Southwest Harbor vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
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Popular amenities for Southwest Harbor vacation rentals
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Southwest Harbor house rentals
Home in Southwest Harbor
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviewsHoneymoon Retreat - Private and Quiet
Home in Southwest Harbor
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviewsQuiet side ranch home SW Harbor. Prime MDI locale
Home in Southwest Harbor
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviewsEvergreen Hill in Acadia National Park
Home in Southwest Harbor
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviewsCLEAN, spacious, each BR has private full bathroom
Home in Mount Desert
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviewsThe Arthaus, an eclectic retreat for two
Home in Harrington
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviewsA waterfront home on the rugged Maine coast.
Home in Mount Desert
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviewsThelma's Garden Cottage
Home in Bar Harbor
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 173 reviewsHulls Cove Cottage
Southwest Harbor cottage rentals
Cottage in Trenton
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 281 reviewsNEW Whitetail Cottage, Acadia National Park 7m
Cottage in Tremont
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviewsEvergreen | ♥Romantic Retreat | Cozy & quiet+ WiFi
Cottage in Mount Desert
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 405 reviewsCottage by Acadia National Park
Cottage in Brooklin
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviewsHistoric School House now with High Speed Internet
Cottage in Waltham
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 690 reviewsQuiet lakefront cottage on Graham Lake
Cottage in Mount Desert
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviewsCozy Seal Harbor Cottage
Cottage in Bar Harbor
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 272 reviewsLedgewood Grove Cottage in Bar Harbor
Cottage in Sedgwick
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviewsExquisitely Modern Maine Cottage @Diagonair
Southwest Harbor cabin rentals
Cabin in Southwest Harbor
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviewsMichael's Cabin
Cabin in Camden
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 717 reviewsCozy Village Cottage
Cabin in Mount Desert
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 272 reviewsLakefront Cabin in Acadia National Park
Cabin in Southwest Harbor
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviewsSouthwest Harbor Cozy Cabin #2
Cabin in Lamoine
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviewsSimple Solitude Near Acadia
Cabin in Sullivan
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 176 reviewsPrivate Waterfront Cabin off the Grid
Cabin in Bar Harbor
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 296 reviewsEden on Norway
Cabin in Eastbrook
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviewsHemlock Cabin.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor
Total rentals
470 properties
Rentals with a pool
10 properties have a pool
Pet-friendly rentals
150 properties allow pets
Family-friendly rentals
300 properties are a good fit for families
Total number of reviews
20K reviews
Nightly prices starting at
$20 before taxes and fees
Your guide to Southwest Harbor
All About Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor, a town just off the coast of northern Maine, is New England at its most picturesque, where streets lined with clapboard houses sit amid pine trees and where sailboats bob along the inlets of Somes Sound. Located on the southern shore of Mount Desert Island, the township is the more serene counterpart to bustling Bar Harbor on the island’s northeast side.
Take a stroll along the coast for idyllic views of the sound and Little Cranberry Island, a tiny, artistic community that can be reached by ferry. Turn inland and head downtown to explore classic New England shops selling local blueberry jam and tourmaline jewelry, as well as handmade crafts with a nautical theme. Settle in for dinner at one of the harborside restaurants, where you can enjoy Maine’s best-known staple — fresh lobster.
Just moments outside downtown is the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park, where you’ll find 158 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of historic, scenic roads. The Great Head Trail takes you 1.7 miles along the coastline and through hardwood forests, passing by an early-1900s tea house. The area is also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, and you can paddle along the shoreline of Somes Sound while harbor seals and other marine life come to greet you.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Southwest Harbor
The islands off the Maine coast experience some dramatic shifts in weather conditions over the course of the year, from blustery and cold to appealing and sunny. The best time to visit Southwest Harbor is from June to September, when the weather is at its warmest, the heat moderated by ocean breezes. Fourth of July is a fun time to visit, as the town launches a fantastic fireworks display over the harbor. August is when you’ll see the least amount of rain and be able to enjoy the outdoors at its best.
While the fall months here are well known for the spectacular foliage, the temperature quickly becomes brisk and rainy — November is the rainiest month. Maine winters can be icy, with temperatures staying well below zero in December through February, intensified by stiff winds and lots of precipitation. The local community center counteracts the chill with a holiday celebration that features crafts and artistic performances.
Top things to do in Southwest Harbor
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, which covers half of Mount Desert Island, is known for its unspoiled expanses of rocky headlands, forests, and wetlands, which are protected from the Atlantic Ocean by high mountains. The old carriage roads running through the park weave through U-shaped valleys and past granite domes. The Southwest Harbor side of the park is less mountainous than the Bar Harbor side, but you can find several scenic, level trails that will lead you to picnic spots by the water.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which stands at the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay, sits on a cliff on the very southern tip of Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park. The structure dates back to 1855 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Today, the lighthouse is a private home, but a path takes visitors up to the light and bell. While you are there, you can take the wooden steps to the granite boulders below to see the lighthouse from the harbor.
Great Cranberry Island
A short ferry trip will bring you from Southwest Harbor to Great Cranberry Island, just to the east of town. The largest of the Cranberry Isles, it measures just two miles long. You can visit the History Museum on the island, walk the beautiful trail to the shore, and cross over to tiny Crow Island on foot at low tide. A highlight of the year here is the Ladies Aid Fair, held annually in August since 1900, with handmade quilts on display and crafts and baked goods for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vacation rentals are available in Southwest Harbor?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor. From over 30 cabin rentals, over 50 cottage rentals to over 190 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Southwest Harbor?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 160 vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Southwest Harbor. Choose from more than 150 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Experience the best of Southwest Harbor with our house rentals, starting at about $80 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in Southwest Harbor have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 90 house rentals with self check-in in Southwest Harbor. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Southwest Harbor have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 190 house rentals with wifi in Southwest Harbor. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Southwest Harbor have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 160 house rentals with a bbq area in Southwest Harbor. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly house rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Southwest Harbor has more than 170 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Are there Southwest Harbor vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 10 vacation homes with pools in Southwest Harbor, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Southwest Harbor?
Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 160 homes with a bbq area, over 190 homes with wifi, over 90 homes with self check-in, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.
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