Login

Southwest Harbor

Photo of Southwest Harbor

About Southwest Harbor

Nestled on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor is a tranquil fishing town popular with visitors to striking Acadia National Park and the picturesque Maine coastline. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, including simple B&Bs and chic waterfront hotels, suitable for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Most of the best places to stay in Southwest Harbor are close to both the shore and the town itself, but one of our favourite hideaways is tucked a few miles along the coast — perfect for those looking to truly escape.

A boat-building and commercial fishing centre, Southwest Harbor has a friendly, laid-back feel, and is brilliant for travellers eager to head out on the water. Sail out into Frenchman Bay, admire the Cranberry Isles, take a fishing trip, or enjoy a family kayaking excursion. There’s heaps of maritime activity to spot on a stroll around the docks and the harbour, whilst a wander through town will yield quirky galleries, shops and eateries specialising in delectable Maine lobster. The Wendell Gilley Museum, just 500 metres from the town centre, showcases the intricate work of one of the world’s top bird carvers and makes for an intriguing visit. For more hustle and bustle, venture to Bar Harbor, the island's liveliest hub.

Mount Desert Island’s biggest draw is 47,000-acre Acadia National Park, one of the top ten National Parks in the USA. Expect unspoilt forests, mountain streams, rocky beaches and granite peaks — including Cadillac Mountain, the tallest on the US’ Atlantic Coast. Outdoorsy adventurers will love hiking, cycling and horse riding, as well as ample opportunities to glimpse moose, bears, whales and seabirds.

The best places to stay in Southwest Harbor fill up fast during the summer months — book your trip well in advance to avoid missing out!

The Best Places to Stay in Southwest Harbor

For Luxury

  • The Claremont is a striking seaside hotel, complete with an infinity pool, soothing spa, exclusive boat trips, yoga classes and superb fine dining. The rooms, cottages and houses are brilliant for couples, groups or families. This is one of Maine's most spectacular coastal hotels. A historic gem for active travellers.

For a B&B

  • The Inn at Southwest offers seven spacious period rooms in a lovely Victorian mansion. Pick this place for the antique-filled interiors, the appealing wrap-around porch and the fun cooking classes. Book a two-bedroom suite if travelling as a family, and enjoy the intimate, small hotel feel.
  • Lindenwood Inn is a bright B&B with nine contemporary rooms in the heart of Southwest Harbor. Stay here for the private balconies, hot tub, swimming pool and pretty gardens, as well as the central location. A charming pick for couples or families, who can book a poolside bungalow or two-bedroom suite.
  • Harbor Cottage Inn is a pretty Victorian B&B with 11 rooms and suites. Two and three-bedroom suites are ideal for families, and kids will love exploring the leafy grounds or gobbling stacks of pancakes at breakfast before heading out to explore Mt Desert Island. Expect cosy interiors with old-school floral decor and a friendly feel.

For a Couples' Hideaway

  • Ann's Point Inn is a secluded three-bedroom hideaway with beautiful waterfront views, just a few miles from Southwest Harbor. An adults-only escape on two acres of coastal land, the hotel offers generous breakfasts, and spacious guestrooms feature double-height ceilings, spa tubs and crisp, contemporary decor. One for tranquil couples.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Bar Harbor Airport, and drive the 20 minutes to Southwest Harbor, or travel to the larger Bangor International Airport. Hop aboard a bus or take a one-hour taxi to Southwest Harbor from Bangor.
  • Maine is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the summer months (June to August) for the warmest weather, but do be aware that this is peak season. Come in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for fewer crowds and great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Southwest Harbor

Best Hotels in Southwest Harbor

  • Lindenwood Inn Southwest Harbor (Maine) 15 rooms from £104

    Great walks  -  Acadia National Park
    Sights nearby  -  Southwest Harbor
    Restrictions on children  -  No children
    Hideaway  -  Tranquil and intimate.
    Swimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Lindenwood Inn is a charming, seasonal bed and breakfast with a peaceful garden and quiet swimming pool. Cosy bedrooms with homely touches and individual designs. Guests can relax in the small bar and welcoming sitting room with fireplace. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Inn at Southwest Southwest Harbor 7 rooms from £123

    Groups  -  Pemaquid Point Suite includes two bedrooms and a shared living room; perfect for friends looking to spend time together
    Local exploring  -  Located within Southwest Harbor, walking distance from restaurants, harbour and marina and driving distance to Acadia
    Great walks  -  It's not far to drive to Acadia National Park for hiking and cycling with splendid mountain and sea views
    Cooking classes  -  The inn offers fully customizable private cooking classes in the property's kitchen
    No pets

    Elegant Victorian mansion on leafy Main Street, just minutes from the water. Expect antiques, period colour palette, original architectural features, sea views and love seats. Enjoy downtime in the fireside lounge, lush gardens or wrap-around deck. Laid-back stately home perfect for relaxing break. See More

    Check Availability
  • Harbor Cottage Inn Southwest Harbor 11 rooms from £158

    Local exploring  -  Well-located to explore Southwest Habor and Arcadia National Park, plus well-designed for lazy days of sea-view relaxation
    Families  -  The Southwester is a stand-alone three-bedroom cottage next to the inn with children's room, front deck and full kitchen
    Romantic Break  -  The Carriage House is a snug little country-style cottage with fireplace and kitchenette perfect for privacy
    Birdwatching  -  The Acadia region offers some of the best birding in Maine. Go out birding with a guide or enjoy the Acadia Birding Festival
    Disabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Elegant B&B located in Victorian-era hotel with private gardens and sea views. Pretty rooms decorated with pastel colours, patterned wallpapers and floral quilts feel homely and cosy; some have whirlpool tubs and private decks. Relax on the peaceful porch, double-height lounge and landscaped lawn. See More

    Check Availability
  • Ann's Point Inn Southwest Harbor 3 rooms from £222

    Back to Nature  -  The epic landscapes are not just for looking at; get out into the outdoors with hiking, kayaking, sailing, climbing and birding
    Honeymoons  -  The intimate, adult-only environment means that days are calm and peaceful. Enjoy serene views over the water from bed
    Hideaway  -  The perfect place to stay to enjoy nature, grand vistas and your own company from the comfort of luxurious lodgings
    Sailing  -  Water-based activities abound including whale-watching cruises, sailing, deep-sea fishing, sea-kayaking or paddle-boarding
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Sprawling property situated on a private sea-facing peninsula. Light and spacious rooms have dreamy views from double-height windows; all have gas fires while some boast patios and spa baths. Intimate homely feel with deluxe comforts; enjoy the hot tub, gym, grounds and library. Perfect for couples. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Claremont, Southwest Harbor Southwest Harbor 43 rooms from £230

    Families  -  Ocean House is brilliant for families with several bedrooms, panoramic views, full kitchen, living area, fireplace and deck
    Local exploring  -  Complimentary use of bikes and golf carts is included. Head out to explore shops, restaurants & views
    Total relaxation  -  A summer holiday haven for all ages with family rooms, impressive facilities and perfect location
    Restaurant  -  Little Fern serves classic fare in friendly setting with fab views. Batson Fish Camp serves small plates on a private dock
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Historic water-front hotel transformed into deluxe family-friendly resort. Wide range of accommodation includes main house rooms, suites, cabins and cottages. There's direct water access, pool, spa, restaurants, bars, large garden and lawn games. Views over stunning Somes Sound carry the wow factor. See More

    Check Availability