Known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers a cozy retreat for your vacation in Maine. It’s the largest town on Mount Desert Island and greets visitors with its seaside charm. Just minutes from rocky beaches, rugged cliffs, sparkling lakes, and pristine woodlands, Bar Harbor warms the hearts of nature lovers and is also a great destination for antique shopping, sampling fresh seafood, and taking picturesque boat tours.
From the Bar Harbor waterfront you can watch cruising vessels or peruse through art galleries. Bar Harbor is also a popular launching pad for whale watching cruises and scenic biking trails. The town’s vibrant atmosphere makes it the ideal host for music festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. Take an evening stroll around Bar Harbor and there’s a good chance you’ll spot entertaining local musicians.
But nature is the primary draw to Bar Harbor and nearby Acadia is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers will have dozens of trails to explore and beachgoers can lounge on its sandy shores. And its radiant foliage, thundering Atlantic waves, and deep-blue lakes are all worthy of a postcard. Many of the best Airbnbs in Bar Harbor give you the perfect vantage to explore the surreal beauty of Mount Desert Island.
To help you plan your vacation, we’ve made a list of our favorite Airbnbs in Bar Harbor. From apartments in the heart of town to cabins deep in the woods, there’s a home that’s perfect for you. Check out our list of the 15 best Bar Harbor Airbnbs to help you plan your trip!
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The 15 Best Airbnbs in Bar Harbor
Best Bar Harbor Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. The Little House Loft
The Little House loft is off the charts on the cool factor and ranks among the most unique Bar Harbor Airbnbs. Its comfortable furnishings and rustic features will enchant couples that are seeking a romantic getaway. The loft is super cozy with slanted wooden ceilings, a large sectional couch, and a flatscreen or catching up on Netflix. And the fully-equipped kitchen has everything needed to make a delicious dinner.
Although the claw-foot tub will beckon you to come relax, there’s too much fun waiting for you outside. This 7-acre property has tons of space for badminton, frisbee, and other lively games. And after working up a sweat you can have a picnic in the nearby garden or sunbathe on the lawn. After the sunset, the peaceful neighborhood offers the perfect atmosphere for nighttime stargazing.
Outdoorsy travelers will love that the farm is just 5 minutes from the entrance of Acadia National Park. The drive to the park is quite scenic and you can find hidden swimming holes near the property. And for a candlelight dinner with your partner, Bar Harbor’s superb restaurants are a 10-minute drive away.
2. Sunset Studio in the Heart of Bar Harbor
If location is your top priority, then the Sunset Studio is the best Airbnb in Bar Harbor for you. The second-story studio apartment is walkable to the boutiques and restaurants downtown, as well as only a 5-minute drive from Acadia National Park.
To watch mesmerizing sunsets near the apartment, the Bar Island sandbar is a few minutes away by foot. And the free Island Explorer Shuttle is a 4-minute walk from your door.
This studio’s bright colors and large windows pull in lots of natural light for a sunny Bar Harbor welcome. The space is sparkling clean and has all the necessary perks for a lazy afternoon at the house. You’ll find modern amenities inside the kitchen, a big-screen TV in the living room, and a washer and dryer to catch up on laundry from Acadia adventures.
And after spending your days hiking around Mount Desert Island, room-darkening shades allow you to get needed rest on your Bar Habor holiday.
3. Cozy Red Cabin in the Acadia Woods
For nature lovers, this cozy red cabin is definitely one of the best Airbnbs for your vacation in Bar Harbor. With 3 acres all to yourself, you’ll hear nothing but the sounds of nature around your private deck. Bar Harbor might be a 15-minute drive from the cabin, but you came here to be surrounded by nature. And this property gets 5 stars for its serene location.
Acadia’s famous carriage roads are 10 minutes away, a peaceful fishing pond is 5-minute walk from the property, and a lake that is ideal for swimming is up the road. Whether you want to smell wildflowers in spring or see the dazzling fall foliage, this newly-renovated cabin is the perfect retreat.
The nearby Town Hill Market is a local favorite for delicious treats, and you’ll appreciate having it nearby to pick up BBQ supplies.
