Location: Southwest Harbor
Top Things to do in Southwest Harbor
Things to do in Southwest Harbor, Maine (ME): The Best Outdoor Activities
Southwest Harbor is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. Located on Mount Desert Island, the population was 1,764 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Southwest Harbor
1. Maine State Sea Kayak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 650 reviews
Paddle. Nature. It’s that simple really! We paddle the most remote sections around Acadia National Park. Our guides are passionate, we have the cleanest gear (washed after each trip), offer picnic lunches, and we are the only MDI Sea Kayaking tour provider offering a wildlife guarantee! Come explore the power of Acadia with us!
2. Sail Acadia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 176 reviews
We offer private and shared sailing trips aboard our two Friendship Sloops, the Alice E. and Helen Brooks, as well as outings and nature tours on our wooden lobster boat, the Elizabeth T. Escape the crowds of Bar Harbor and view Acadia National Park from the beautiful shores of Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor -- Mount Desert Island's "Quietside".
3. Beech Cliff Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Biotech91 - Hoboken, United States
Absolutely one of the best hikes in the park! Remember to look for the iron ladder on the way up and to rest at the beach on the lake on your way down ;)
4. Perpendicular Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By sheilaa1732017 - Mountain Dale, United States
Great hike with built in granite steps to the top, making it a little easier. Phenomenal lake and harbor views from the top!!
5. MDI Community Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Come sail in one of the most beautiful places in Maine. We offer private and group sailing lessons for adults, children and families of all sailing and racing abilities. We offer weekly boating and sailing programs for children ages 6 to 17. We host the MDI High School sailing team - racing in drysuits! We have year round lectures and work days for volunteers to maintain the Center's boats.
6. Acadia Lobster Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Create a truly memorable vacation with this Lobster Dinner Cruise on a vintage 1967 wooden lobster boat built right here on Mount Desert Island. Learn how lobsters are harvested and enjoy the fresh salt air with views of MDI while Captain Jason Clark prepares your downeast lobster bake and shares his personal knowledge of the area with views of lighthouses and abundant wildlife.
7. MDI Classic Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park from the decks of Premise: a classically beautiful 37' wooden yawl. Available for day, week, and month-long bareboat charters from spring to fall out of Southwest Harbor, sailing aboard Premise is an adventure you are never to forget! Premise sleeps five, has a fully equipped kitchen, a composting toilet, sound system, and even a grill! For more than 15 years, our customers have been chartering Premise and sailing her up and down the coasts of Maine. We take pride in knowing that with Premise's brightly finished hull and classic look, she is by far the prettiest boat in any harbor! Charter Premise to enjoy a simpler and more relaxing way of life as you explore the Maine coast as you have never seen it before! Please visit our website for more information, including rates and chartering information for Premise. We look forward to hearing from you!
8. Flying Mountain Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By NYCmusician - New York City, United States
A beautiful easy hike with gorgeous views and ending on a nice beach. We went in the afternoon and there were only a few other cars in the lot and we encountered only several other hikers. A great perch to watch boats on the sound and get away from the crowds.
9. Wonderland Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By pamnicki
Here is one of two trails both nearby each other on the road to Bass Harbor light, that will give your family a true Acadia hiking experience even if you have toddlers. This easy walk moves through forest and open granite ledges on a mostly even path from the road and parking space to the sea. You won’t regret it. Nice place for some “forest bathing” if you get there before the crowds of families do.
10. Acadia Fishing Tours
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 85 reviews
Combine all that is spectacular about Mount Desert Island, and you will see it from another angle on this ocean fishing trip. Not only do we offer a great ½ day or ¾ day trip for you and your friends and family, but we also haul lobster traps for each person on the boat (weather and time permitting). Legal Lobsters are divided or raffled, yours with our compliments! Yes, That is right! Most likely free lobster with your trip! This also gives our guests an idea how lobsters are caught on our Maine Coast. Enjoy seals, porpoises, eagles, osprey, sea birds and ducks. The 3/4 day fishing trips can take you to Mt Desert Rock Lighthouse (weather permitting). This unique area is where the the Lighthouse is the furthest offshore and the first place the sun rises in the USA, as well as the home to large population of seals, and near the migration area of whales. This trip is a great trip for kids
