Bar Harbor Maine where to stay

Question

We will be visiting the last week of September thru first weekend of October. I found a VRBO in Gouldsboro which I believe is about a hour away from Acadia. What are the thoughts of staying that far away? We want to do Acadia Park, the town of bar harbor and all it has to offer along with a couple other attractions that would be recommended to visit Schoodic Peninsula, Mt Desert etc. I have heard to stay downtown it is pricey and very crowded. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer

Staying in Gouldsboro for your visit to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor can be a good option, but it comes with some pros and cons, especially considering the distance to Acadia and the other attractions you plan to visit.

Gouldsboro is about an hour’s drive from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, which means you'll be spending quite a bit of time in the car if you plan on visiting those places multiple times a day. However, the town of Gouldsboro is quieter and less touristy than Bar Harbor, which can offer a more peaceful and relaxing environment. Additionally, accommodations in Gouldsboro may be more affordable than staying in Bar Harbor or other nearby towns.

Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Proximity to Acadia and Bar Harbor: While it’s about an hour to Acadia and Bar Harbor, the drive is scenic and enjoyable, and if you’re comfortable with driving, it could be a nice way to explore the surrounding areas. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust your schedule to accommodate the commute, especially during peak tourist hours when traffic can be heavy in Bar Harbor.
Schoodic Peninsula: One advantage of staying in Gouldsboro is that you’ll be closer to Schoodic Peninsula, which is part of Acadia National Park but less crowded and offers a more serene experience. If you’re interested in quieter, less-touristy areas, this could be a great place to explore.
Affordability: Accommodations in Bar Harbor can be quite expensive, particularly during the fall season when the foliage attracts many visitors. Staying in Gouldsboro can offer more budget-friendly options, which might allow you to spend more on experiences and activities in the area.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Gouldsboro offers a quiet, small-town feel, which could be appealing if you’re looking for a more tranquil retreat after spending your days in the busy park or exploring Bar Harbor. It’s an excellent option if you prefer peace and quiet over the hustle and bustle of downtown Bar Harbor.
Less Crowded: As you mentioned, Bar Harbor can get quite crowded, especially in late September and early October. If avoiding crowds is a priority, staying in Gouldsboro could give you the peace of mind that comes with being further from the main tourist hubs.

However, if you don’t mind the daily commute and are comfortable with driving, staying in Gouldsboro can provide a quieter and less expensive alternative. If you plan on visiting Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor daily, consider how much time you’re willing to spend on the road. If you're looking to minimize driving and be closer to everything, you might want to consider staying in or near Bar Harbor. Accommodations in Bar Harbor can be pricey, but there are some less expensive options further out, like in nearby Hulls Cove or Northeast Harbor.

Overall, if you want a quieter experience and are okay with the drive, Gouldsboro could be a great option, especially with easy access to Schoodic Peninsula and other less touristy areas. However, if you want to be more centrally located and closer to the action, you might want to reconsider staying closer to Bar Harbor or Acadia.