You'll find many wonderful things to make your stay in Southwest Harbor enjoyable.

Acadia National Park is often cited as one of the most beautiful places in America. There are a variety of ways to explore the park—drive the scenic Park Loop Road, hike along the 120 miles of trails (ranging from easy to strenuous), and bike or horseback ride along the 57 miles of carriage roads.

From the water, you can take a cruise and enjoy whale-watching, puffin watching, and nature cruises. Explore on your own in a sea kayak catching sightings of osprey, bald eagles, and harbor seals. Or canoe on one of the many ponds and lakes on the island. You can even take the Cat Ferry to Nova Scotia in just three hours!

Mt. Desert Island has abundant opportunities for photographers —spectacular coastline scenery, a wide variety of birds and wildlife, and quiet nature scenes.

Of course, eating lobster pulled from the local waters is a must, whether in the casual atmosphere of a lobster pound where you can watch lobstermen return with their catch, or at one of the upscale Southwest Harbor or Bar Harbor restaurants.

The town of Bar Harbor is only 20 minutes away, and offers many local shops and restaurants. On rainy days, you can enjoy the many museums or antique shops that the area has to offer.

Bass Harbor Lighthouse

Lobstering off the coast

Click for listings of our favorties restaurants and merchants

Included below are links to some popular area activities, plus we have brochures for many, many more activities waiting for you at the inn:

Whale Watching

Acadia National Park: www.nps.gov/acad and www.acadiamagic.com

Southwest Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Kayaking: www.mainestatekayak.com

Museums:
Wendell Gilley Museum
Abbe Museum
Seal Cove Auto Museum

Boat Excursions:
Downeast Friendship Sloop
Margaret Todd
Rachel B Jackson
Kittyhawk III Charters
Island Cruises

Hinckley Yachts

Morris Yachts

View from St. Sauveur Mountain

Acadia National Park Loop Road

Sailing near Great Harbor