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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Bar Harbor is known for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Saint Augustine different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Saint Augustine and Bar Harbor offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

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

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beach.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bar Harbor and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Bar Harbor is a great city 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.

Is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine and Bar Harbor.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine and Bar Harbor both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

Saint Augustine, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

Saint Augustine 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.

Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Bar Harbor. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Saint Augustine