This cabin has adorable furnishings for a homey stay. The indoor fireplace will keep you warm on chilly evenings, while the outdoor deck is the best place to watch the sunrise or sunset. When nasty weather prevents you from boating, make homemade meals in the stocked kitchen or snuggle on the couch in front of the TV.
4. Quaint 19th-Century Victorian Apartment
This beautiful 19th-century Victorian-style apartment is the perfect spot to explore downtown Bar Harbor. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Main Street and 10 minutes to the waterfront’s fabulous shops and restaurants. While many of Bar Harbor’s top attractions are walkable from the apartment, there’s also a nearby Island Explorer bus stop.
This Airbnb has a kitchen that’s fully-equipped with everything you’ll need to cook meals and pack a lunch for Acadia day trips. And the cozy living room has a coffee table and TV to enjoy lazy days in the house. You can also take your coffee on the outdoor deck to start the day.
If you’re doing a lot of hiking in the park, you’ll appreciate that this room has a laundry room with a washer and dryer. Off-street parking is available for guests who brought their vehicle and aren’t sure where to park in Bar Harbor. and parents will love that there’s a playground just 2 minutes away!
5. Precipice Studio with Loft
Surrounded by historic Victorian homes, the Precipice Studio apartment is located right in the center of the Bar Harbor action. Downtown Bar Harbor is just a 3-minute walk from your door, and you can reach Acadia National Park by car in 5 minutes. If you want to experience even more nature in Bar Harbor, stroll along the Shore Path to enjoy the waterfront. You’ll be an easy walk or drive from lots of outdoor recreation on Maine’s awe-inspiring Mount Desert Island.
This darling studio features a well-stocked kitchen, a living room area with a flatscreen TV, a small dining area, and two plush beds – one downstairs and one in the cute loft area. The loft also has a skylight where you can enjoy the night sky while drifting off to sleep.
There’s also a collection of books and games to pass the time. But with all of Bar Harbor’s top attractions so close to this Airbnb, it’s mighty hard staying indoors.
Best Bar Harbor Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families
6. Magical Treehouse Near Bar Harbor
This magical treehouse is the absolute coolest Airbnb in Bar Harbor. Surrounded by maple, cedar, spruce, and pine trees, your group will have the ultimate privacy in the woods. And with 900 square feet of space, there are far more opulent amenities than the treehouses of your youth.
This unique Bar Harbor Airbnb boasts a whirlpool, sauna, and outdoor shower for relaxing. There’s plenty of room for everyone to hang out on the deck and family meals can be shared by the fireplace. To prepare elaborate dinners, the kitchen includes a refrigerator, stovetop, dishwasher, and all the needed cooking utensils. And the sparkling clean bathroom includes a walk-in shower with all the essentials for your group. How does that compare to your childhood treehouse?
Your party will be in for a treat during your stay at this secluded treehouse. You’ll have direct access to the Down East Sunrise Trail and its thrilling ATV, mountain bike, and snowmobile trails. Whenever you get the urge to explore Acadia National Park, you’re just a 35-minute drive from the entrance.
7. The Kales Crow’s Nest
Nestled along the waterfront, the Kales Crow’s Nest studio is easily one of the best Bar Harbor Airbnbs for harbor views. This custom-built home overlooks a protected harbor and private island so you’ll be surrounded by unbelievable scenery. With access to the dock, canoeing or kayaking is a must-do activity during your stay. Paddle to the small islands near the property and search for seals, eagles, and ospreys during your journey.
When you’re not soaking up the amazing views from your kayak, lounge on the wraparound deck to bask in the tranquility of the Maine wilderness. The property also has a wooden gazebo to listen to the enchanting sounds of nature. The kitchen has all the needed supplies to cook a feast and there’s lots of seating space beside the indoor fireplace.
The Crow’s Nest comfortably sleeps a 4-person family with 2 bedrooms that have large beds and 2 full bathrooms. Its wooden panels add a rustic feel to the bedrooms and spacious windows give you amazing forest views. And when you’re finished with your outdoor adventures, there’s a washer and dryer for your dirty laundry.
8. High Tide: Adorable Waterfront Cottage
If you’re on a mission to find your own beach, this adorable waterfront cottage has answered your prayers. Located right on the beach, this Bar Harbor Airbnb is an incredible place to kayak, sunbathe, swim, or simply listen to the tranquil water.
