
Vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
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Harborside~Seaglass Beach~Dock~5 min to Acadia
Harborside on Main is a lovingly restored, traditional coastal New Englander cottage located on the hillside above beautiful Southwest Harbor, just 1 mile from Quietside Acadia’s best oceanfront hiking trails. Steps outside the maritime village of SW Harbor with semi-private ocean access, seaglass beach, dock, firepit, and a short walk to all village amenities: the town pier, local bars, restaurants with live outdoor music overlooking the marina, & a private charter on a wooden Friendship sloop.

The Cabins at Currier Landing Cabin 2: Meadow
Tranquil cabin; open plan. Bedroom w/queen bed & privacy doors. Alcove w/bunkbeds. The Cabins at Currier Landing, featured in Dwell as “Three Magical Tiny Cabins Take Root in a Maine Forest,” are located on the Thos. Currier Saltwater Farm. Glimpses of water & access to 300’ of the Benjamin River Harbor shore. 2 seasonal cabins; 1 studio cabin. Centrally located on the Blue Hill Peninsula near Deer Isle, the cabins offer access to outdoor activities, cultural events, restaurants & shops.

Exquisitely Modern Stargazing Cottage @Diagonair
Romantic and luxurious, this 2,000 square foot modern cottage nestled on twelve acres is a favorite of honeymooners and lovers of modern design * 1 hour to Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor; 15 minutes to shopping, hiking, swimming * Stargazing deck * 2 full baths, one with steam shower * Fully equipped kitchen with under-counter fridge/freezer * Two gas fireplaces, one indoors, one on a covered deck * Queen bed with luxurious linens and pillows * WIFI, streaming TV, grill, bar * EV charger

Southwest Harbor Cottage
Enjoy unparalleled views of bustling Southwest Harbor and the beauty of Acadia National Park from the comfort of Eagle's Nest. Perched on a granite cliff, this thoughtfully designed little home provides for your every need. For anything else, take the ten minute stroll into the village, where you'll find plenty of local shops and restaurants. You can access the water via a set of stairs leading from the property to the shoreline. End your days on the deck and keep your eyes peeled for seals!

Poet's Cabin - Year-round Acadia A-Frame Getaway
If you're looking for a beautiful cabin in the woods on the Quietside of Mount Desert Island, you've found it! A perfect spot for couples, solo travelers, families of 3 & friends. Cute, cozy & charming, Poet's Cabin is newly renovated w/ Brentwood queen bed, sleep sofa, stainless oven, DW & microwave. Serene porch to relax on. Private yet convenient setting - close to ocean, hikes, downtown Southwest Harbor, 5min from Acadia's Seawall Beach, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Echo Lake Beach, & more!

"Yellow Door”
The Yellow Door | A Quietside Retreat Skip the Bar Harbor traffic and settle into the "Quietside" of the island. Yellow Door is a high-end, 2-bedroom apartment in Southwest Harbor, designed and built by one of the area's most respected local builders. It’s got that clean, custom craftsmanship that feels less like a rental and more like a home. The Layout: Bedroom 1: 1 King Bed Bedroom 2: 1 Queen Bed Bath: 1 Full Bath The Vibe: Exquisitely decorated with a focus on local design.

On the water. Walk to Southwest Harbor
If you want to be near the action of an active and interesting harbor, this is the place for you. You will have a front row seat to spectacular morning sunrises over the harbor, the comings and goings of the fishermen and the many boats docked at the marina and anchored in the harbor. This spacious four bedroom, two and a half bath home is located at the Great Harbor Marina just half a mile from downtown Southwest Harbor. Walk to restaurants, art galleries, specialty shops and more.

Seaside Cottage, Southwest Harbor & Acadia
Our cozy family cottage on the "Quiet Side" of Mount Desert Island has panoramic views of Southwest Harbor and the Cranberry Islands. Watch the tide and boats come and go from your bed! High tide splashes below the cantilevered deck. Quaint downtown shopping & dining is just 3/10 mile along a sidewalk. Several access points to Acadia National Park less than 5 miles away; downtown Bar Harbor is a 25 minute drive. The cottage is ideal for couples or families with supervised children.

On Island Time - Southwest Harbor - Acadia
This spacious 2 bedroom, 2nd floor apartment has all the amenities of home and is located right in the heart of Southwest Harbor! Walk out the door to many wonderful restaurants, galleries and shopping. We are a short walk to the harbor and marina. Across the street is the stop for Island Explorer bus with free seasonal transportation to all over the island and Acadia National Park. The apartment rents Friday to Friday during July & August. Parking available for 1 vehicle.

Sea Breeze
This is a two bedroom and one and a half bath upstairs apartment. It is located in the center of downtown Southwest Harbor. Surrounded by restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Walk downstairs to enjoy all Southwest Harbor has to offer. The apartment is walking distance to a working waterfront harbor where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. Mount Desert Island is surrounded by Acadia National Park all within a short drive from the apartment.

