A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Anchorage for Hiking, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. You'll find world class beauty in Anchorage as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Anchorage travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Anchorage. Although Bar Harbor and Anchorage are both popular with visitors, Anchorage has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Anchorage is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bar Harbor is known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also home to Chugach State Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Anchorage is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Anchorage is a moderate city for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Anchorage specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Anchorage as well. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

The beauty of Bar Harbor is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Families?

Both Bar Harbor and Anchorage are good to visit with kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Anchorage is a family-friendly coastal town. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Anchorage are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Anchorage is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor is a moderate coastal town for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Bar Harbor or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Anchorage. In our opinion, Bar Harbor has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bar Harbor than Anchorage. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

Families should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Anchorage. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bar Harbor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Anchorage than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Anchorage.

One day in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the nature-oriented city of Anchorage, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Anchorage, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Anchorage, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Anchorage, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Anchorage, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Anchorage, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Anchorage?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

Bar Harbor is a little warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the autumn, Bar Harbor is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Anchorage. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bar Harbor. In January, Bar Harbor is generally a little warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. Bar Harbor is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Bar Harbor