First family trip to Maine — Boothbay or Bar Harbor?

[Anonymous]

Planning a trip to Maine in August with two young kids — we want to visit both Boothbay and Bar Harbor eventually, but don’t want to do a road trip now. Both destinations look amazing, and of course there’s Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. We have a train obsessed son, kids are generally super happy with a pool and laid back environment, and we appreciate not being in crowds, so am thinking of just doing Boothbay for the railway village, botanic gardens etc. any suggestions from people who have been to both? Are we missing out if we skip Bar Harbor on our first family trip to Maine?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Planning a trip to Maine in August with two young kids — we want to visit both Boothbay and Bar Harbor eventually, but don’t want to do a road trip now. Both destinations look amazing, and of course there’s Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. We have a train obsessed son, kids are generally super happy with a pool and laid back environment, and we appreciate not being in crowds, so am thinking of just doing Boothbay for the railway village, botanic gardens etc. any suggestions from people who have been to both? Are we missing out if we skip Bar Harbor on our first family trip to Maine?

No big deal. I would do Boothbay and still try to work in trips to Rockport and Camden.

[Anonymous]

I would do Boothbay because Bar Harbor drives me crazy in season. Definitely check out Popham Beach and go to Moody's Diner!

[Anonymous]

My family loves Boothbay! We've been to Acadia pre-kids and will take them there someday, but in the meantime we really enjoy Boothbay and have been many times with our kids. Check out little Southport Island (we've stayed in rental houses there), and the Squirrel Island ferry, and the wonderful easy hikes through the Boothbay Land Trust. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Boothbay. Much less crowded.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input!! Boothbay it is! Saving Bar Harbor for another day.

[Anonymous]

Hmmmm - older kids, but planning Bar Harbor for first time

Is if so crowded it is unpleasant?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmmmm - older kids, but planning Bar Harbor for first time

Is if so crowded it is unpleasant?

I wouldn't say that it is so crowded that it is unpleasant. However, I love MDI but prefer to stay on the "quiet side" of the island (Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, etc).

[Anonymous]

If you can plan your trip after August 15, the crowds drop noticeably on Mt Desert Island as many schools start early.

[Anonymous]

Don't let them scare you! It's not that crowded, although I would never stay in Bar Harbor, we too prefer the quiet side! There are so many hiked, views, vistas, walks, that it's not a problem finding space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the input!! Boothbay it is! Saving Bar Harbor for another day.

I'd stay in Boothbay Harbor, rather than the town of Boothbay - just keep going down 27.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Planning a trip to Maine in August with two young kids — we want to visit both Boothbay and Bar Harbor eventually, but don’t want to do a road trip now. Both destinations look amazing, and of course there’s Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. We have a train obsessed son, kids are generally super happy with a pool and laid back environment, and we appreciate not being in crowds, so am thinking of just doing Boothbay for the railway village, botanic gardens etc. any suggestions from people who have been to both? Are we missing out if we skip Bar Harbor on our first family trip to Maine?

No big deal. I would do Boothbay and still try to work in trips to Rockport and Camden.

My parents do this exact trip and love it. They’ve gone there for over 20 years. I had fun on these trips as a kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't let them scare you! It's not that crowded, although I would never stay in Bar Harbor, we too prefer the quiet side! There are so many hiked, views, vistas, walks, that it's not a problem finding space.

I agree. If you avoid Bar Harbor, Jordan Pond House and other tourist-magnet spots you'll be okay.