Duck Cove Apartment
Enjoy salty sea air when you stay at this vacation rental apartment in Bernard, Maine! Bring along your own kayaks to take advantage of the waterfront property. Just a few miles from Acadia National Park and a 20-minute drive to Bar Harbor , the space allows you and your favorite travel companions to explore the beautiful surroundings with ease! It doesn't get any better than beautiful ocean views, direct water access, and the best lobster in the country;

Delightful Bungalow - Northeast Harbor & Acadia
Welcome to Northeast Harbor and Acadia National Park! SUMMIT BUNGALOW is a cozy home that is a block away from water views and within easy walking distance to town. Hiking, carriage trail walks and biking, time spent on the water, and restaurants, are ready for you to enjoy! Within town is a library, public tennis courts, and numerous shops to explore. Begin your mornings with coffee on the porch swing and end the day over-looking the spacious backyard.
Popular amenities for Southwest Harbor vacation rentals
Stay near Southwest Harbor's top sights
Southwest Harbor house rentals

Evergreen Hill in Acadia National Park

Quiet side ranch home SW Harbor. Prime MDI locale

The Farm-- A Lovely Place and a High-End Space!

CLEAN, spacious, each BR has private full bathroom

Manset Rock Cottage: A Coastal Retreat on MDI

2 person, pet friendly. Close to Acadia N.P.

The Barnacle Cottage near Acadia

The Arthaus, an eclectic retreat for two
Other great vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor

