Bar harbor vs southwest harbor 3 day stay

Question

Hi there we r 5 adults looking to explore Acadia for 3 days in July after an overnight in ogunquit from Boston..debating which is better if we like dinners out and a bit of a downtown, no Airbnb available in bar harbor but can get a cabin in southwest…we booked Mira monte in bar harbor in just in case.. we are active family of adults, any thoughts

Answer

Both Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor are fantastic bases for exploring Acadia National Park, but they offer different experiences, so it depends on what you prioritize during your stay.

Bar Harbor: Bar Harbor is the larger, more vibrant town and the most popular destination for visitors to Acadia. It has a bustling downtown area with a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries, making it a great spot for those who enjoy dining out and being close to the action. In addition, Bar Harbor offers easier access to the park’s main attractions, such as Cadillac Mountain and Sand Beach, and it’s very well connected with shuttle buses that go around the park. If you like having a bit of nightlife or more options for dining and entertainment, Bar Harbor is the place to be. That said, it can be crowded during the summer months, so be prepared for more tourists, particularly in July.

Southwest Harbor: Southwest Harbor is smaller and quieter, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s less touristy than Bar Harbor, which can make it appealing if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience while still being close to the park. If you're staying in a cabin, Southwest Harbor would offer a more peaceful, natural setting. While the town is smaller, it still has some great dining options, though not as many as Bar Harbor. The advantage of Southwest Harbor is that it gives you easy access to the quieter side of Acadia, like the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the quiet coves on the west side of the park. It’s a bit farther from some of the main park entrances, but that means fewer crowds.

Things to consider:

Dining and Downtown Experience: If you prefer a more vibrant, lively town with lots of dining options, Bar Harbor is the better choice.
Peace and Quiet: If you’re looking for a quieter, more serene environment with less tourist congestion, Southwest Harbor will be more your style.
Acadia Access: Bar Harbor offers more direct access to the park’s main attractions, while Southwest Harbor gives you access to the park’s quieter, less crowded areas.
Accommodations: Since you mentioned that Airbnb isn’t available in Bar Harbor but you can get a cabin in Southwest Harbor, a cabin might offer a more secluded and rustic experience, which can be a nice change of pace for a group of active adults looking to enjoy nature.

Both locations are fantastic for exploring Acadia, but it depends on whether you want to be in the heart of the action (Bar Harbor) or enjoy a quieter, more peaceful setting (Southwest Harbor). Since you're an active group, both towns offer plenty of outdoor activities nearby, so you'll have a great time regardless of where you stay. If you’re not sure, you might want to split your stay between both locations to get the best of both worlds.

Bar harbor vs southwest harbor 3 day stay

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