What to do in Southwest Harbor, ME

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal scene with a lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and a large white house with a flag.
A harbor with multiple boats docked, surrounded by a coastal town with houses and greenery.
A coastal sunset with a lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and calm sea.
A beach with footprints leading to the water, surrounded by fog and trees.
A coastal town with a marina, boats, and a forested area.

Things to do

Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide

Best of Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Rp263.030
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Rp280.001
per traveller
Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Maine Tours

Maine Tour Bundle: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle

Rp700.265
per traveller
Maine Tour Bundle: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle
Acadia and Bar Harbor Self-Guided Combo Tour

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Rp437.600
per traveller
Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour
Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC

Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC

Rp166.697
per traveller
Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC
Bar Harbor Self Guided Audio Walking Tour America’s Summer Empire

Bar Harbor Self Guided Audio Walking Tour America’s Summer Empire

Rp171.083
per adult
Bar Harbor Self Guided Audio Walking Tour America’s Summer Empire
Discover US East Coast Self Guided Audio Tour

Discover US East Coast Self Guided Audio Tour

Rp2.538.920
per traveller
Discover US East Coast Self Guided Audio Tour
Bar Harbor Exclusive Food Tour With Lobster

Bar Harbor Exclusive Food Tour With Lobster

Rp2.171.364
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bar Harbor Exclusive Food Tour With Lobster
Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Acadia National Park & Lobster Roll

Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Acadia National Park

Rp2.784.249
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bar Harbor Premium Driving Tour With Acadia National Park
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What to do in Southwest Harbor

Stay near popular Southwest Harbor attractions

Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead

9.0/10 (7 reviews)
Meander through coastal spruce forests to discover tide pools teeming with marine life along this gentle 1.3-mile loop. Visit at low tide for the best glimpse into Acadia's underwater ecosystem.
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Where to stay in Southwest Harbor

Find the best Southwest Harbor areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A coastal town with a lighthouse, wooden docks, and a large lobster trap.

Seawall

While there might not be top attractions in Seawall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Asticou Azalea Garden.

A wooden pier extending into calm water with sailboats anchored in the distance and hills in the background.

Manset

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Manset and surrounding area, you can visit Asticou Azalea Garden and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Day trip destinations from Southwest Harbor

A coastal scene with boats, a dock, a white house, and a forested island in the background.

Bernard

Frequently asked questions

Is Southwest Harbor worth visiting?
Whether you plan to experience the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Southwest Harbor.
How do I spend a day in Southwest Harbor?
Start your day with a visit to Bubble Rock and Echo Lake Beach. Then, explore different parts of Southwest Harbor for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Southwest Harbor?
Don't leave without visiting Acadia National Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Southwest Harbor.
Is three days enough to stay in Southwest Harbor?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city highlights, such as Acadia National Park, Jordan Pond and Echo Lake Beach. The average stay in Southwest Harbor is three days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Bar Harbour isn't far away.
Is Southwest Harbor a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Southwest Harbor, like Echo Lake Beach and Northeast Harbour Golf Club, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from central Southwest Harbor is Manset and Bernard is 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Southwest Harbor with kids?
If you're searching for activities and attractions for all ages, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Southwest Harbor with kids.

What to do in Southwest Harbor for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Southwest Harbor, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Maine Granite Industry Museum or Naturalist's Notebook.
Are there free things to do in Southwest Harbor?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Southwest Harbor. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Echo Lake Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.