Mt Desert Island (outside of BH & Acadia)

Question

We, 4 adults, will be visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia NP from Aug 30-Sep 6. We want to spend a full day exploring the quieter side of Mt Desert Island. The Naturalist's Notebook (Seal Harbor) and South Harbor Lighthouse (sunset) are on our list. Beyond that, we are just looking for local places, great scenery, nice walks/hikes, and good food. We're a backpacking, outdoor, national park family, so not looking for fancy...just authentic. How would you spend your day?

Answer

Spending a day exploring the quieter side of Mount Desert Island sounds like an excellent plan, especially if you’re looking for scenic beauty, peaceful walks, and authentic local experiences. Here’s a suggested itinerary that balances outdoor activities with opportunities to experience the natural charm of the area, far from the more tourist-heavy spots in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Start your day with a scenic drive through the island’s smaller roads, which will take you away from the crowds and into some of the island's most serene areas. Here’s how I would suggest spending your day:

Morning: Breakfast & Early Hike
Start with a hearty breakfast at a local café. In Seal Harbor, there’s The Cafe at The Jackson Laboratory, a quiet spot with a great selection of coffee and pastries. From there, head to the Jordan Pond Path (outside Acadia but still on the island). It’s a relatively easy hike with lovely views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains. If you’re up for a more challenging hike, consider the Beehive Trail, which offers sweeping views of the island from the top.
Mid-Morning: Seal Harbor & Naturalist's Notebook
After your hike, stop by The Naturalist’s Notebook in Seal Harbor, which is a great spot to find unique local art, books, and gifts related to the area’s wildlife and natural history. It's a lovely, peaceful area with plenty to explore, so take your time browsing.
Lunch: Local Seafood
For lunch, head to Thurston's Lobster Pound in Bernard. This is one of the island's most authentic lobster shacks, located along the water. It’s a little off the beaten path and offers a more low-key, traditional Maine lobster experience. You can enjoy lobster rolls or other seafood while taking in the beautiful harbor views.
Afternoon: Quiet Exploration & More Hikes
In the afternoon, take a leisurely drive to Southwest Harbor. This town is much quieter than Bar Harbor and offers lovely views of the harbor and quieter beaches. You might also enjoy a stroll through the Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor, which is peaceful and beautifully landscaped.
Sunset: South Harbor Lighthouse
For sunset, make your way to South Harbor Lighthouse (on the quiet side of the island), which provides fantastic views of the water and the setting sun. It’s a peaceful spot with great photo opportunities, especially as the light softens in the evening.

For dinner, consider stopping at The Lobster Shack in Southwest Harbor for a casual, authentic meal or Red Sky in Southwest Harbor for a more intimate dining experience. Both offer great food with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

If you're still up for it, you can finish the evening with a stroll along Echo Lake or relax at a local bar for a quiet drink, soaking in the peaceful vibes of the island. The area is well known for its quiet, natural beauty, so you’ll find plenty of scenic spots to unwind.

This itinerary is designed to help you explore the natural side of the island while staying away from the crowds. You’ll get to enjoy scenic views, beautiful hikes, and great food, all while soaking up the authenticity of Mount Desert Island.

Mt Desert Island (outside of BH & Acadia)

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