Things to do in Mount Desert Island

Activities, attractions and tours

Bar Harbor featuring landscape views and a pond
Cadillac Mountain showing a sunset and landscape views
Bar Harbor which includes a pond
Bar Harbor which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
Abbe Museum

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Top places to visit

1. Acadia National Park

Travel to Maine’s rocky Mount Desert Island to visit Acadia National Park. Here you’ll find a forested wilderness overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and meet hardy northern New Englanders who welcome you to join in their community activities.
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Acadia National Park which includes forest scenes and signage

2. Cadillac Mountain

Discover the regal magic of Cadillac Mountain, located with Acadia National Park. Rising 1,530 feet (466.3 meters) high, it is not only the tallest mountain in Maine, but also the highest peak on America’s North Atlantic seaboard. It is a favorite destination on Mount Desert Island and an instantly recognizable symbol of Acadia. It is also known as the first place that sunlight hits in the United States.
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Cadillac Mountain featuring mountains, a sunset and landscape views

3. Village Green

The Village Green is an oasis of greenery in Bar Harbor, where locals and visitors come to enjoy the delightful surroundings and take part in fun-filled community events. Discover the Village Green’s long history as a public park when you admire its heritage cast-iron clock and charming bandstand. Watch the town band perform live music or peruse locally made arts and crafts at a market.
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Village Green which includes autumn leaves and a park

4. Otter Cliff

At a height of 110 feet (34 meters), Otter Cliff is among the tallest points on the Atlantic Coast in the U.S. It is made up of thousands of partially eroded rocks and offers a spectacular view of the ocean. Snap photos of the moments that powerful waves crash into the rock face and surge up the cliff.
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Otter Cliff featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views

5. Thunder Hole

Even on a perfectly clear day, Thunder Hole will sound like a storm barreling down the coast. The noise making the inlet famous is created when an arriving wave forces air and water out of an underground cavern. The effect is produced only under specific conditions. Nevertheless, visit Thunder Hole any time for a short hike with stunning views of the Maine coast and sounds of waves crashing against the rocks.
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Bar Harbor featuring rocky coastline and landscape views

6. Jordan Pond

Find Jordan Pond on the southern fringes of Acadia National Park. On Maine’s breathtaking Mount Desert Island, scenic vistas are common, but Jordan Pond still stands out. Its clear water, dramatic mountain surroundings and hiking opportunities offer something for everyone.
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Bar Harbor featuring landscape views and a pond

What to do in Mount Desert Island


Popular places to visit

Areas of Mount Desert Island

Bar Harbor featuring wild flowers, landscape views and a bay or harbour

Downtown Bar Harbor

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

Downtown Bar Harbor
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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.

Seawall
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Otter Creek

Bars and parks are just a few things travellers like about Otter Creek. A stop by Acadia National Park is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Otter Creek
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Hulls Cove

Waterfront views, bars and parks highlight some of the notable features of Hulls Cove. Make a stop by Acadia National Park while you're exploring.

Hulls Cove
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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 Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and Bubble Rock.

Stone Haven