Duck Cove Get Away

Osprey Nest: Elevated ocean views, walk to town

Southwest Sun

Seaview in Acadia National Park

Harbor Watch

Summer Oceanfront Retreat- Acadia/Bar Harbor

Oceanview in Southwest Harbor

Pondside Cottage w/ Dock & Patio! [Loons Nest]
When is the best time to visit Southwest Harbor?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. price | ﺩ.ﺇ812 | ﺩ.ﺇ826 | ﺩ.ﺇ786 | ﺩ.ﺇ735 | ﺩ.ﺇ933 | ﺩ.ﺇ1,102 | ﺩ.ﺇ1,194 | ﺩ.ﺇ1,223 | ﺩ.ﺇ1,098 | ﺩ.ﺇ1,102 | ﺩ.ﺇ808 | ﺩ.ﺇ826 |
| Avg. temp | -7°C | -6°C | -1°C | 6°C | 13°C | 18°C | 21°C | 20°C | 16°C | 9°C | 3°C | -3°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to stay in Southwest Harbor?
Stays near the downtown area, around the harbor, and in peaceful neighborhoods are often praised for walkable dining, shops, and scenic views. You can find vacation rentals and cozy inns with easy access to local attractions.
What are the best things to do in Southwest Harbor with kids?
Engage kids with outdoor adventures, visit tide pools, enjoy boat rides on the harbor, or try interactive exhibits at local maritime centers. Community parks and ice cream stands provide easy family-friendly fun.
What are some of the best things to do in Southwest Harbor?
Explore harborfront paths, browse local galleries, and join guided tours highlighting maritime history. Hiking, kayaking, and sampling regional seafood are frequently suggested ways to connect with the area’s coastal character.
How is the weather in Southwest Harbor?
Southwest Harbor has cold, snowy winters around 9–35°F (-13–1°C), and milder, pleasant summers ranging from 53–80°F (11–27°C). Rain is possible year-round, so packing waterproof layers is helpful.
When is the best time to visit Southwest Harbor?
Late spring through early fall is frequently suggested for milder weather and outdoor activities, with temperatures reaching 66–80°F (19–27°C) in summer. Fall draws visitors for colorful foliage and quieter streets.
What are the best places to visit in Southwest Harbor?
Visit the small downtown area for local shops and galleries, explore nearby trails in Acadia National Park, and take in the scenery from local piers. Maritime museums and boatyards highlight the area’s seafaring traditions.
What are some hiking trails in Southwest Harbor?
You can explore family-friendly paths like Wonderland Trail, try Ship Harbor Trail for coastal views, or venture into Acadia National Park for a variety of forest and shoreline hikes. Trails often wind through spruce woods and rocky shores.
What are some family activities we can do in Southwest Harbor?
Families can explore nature trails, join boat tours on the harbor, visit local maritime museums, or enjoy picnics at community parks. Seasonal ice cream shops, playgrounds, and interactive exhibits also appeal to a range of ages.
What are some of the best day trip ideas from Southwest Harbor?
Explore Acadia National Park for hiking or scenic outlooks, wander historic Bar Harbor’s shops, or visit local lighthouses on neighboring peninsulas. You can also join wildlife-watching excursions along the coast.
Are there any pet friendly accommodations available in Southwest Harbor?
Pet-friendly accommodations can be found in various Southwest Harbor neighborhoods, including rentals near the waterfront and forested areas. Many hosts provide information on nearby trails and parks suitable for pets.
What are some local tips for visiting Southwest Harbor?
Reserve popular boat tours and dining spots ahead during summer, bring layers and rain gear for changing weather, and explore quieter trails during early mornings. Chatting with local shop owners can lead to insider recommendations.
What is Southwest Harbor known for?
Southwest Harbor is known for its harbor views, maritime heritage, and being a gateway to outdoor activities near Acadia National Park. The town draws many for laid-back coastal living and traditional boatbuilding.
What are the best hidden gems to explore in Southwest Harbor?
Discover quieter coves, secret picnic areas, and pocket beaches near the harbor, along with lesser-known art galleries. Locally owned bookstores and small seafood shacks often provide a distinct taste of the town’s character.
What are the best foods to try in Southwest Harbor?
Locally caught lobster, seafood chowder, blueberry pie, and fresh baked goods are frequently suggested in Southwest Harbor. Many restaurants highlight New England traditions using regional ingredients.
What should I bring for a trip to Southwest Harbor?
Pack layers for shifting weather, sturdy shoes for trails, rain gear, and a hat for sun protection. A camera can capture harbor views and hiking memories, while reusable water bottles suit outings in nature.
What is the nightlife in Southwest Harbor like?
Southwest Harbor has relaxed nightlife with welcoming pubs, local bars, and spots where you can enjoy live music, conversation, and regional brews. Many venues highlight a friendly, laid-back atmosphere typical of coastal Maine towns.
What are the most popular events or festivals in Southwest Harbor?
Southwest Harbor has annual traditions such as holiday parades, art fairs, and maritime celebrations, especially around summer and autumn weekends. Community events often feature local crafts, live music, and seasonal food.
Are there family friendly vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Southwest Harbor has many family-friendly vacation rentals, with options near parks, the harbor, and quiet neighborhoods. These homes typically include kitchens and open living spaces suited for group gatherings.
All about Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor, a town just off the coast of northern Maine, is New England at its most picturesque, where streets lined with clapboard houses sit amid pine trees and where sailboats bob along the inlets of Somes Sound. Located on the southern shore of Mount Desert Island, the township is the more serene counterpart to bustling Bar Harbor on the island’s northeast side.
Take a stroll along the coast for idyllic views of the sound and Little Cranberry Island, a tiny, artistic community that can be reached by ferry. Turn inland and head downtown to explore classic New England shops selling local blueberry jam and tourmaline jewelry, as well as handmade crafts with a nautical theme. Settle in for dinner at one of the harborside restaurants, where you can enjoy Maine’s best-known staple — fresh lobster.
Just moments outside downtown is the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park, where you’ll find 158 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of historic, scenic roads. The Great Head Trail takes you 1.7 miles along the coastline and through hardwood forests, passing by an early-1900s tea house. The area is also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, and you can paddle along the shoreline of Somes Sound while harbor seals and other marine life come to greet you.
What are the top things to do in Southwest Harbor?
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, which covers half of Mount Desert Island, is known for its unspoiled expanses of rocky headlands, forests, and wetlands, which are protected from the Atlantic Ocean by high mountains. The old carriage roads running through the park weave through U-shaped valleys and past granite domes. The Southwest Harbor side of the park is less mountainous than the Bar Harbor side, but you can find several scenic, level trails that will lead you to picnic spots by the water.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which stands at the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay, sits on a cliff on the very southern tip of Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park. The structure dates back to 1855 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Today, the lighthouse is a private home, but a path takes visitors up to the light and bell. While you are there, you can take the wooden steps to the granite boulders below to see the lighthouse from the harbor.
Great Cranberry Island
A short ferry trip will bring you from Southwest Harbor to Great Cranberry Island, just to the east of town. The largest of the Cranberry Isles, it measures just two miles long. You can visit the History Museum on the island, walk the beautiful trail to the shore, and cross over to tiny Crow Island on foot at low tide. A highlight of the year here is the Ladies Aid Fair, held annually in August since 1900, with handmade quilts on display and crafts and baked goods for sale.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor

Total vacation rentals
Explore 520 vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor

Nightly prices starting at
Southwest Harbor vacation rentals start at ﺩ.ﺇ110 per night before taxes and fees

Verified guest reviews
Over 27,510 verified reviews to help you choose

Family-friendly vacation rentals
340 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

Pet-friendly vacation rentals
Find 170 rentals that welcome pets

Vacation rentals with a pool
10 properties feature pools

Rentals with dedicated workspaces
170 properties have a dedicated workspace

Wi-Fi availability
510 of Southwest Harbor vacation rentals include wi-fi access

Popular amenities for guests
Guests love Self check-in, Gym, and BBQ grill across Southwest Harbor rentals

4.9 Average rating
Southwest Harbor stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!
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- Acadia National Park
- Acadia National Park Pond
- The Camden Snow Bowl
- Rockland Breakwater Light
- Sand Beach
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- Camden Hills State Park
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