East-side base
Bar Harbor
Walkable dining, ferries, museums, and the quickest start for the park’s east-side icons.
51 stays32 places to eat23 things to do
Explore Bar Harbor →Town guides
Mount Desert Island towns & villages.
Five island hubs, each with its own verified stays, restaurants, cafés, bars, things to do, lakes, landmarks, and history. Pick the base that matches your trip — every hub opens a full guide.
Quiet Side base
Southwest Harbor
A working harbor close to Echo Lake, western peaks, boat trips, and quieter evenings.
10 stays13 places to eat6 things to do
Explore Southwest Harbor →
Somes Sound base
Northeast Harbor
Gardens, Cranberry Isles ferries, a sheltered harbor, and central mountain access.
5 stays6 places to eat4 things to do
Explore Northeast Harbor →
Park-side village
Seal Harbor
A small village beside Jordan Pond Road, carriage roads, gardens, and Day Mountain.
2 stays2 places to eat1 thing to do
Explore Seal Harbor →
Far-west village
Bass Harbor
A working waterfront for lighthouse sunsets, lobster boats, and short coastal walks.
3 stays3 places to eat3 things to do
Explore Bass Harbor →Not sure where to sleep? Start with all island stays, compare 59 Acadia hikes, or open the interactive route map to see how the hubs connect.