A charming coastal community in Maine has been named America’s best small town.
Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor was listed number one on US News & World Report‘s Best Small Towns to Visit for 2025 list.
The New England town with a population of just over 5,200 people is known for its scenic views, crystal blue waters, fresh seafood and rich history.
Bar Harbor’s main attraction has always been the Acadia National Park – the 47,000 acres of woodlands, beaches and mountains neighboring the area.
Notably, the park’s Cadillac mountain offers enchanting trails and a clear view of the town and the Cranberry Islands.
There are various tide pools to explore and the park is the perfect place to hike, kayak or bike, as highlighted in US News & World Report’s review.
Visitors to the popular site may spot moose, bears, whales and seabirds. It is one of the top 10 most frequented national parks in the country, according to National Park Maine (NPS).
The coveted site was first established in 1916 as the Sieur de Monts monument. Three years later, its name was changed to Lafayette National Park. It landed on its current name in 1929.
Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, has a population of just over 5,200 people
The charming town has a main strip full of stores, galleries and bars that are sure to wow tourists
Bar Harbor is known for is known for its scenic views, crystal blue waters, fresh seafood and rich history
Sand Beach, Bar Harbor’s most popular beach, is located just outside of the Acadia National Park.
The beach town’s main strip is lined with quaint shops, bars, restaurants and art galleries.
After spending the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes and beaches, visitors have plenty of nightlife options to keep the good times going.
Trip Advisor ranked traveler’s favorite places to spend their evenings in Bar Harbor. The best nighttime establishment, according to the travel website, is comedy club ImprovAcadia.
The Thirsty Whale Tavern – known for its wide selection of beers, its clam chowder and lobster roll – and Leary’s Landing Irish Pub, praised for its seafood and service, are other must-visit locations.
US News & World Report recommended that tourists stay in one of the small town’s adorable boutique hotels – all of which have a comforting and homey feel to them.
The travel ranking magazine listed the Balance Rock Inn as the best Bed & Breakfast in Bar Harbor.
Its description reads: ‘The Balance Rock Inn previously served as a family summer cottage back in the early 1900s. And when you take a look at your room, you may feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.’
The second and third best places to stay are Bass Cottage & Ullikana Inn and Coach Stop Inn.
Bar Harbor was founded during the 18th century and quickly became a popular summer get-away spot
Arcadia National Park offers stunning views of the town and the clear waters
Sand Beach, located outside of Arcadia National Park, is the town’s most popular beach
Bar Harbor was established by Samuel Adams in 1796 as the Town of Eden, according to the area’s historical society. Its name was change to its current one in 1918.
Before it became a popular summer resort, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Native American tribes lived on the island year-round.
Bar Harbor started receiving more attention after 1850s painters including Frederic E. Church, Thomas Cole and William Hart started depicting the gorgeous town in their artwork.
The ‘land boom’ caused by increased interest from tourists resulted in hotels and ‘grand’ cottages popping up throughout the town through the 1880s, according to the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
Joseph Pulitzer, the politician and publisher the Pulitzer Prize is named after, and prominent businessman George Vanderbilt were among those who visited during that time.
In 1947, a devastating fire ravaged the town, burning more than 10,000 acres of the Acadia National Park and causing about $23 million in damage.
Most of the permanent residents rebuilt their homes, but most of the cottages were not repaired.
Today, the areas economy is based in tourism, boating and fishing – allowing for easy access to fresh seafood, especially lobster, for people to enjoy.
Telluride, Colorado was ranked the second-best small town to visit for its beautiful mountain views
Jackson Hole, Wyoming was ranked the third-best place to visit and is known for skiing
In 2022, Acadia National Park contributed $479 million to the local economy, according to the NPS.
Other stand-out locations on US News & World Report’s small town list include two tucked-away treasures in Colorado and Wyoming.
Telluride, Colorado, was ranked the second-best small town to visit for its ‘captivating scenery and delightful Mountain Village.’
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the third best place to visit, according to the list of 25 towns.
Best known for its skiing and ‘cozy lodging’ options, Jackson Hole receives more than 400 inches of annual snowfall.
