has been selected as America’s top small town.
Travel + Leisure magazine’s Best Small Towns to Visit for 2025 list
This town with a population of approximately 5,200 people is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear ocean waters, freshly caught seafood, and a rich historical legacy.
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Notably, the park’s Cadillac Mountain offers captivating trails and a panoramic view of the town and the Cranberry Islands.
To hike, kayak, or bike, as highlighted in US News & World Report’s review.
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The park was initially known as the Sieur de Monts monument, established in 1916. It was renamed Lafayette National Park three years later. Its current title was adopted in 1929.
Acadia National Park’s most frequented beach, Sand Beach, is situated just outside of Bar Harbor.
The main strip of the beach town is lined with charming shops, pubs, eateries, and art galleries.
After spending the day taking in the awe-inspiring scenes and coastlines, travelers have numerous evening entertainment options to prolong the enjoyable experience.
The top-rated spot among travelers’ evening activities in Bar Harbor is reportedly the comedy club ImprovAcadia.
The Thirsty Whale Tavern, famous for its extensive selection of beers, its clam chowder, and lobster roll, and Leary’s Landing Irish Pub, commended for its seafood and customer service, are other places that are a must-visit.
The US News & World Report suggested tourists consider staying at one of the small town’s quaint boutique hotels, which offer a welcoming and homely atmosphere.
This charming inn stands out as the best Bed & Breakfast in Bar Harbor.
Its description reads: ‘The Balance Rock Inn was originally a family summer home dating back to the early 1900s. And when you look at your room, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.’
The second and third best places to stay are Bass Cottage & Ullikana Inn and Coach Stop Inn.
Its name was modified to its current one in 1918.
Before becoming a well-known summer resort, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Native American tribes inhabited the island permanently.
After the 1850s, painters such as Frederic E. Church, Thomas Cole, and William Hart drew attention to Bar Harbor in their beautiful and notable artwork.
The boom in construction caused by the influx of tourist interest led to a surge in hotels and large summer cottages throughout the town during the 1880s, as reported by the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
The politician and publisher Joseph Pulitzer, who the Pulitzer Prize is named after, and prominent businessman George Vanderbilt were among the notable visitors at that time.
In 1947, a disaster struck the town, setting ablaze over 10,000 acres of the Acadia National Park and resulting in approximately $23 million in losses.
The majority of the permanent residents rebuilt their homes, but the majority of the cottages were not repaired.
At present, the region’s economy primarily revolves around tourism, water-based recreational activities, and fishing industries, providing inhabitants and visitors alike with effortless access to a variety of fresh seafood, including lobster.
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These other stand-out locations listed by US News & World Report are two out-of-the-way treasures situated in Colorado and Wyoming.
Telluride, Colorado, has been ranked as the second-best small town to visit for its “captivating scenery and delightful Mountain Village.”
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is ranked the third best destination to visit among the top 25 towns.
Famously famous for its skiing industry and ‘inviting lodging options’, Jackson Hole receives more than 400 inches of snow annually.
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