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

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Boulder?

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 Boulder 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 picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of Bar Harbor is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Boulder travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Boulder?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boulder. Although Bar Harbor and Boulder are popular destinations, Boulder has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boulder is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and hiking, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons.

How is Bar Harbor different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.

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

Boulder is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Boulder is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

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 Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a city with good options for live music. However, Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Bar Harbor is not a live music destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for the beach. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a well-known place 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.

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

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 Boulder?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Families?

Both Bar Harbor and Boulder are nice 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly coastal town. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Boulder is a good coastal town for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

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

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

Boulder is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Both Bar Harbor and Boulder offer reasonable public transit options.

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 mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Bar Harbor or Boulder a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its high level of walkability. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Boulder is a somewhat walkable coastal town. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Boulder. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Boulder. 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 Boulder. 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 Boulder 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 Boulder.

One day in Bar Harbor or Boulder?

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the nature-filled city of Boulder, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Boulder?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bar Harbor has to offer.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Boulder, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Boulder?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Boulder, 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 Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Boulder is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Boulder, 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 Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Boulder, 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.