As far as travel logistics go, I recommend flying into Bangor and renting a car for the hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine. Another option is to fly into Boston and drive a few hours to Bar Harbor (you can stop and see some other towns along the way).
The phrase apparently derives from sailing terminology: sailors from western ports sailed downwind toward the east to reach the area. Within Maine, the phrase "Down East" may refer specifically to the state's easternmost regions, also called Down East Maine.
In 1929, the name changed to Acadia National Park. Today the park protects more than 47,000 acres, and the simple pleasures of "ocean, forests, lakes, and mountains" that have been sought and found by millions for over a century and a quarter are yours to enjoy.
Bar Harbor is known for its stunning coastal beauty, its many yachts and lobster boats, and its view of islands and ocean in settings that can range from glistening sunlight to thick fog and mist.
Are there moose or bears in Acadia? Both occur on the island, but are rarely seen.
In the summer, most days you'll be comfortable in shorts and a tank top, and bring a bathing suit for swimming. For the evening or windy days, though, you'll want long sleeves and a light jacket. During cooler months, keep yourself warm with fleece, vests, and gloves and a hat.
25 Best Places to Stay in Acadia National Park
- Acadia Hotel. © Acadia Hotel.
- The Claremont Hotel. © The Claremont Hotel.
- Asticou Inn. © Asticou Inn.
- Atlantic Eyrie Lodge. © Atlantic Eyrie Lodge.
- Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center. © Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center.
- Balance Rock Inn. © Balance Rock Inn.
- Bar Harbor Grand Hotel.
- Bar Harbor Inn & Spa.
The Desert of Maine is a 40-acre (160,000 m2) tract of exposed glacial silt (a sand-like substance, but finer-grained than sand) surrounded by a pine forest near the town of Freeport, Maine, in the United States.
Expand your search.
- Bar Harbor Popcorn. 88 reviews.
- A Little Mad. 65 reviews.
- Fiore Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars. 74 reviews.
- Sherman's Books & Stationery. 60 reviews.
- Parson's Lobster and Seafood Shop. 40 reviews.
- The Rock & Art Shop. 45 reviews.
- The Christmas Vacation Shop. 39 reviews.
- The Chocolate Moose. 68 reviews.
Top Attractions in DownEast and Acadia Maine
- Mount Desert Island. 2,844 reviews.
- Acadia National Park. 1,746 reviews.
- Cadillac Mountain. 3,399 reviews.
- The Seal Cove Auto Museum. 206 reviews.
- Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail. 548 reviews.
- Gorham Mountain Trail. 301 reviews.
- Schoodic Point. 474 reviews.
- Precipice Trail.
Pronounce “Desert” like “Dessert” since it is of French origin. There is only one road on and off the island and it crosses over the much smaller Thompson Island.
Living in Bar Harbor offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bar Harbor there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Bar Harbor and residents tend to have moderate political views.
Boston to Bar Harbor bus services, operated by Concord Coach Lines, depart from Boston South Buses station. Bus or fly from Boston to Bar Harbor? The best way to get from Boston to Bar Harbor is to fly which takes 4h 3m and costs $75 - $240. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $45 - $70 and takes 6h 48m.
How many square miles is Mount Desert Island?
Mount Desert Island is rich in geological history dating back about 550 million years. The earliest formation on the island is the Ellsworth Schist Formation, which was a sea-floor mud deposit created during the Cambrian period by volcanic ash.
Acadia National Park is an American national park located in the state of Maine, southwest of Bar Harbor. The park preserves about half of Mount Desert Island, many adjacent smaller islands, and part of the Schoodic Peninsula on the coast of Maine.
