Dec 16, 2025
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Window Panes Home and Garden.
BAR HARBOR—Bar Harbor was named the top spot on the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
“Bar Harbor’s blend of natural beauty and local charms caused the area to rise to the top of the list,” Elizabeth Von Tersch, senior travel editor at U.S. News told the Bar Harbor Story, Tuesday.
The rankings were released December 15.
“For several years running, Bar Harbor has earned top honors in the U.S. News & World Report travel rankings, and 2025 is no exception,” Bar Harbor Chamber Director Everal Eaton said Tuesday. “This year, our community reached an impressive milestone, being named the #1 Best Small Town to Visit in the USA. Additional highlights include #2 finishes for Best East Coast Vacation Spot, Best Places to Visit in Maine, and Best Place to Visit in July. These accolades are a direct reflection of the dedication shown by our local businesses and residents. Our sustained presence on these world-class lists confirms that Bar Harbor remains a premier global destination.”
Von Tersch explained the reasons why Bar Harbor consistently performs well for the list.
“The town offers easy access to Acadia National Park and Maine’s stunning coastline, but it also boasts iconic regional cuisine, an intriguing maritime history and a picturesque Main Street. You really can’t find this combination anywhere else and U.S. News’ readers and travel editors agree,” Von Tersch said.
U.S. News & World Report publishes Best Hotels, Best Cruise Lines, and Best Travel Rewards Programs.
The rankings for 2026 create 18 different regional destination categories to help travelers find the best place for their vacation.
According to a press release, “The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in travelers’ opinions, as provided by user votes, with expert and editor analysis. Each vacation destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination.”
Other rankings include:
- World’s Best Places to Visit
Rome - Best Places to Visit in the USA
Grand Canyon National Park - Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Saint Lucia - Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Isla Mujeres - Best Places to Visit in Canada
Quebec City - Best Places to Visit in Europe
Scottish Highlands - Best Places to Visit in Asia
Mount Fuji - Best Places to Visit in Africa
Victoria Falls - Best Places to Visit in Central and South America
Machu Picchu - Best Cities to Visit in the USA
New York City
In the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, Bar Harbor beat out Telluride, Colorado and Leavenworth, Washington.
“The 2026 Best Vacations rankings include familiar favorites but also capture the ongoing shift toward fresh, adventurous travel experiences,” Elizabeth Von Tersch said. “Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations with character, indicating a desire for cultural immersion and authentic charm, as seen by the Scottish Highlands, Quebec City and Bar Harbor all achieving top recognitions.”
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
2026 Best Vacations Rankings
See the full rankings here.
Explore them all at travel.usnews.com/rankings.
For more information, visit Best Vacations and use #BestVacations on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok and Facebook.
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