place while on the Park Loop Road. 

Otter Point 

A wonderful viewpoint that overlooks the coastline, and you will see some very interesting granite rocks here. Also, it's not as busy as some other highlights of Bar Harbor, such as the Acadia National Park. The only downside of this place is the small parking lot, but as there aren't a lot of crowds here, it's not much of a hassle. If you're into hiking, then you should hike from the sand beach to this cliff. On your way to the Otter Cliff, you'll get to see the Thunder Hole. And at night time, for stargazing, this place is perfect! 

(Credit: Brad Weaver / Unsplash)

Thunder hole 

One of the most amazing places on Park Loop Road is the Thunder Hole - here, you can see the power of ocean tides, and it's best to visit this place after a thunderstorm or 2 hours before a high tide. It's a carved-out inlet along Mount Desert Island. When a high tide or a storm forces waves into this small inlet, air escapes with a thunderous echoing that is very powerful and thrilling. When the tide is low, follow the stairs to take a look at the cliff walls that are beautifully carved out by the crashing water. 

Sand Beach 

Sand Beach is a relatively small beach with crashing waves, but it is worth a visit. In August, you can find a lifeguard there, which is a plus point. The water on the sand beach is very cold, and that's why people prefer only dipping their toes in the sand. But some adventurous souls like to take their chances in the water, too. From this place, you'll take a walk and find some of the most famous hikes in the park, such as Beehive and Precipice Trail.

Agamont Park

Agamont Park is adjacent to the streets filled with restaurants and shops. It is perfect for relaxing or taking a break from the touristy crowd. Grab a spot on the lawn or a bench to peacefully enjoy all the beautiful views of the Bar Harbor. You can see stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands from this park. You can also look at the ships anchored in Frenchman Bay. When you're in the park, take a stroll down the Shore Path and soak in the beauty of this place. 

Sieur De Monts Springs 

Sieur De Monts Springs, also known as the "Heart of Acadia,” is a lovely place along the Park Loop Road that includes the Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Abbe Museum, and much more. You can find the beautiful spring located under the Florentine-style canopy. The flow of water is piped to an artificial pool so the locals can have access to the water. Bird enthusiasts must visit this place because it houses more than 70 bird species. 

Bar Harbor August Weather

August is the only time of the year when the temperature in Bar Harbor is around 25°C. It drops to 14°C at night time. So, when you visit Bar Harbor, be prepared, wear comfortable clothes, and keep extra layers of clothing because it gets chilly at night. Also, don't forget to pack a good pair of walking shoes, your favorite hat, and a pair of sunglasses. 

Conclusion 

There you have it—some of the things that you can do in Bar Harbor in August. Spend a reasonable amount of time at the Acadia National Park and drive around the Park Loop Road for the most picturesque views of the area. Enjoy your lunch in peace and relax at the Agamont park. Pack your clothes and a good pair of walking shoes, and plan your trip to Bar Harbor now!