Southwest Harbor MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Southwest Harbor, Maine.
1. Batson River Fish Camp
SUNSET VIEWS AND COCKTAILS
Batson River Fish Camp offers visitors a chance to enjoy beer or cocktails while watching the sun set over Somes Sound. The establishment serves creative dishes and New England favorites in a waterfront location at The Claremont Hotel. Guests can indulge in craft beers and signature cocktails made with spirits distilled in southern Maine while taking in the incredible views.
2. Charlotte Rhoades Park
ENCHANTING BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Charlotte Rhoades Park features a delightful butterfly garden that serves as a natural wonder in Southwest Harbor. The garden displays a carefully selected mix of perennial and annual flowers maintained by volunteers to attract caterpillars that transform into butterflies. Visitors can witness butterflies flutter throughout the garden, particularly in late July and early August, creating an unforgettable experience regardless of when they visit.
3. Wendell Gilley Museum
MASTER BIRD CARVING GALLERY
The Wendell Gilley Museum displays over 300 hand-carved sculptures of wild birds created by Southwest Harbor native Wendell Gilley, who carved more than 10,000 pieces during his lifetime. Artist in Residence Steven Valleau has been carrying on Wendell's legacy since 1985, offering visitors insight into this unique art form. The museum serves as both the ultimate rainy day activity and a treat in any weather for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
4. Flying Mountain Trailhead
SCENIC HIKING ADVENTURE
Flying Mountain Trailhead is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Southwest Harbor, offering visitors access to stunning natural landscapes. Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding area while exploring well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels. The trail's proximity to Southwest Harbor's waterfront and seafood restaurants makes it a perfect outdoor activity to combine with culinary experiences.
5. Beech Cliff Loop
STUNNING COASTAL VIEWS
Beech Cliff Loop provides hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Southwest Harbor area and beyond. The trail features varied terrain and natural beauty that showcase the region's distinctive coastal landscape and ecology. After a hike, visitors can explore the nearby waterfront or enjoy one of the area's lively bars for a complete Southwest Harbor experience.
6. Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead
COASTAL ECOLOGY EXPLORATION
Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead offers visitors access to lovely green spaces and well-maintained hiking trails in Southwest Harbor. The trail system guides explorers through diverse coastal ecosystems, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The proximity to Southwest Harbor's waterfront and dining establishments makes this natural attraction a perfect complement to a day of local exploration.
7. Wonderland Trail Trailhead
MAGICAL COASTAL PATH
Wonderland Trail Trailhead is a must-visit natural attraction in Southwest Harbor that offers visitors easy access to spectacular coastal scenery. The trail leads to a rocky shoreline where visitors can explore tide pools and enjoy panoramic ocean views in a relatively flat, family-friendly setting. After exploring the trail, visitors can enjoy the area's renowned seafood restaurants that showcase the region's maritime bounty.
8. MDI Lobster Co.
HISTORIC WATERFRONT DINING
MDI Lobster Co. is situated on the oldest fishing pier on Mount Desert Island, offering diners spectacular water views while they enjoy their meal. The restaurant features an extensive menu of fresh seafood alongside options for those who prefer non-seafood dishes. Visitors get to experience authentic Maine coastal dining in a historic setting that captures the essence of Southwest Harbor's maritime heritage.
9. Beal's Lobster Pier
FRESH CATCH WATERFRONT
Beal's Lobster Pier provides a quintessential Maine dining experience with waterfront views and the freshest seafood available in Southwest Harbor. Visitors can watch working lobster boats while enjoying traditional lobster dishes prepared with authentic local methods. The casual atmosphere and direct-from-the-ocean offerings make this a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a genuine taste of coastal Maine.
10. Next Level Sports Lounge
LOCAL SOCIAL HUB
Next Level Sports Lounge serves as Southwest Harbor's most popular social gathering spot, known for hosting packed houses during Patriots' games and other sporting events. The establishment offers a menu of comfort food that appeals to locals and visitors alike while providing a venue for community meetings and social interactions. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect place to experience the local culture and connect with Southwest Harbor residents.
11. Acadia National Park
NATURAL WONDER ACCESS
Acadia National Park is easily accessible from Southwest Harbor, offering visitors countless outdoor recreational opportunities. The park features hiking and biking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and coastline that showcase Maine's natural beauty. Southwest Harbor's location provides a less crowded entry point to explore this magnificent national treasure than the park's more touristed areas.
12. Southwest Harbor Working Harbor
AUTHENTIC MARITIME CULTURE
Southwest Harbor's Working Harbor provides visitors a glimpse into authentic Maine maritime culture with its bustling activity of lobster boats and fishing vessels. The picturesque harbor area is lined with restaurants and shops offering fresh seafood and locally crafted items that reflect the town's heritage. Visitors can even purchase lobster directly from boat captains for a truly local culinary experience.
13. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
ICONIC COASTAL BEACON
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands as an iconic coastal beacon near Southwest Harbor, offering one of the most photographed views in Maine. The historic lighthouse, built in 1858, is perched dramatically on rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can access viewing points via short trails that provide spectacular sunset opportunities and quintessential Maine coastal scenery.
14. Asticou Azalea Garden
JAPANESE-INSPIRED OASIS
Asticou Azalea Garden is a Japanese-inspired landscape garden located a short drive from Southwest Harbor in nearby Northeast Harbor. The meticulously maintained garden features stunning azaleas, rhododendrons, and a serene pond with carefully placed stepping stones and sand gardens. Visitors experience peak blooms in late spring, but the garden's tranquil design offers beauty and peace throughout the growing season.
15. Seawall Area
DRAMATIC OCEAN LANDSCAPE
The Seawall Area in Southwest Harbor features a naturally formed seawall of rocks that creates a dramatic boundary between land and ocean. Visitors can walk along this unique geological formation while enjoying crashing waves and the raw beauty of Maine's rugged coastline. The area provides access to nearby attractions like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Wonderland Trail, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the region's natural wonders.