Northeast Harbor, ME

Travel Guide

Northeast Harbor showing a bay or harbor
Northeast Harbor which includes autumn leaves, forests and a pond
Northeast Harbor showing forest scenes and a bay or harbor
Northeast Harbor which includes a pond and a garden
Northeast Harbor

Enjoy the finer things in life at this sleepy little waterside village, which has long held a reputation as the preferred summer getaway of the rich and famous. 

Find the beautiful village of Northeast Harbor on the sheltered southern side of Mount Desert Island in Maine. This tranquil place is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. It is no wonder it is a favorite vacation destination for the wealthy and famous, who come here to sail on the blue waters, hike the rugged coastline and enjoy excellent seafood.

Northeast Harbor has been drawing a star-studded list of visitors for many decades. In the early 20th century, iconic financier and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. was among those who considered this village a home away from home. Walk the sprawling reaches of the lovely Acadia National ParkOpens in a new window today to appreciate one of his major contributions to this community. Rockefeller helped to create this protected area, donating thousands of acres of his own land to the project.

Be sure to stop at peaceful Upper Hadlock Pond while you are in the national park. Stroll along the hiking trails around the water or simply relax and enjoy the postcard-perfect view of this tree-fringed pool. Another impressive outdoor space to visit in Northeast Harbor is the Asticou Azalea Garden. The beauty of this carefully cultivated, bloom-filled area has to be seen to be believed, especially in summer. The picturesque spot is a popular venue for weddings.

Enjoy astonishing panoramic views of the entire Northeast Harbor area and dramatic granite cliffs as you climb the granite stairs of the Asticou Terraces. Drive or walk up to the top to be rewarded with access to the magnificent Thuya Garden, another lush and well-tended garden that is a must-visit site.

Catch a domestic flight to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport and drive south to Northeast Harbor in about 20 minutes. Once you arrive, park your car and explore the little village itself by foot. The place is filled with charming independent boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and galleries. You can easily fill an afternoon discovering these attractions.

Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor

Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor

2.5 out of 5
10 Huntington Road, Northeast Harbor, ME
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Northeast Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,031 reviews)
"Staffs were friendly. Coffee was provided 24h."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor
Downtown suite near with water with central AC and shared washer/dryer

Downtown suite near with water with central AC and shared washer/dryer

Northeast Harbor
The price is ¥23,089 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥23,089
¥42,034 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Northeast Harbor. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Acadia ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Beautiful town, nice, clean and comfortable room
"The town is picture perfect and the restaurant and bakery below was fantastic. The room was perfect for our family of three. It was clean and had great added little touches. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Downtown suite near with water with central AC and shared washer/dryer
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth / Bar Harbor

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth / Bar Harbor

3 out of 5
215 High St, Ellsworth, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,113 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
¥19,113
¥20,833 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ellsworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean comfortable"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth / Bar Harbor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Downtown suite near with water with central AC and shared washer/dryer

Downtown suite near with water with central AC and shared washer/dryer

Northeast Harbor
Stay at this vacation home in Northeast Harbor. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Acadia ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Beautiful town, nice, clean and comfortable room
"The town is picture perfect and the restaurant and bakery below was fantastic. The room was perfect for our family of three. It was clean and had great added little touches. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Downtown suite near with water with central AC and shared washer/dryer
Stone Park

Stone Park

4 out of 5
377 High St, Ellsworth, ME
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ellsworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Seacoast Fun Park and Indian Point Trailhead ...
9/10 Wonderful! (165 reviews)
"Clean , the room was nice and spacious. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Stone Park
Hinckleys Dreamwood Cottages

Hinckleys Dreamwood Cottages

3 out of 5
318 Maine 3, Bar Harbor, ME
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Bar Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Acadia National Park's Visitors Center ...
7.4/10 Good! (88 reviews)
"Loved the manager and how he was very helpful. Cabin was clean and very functional for 2 people."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025

Hinckleys Dreamwood Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Northeast Harbor

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
36
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
32
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was lovely.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Tan Turtle is a good place to eat. Their seafood combo is excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fall foliage was spectacular!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The quote side of mount desert island,very stunning views and much less crowded and less expensive than Bar Harbor ,some great restaurants. Get the barbecue and craft beer at Atlantic brewing co. And defently check out Thurstians lobster ound.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great little local shops on a picturesque little harbor

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quiet, out of the way, charming, lovely friendly village with a good restaurant and beautiful harbor

Cities near Northeast Harbor