Bar Harbor, Maine, Is One of the Best Small Towns in the U.S.

With just over 5,500 residents, Bar Harbor offers coastlines and mountains in a cozy small town setting.

Bar Harbor, Maine, Is One of the Best Small Towns in the U.S.

Set on the shores of the northern Atlantic Ocean, Bar Harbor is as idyllic as a small town can get. Its rocky coastline is dotted with brick and wooden houses that bring a pop of color to the green and blue landscape.

Life revolves around the sea here. Boats line the harbor, bobbing with the waves when they're not out in the open sea. Join a whale-watching tour to see the migrating cetaceans or go out on a fishing excursion to catch your dinner. If you'd rather not do the hard work during a vacation, don't worry, fresh seafood is pretty much guaranteed here.

And when you're ready for more green, Acadia National Park is right at the town's doorstep. Climb Cadillac Mountain, swim in crystal clear lakes or follow coastal trails for some amazingly scenic hikes. You really can't go wrong in Bar Harbor.

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Where to Stay in Bar Harbor

West Street in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor has just over 5,500 permanent residents so don't expect to see ultra-luxurious hotel chains. What you have instead is much better: cozy, locally owned inns that will make you feel right at home.

Best overall hotel in Bar Harbor: The Primrose

Best budget hotel in Bar Harbor: Cafe Drydock & Inn

Best unique stay in Bar Harbor: 1850s Farm House

Getting to and Around Bar Harbor

Given its size, Bar Harbor has a small public airport, so people often fly into Bangor International Airport and then rent a car to drive into Bar Harbor. Taking around an hour and 15 minutes, the drive is easy and quite pleasant.

Others may consider landing at Portland International Jetport and doing the three-hour drive to Bar Harbor.

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Small Town Alternative: Taos, New Mexico

With 6,702 people, Taos is one of New Mexico's most alluring small towns. Flanked by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the desert, this destination draws in crowds of alternative and artistic people. Come to see Taos Pueblos, a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian indigenous dwellings.

Best overall hotel in Taos: El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa

Best budget hotel in Taos: The Historic Taos Inn

Best unique stay in Taos: Hotel Luna Mystica in converted school bus

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Rent a car in Taos

Small Town Alternative: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Serving as the backdrop for "The Goonies," Cannon Beach looks like a place that would only exist in fairytales. Giant boulders rise from the sea to provide habitat for species like puffins — and to give humans great picture opportunities. The small town named after the beach is also quite charming, with only1,429 residents.

Best overall hotel in Cannon Beach: Kathryn Riverfront Inn Ascend Hotel Collection

Best budget hotel in Cannon Beach: Ecola Creek Lodge

Best unique stay in Cannon Beach: The Gilbert Inn

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Rent a car in Cannon Beach

Small Town Alternative: Magnolia Springs, Alabama

Tiny, tiny Magnolia Springs has a population of 838. For most of its history, it had no roads connecting it to the rest of the state, so people had to get in and out by boat. And while you can drive here now, you'll still feel worlds away from your worries as you stroll along the magnolia-covered Oak Street.

Best overall hotel in Magnolia Springs: Magnolia Springs Cottage

Best budget hotel in Magnolia Springs: Towneplace Suites By Marriott Foley At Owa

Best unique stay in Magnolia Springs: 1950s camper

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Rent a car in Magnolia Springs

For more amazing small towns, check out these destinations.