The picturesque setting places you about 5 minutes from Acadia National Park and away from the busiest tourist spots. Its secluded location makes it a wonderful area to search for deer, porpoises, and other wildlife.
The cottage’s interior includes enormous windows to give you waterfront views the moment you wake up. Its spacious kitchen has all the essentials, and you can have family meals looking out over the beach.
The upstairs master bedroom includes a full bath and the lower level has 4 twin beds for your small group. Plus there are several chairs and a hammock is available to relax on the beach.
9. Iris Ledge: Secluded Bar Harbor Vacation Home
If you’re looking for a secluded stay in the woods while still being close to town, the Iris Ledge might just be the perfect Bar Harbor Airbnb for you!
You’ll be just a 10-minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor and minutes from Eagle Lake, Park Loop Road, and Northeast Harbor. This cozy vacation home also offers glorious mountain views of Mount Desert Island and you’ll love listening to the peaceful sounds of nature.
After visiting Acadia National Park, relax beside the indoor fireplace or watch the stars from the second or third story deck. The spacious floor plan includes a modern kitchen, a spotless bathroom, and a comfortable living room with leather furniture. On the third floor, the master suite has direct access to a balcony where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with a view.
This well-appointed Airbnb comes stocked with all the essentials, so don’t worry about forgetting toiletries or cooking supplies. If your group is arriving in multiple vehicles, the driveway has enough space for 5 vehicles. That way everyone can explore this secluded piece of Mount Desert Island at their leisure.
10. Americana-Themed Glamping Experience
The Americana Tent is definitely the most unique Airbnb in Bar Harbor and is sure to make your vacation unforgettable! Situated on 24 wooded acres, the Woods of Eden “glampground” has all the makings for a restful stay in nature. With a full bathroom, 2 bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a deck with a gas grill, it hardly feels like roughing it.
This fun patriotic tent includes a queen-sized bed and bunk beds so you’ll have space for the whole family. There’s a refrigerator, toaster, and hot plate in the kitchen so you can prepare meals to enjoy by the campfire. And you can spend your evenings around the fire pit roasting hot dogs or marshmallows and having good conversation.
Your personal glampsite has an electric heater to keep you toasty on chilly evenings. Although the glampground is shared with other tents, each site is spaced enough to ensure privacy during your stay. And being just 4 miles from Acadia National Park, you’ll be a short drive from lots of outdoor adventures.
11. A Little Piece of Heaven: Summer Cabin on Long Pond
Located on the Long Pond of Mount Desert Island, this quaint summer cabin has been in loving family care for 4 generations. This rustic 700-square-foot cabin is uninsulated so it can only be booked from early summer to early fall. If the weather does get chilly, a furnace and fireplace will keep your group warm and cozy. The kitchen is fully-equipped to make delicious meals and the screened-in porch is a wonderful spot to relax.
You’ll love spending afternoons enjoying the breeze on the open-air porch with a refreshing drink in hand. The sensational lakeside views are the perfect backdrop while you’re sipping coffee or reading a good book. Check out the library to find an interesting read or play games and do jigsaw puzzles with the kids.
The nearby dock gives nature lovers a scenic spot for wildlife viewing or a launching pad for swimming and boating. Your host provides a tandem kayak, rowboat, and canoe for fun activities on the water. Although this little slice of heaven is located on the calmer side of the island, Acadia National Park is less than 30 minutes from your front door.
Best Bar Harbor Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events
12. Petunia Cottage: Victorian Mansion in Bar Harbor
With room for 16 guests, this grandiose Victorian-style mansion is one of the best Bar Harbor Airbnbs in town for large groups. This renovated 19th-century home rests in Bar Harbor’s historic West Street district and is only a block away from the fabulous downtown shops. Nicknamed “Petunia Cottage”, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Frenchman’s Bay and you can walk to Bar Island from Bridge Street.
After an exciting day trip into Acadia National Park, your group can gather for drinks and socializing on the wraparound porch. The fully-stocked kitchen has granite countertops and modern amenities. And the dining room is decorated with antique furniture and is a perfect spot to play billiards together. This beautiful Airbnb also features a flat-screen smart TV, a spacious den, a wine room, a laundry area, and a back porch with a gas grill and spacious yard for lively gatherings.
