Bar Island Land Bridge
Walk across a temporary sandbar connecting Bar Harbor to Bar Island, revealed only at low tide. Explore tidal pools and enjoy island views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bridge is exposed, explore tidal pools
Bar Island Land Bridge
Best Time
Bridge is exposed, explore tidal pools
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across a temporary sandbar connecting Bar Harbor to Bar Island, revealed only at low tide. Explore tidal pools and enjoy island views.
"A unique natural wonder where you can walk to an island, but be mindful of the tide!"
⏰ Check Tide Charts Religiously
The land bridge is only accessible around low tide. Don't get stranded!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bar is rocky and sandy. Avoid flip-flops; opt for sturdy walking shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Disappearing Land Bridge
Bar Harbor Waterfront
Walk across a natural sandbar that emerges from the ocean at low tide, connecting Bar Harbor to Bar Island.
Tidal Pool Exploration
The Land Bridge
Discover starfish, shrimp, crabs, and shells in the shallow pools left behind by the receding tide.
Bar Island Summit Views
Bar Island
Hike to the top of Bar Island for scenic overlooks of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: The Tide is Your Guide
Parking and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ Check Tide Charts Religiously
The land bridge is only accessible around low tide. Don't get stranded!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bar is rocky and sandy. Avoid flip-flops; opt for sturdy walking shoes.
📸 Capture the Magic
The changing tide creates unique photo opportunities, especially at golden hour.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (on leash)
Bring your furry friend along, but remember to clean up after them.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Check Tide Charts Religiously
The land bridge is only accessible around low tide. Don't get stranded!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bar is rocky and sandy. Avoid flip-flops; opt for sturdy walking shoes.
📸 Capture the Magic
The changing tide creates unique photo opportunities, especially at golden hour.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (on leash)
Bring your furry friend along, but remember to clean up after them.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself enough time to explore the island and return before the tide comes in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Bar Island Land Bridge a unique and fun activity, especially for its natural wonder of appearing and disappearing with the tide. The chance to explore tidal pools and enjoy scenic views from Bar Island are highlights. However, parking can be hectic, and the area gets crowded during peak times, detracting from a peaceful experience.
"This was a super fun activity to do in bar harbor. Parking was hectic but once we found a spot it was so cool to go over to the bridge when it was almost low tide and have it walk through a foot of water to get to the island but then on the way back the entire bridge was uncovered and already dry as if it had always been there.
There was also a nice breeze to cool you down on a hot summer day. On the island there were two trails as well. One that goes all the around the island that was quiet and one that went to the top of the island. This was a fun activity to do after getting some food in bar harbor. Certainly recommend."
Colin Bartlett
"Bar Island Land Bridge. This natural exposed sand bar is the name’s sake of Bar Harbor Maine. Timing is everything and the warnings about the incoming tide should be taken seriously unless you want to have an extend visit on Bar Island. Check the local tide information to time your visit. We went at low tide and spent about an hour exploring the bar and surrounding tidal pools.
Be ready for the crowds in the summer. This is a major tourist attraction, but there is plenty of space to spread out and explore the bar. We did not venture on to Bar Island. We just didn’t have the time and most of our party was under the age of 10. They were not up for hours of hiking. They were very content searching for shells and unusual rocks.
Make sure you wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. The bar is mostly rock and can be tricky to walk on if you are not careful.
The Bar Island Land Bridge is nice entertaining hour to two-hour activity. But don’t go with expectations of experience a quiet peaceful walk by yourself. Unless low tide is early morning."
Robert Hennessy
"We visited on a Tuesday afternoon in late June 2025. We found a parking spot down by Ells Pier in the public parking lot.
We hiked up the street a few blocks to get to Bridge St. The road just leads onto the beach area and you just keep going. It was low tide when we went but the water was very cold.
The hike itself is pretty easy and we had a kayaking tour booked for later in the afternoon/evening so we didn't want to go too far. We did get to the other side and looked around a bit but that was about it.
We took pictures and the kids and little nephews were playing is the water but not going in deeper than ankles.
Also with this being in the afternoon around 2-3PM the sun was right above us and picture taking wasn't great.
There were a ton of people everywhere. So you're not going to get any shots without people in.
