If travelers know about Bar Harbor, Maine, it’s usually thanks to Acadia National Park.
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Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to the popular national park, coming alive each summer as thousands head into town. Its proximity to Acadia has put it on the map—but many visitors come back for more than Mother Nature.
Bar Harbor has historic charm that dates back to the Gilded Age, when it was a preferred escape for wealthy businessmen. Many of their estates have been preserved while, in the meantime, Bar Harbor has transformed from an upscale getaway to a more family-friendly, highly walkable small town.
While its busiest period occurs in summer, it’s also a hotspot during autumn. Bar Harbor is a four-season coastal town, meaning its forests come alive with fiery foliage displays. In fact, it’s got one of the country’s best golden hours that delivers on magical ambiance.
Whether you plan to stay in town to soak up the small-town charm or want to hike through Acadia National Park before the winter chill sets in, these Airbnbs in Bar Harbor are idyllic spots to hang your hat.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Airbnbs in Bar Harbor, Maine: the short list
- A fresh new build: Fresh Catch Cottage
- Quiet for couples: Wildacre
- Enough space for six: Downtown 3BR Flat
- A bright, historic stay: Historic District Hidden Treasure
- Tucked away but close to town: Porcupine House
- Great for groups who want to hang outdoors: Quiet DT 3BR
- Historic flair: 19th Century Home
- Charming cottage vibes: Little Manahan Two
- Close to the park: Retreat close to Acadia
- Close to the park (luxury pick): Luxury retreat across from Acadia
Airbnbs in Bar Harbor, Maine for a fall getaway
Fresh Catch Cottage
No need to go old-school for your stay in Bar Harbor at this Airbnb. It’s a newly built three-bedroom cottage that comes with modern features like an EV charger and fully stocked toiletries. You’ll appreciate the home’s fresh, bright feeling if you enjoy contemporary design. There are also a few spots to enjoy the outdoors, including a fire pit and a dining area with a grass grill. Those will be especially picturesque during the autumn season.
Wildacre
Couples heading into Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park will have their own quiet escape at this guest suite. It’s located across the street from the national park but is close enough to downtown Bar Harbor that you can walk there in just twenty minutes. The simple one-bedroom guest suite also has everything you’ll need for a comfy stay, from a well-stocked Bosch kitchen to a private deck with woodland views where you can enjoy the fall foliage.
Downtown 3BR Flat
There are a few three-bedroom Airbnbs in Bar Harbor that have space for six, but this downtown flat feels especially spacious and welcoming. The minimalist design bodes well for larger groups, along with additions like the large dining room table and two free parking spaces. You might not need those parking spaces often, though, as this home is in the heart of Bar Harbor. As a perk, the hosts also offer a welcome basket.
Historic District Hidden Treasure
This two-bedroom home dates back to the Civil War era, located right in Bar Harbor’s downtown district. Despite its age, this home has been carefully refurbished with modern accents and bright colors. The property’s green gardens are also a treat. They won’t be as lush during an autumn visit, but it’s worth the trade-off when you consider the gorgeous autumn colors.
Porcupine House
This Airbnb is located right on Bar Harbor’s sought-after Shore Path. In just five minutes, you can reach downtown shops and restaurants. However, you also have views of Frenchman’s Bay right from the patio. Inside, you’ll find a warm, bespoke home that comes with a wood-burning fireplace, skylights in every room, and a freestanding tub with a view of the trees.
Quiet DT 3BR
This three-bedroom home puts you right in the action in downtown Bar Harbor. Despite its fantastic location, you aren’t short on outdoor spaces. This home has a private yard with a fire pit and grill where you can soak up the autumn magic. There’s another private deck to enjoy on each floor, too, giving you access to the outdoors even if you don’t want to make the drive to Acadia National Park.
19th Century Home
This is another historic home that dates back to the 1800s. It has two bedrooms, but you can sleep up to six with a pullout bed. Out back, you can enjoy a private yard with a grill and a dining setup. The real wow factor here is the home’s quaint, charming interior. It feels both modern and historic thanks to a great balance of vintage features and modern appointments.
Little Manahan Two
Speaking of historic homes with balanced features, this beautiful two-bedroom also gives you location, charm, and a cozy setup that you’ll want to experience again. This home comes with a few extra perks, including two off-street parking spaces that come with EV charging. However, this unit isn’t the only Airbnb on the property. This rental gives you access to the upstairs unit, which has its own private entrance. The property’s lovely gardens are another fantastic amenity.
Retreat close to Acadia
This is a secluded one-bedroom that offers you a fantastic middle ground between downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The former is just a five-minute walk away, while some of Acadia’s popular hiking trails start nearby. This rental also comes with a private courtyard and a grill where you can maximize your time under the changing leaves.
Luxury Retreat across from Acadia
This home has a similar setup to the last—except it trades its seclusion for scale. You can sleep up to seven guests at this three-bedroom, which comes with a beautiful great room and a scenic sunroom that’s great for leaf-peeping. The vaulted ceilings are another perk, giving you plenty of interior space even if you have a full house.
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