Craving ocean air, granite cliffs, and pine-scented trails? Head to Mount Desert Island, Maine! Hike Acadia’s peaks, bike scenic carriage roads, savor lobster rolls, and watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. This island paradise blends rugged coastal adventure with small-town charm—and it’s one of New England’s most unforgettable escapes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Desert Island is from late May through October. Summer brings warm days, cool nights, and full access to Acadia National Park. Fall offers crisp air and dazzling foliage. Avoid winter unless you're prepared for cold weather and limited services.
How to Get There
- By Car: Mount Desert Island is accessible via Route 3, about 3 hours from Portland and 6 hours from Boston.
- By Air: Fly into Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), just 10 minutes from Bar Harbor, or Bangor International Airport (BGR), about 1.5 hours away.
- By Ferry: In summer, ferries connect Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula.
Where to Stay
- Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – Historic oceanfront resort with luxury amenities and walkable access to downtown Bar Harbor.
- Acadia Yurts – Unique eco-lodging near Southwest Harbor offering peaceful stays with modern comforts.
- Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina – Elegant waterfront lodging with stunning views, pools, and spa services.
Top Attractions
⮕ For nature lovers: Asticou Azalea Garden
Inspired by the grace and beauty of the classic gardens of Japan, the Asticou Azalea Garden on Mount Desert Island is nothing short of inspirational. The garden was established in 1957 by Charles K. Savage as part of the Thuya Garden Preserve and has grown ever more beautiful as it has matured. No two visits to the garden are ever quite the same as each month brings its own changes and rewards. Heralding the start of summer, you can admire a beautiful flowering cherry tree in mid-May, followed by the tapestry of colors of the flowering azaleas and rhododendrons from late May to June. As each month passes there is a succession of beautiful shrubs and trees to admire against the backdrop of a stunning reflective lake.
Asticou Azalea Garden, 3 Sound Drive, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, Phone: 207-276-3727
⮕ For walkers and hikers: Thuya Garden Preserve
Covering a massive 1400 acres between Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor and Acadia National Park, Thuya Garden Preserve is one of Mount Desert Island’s most popular attractions. The Garden Preserve is made up of three separate gardens namely the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, the Thuya Garden and the Asticou Azalea Garden. Visitors can spend several very pleasant hours exploring the three inspirational gardens, or pull on their hiking boots to explore several trails which lead through the verdant preserve, through peaceful meadows and alongside Little Long Pond. Thuya garden features terraces filled with many beautiful trees, shrubs and floral borders, and is named for the white cedar tree, Thuya Occidentalis.
Thuya Garden, 15 Thuya Drive, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, Phone: 207-276-3727
⮕ For families and photographers: Somes Sound
Located in the lower section of Mount Desert Island, Somes Sound is a very large and scenic deep body of water which was formed by past glacial movement. Back in the day, mariners used to seek protection from storms in the calm waters of the sound and a number of settlements were established along its shores. Today Somes Sound is a Mecca for water sport enthusiasts who can indulge in all their favorite activities. All kinds of boating are popular and canoe, kayak and sailing rentals are available at all the villages along the shoreline. You can join a guided kayaking excursion or hop aboard any number of scenic cruises for a different perspective of Mount Desert Island.
Somes Sound, Mount Desert Island, ME 04662
⮕ For theater fans: Acadia Repertory Theatre
Your summer vacation in Mount Desert would be incomplete without visiting the popular Acadia Repertory Theatre. Located in Somesville, the Acadia Repertory Theatre is housed in the historic Masonic Hall, which is converted into an intimate performance venue each summer. The first show of the annual summer season kicks off in late June and is followed by a further three plays before winding up the season on the Labor Day weekend. In addition, the theatre produces a Children’s Theatre Program every Wednesday and Saturday morning during the entire summer season. The theatre showcases a diverse selection of playwrights from Shakespeare and Sophocles to Shaw and Neil Simon.
Acadia Repertory Theatre, 1154 Main St, Mount Desert, ME 04660, Phone: 207-244-7260
More things to see and do
- Acadia National Park – Hike granite trails, explore carriage roads, or drive the scenic Park Loop Road through one of America’s most visited national parks.
- Cadillac Mountain – Watch the sunrise from the highest point on the U.S. East Coast—drive or hike to the top.
- Jordan Pond – Stroll the flat loop trail and don’t miss the iconic popovers and tea at Jordan Pond House.
- Thunder Hole – Time your visit with the tide to hear the ocean roar through this natural rock inlet.
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – Capture one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses at sunset along the island’s quiet side.
Where to Eat
- Side Street Café – Creative comfort food, lobster mac & cheese, and local craft beer in Bar Harbor.
- Beal’s Lobster Pier – Classic Maine experience with steamed lobster, ocean views, and casual picnic tables.
- Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen – Fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch options with vegan and gluten-free choices.
Local Events
- Acadia Night Sky Festival (September) – Celebrate the stars with telescope viewing, workshops, and art inspired by the night sky.
- Bar Harbor Fourth of July – Enjoy a small-town parade, blueberry pancake breakfast, and spectacular fireworks over Frenchman Bay.
- Island Arts Association Craft Fairs – Shop handmade goods from local artisans throughout the summer and fall.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Mount Desert Island, Maine
- Bar Harbor (5–10 min) – Stroll the Shore Path, browse local shops, or enjoy fresh lobster with ocean views.
- Acadia National Park (5–30 min, depending on entrance) – Hike scenic trails, bike the carriage roads, or watch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
- Southwest Harbor (15–20 min) – Visit the Wendell Gilley Museum, explore marina views, or enjoy quiet local dining.
- Somesville (10–15 min) – Walk the iconic arched bridge, browse the historical museum, or explore scenic drives and photo ops.
- Seal Harbor (15–20 min) – Relax on the beach, visit nearby hiking trails, or spot oceanfront estates tucked into nature.
- Northeast Harbor (20–25 min) – Stroll lovely gardens, visit boutique shops, or explore quiet coastal coves and harbors.
- Tremont (20–25 min) – Visit working harbors, stop by art galleries, or take in views of Bass Harbor Head Light nearby.
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (25–30 min) – Photograph the iconic cliffside lighthouse, walk oceanview trails, or enjoy sunset over the Atlantic.
- Otter Cliff (20–25 min) – Watch crashing waves from dramatic cliffs, enjoy scenic coastal hikes, or catch a breathtaking sunrise.
FAQ
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Where is Mount Desert Island located?
- Located just off the east coast of Maine, Mount Desert Island was first discovered by explorers from Europe in 1604 and was first settled in 1762.
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Why do visitors come to Mount Desert Island?
- Today, the island draws a regular contingent of summer vacationers who come to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities.
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What outdoor activities are available on the island?
- Apart from enjoying a large selection of marine activities, including scenic cruises, canoe and kayak excursions, and all types of boating, visitors can also spend some time enjoying the extraordinary Thuya Garden Preserve, where there are three gardens to admire and acres and acres of protected areas to explore.
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Why is Mount Desert Island popular among artists?
- It is no surprise that such a beautiful location attracts many artists, and you can look forward to visiting several galleries and studios in the quaint New England towns that dot the shores of Somes Sound.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina – A luxurious waterfront stay in Bar Harbor.
Visit Acadia National Park – Enjoy early-season hiking without the summer crowds.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for exploring the island.
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – A historic and elegant stay with ocean views.
Drive the Park Loop Road – Take in stunning coastal views and stop at Cadillac Mountain.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage.
Claremont Hotel – A peaceful and scenic retreat.
Explore Jordan Pond – Hike along the shoreline and try the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House.
Plan Your Trip