
Vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
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Michael's Cabin
Newly built/designed cabin on the 'quietside' of Mount Desert Island (in the town of Southwest Harbor). A short drive to downtown, this one bedroom with loft cabin is warm and cozy. With gas fireplace, AC unit, and all the amenities one would need to begin and end a perfect day in Acadia National Park, it is situated close to nearby hikes, water access for boating, sailing, and ocean kayaking. Southwest Harbor has many wonderful restaurants, lobster pounds, coffee shops, galleries, and shopping.

Quiet side ranch home SW Harbor. Prime MDI locale
This comfortable home named the Autumn Lodge located in the lively picturesque village of Southwest Harbor can be enjoyed year round. Classic ranch home with open updated design and decorated with the colors of fall. Fully equipped kitchen with granite counters, dishwasher, and informal kitchen dining on the bar. Gas log fireplace. Private outdoor space. Harbor frontage on opposite side of the street. In town location walkable to restaurants & shops. Check out my other listing.

Nest:a place of rest, retreat, or lodging
The NEST is located in a small community on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. This beautiful, light filled, fully equipped apartment is available year round for guests. With it's own private entrance and sliding door to an east facing 2nd story deck, it has views of the mountains and clear night skies. Located on a small "farmette". Easy access to the beach, hiking trails and restaurants. This apartment is a perfect retreat for the off-season. (Read on)

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!

Evergreen Hill in Acadia National Park
Evergreen Hill is a cheery cedar cape set up on a private half acre of fir and native blueberry. Just a mile from Acadia trails and beaches, this humble cottage has a peaceful island vibe, relaxing family spaces, a fenced yard, and great front porch, with no dog or cleaning fee. Eat lobster year round, visit Bar Harbor, take the family on a boat ride to see Mount Desert Island's 26 peaks from the water. Come in winter to work and play, hike the snow covered mountains, ice skate and XC ski.

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!

The Seamist Cottage - Converted Historic Barn
Cozy, fully converted historic barn within easy walking distance to the rocky shore of Bass Harbor, a busy lobstering port. An ideal, pet friendly, home base while exploring Acadia National Park. The Seamist is located on "the quietside" of the island. Six minutes from Southwest Harbor and thirty minutes to Bar Harbor, the Seamist also offers guests private hot tub access! Two guests maximum, not a suitable space for children. Please keep allergies in mind when booking. No smoking.

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.

The Carriage House
The Carriage House is a charming converted barn in Southwest Harbor within walking distance of downtown. Multiple Acadia National Park access points are within 2 miles of the Carriage House. Bar Harbor and the Park Loop Road are 20 minutes away. A perfect hideaway for 2 people looking for a quaint retreat. The Carriage House was recently renovated and air conditioning recently added. The perfect spot for a getaway. 3 night minimum stay unless otherwise indicated on the calendar.

Wild Island Guest House at Long Pond
Nestled between ponds, lakes and sea, this brand new home boasts an open floor plan, antique claw foot tub and a large second story deck. Make yourself a cup of coffee and walk just a few minutes to the public beach at Long Pond to start your morning with a refreshing swim. Or relax on the deck in the patio chairs and listen to the loons call at night. Just minutes to Acadia National Park and 9 miles to downtown Bar Harbor, this home is the perfect place to start your day!

The Bird's Nest
The Bird's Nest is an elevated efficiency apartment with views of Somes Sound, Southwest Harbor, and the mountains of Acadia. There is a small efficiency kitchen and a sunny second floor deck to enjoy the view while having a peaceful breakfast or evening meal. While the property is secluded and private, we do have our own private wooded trail that drops right into town, where you can enjoy Southwest Harbor's restaurants and shops, or catch the free Island Explorer bus.

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;
Popular amenities for Southwest Harbor vacation rentals
Stay near Southwest Harbor's top sights
Southwest Harbor house rentals

Amazing Mountain Views

"Sweetwater"-- Bright, Airy, Modern

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Bayview House 1br 2ba Stunning Harbor Views

Manset Rock Cottage: A Coastal Retreat on MDI

Hulls Cove Cottage

2 person, pet friendly. Airbnb Fees paid by host!

Quiet, Comfortable, Renovated Cottage near Acadia
Other great vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor

Tidal Shores

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SW Harbor: Salt in the Pines-Modern, Magical Oasis

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Oceanfront on Somes Sound, Acadia National Park ME

Rosie’s Place
When is the best time to visit Southwest Harbor?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. price | G$41,821 GYD | G$37,639 GYD | G$39,520 GYD | G$41,821 GYD | G$53,112 GYD | G$62,731 GYD | G$67,959 GYD | G$69,631 GYD | G$62,522 GYD | G$62,731 GYD | G$46,003 GYD | G$47,048 GYD |
| 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 510 vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor

Nightly prices starting at
Southwest Harbor vacation rentals start at G$6,273 GYD per night before taxes and fees

Verified guest reviews
Over 28,570 verified reviews to help you choose

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

Pet-friendly vacation rentals
Find 190 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
500 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
- Sand Beach
- Farnsworth Art Museum
- Rockland Breakwater Light
- University of Maine
- Schoodic Peninsula
- Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway
- Maine Discovery Museum
- Bass Harbor Head Light Station
- Cellardoor Winery
- Moose Point State Park
- Maine Lighthouse Museum
- Camden Hills State Park




