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

Should you visit Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed 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 hiking, shopping, and food. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Norfolk and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Norfolk 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, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Norfolk is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Norfolk 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. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

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

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Norfolk or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its beaches. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is Norfolk or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Norfolk or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Norfolk or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Bar Harbor offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bar Harbor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Bar Harbor.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Norfolk or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

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

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.

A weekend in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Norfolk, 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 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.

Five days in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

Norfolk, 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 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.

A week in Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

Norfolk 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Bar Harbor?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Norfolk 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.

In the autumn, Norfolk is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Norfolk usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Norfolk 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. The weather in Norfolk can be very cold. In January, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Norfolk is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Norfolk usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Norfolk