What to do in Southwest Harbor, ME

Activities, attractions and tours

Ram Island Lighthouse and sheltered cove
Ram Island Lighthouse and sheltered cove
Lobster Boats Anchored in a Maine Harbor
Acadia National Park roads are as beautiful as the park itself. #autumn #roadtrip #acadia #nationalpark #seasons #maine #localsecrets
Short hike to the top of flying mountain then down to valley cove in Somes sound

Southwest Harbor Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Southwest Harbor has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Southwest Harbor, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Southwest Harbor with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Southwest Harbor, and make it a breeze to explore Southwest Harbor and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Southwest Harbor to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Southwest Harbor, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Southwest Harbor.

Southwest Harbor attractions

Southwest Harbor has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Southwest Harbor to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Southwest Harbor.

Looking for things to do in Southwest Harbor can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Southwest Harbor or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Southwest Harbor attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Southwest Harbor

Popular places to visit

Wonderland Trail Trailhead

You can take time to visit Wonderland Trail Trailhead during your travels to Southwest Harbor. Wander around the natural setting or enjoy the area's seafood restaurants.

Wonderland Trail Trailhead

Flying Mountain Trailhead

You can take time to visit Flying Mountain Trailhead during your travels to Southwest Harbor. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply enjoy its seafood restaurants.

Flying Mountain Trailhead

Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead

Explore the lovely green spaces of Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead and also enjoy the hiking trails in Southwest Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Ship Harbor Nature Trailhead

Beech Cliff Loop

Enjoy a trip to Beech Cliff Loop and popular activities such as hiking in Southwest Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Beech Cliff Loop

Wendell Gilley Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Wendell Gilley Museum during your trip to Southwest Harbor. Wander the waterfront and scenic parks in the area.

Wendell Gilley Museum

Explore areas of Southwest Harbor

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Seawall

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

Seawall
Morning in Manset, near Southwest Harbor, Maine

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.

Manset

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Southwest Harbor

Picturesque Acadia National Park Shoreline

Mount Desert

Sunset at Seal Cove Maine Panorama

Seal Cove

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 kms (1 mile) from central Southwest Harbor is Manset and Bernard is 5 kms (3 miles) 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.