Salt Cottages

The Salt Cottages of Bar Harbor are among the most evocative examples of classic Maine summer architecture — weathered shingled cottages with ocean-facing porches that have defined the aesthetic of Bar Harbor's grand summer colony for over a century.

For families visiting Bar Harbor, a walk past the Salt Cottages offers a different lens on the town's history. These aren't resort hotels or national park infrastructure — they're the summer homes of families who have returned to Bar Harbor generation after generation, and the character they project is genuinely distinct from anything you'd find elsewhere in New England.

The cottages are best appreciated from the public waterfront access points and the Shore Path, which winds past several of them. Photography is a natural activity here — the combination of gray shingles, white trim, ocean light, and Frenchman Bay in the background makes for beautiful imagery.

This is more of a scenic stroll than a formal attraction, best suited for older kids, tweens, and teens who can appreciate architectural character and coastal atmosphere. Younger children will be more interested in the rocks and water than the buildings. Combine it with the Shore Path and Balance Rock for a complete waterfront exploration.