The Best Water Activities for Families Near Bar Harbor & Acadia
The Kind of Vacation Your Kids Will Talk About All Winter. One of the first questions families ask when planning a summer trip to Bar Harbor is usually: what can we do on the water? It’s a fair question. You’re on an island off the Maine coast, with the Atlantic on nearly every side and one of the most celebrated national parks in the country on your back doorstep. The answer is: more than most visitors expect. There are sandy beaches and warm freshwater swimming holes. A natural sandbar that appears and vanishes with the tides, rocky coves full of sea stars and hermit crabs, and guided fishing programs run by park rangers. There are lobster boats that haul traps right in front of you, flatwater ponds perfect for a first paddle, and boat tours that cover everything from puffins to whale sightings. You just need to know where to look. And on the days when you’d rather not venture far at all, the Bar Harbor Motel’s heated outdoor pool is right on property, open seasonally during the warmer months. What Is the Best Beach Near Bar Harbor? Sand Beach is the most iconic swimming spot on Mount Desert Island, and for good reason. Tucked between two dramatic walls of granite along the Park Loop Road, it’s one of the few sandy ocean beaches in all of Acadia National Park and one of the most photographed spots on the island. The beach stretches about 290 yards, its sand made up of shell fragments that have built up here over thousands of years. The setting is striking: evergreen-covered cliffs rise on either side, the open Atlantic stretches to the horizon, and on clear days you can see all the way to Otter Cliff. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, and there are public restrooms which makes it a good pick for families. One thing worth knowing before you go: the water is cold. Even at the height of summer, ocean temperatures at Sand Beach hover around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps some people happily on shore with a book, but plenty of visitors embrace the plunge. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you. A park entrance pass is required to visit, and the parking lot fills up fast on summer mornings. Plan to arrive before 9 a.m. or take the Island Explorer shuttle. Guests at the Bar Harbor Motel can hop on Route 1 (Eden Street), which stops within 500 feet of the hotel driveway and connects to the Village Green in downtown Bar Harbor. From there, transfer to Route 3 to reach Sand Beach directly. From the hotel, it’s about a 10-minute drive if you’re going by car. Pro tip: Combine your beach visit with a hike along the Great Head Trail, which starts right at the eastern end of the beach. It’s a moderate loop with sweeping views of the coastline and a great way to warm up after the water. Echo Lake Beach: Warmer Water on the Quiet Side Echo Lake Beach is the answer for guests who want to swim without the shock of the North Atlantic. Located on the western quiet side of Mount Desert Island in the town of Southwest Harbor, Echo Lake is a freshwater beach within Acadia National Park. Its water warms to an average of 64 degrees in June, 72 degrees in July, and 73 degrees in August, which makes it especially popular with families and anyone who prefers their swim relaxing rather than invigorating. The beach is relatively shallow, which makes it especially comfortable for younger swimmers who want to wade in gradually rather than brace for a wave. Forested hills rise in the background, with the dramatic cliffs of Beech Mountain behind. Lifeguards are on duty during most of the summer season, and there’s a shaded picnic area that makes a great spot for lunch after a morning in the water. Public restrooms are on-site. Like Sand Beach, an Acadia park pass is required to visit, and the parking lot is small, so arriving early is your best bet. From the Bar Harbor Motel, it’s about a 20-to-30-minute drive. The route through the island’s villages and along the western shore is worth the trip on its own, and it makes for a great full-day excursion. Pro tip: While you’re on the quiet side, Little Notch Bakery & Cafe in Southwest Harbor is worth a stop if you catch it open. A local institution since 1993, they’re known for their fresh-baked pastries and wood-fired pizza. A good excuse to linger a little longer before heading back. The Bar Island Sandbar: A Tidal Adventure Right in Town One of the most memorable water experiences in Bar Harbor doesn’t involve swimming at all. It involves timing. Twice a day, the tides pull back to reveal a half-mile natural sandbar connecting downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island, part of Acadia National Park. For a few hours each day, you can lace up a pair of water-friendly shoes and walk the exposed sandbar to reach an island that is otherwise surrounded by sea. The crossing itself is a highlight for guests of all ages. As you walk out, look closely at the rocks and seaweed on either side. You’ll find barnacles, periwinkle snails, colorful sea stars, hermit crabs, and large Jonah crabs tucked into the crevices. Once you reach Bar Island, there are trails to explore through the trees with views back toward Bar Harbor and out to Frenchman Bay. The sandbar is accessible from Bridge Street in downtown Bar Harbor, a little over a mile from the Bar Harbor Motel. It’s an easy walk, or a quick ride on the Island Explorer shuttle. Important: The window to cross is roughly 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after low tide. Don’t lose track of time on the island, as the sandbar floods quickly and visitors have gotten stranded before. Check the tide chart ahead of time, (the front desk is always happy