Take in the waterfront beauty of Bass Harbor
Enjoy the monuments and other features of Bass Harbor. Renowned for its island views, hiking and parks, this city welcomes all visitors. Many of our vacation rentals offer full kitchens, spacious living quarters and sometimes even a hot tub—perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Exploring islands near Bass Harbor
Just a quick ferry ride from Bass Harbor, a quaint summer paradise awaits on Swan's Island. There are a number of attractions around the community but a great place to start is the Swan's Island Lobster and Marine Museum which displays antique fishing gear, boat models and a collection of photos that give insight to the island's heritage. You'll also want to visit the 1870's lighthouse here, where you can climb to the top of the light tower and check out art and history exhibits in the keeper's house. There's also a white-sand beach on the island, perfect for swimming and sunning on warm days.
Out on the waves in Bass Harbor
There's so much to do on land in the Acadia area but don't miss the opportunity to take in the incredible scenery from the surrounding waters. Boat rides from Bass Harbor offer the chance to cruise around the offshore islands and national park aboard sail boats and lobster boats, spying lazing seals and nesting birds along the way. Perfect for the whole family, these excursions usually take place during the warmer months. If you're traveling without kids, sunset sails are the perfect way to add a touch of romance as you witness the incredible show of pinks and oranges painted across the evening sky.
Summers outside in Bass Harbor
Summers in Bass Harbor are ideal for all the outdoor activities that Mount Desert Island and the surrounding waters have to offer. From boat excursions out on the waves to hikes along the rocky coast, there are endless ways to enjoy warm days in this season. June through August are the ideal time to visit, as average highs peak close to 80 degrees and evenings cool off enough to call for sweaters. If you visit in summer, why not look for a Bass Harbor vacation rental on the water, perfect for watching the sun rise with a cup of coffee each morning.
Hitting the trails near Bass Harbor
Mount Desert Island is a nature-lover's paradise and the area around Bass Harbor brims with opportunities to spot wildlife. With the huge expanse of Acadia National Park on the outskirts of the village, there's a wealth of hiking routes to explore and a couple of coastal trailheads are just a quick jaunt from your Bass Harbor vacation rental. The 1.5-mile Wonderland Trail is a family-friendly option that follows a well-marked path along pine forests to oceanside tide pools. Longer treks for all levels of hikers can be found in other areas of the Park, whether you prefer to follow the coast or head for mountain summits.
How to get to and around Bass Harbor
Fly into Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor), the closest airport, located 13.8 mi (22.2 km) from the city center.