How long should you stay on our island?

When guests are planning their first visit to Mt. Desert Island, they often ask how long they should plan to stay in Bar Harbor. While you can get a taste of what the island has to offer in a day or two, to really experience MDI, we suggest that you plan on spending at least three days.

Acadia National Park offers over 120 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs, and an additional 40 miles of carriage roads that are perfect for easy hiking and are wonderful for biking. In the late spring, summer and early autumn, you can enjoy whale watching, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and many other activities.

There are also many wonderful restaurants, shops, museums and guided tours available in Bar Harbor. Even for those of us who live here, there is always something new to experience.

If you are the type that likes to “do it all”, we suggest you spend at least a week. The diversity of the island can easily fill a week of activities, and there are also lovely day trips to places like Castine, Blue Hill, Deer Isle and Schoodic Peninsula.

No matter when you visit Mt. Desert Island, you will be captivated by its unique beauty, and like many of our guests, you will be planning your next visit before you leave.