Acadia National Park is also located on Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park is the countries second busiest National Park, only behind the venerable Yellowstone National Park.

Acadia is without compare as the Mountains truly meet the Sea here and offer one of the most spectacular settings on the entire East Coast (if not the most spectacular)!

Bar Harbor, being the largest town on Mount Desert Island (home of Acadia National Park) is often thought of as synonymous with the Park but guests can also stay in charming Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Bass Harbor, Otter Creek, Seal Harbor or Somesville.

Mount Dessert and Bar Harbor Maine offer an endless array of activities for everyone. Some of the must see and do’s in and around Acadia National Park include: a visit to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. A drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset and a scone at the Jordon Pond House. Tour the stunning gardens at Asticou or take a boat ride out of Northeast Harbor.

On the ocean and land, visitors and guests can tour the island on their own, or let experienced Maine guides show them the way.

For cyclists, there are 55 miles of carriage trails that lace their way through Acadia. Bike beside crystal clear lakes and spectacular mountains. Or take a bus or trolley tour and let someone else show you the way.

There are local companies and registered Maine Guides expert in the wildlife and the history of the area; there are also walking tours of Bar Harbor.

Rent a kayak or canoe and tour on your own or better still in the company of Maine Guides and explore Mount Desert Island's fascinating coastline. Or set sail with one of the professional crews in search of whales, seals, seabirds, the stories of the cottage era, or simply relax under billowing sails of a Maine Tall Schooner.

For the culturally inclined, Bar Harbor offers two celebrated music festivals offering everything from string orchestras, through chamber music, to jazz. Local bars and clubs host a range of bands and solo artists that complete the musical mix.

If you are planning to visit in the winter, the carriage trails make for excellent cross-country skiing, the park loop road is a haven for snowmobilers, and the trails under their coating of white take on a fresh new look. Acadia's peaks and cliffs also offer new workouts to the experienced in this most challenging of seasons. Ice climbing routes abound and trails show a true wild side.

FEATURED DOWNEAST MAINE PROPERTIES

The Kingsleigh Inn - Southwest Harbor (Mt Desert Island) The Kingsleigh Inn is a turn of the century, turreted Queen Anne Victorian that sits just one hundred yards from the water with an elegant yet casual atmosphere. The inn is located in the center of town surrounded by Acadia National Park. Enjoy rooms with water views, balconies and pampering amenities. A three-course gourmet breakfast is served as are afternoon baked goods and all day tea and espresso. Come experience what The Kingsleigh Inn has to offer! Email: relax@kingsleighinn.com

Acadia’s Oceanside Meadows Inn - Prospect Harbor Enjoy magnificent ocean views and waves crashing on our private sandy beach from our historic Sea Captain’s home on 200 acres. We welcome you to discover the serenity of Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula and the hospitality of our bed and gourmet breakfast inn located in the heart of beautiful Downeast Maine. Situated five minutes from the spectacular Acadia National Park at Schoodic we’re the perfect place for your Maine vacation or special romantic getaway. Discover tidal pools, four local lighthouses, kayaking, canoeing, whale watching, perennial gardens and wildlife. Experience concerts, science talks and art gallery in our 1820’s timber frame hall. Email: oceaninn@oceaninn.com