What to do in Mount Desert Island, ME

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Mount Desert Island

Types of activities Where to stay

Mount Desert Island travel guide

Cadillac Mountain featuring a sunset and landscape views

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Top places to visit

1. Acadia National Park

Travel to Maine’s rocky Mount Desert Island to visit Acadia National Park. Here you’ll find a forested wilderness overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and meet hardy northern New Englanders who welcome you to join in their community activities.

Learn more

Acadia National Park which includes forests and signage

2. Cadillac Mountain

Discover the regal magic of Cadillac Mountain, located with Acadia National Park. Rising 1,530 feet (466.3 meters) high, it is not only the tallest mountain in Maine, but also the highest peak on America’s North Atlantic seaboard. It is a favorite destination on Mount Desert Island and an instantly recognizable symbol of Acadia. It is also known as the first place that sunlight hits in the United States.

Learn more

Cadillac Mountain showing landscape views, a sunset and mountains

3. Village Green

The Village Green is an oasis of greenery in Bar Harbor, where locals and visitors come to enjoy the delightful surroundings and take part in fun-filled community events. Discover the Village Green’s long history as a public park when you admire its heritage cast-iron clock and charming bandstand. Watch the town band perform live music or peruse locally made arts and crafts at a market.

Learn more

Village Green showing autumn leaves and a park

4. Thunder Hole

Even on a perfectly clear day, Thunder Hole will sound like a storm barreling down the coast. The noise making the inlet famous is created when an arriving wave forces air and water out of an underground cavern. The effect is produced only under specific conditions. Nevertheless, visit Thunder Hole any time for a short hike with stunning views of the Maine coast and sounds of waves crashing against the rocks.

Learn more

Bar Harbor showing landscape views and rugged coastline

5. Otter Cliff

At a height of 110 feet (34 meters), Otter Cliff is among the tallest points on the Atlantic Coast in the U.S. It is made up of thousands of partially eroded rocks and offers a spectacular view of the ocean. Snap photos of the moments that powerful waves crash into the rock face and surge up the cliff.

Learn more

Otter Cliff featuring general coastal views and rocky coastline

6. Jordan Pond

Find Jordan Pond on the southern fringes of Acadia National Park. On Maine’s breathtaking Mount Desert Island, scenic vistas are common, but Jordan Pond still stands out. Its clear water, dramatic mountain surroundings and hiking opportunities offer something for everyone.

Learn more

Bar Harbor showing landscape views and a pond

Popular places to visit

Acadia National Park

5/5(17 reviews)

Maine’s rugged coastline and New England culture come together in this easternmost U.S. national park on a mountainous island.

Cadillac Mountain

5/5(12 reviews)

Drive or hike to the top of Mount Desert Island’s tallest mountain at daybreak and you will be the first person to view sunrise in the United States.

Village Green

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Spend some time in this peaceful park in the center of Bar Harbor to experience the village’s thriving community spirit and heritage landmarks.

Thunder Hole

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Nature’s magic produces a thunderclap illusion and offers panoramic views of the coastline at one of Acadia National Park’s most popular attractions.

Schoodic Peninsula

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Schoodic Peninsula during your travels in Winter Harbor. Stroll along the waterfront or discover the area's desert landscape.

Otter Cliff

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Hone your photography skills by taking artistic images of this towering headland while you listen to the soothing sound of waves lapping the rounded stones at its base.

Jordan Pond

5/5(1 review)

See the looming shapes of the “Bubbles” mountains reflected in the exceptionally clear and deep water of Bar Harbor’s glacial pond.

Acadia National Park's Visitors Center

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and also enjoy the hiking trails in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy an outing to Bar Harbor Whale Watching during your stay in Bar Harbor. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Explore areas of Mount Desert Island

Otter Creek

Bars and parks are just a few things travellers like about Otter Creek. A stop by Acadia National Park is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Hulls Cove

Waterfront views, bars and parks highlight some of the notable features of Hulls Cove. Make a stop by Acadia National Park while you're exploring.

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.

Stone Haven

While Stone Haven may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Acadia National Park's Visitors Center and Bubble Rock.