All 7 bedrooms are on the second level and the shared bathroom includes a claw foot tub perfect for soaking. For the lucky guests that stay in the secret bedroom, they’ll enjoy a newly-remodeled bathroom with detailed fixtures. There are 2 other master bedrooms that have large beds and private bathrooms.
13. House on Blueberry Hill
For incredible views of forests and pastures, the House on Blueberry Hill offers a secluded spot for your guests. If you’re wondering why it’s called Blueberry Hill, just take a look at the fields of wild blueberries around you. This peaceful cabin sits atop the hill and overlooks scenic farmlands. You can enjoy the soothing breeze from Salsbury Cove and can watch horses, sheep, cows, deer, and chickadees wander around the property.
The capacious windows offer gorgeous sunset views, but you won’t give up an ounce of privacy thanks to the surrounding forest. With 21 acres of protected woodland surrounding the cabin, there’s plenty of nature to explore. There are some refreshing swimming holes just 10 minutes away, and you’ll be 5 minutes from Acadia National Park, 10 minutes from Bar Harbor, and a mile from the ocean.
The open-plan kitchen includes modern amenities and guests can enjoy dinner in the dining room or on the back porch. All 4 bedrooms have windows that let in natural light and offer exceptional views of the surrounding nature. For a cozy place to relax, the lounge area has a fireplace, a TV, and a selection of books to choose from.
14. Kebo Cottage: Stately 6-Bedroom Victorian Home
Just across the street from Kebo Golf Course, this huge Victorian home is one of the nicest Airbnbs in Bar Harbor. The “Kebo Cottage” is only 300 yards from Park Loop Road and provides an excellent base for your Acadia adventures.
You’ll be blown away by the newly remodeled kitchen with its enormous Viking stove that helps you prepare elaborate meals like steamed fish or lobster. With a Hannaford Supermarket nearby, you can get all the groceries you need a few minutes away.
This expansive vacation rental has space for 10 guests and plenty of room for everyone to enjoy games, activities, and movies together. The living room has comfortable seating and a cozy fireplace for chilly evenings. You can purchase bundles of wood along the road or from other homes close by. And the cozy den is a relaxing spot for a night in with friends and family.
The perfectly manicured backyard is a great place to allow kids to run wild. Or get some outdoor games going for everyone to participate. Or spend the afternoon barbequing on the deck and enjoying the Bar Harbor sunshine! You’ll have an outdoor fire pit to use and everything is included to let your culinary imagination run wild.
15. Return to Beauty: Contemporary-Colonial Farmhouse
This beautiful contemporary-colonial farmhouse is a rustic retreat that’s perfect for large groups vacationing in Bar Harbor. The property sits above the historic Peggy Rockefeller Farm so you’ll be surrounded by idyllic sounds of nature.
You’ll be just a 5-minute drive from Acadia National Park and 10 minutes from the shops and restaurants of Bar Harbor. A stay at “Return to Beauty” will mean tranquility, relaxation, and privacy – it’s the total package.
Inside this stunning Bar Harbor Airbnb you’ll find a mix of antique furnishings and contemporary design. The kitchen boasts All-Clad cookware, Zwilling knives, and a six-burner gas stove. Decorative artwork and expansive windows make the dining room an enjoyable spot to have family meals. Or you can use the Yukon solo-stove fire pit to prepare a feast and dine alfresco.
This farmhouse features 5 bedrooms, pine hardwood floors, gorgeous paintings throughout the property, clawfoot tubs for relaxing, a stocked library, a cozy fireplace, and a piano.
The back lawn gives kids lots of space to run around, and you can pick fresh vegetables in the garden. With room for 11 guests, Return to Beauty makes an enchanting property for a small wedding, birthday party, or other celebration.
That’s it – 15 of the best Airbnbs in Bar Harbor! Do you have a favorite vacation rental in Bar Harbor? Let us know in the comments below.
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We have a family wedding Sept 15 at The Bar Harbor Club. Which of your properties are closest to The Bar Harbor Club? We have never been to the area and are thinking of staying Sept 13-17. Can you advise? Thanks, Ellen