Overall we would visit and try and do this again. We would probably go when it's less popular or maybe when the low tide is really early or really late in the day. Also need more time to explore the island itself.
Dogs are allowed but sign asks to remove pet waste, surprised that even needs said. Also bikes are allowed but there is no parking on the Bar and also no alcohol."
David L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The land bridge starts at the end of Bridge Street in Bar Harbor. You can find metered parking along West Street or in public lots near the waterfront.
Parking in Bar Harbor can be challenging. Metered parking is available on West Street, and public lots are nearby. Arrive early or be prepared to search.
You can drive to the general vicinity of the land bridge, but parking is limited and often metered. The bridge itself is for walking only.
While there isn't direct public transport to the bridge, Bar Harbor has a free Island Explorer shuttle that can get you close to the downtown area, from where you can walk to the bridge.
Walk towards the waterfront from downtown Bar Harbor, heading towards Bridge Street. The land bridge will become visible as you approach the water's edge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to walk the Bar Island Land Bridge. It's a natural phenomenon accessible to all.
Yes, Bar Island is part of Acadia National Park. While the land bridge itself is accessible from town, the island is managed by the park.
There are no specific entry fees for Bar Island itself beyond any potential Acadia National Park entrance fees if you plan to explore other areas of the park.
The land bridge is only accessible during low tide. Always check the tide charts for the specific day of your visit.
Yes, but it comes at a cost. If you get stuck on Bar Island during high tide, you may need to request a rescue boat for $150.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
On Bar Island, you can explore trails, enjoy views of Bar Harbor, and search for shells and rocks. Some visitors also explore the remains of the Jack Perkins estate.
The walk across the land bridge can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how much you stop to explore tidal pools.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the tidal pools and searching for sea creatures. Ensure they wear appropriate footwear and are supervised.
Dogs are allowed on the land bridge and Bar Island, but they must be kept on a leash and pet waste must be removed.
The land bridge is a mix of sand and small rocks, which can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. However, be mindful of the tide schedule.
Yes, Bar Island offers views of Bar Harbor and the surrounding bay. The tidal pools also make for interesting photographic subjects.
It's challenging during peak hours. Consider visiting very early in the morning or late in the evening during low tide for fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the land bridge. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of tidal pool discoveries.
The summit of Bar Island offers panoramic views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay, making it a prime spot for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Ensure children wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the terrain is rocky. Pack snacks and water, and always supervise them closely, especially near the water. Be mindful of the tide schedule to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Tips for hikers: Wear comfortable, supportive footwear. Bring water, especially on warmer days. While the hike to the summit isn't overly strenuous, it's a good idea to check the tide times to allow ample time for both the land bridge walk and your island exploration.
📸 Photographers
+1 Look for reflections in the tidal pools and the textures of the sandbar. Photography advice: Arrive during low tide, ideally during the early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and better light. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale, and a macro lens can highlight the details in the tidal pools.
Be patient, as capturing the perfect shot might require waiting for the right moment and light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tides: Your Lifeline to Bar Island
Most sources recommend visiting within 1.5 hours before and after the exact low tide, creating a window of about three hours for exploration. This timeframe allows for a walk to the island, some exploration, and a safe return before the water engulfs the bridge. Ignoring these warnings can lead to being stranded, requiring a costly rescue.
When the tide recedes, the land bridge reveals a landscape of sand and rocks, dotted with tidal pools. These pools become miniature ecosystems, teeming with life like starfish, crabs, and small fish, offering a fascinating glimpse into marine biodiversity.
Exploring Bar Island: Beyond the Bridge
+1The Bar Island Trail leads to the summit, where you can enjoy views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. While some describe the views as partially obscured by tree growth, others find them rewarding.
For those interested in natural discoveries, the island's shores are excellent for tidal pool exploration. You can find a variety of marine life, shells, and interesting rocks. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural environment.
Photography Tips for the Land Bridge
+1Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the land bridge and the ocean. For close-up shots of the tidal pools, a macro lens can reveal the intricate details of the small creatures and shells.
Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season and midday. To get shots without many people, aim for early morning or late evening low tides. The reflections in the tidal pools left behind by the receding tide can also create stunning photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit