Things to do in Mount Desert Island

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Visit Mount Desert Island

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Mount Desert Island travel guide

Bar Harbor featuring landscape views and a pond

Cadillac Mountain showing a sunset and landscape views

Bar Harbor which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

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What to do in Mount Desert Island

Popular places to visit

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Acadia National Park's Visitors Center

Explore the lovely green spaces of Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and also enjoy the hiking trails in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching

Enjoy an outing to Bar Harbor Whale Watching during your stay in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Cadillac Mountain

Drive or hike to the top of Mount Desert Island’s tallest mountain at daybreak and you will be the first person to view sunrise in the United States.

Village Green

Spend some time in this peaceful park in the center of Bar Harbor to experience the village’s thriving community spirit and heritage landmarks.

Otter Cliff

Hone your photography skills by taking artistic images of this towering headland while you listen to the soothing sound of waves lapping the rounded stones at its base.

Jordan Pond

See the looming shapes of the “Bubbles” mountains reflected in the exceptionally clear and deep water of Bar Harbor’s glacial pond.

Bar Harbor featuring rocky coastline and landscape views

Thunder Hole

Nature’s magic produces a thunderclap illusion and offers panoramic views of the coastline at one of Acadia National Park’s most popular attractions.

Botanical Garden in Northeast Harbor, Maine

Asticou Azalea Garden

Explore the lovely green spaces of Asticou Azalea Garden and also enjoy the hiking trails in Northeast Harbor. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its lively bars.

A very small glimpse of the hundreds of stone steps that were put into place to form this trail.

Long Pond

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Long Pond during your travels in Pretty Marsh.

Areas of Mount Desert Island

As we drove North out of Bar Harbor we came across this house and wondered what was holding it up!

Downtown Bar Harbor

While visiting Downtown Bar Harbor, you might make a stop by sights like Village Green and Criterion Theater.

Panoramic drone shot of sunrise in Northeast Harbor, Main near Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island

Stone Haven

While Stone Haven may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bubble Rock and Acadia National Park.

Somesville

You'll enjoy the bars and museums in Somesville. You might want to make time for a stop at Acadia National Park or Long Pond.

Hall Quarry

Visitors to Hall Quarry like its bars and parks, and Acadia National Park is a sight worth a stop.

Seawall

While there might not be top attractions in Seawall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Asticou Azalea Garden.

Manset

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Manset and surrounding area, you can visit Asticou Azalea Garden and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.