Top Things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine
What to do and see in DownEast and Acadia Maine, DownEast and Acadia Maine: The Best Islands
Discover the best top things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine, United States including Machias Seal Island, Mount Desert Island, Great Wass Island Preserve, Swans Island, Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, Matthews Island.
Restaurants in DownEast and Acadia Maine
1. Machias Seal Island
2. Mount Desert Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,891 reviews
Home to Acadia National Park, this island off the coast of Maine with its beaches, sweeping cliffs and mountains offers visitors numerous recreational activities, from hiking, biking and following nature trails to swimming, sailing and kayaking.
Reviewed By mikey605 - Sevierville, United States
So much to see and do on Mount Desert Island! Acadia National Park, Whale Watching, Scenic Charters and Tours, Beaches, Shops, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Sea Kayaking, Plane rides, glider rides, helicopter flights, mini golf, if you want to do it you will find it on MDI
3. Great Wass Island Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 852philipg - Livingston, United States
We hiked the 5.5-mile loop consisting of the Little Cape Point Trail, shoreline, and the Mud Hole Trail. It was quite a workout, especially the 2-mile section up the shoreline, but it was very enjoyable.
4. Swans Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Take a local ferry to this small island, which makes a nice day or half-day destination.
Reviewed By Jeff_In_Lex - Lexington, United States
We took our bikes over for the day from Bass Harbor in early September 2020 and it was the highlight of our week on MDI. The ferry service was easy and we got spectacular views on a nice sunny day; we even passed a pod of porpoises. When we got to the island, the lady at the ferry terminal provided some helpful suggestions for where we should ride our bikes. As we rode along the roads, all of the motorists were courteous and just about all of of them waved to us. We intended to ride to a part of the island to get a view of the lighthouse across the bay, but took a wrong turn and ended up at the lighthouse itself; our wrong turn was a giant stroke of luck. The local historical society appears to have sunk a lot of money into restoring the lighthouse and what used to be the lighthouse keeper's home. We got a fantastic tour by Keith, who I believe is the head of the historical society. After our tour, we rode over to a beach where we ate our (packed) lunch, climbed on some rocks and enjoyed the view. Our nine-year old wasn't up for any more exploring, so we headed back to the ferry terminal, and stopped in the Lobster and Marine Museum for a quick look around before catching the ferry. One word of caution for cyclists: it is a bit hilly, so if you're with kids, be prepared to walk up some of the hills and/or to give them a push on the steeper areas.
