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

Should you visit Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Bar Harbor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Cherokee travel costs.

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.

Cherokee and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Cherokee and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Bar Harbor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cherokee is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also home to Acadia National Park. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

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

Most people don't head to Cherokee specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

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 Cherokee or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

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 Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Cherokee is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly town. 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.

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Bar Harbor are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

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

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Both Cherokee and Bar Harbor offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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

Is Cherokee or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cherokee and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cherokee than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cherokee 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 Cherokee.

One day in Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

With museums and food around the genuine town of Cherokee, 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cherokee, 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 town.

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bar Harbor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

Cherokee, a popular town, 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.

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

Cherokee 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.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cherokee and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Cherokee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cherokee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cherokee and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor than you might in Cherokee.

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

Cherokee has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Bar Harbor, 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 Cherokee or Bar Harbor?

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 Cherokee or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cherokee or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cherokee is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Cherokee usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Cherokee can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cherokee or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Bar Harbor. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Cherokee is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Bar Harbor. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Cherokee