Located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, nestled between Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Bar Harbor, Maine, is a vibrant seaside town. It is surrounded by Acadia National Park and is one of New England's most popular vacation destinations. With more than 28 miles of coastline, Bar Harbor beaches are some of the town's biggest attractions, offering a variety of activities as well as picturesque views.
Sand Beach
In Acadia National Park, you will find Sand Beach. Tucked between the pebbled shores and granite cliffs is a 290-yard expanse of sandy beach. The extremely salty water is not very warm and "even in summer, it certainly is on the cool side--rarely exceeding 55 degrees," according to the website Bar Harbor Magic. But that does not stop many people from taking a dip in the water on hot summer days or flocking to the only sandy beach on the ocean in all of Bar Harbor.
Sand Beach Activities
Sand Beach is one of Bar Harbors most popular tourist destinations. To get there you must pay a per-car entry fee. As of 2010, this is $20 between June 23 and early October and $10 between May 1 and June 2. You can also take the free Island Explorer Shuttle, a bus that frequently stops at the Beach. While you're there, try hiking the Ocean Path, a trail that winds through the rocky shores and ends at Otter Cliff. For more of a challenge try the Great Head Trail. You will climb granite stairs up a cliff until reaching the top of Great Head, for a stunning view of Sand Beach.
Echo Lake Beach
If a more leisurely and relaxing day filled with swimming is what you're looking for, Echo Lake Beach might be for you. It is also in Acadia National Park, and the beach surrounds part of the 28 acre Lake. In the summer, a life guard on duty and you will find many people enjoying the warm water. As of 2010, there is a small fee to gain access to the beach: $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6 to 11, with children 5 and under are free. There is a place to park, but you also can take the free Island Explorer Shuttle.
Echo Lake Beach Activities
While at Echo Lake, you can get a bite to eat at the snack bar or rent a canoe, peddle boat or kayak for $15. Beech Mountain, which is 839 feet high, looks over the lake. You can hike a steep trail that takes you from the bottom of the mountain to its summit. Echo Lake Beach is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and you can't rent a boat after 4 p.m.
Little Hunters Beach
Little Hunters Beach is tucked away in a cove in Acadia National Park. You won't want to swim here, as temperatures are below 55 degrees, there is a dangerous undertow and no lifeguards are on duty. But you can enjoy walking along the pebbled beach and listening to the sounds of the crashing waves. The beach has a few patches of sand, offering the opportunity to eat a picnic lunch or sit down and breathe in the fresh air.
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