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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons 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 Simons and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is known for its small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Saint Simons 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 Simons. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Saint Simons is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Bar Harbor can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

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

Most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

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 Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons and Bar Harbor offer a relatively similar set of good luxury resort options.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

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.

Is Saint Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons 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 Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

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 Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Saint Simons and Bar Harbor both have good trails.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. 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 Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

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

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Simons or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons 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 Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Saint Simons 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 Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly island. 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 Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Bar Harbor make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Bar Harbor is a great island 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 Simons or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

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

How long in Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bar Harbor, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this charming coastal town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

Saint Simons, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and food around the picturesque small town of Bar Harbor. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

Saint Simons 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Bar Harbor, 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 Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Bar Harbor?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Simons 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 Simons or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and 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.

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

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area 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, Saint Simons is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in October than Bar Harbor. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons 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 January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons