Water Fun When Visiting Acadia National Park
Frenchman Bay on the East side of the island, Western Way to the South, or Blue Hill Bay on the West, the expanse of water views are all unique and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away!
View of Somes Sound from Valley Peak in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are filled with natural wonders, water-fun family-friendly activities, and moments that make visitors say WOW!
Starfish, Acadia National Park
WELCOME TO THE STARFISH ENTERPRISE
All aboard! Diver Ed's Dive in Theater is hands-down one of the most fun and unique experiences you and your kids can have on the open waters.
Diver Ed and the crew of the Starfish Enterprise (a 51-foot, 70-passenger U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel) take you on an interactive adventure where you can observe Diver Ed collecting and returning to the boat with sea life! Touch tanks then allow you to observe, learn about, and handle the mysterious creatures before they are returned, unharmed, to their watery home. This is Jen's #1 recommended water trip for families!
Call for Reservations! (207) 288-3483
Acadia National Park Ranger
HIKE ISLE AU HAUT
Acadia National Park Isle au Haut is a day adventure you and the family will be talking about for years to come! Isle au Haut is a small island 15 miles off the coast of Mount Desert Island and is only accessible by mailboat from the town of Stonington.
This rugged, mostly untouched territory has hidden coves, rocky beaches, stunning coastline cliffs, and 20 miles of hiking trails both on the coast and in the interior of the island.
To get the best hiking for your day, take Duck Harbor Mountain Trail to Goat Trail, then onto Cliff Trail, and finish on Western Head Trail.
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The Lowdown on Lobster in Acadia National Park
Frenchman Bay on the East side of the island, Western Way to the South, or Blue Hill Bay on the West, the expanse of water views are all unique and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away!
Mount Desert Island is undoubtedly beautiful, but Jen would argue that the waters that surround Mount Desert are even more so. Don’t take her word for it, come and see for yourself. Whether you're in Frenchman Bay on the East side of the island, Western Way to the South, or Blue Hill Bay on the West, the expanse of water views are all unique and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away!
Ben and Bill's Emporium in Bar Harbor, Maine
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Did you know a mother lobster can carry up to 100,000 eggs at a time? We know that traveling with children feels like the same amount of work and the less you have to bring with you the better.
Let us help with our Baby Gear Rentals, including strollers, pack and plays, and hiking backpacks. We even offer Adventure Bags for kids (full of activities) and boxes of toys to keep the little ones entertained.
Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay
PORCUPINE ISLANDS IN FRENCHMAN BAY
Legend states that the Porcupine Islands came into existence when a Native American chief hiked to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Four porcupines joined him on the mountain and started to pester him. He ignored them for as long as he could, until he eventually threw each of them into the bay, where they instantly turned into the Porcupine Islands.
You can visit our Porcupines by boat, sea kayak and even by foot by walking to Bar Island, one of the Porcupine Islands, during low tide.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in Maine
MEET YOU AT THE POUND
Did you know that the gulf of Maine is more densely populated with lobster than any location in the world, averaging 1 lobster per square meter?
Jen prefers dining on lobster from a working pound where you can get better value and a more authentic experience than in a restaurant. Her favorites include Beal’s in Southwest Harbor, Thurston’s in Bass Harbor, and Trenton Bridge in Trenton. Bon appetit!
Whale Spotting in Maine
THE WATER IS CALLING...
Sea Kayaking, whale watching, sailing and nature trips...there are endless ways to experience the waters around Mount Desert Island!
Some of our favorites are:
Diver Ed's Dive in Theater - #1 recommended trip for families.
Friendship V-Bar Harbor Whale Watching - a first-hand view of whales and other wildlife.
The Schooner Margaret Todd - a 151' 4-Masted Schooner.
Lulu’s Lobster Boat -a traditional Downeast lobster boat.
Sea Kayaking with Maine State Sea Kayak -paddle the quiet West side of the island.
Be sure to check out our Vacation Services page!
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A Perfect Day in Bar Harbor Maine
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Acadia’s winter wonderland or slow down and plan for summer fun.
Winter in Maine
Cold weather months in Maine require people to embrace “koselig”, the Norwegian word for warm and cozy feelings. Thick socks and hot drinks after a snowy hike or ski are all things that evoke koselig. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Acadia’s winter wonderland or slow down and plan for summer fun. Your vacation awaits!
Mountain Sea Properties Housecleaning Services
EMBRACE YOUR VACATION
Planning an extended stay or have a full house? Spend your time exploring and having fun while one of our housekeeping staff fully cleans your rental home. Cleaning includes: fresh bed linens & towels, kitchen & bathrooms, vacuuming & mopping floors, dusting, & straightening up all common areas. Learn more
Acadia National Park Island Explorer
EXPLORE ACADIA
One of the best ways to explore Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island is the Island Explorer that runs from late June through Columbus Day. These free, clean powered shuttles transport visitors to the carriage roads, hiking trails, beaches, and local shops and restaurants.
With nine bus routes connecting campgrounds, hotels and inns, and island villages, you can sit back, take in the natural beauty around you, and connect with family and friends.
Learn more about the
Island Explorer Free
Shuttle Service
Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park
ACADIA: THE COMPLETE GUIDE
While grabbing lunch recently at Peekytoe, Jen found James Kaiser’s 2016 edition of Acadia: The Complete Guide. Filled with stunning photos, this local guide is like Tapas, you get a little bit of everything: rich imagery, island history, and highlights of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
If it piques your interest in the park, you can purchase an additional hiking or biking guide to give you a complete entrée on what the area has to offer.
1932 Criterion Theater in Bar Harbor, Maine
WANNA CATCH A FLICK?
Mount Desert Island has two unique movie theaters that are worth a visit!
Reel Pizza: Catch the newest releases or an independent/foreign film while eating gourmet pizza and drinking locally crafted beer all while relaxing on a couch. And the popcorn toppings are to die for!
Criterion Theater: Built in 1932 (and was once a speakeasy!), the non-profit Criterion shows movies, live theater, and concerts. The stunning art deco building was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1980.
Be sure to check out our Vacation Services page!
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Quiet Time In Acadia National Park
Mount Desert Island is the place to be in winter. There's great hiking with panoramic views, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park is your playground! Your vacation awaits!
Cross-country skiing in Acadia National Park
Mountain Sea Properties Facebook page
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
As the temperature drops, knowing if you should plan a hike, pull out the ski gear, or hunker down with a warm cup of cocoa and a good book just got easier. Follow the Mountain Sea Properties Facebook page for up-to-date weather and information about Acadia National Park. Our Facebook page is filled with current MDI news, work by local artists, inspiring photos, and information on area outdoor activities.
Join our Facebook Community!
Cross-country skiing for the whole family
WHEN THERE IS SNOW...
You'll find Adam, Jen's husband, who volunteers as a groomer, helping keep the carriage roads ready and waiting for cross country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing.
To stay up-to-date on the grooming and skiing status of the carriage roads, go to Acadia Winter Trails Association.
Ice Skating in Acadia National Park
WHEN THERE IS NO SNOW...
In between snowfalls, many of the island lakes are perfect for ice skating and the Wales family even maintains a “pond rink” on Long Pond. Long Pond, Somes Pond, and Eagle Lake are a few of Jen’s favorite places to skate. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and join the fun!
Be sure to check out our Vacation Services page!
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Mount Desert Island, Maine and Acadia National Park are Always Open!
A lot of people think the island shuts down during the colder months. It definitely gets quieter and you won’t see as many t-shirt shops open, but what does stay open are the cream of the crop: the locally owned businesses.
Biking the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park
BIKING THE CARRIAGE ROADS
Biking Acadia National Park Carriage Roads is a favorite activity for locals and visitors. 45 miles of car-free roads allow bikers to leave the hustle and bustle behind and feel at one with nature.
There are many parking areas and access points to the carriage roads from the North side of Eagle Lake, Bubble Pond, the Hulls Cove Visitors Center, and Jordan Pond. One of Mountain Sea Properties favorite rides is down the east shore of Eagle Lake, past the west shore of Bubble Pond down to Jordan Pond House and back again. It never gets old!
To rent a boke on the island, check out the Bar Harbor Bike Shop and Southwest Cycle.
To help plan your biking adventure, download this Carriage Roads Map.
Bar Harbor, Maine in Winter
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
A lot of people think the island shuts down during the colder months. It definitely gets quieter and you won’t see as many t-shirt shops open, but what does stay open are the cream of the crop: the locally owned businesses. The Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and Southwest Harbor Chambers have updated information to help you find businesses that are open during your winter stay.
Farmer’s Markets on Mount Desert Island, Maine
FARM TO TABLE
Did you know there are two local farms that are open year round? Smith Family Farm is a dairy farm with milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as veggies and a selection of meats. Farmers Maggie and Lucian are active members of the community and support schools and educational programs. Follow them on Facebook & visit their website.
The Brown Family Farm is a pork farm located in Otter Creek. Farmer Chris is a key organizer of the free weekly community meal in Bar Harbor and gives so much to the community! Follow them on Facebook & visit their website.
Be sure to check out our Vacation Services page!
CHECK OUT MOUNTAIN SEA PROPERTIES VACATION HOME RENTALS AVAILABILITY
YOUR VACATION AWAITS!