
Southwest Harbor vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
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Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Southwest Harbor vacation rentals
Southwest Harbor cottage rentals

MaineStay Cottage #1 Bangor/Hampden full kitchen

Cozy Maine Cottage.

Hoover's Cottage Retreat

Cottage on the lake

Modern cottage with hummingbirds

Quiet lakefront cottage on Graham Lake

The Otter Cottage at Bay Meadow Cottages

Castine rustic cabin coast forest Acadia Wi-Fi
Southwest Harbor house rentals

Cove House

3 BR Gorgeous Historic Home Close to Ocean

Patten Pond Cottage

Cape Lamoine

BANGOR MAINE ENTIRE HOUSE QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD

4bed Full House on Private Dr. w/ Large Yard

Country Farmhouse | Large Parking 4 bed/2 bath

Lovely Cape Style Home near Acadia
Other great vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor

Lakeview Cottage

The South Bay Cottage "on the rocks"

Beech Mountain Townhouse

Maine Wilderness Oasis: Hike Swim Kayak Fish

Oceanview Escape near Maine Beaches

Lakeside Landing

Lovely waterfront in Trenton.

Acadia Beach shipwreck cottage Bar Harbor
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
Total rentals
480 properties
Nightly prices starting at
G$6,276 GYD before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
24K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
310 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
160 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
10 properties have a pool
Your guide to Southwest Harbor
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.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Southwest Harbor
The islands off the Maine coast experience some dramatic shifts in weather conditions over the course of the year, from blustery and cold to appealing and sunny. The best time to visit Southwest Harbor is from June to September, when the weather is at its warmest, the heat moderated by ocean breezes. Fourth of July is a fun time to visit, as the town launches a fantastic fireworks display over the harbor. August is when you’ll see the least amount of rain and be able to enjoy the outdoors at its best.
While the fall months here are well known for the spectacular foliage, the temperature quickly becomes brisk and rainy — November is the rainiest month. Maine winters can be icy, with temperatures staying well below zero in December through February, intensified by stiff winds and lots of precipitation. The local community center counteracts the chill with a holiday celebration that features crafts and artistic performances.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vacation rentals are available in Southwest Harbor?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor. From over 200 house rentals to over 50 cottage rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Southwest Harbor?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 160 vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Southwest Harbor. Choose from more than 160 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Experience the best of Southwest Harbor with our house rentals, starting at about $100 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in Southwest Harbor have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 80 house rentals with self check-in in Southwest Harbor. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do cottage rentals in Southwest Harbor have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 50 cottage rentals with wifi in Southwest Harbor. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Southwest Harbor have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 150 house rentals with a bbq area in Southwest Harbor. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly cottage rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Southwest Harbor has more than 30 family-friendly cottage rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Are there Southwest Harbor vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 10 vacation homes with pools in Southwest Harbor, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 200 homes with wifi, over 80 homes with self check-in, over 150 homes with a bbq area, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.
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- Acadia National Park
- Samoset Resort
- Sand Beach
- Narrow Place Beach
- Spragues Beach
- Gilley Beach
- Northeast Harbour Golf Club
- Hermon Mountain Ski Area
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- Bear Island Beach
- Hero Beach
- Indian Camp Beach
- The Camden Snow Bowl
- Orchard Beach
- Rockland Breakwater Light
- Lighthouse Beach
- Islesboro Town Beach
- Three Island Beach
- Driftwood Beach
- North Point Beach
- Hunters Beach
- Kebo Valley Golf Club
- Wadsworth Cove Beach
- Pebble Beach