• There are more rocky cliffs than sandy beaches in Bar Harbor, Maine.pink granite cliffs in acadia national park image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
  
  Bar Harbor, Maine, is located on Mount Desert Island. It is the largest township on the island that also houses Acadia National Park. According to the VisitMaine.net website, Acadia National Park is one of the busiest national parks in the United States. There are several beaches in Bar Harbor, both saltwater and freshwater. If you plan to swim, however, be prepared for cold temperatures, even during the peak of summer.
  
  

Sand Beach

• Sand Beach is a part of Acadia National Park. It is enclosed by rock walls on two sides and provides a beautiful southern exposure. The ocean sand at Sand Beach is mixed with shells and marine skeletons. The water temperature in this saltwater playground seldom climbs over 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A lifeguard is available during the tourist season that extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Activities available at Sand Beach include ocean swimming, sunbathing, boat tours, bird watching, whale watching, biking, hiking and fishing. Changing rooms and rest room facilities are located near the parking facilities.
  
  

Echo Lake Beach

• Echo Lake Beach offers a freshwater swim in slightly warmer water. A lifeguard is on duty during the tourist season. Echo Lake is located on the west side of Mount Desert Island.
  
  

Lake Wood Cove

• Lake Wood Cove is a small remote area in Acadia National Park. Swimming is permitted in this site, and it is one of the few free camping sites in the park. There was a nude beach in this area, but it no longer exists, so bring your bathing suit if you plan to swim.
  
  

Hulls Cove

• Hulls Cove has a rather rocky beach looking east out on the ocean and located at the entrance to Acadia National Park. Boat tours are available. There are hiking, biking and walking tours, a visitor's center and an Island shuttle bus that can take you for a tour of the local area.