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

Should you visit Columbia or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Bar Harbor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Columbia and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Bar Harbor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Columbia and Bar Harbor are popular destinations, Bar Harbor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bar Harbor is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also well known for Acadia National Park. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bar Harbor. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Columbia 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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the beach. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Bar Harbor?

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

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its 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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or Bar Harbor.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly city. 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 Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Columbia is a city with good options for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Bar Harbor offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

Is Columbia or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

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

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bar Harbor than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

One day in Columbia or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Columbia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Columbia or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbia, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Columbia or Bar Harbor?

Columbia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Columbia or Bar Harbor?

Columbia 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Bar Harbor?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Columbia is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Bar Harbor. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Bar Harbor. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 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 Columbia