Here’s the Best Ice Cream in Bar Harbor, Maine, 2024
Nothing beats ice cream on vacation. There are few worries or tight work schedules to worry about. You can relax and sit down to enjoy a nice treat. My kids love grabbing ice cream anytime, especially on vacation. In fact, during our first visit to Acadia, we enjoyed delicious ice cream in Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor is an adorable town next to Acadia National Park, a majestic vacation spot everyone should always see. Most guests to the park spend and stay in Bar Harbor while visiting. Read below to check out the most delicious ice cream spots in Bar Harbor.
🏨Short on time and ready to book? Click HERE for my favorite hotel in Bar Harbor!🏨
photo credit: Sunni Newton
The Top Ice Cream Shops in Bar Harbor
You’ve planned the major details for your Acadia adventure but want to grab some sweet treats while visiting. You will want to check out these amazing places for a cold dessert after a day of exploring Acadia. Most of the options are located on Main St. in Bar Harbor.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Known for its delicious homemade ice cream with real ingredients, Mount Desert should be on everyone’s must-do stops while visiting Bar Harbor.
This shop is in the heart of town and within walking distance of Agamont Park. Choose from one of their unique or classic flavors, walk to the park, or poke into local shops. Some of their one-of-a-kind flavors include Salt Wildflower Honey, Butter Beer, or Lemon Poppy Berry Jam Swirl. You’ll never get bored choosing ice cream here!
If you are checking locations to visit, stop at the shop on Firefly Lane. The other location is their production kitchen. They also have a location in Portland, Maine, if your travels continue to other parts of New England.
photo credit: Sunni Newton
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
You could eat ice cream for several days and never run out of delicious options in town. Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium is a fun place to stop for dessert. There are many great flavor options, but they also sell candy and chocolates. As a side note, if you find a specific candy you love here, you can have it shipped!
If you are feeling adventurous, try their famous lobster ice cream. When you are done, snag a picture with the cute lobster outside.
While in Bar Harbor, check out the best restaurants in the Acadia area for a fantastic lobster roll and fresh seafood.
CJ’s Big Dipper
For guests with dietary restrictions, CJ’s Big Dipper is your place. They offer vegan options as well as soy & almond milk ice cream. On top of that, they also sell sorbet.
You can find CJ’s in downtown Bar Harbor across from the Village Green. So grab your dessert and enjoy it while walking around the Village Green.
Remember, this place is very popular in the high season, so be prepared for lines; they only accept cash. Visitors argue it is some of the best ice cream in town.
photo credit: Sunni Newton
Udder Heaven
Udder Heaven is another ice cream shop worth a visit. They focus on buying fresh local ingredients in their homemade recipe. They offer delicious ice cream options, including sorbet, sherbet, Italian ice, and Maine’s favorite dessert- the Whoopie pie.
🍦Bar Harbor Ice Cream Google Web Story🍦
Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge Shop
Just steps from Agamont Park, you’ll find Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge Shop. Choose between yummy flavors or go a different route with fudge. Everyone is sure to find something sweet here!
As the tourists slow down in the fall, the shop offers 99-cent ice cream to clear out their inventory before closing for the season. Great news if you visit in the fall.
Brrrr! Harbor Shaved Ice & Iced Coffee
Although not technically ice cream, Brrr! Harbor sells delicious shaved ice just outside of downtown Bar Harbor.
Visitors can choose between many flavors and if they prefer a snowball or slushie. They sell natural flavors like Honey Maine Maple, root beer, and coffee.
Looking to fly into Bar Harbor? Check out my guide to help you!
Where to stay in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor offers a nice blend of home rentals, campsites, budget-friendly hotels, and luxurious resorts. There’s something available in all budgets, but plan as Acadia is a popular destination.
Top Luxury destination: Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
Looking for a top-notch experience with easy access to restaurants & shops? Look no further than Harborside Hotel. Sitting on the water with gorgeous views, this hotel is a retreat you’ll never want to leave.
✅Ready to book the Harborside Hotel? Click HERE!
Best Mid-Tier Hotel- Hampton by Hilton
Located just a little out of downtown, the Hampton is perfect for guests who prefer a little respite from tourists. In addition, this hotel provides complimentary breakfast daily.
✅Ready to book the Hampton by Hilton? Click HERE!
Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages
Traveling on a tight budget and looking to save money? Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages has reasonably priced rooms with cute, clean decor. Some rooms even come with a kitchenette that will allow you to save money on meals to splurge on ice cream.
✅Ready to book Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages? Click HERE!
FAQ: Visiting Bar Harbor
photo credit: Kristy Wiggins
🍦What food is Bar Harbor known for?
Anytime you visit Maine, you’ll want to try a lobster roll, blueberry dessert, or a Whoopie Pie. These are classic Maine dishes.
Since Bar Harbor is on the water, local fishermen bring fresh seafood daily.
🍦How many days do I need in Bar Harbor?
To maximize your time here, you’ll want at least two days and ideally 3, especially if visiting Acadia National Park.
Look into kayaking in Bar Harbor for a great way to see more of Acadia.
🍦When is the best time to visit?
July & August are popular times for tourists. I aim for nice weather with fewer crowds in June, September, or October. Fall in Acadia will provide gorgeous foliage.
photo credit: Kristy Wiggins
In conclusion: Here’s the Best Ice Cream in Bar Harbor, Maine, 2024
I hope my suggestions on where to find the best ice cream in Bar Harbor, Maine, help ease the stress of planning your next trip!
Acadia & Bar Harbor Resources
🌲Best Luxury Hotels
🌲Best Pet-Friendly Hotels
🌲Top Restaurants near Acadia National Park
🌲Kayaking Bar Harbor
🌲Acadia National Park in Fall
🌲How to Catch the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor
🌲Best Airports near Bar Harbor
