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Where is Mount Desert Island located?
- Located just off the east coast of Maine, Mount Desert Island was first discovered by explorers from Europe in 1604 and was first settled in 1762.
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Why do visitors come to Mount Desert Island?
- Today, the island draws a regular contingent of summer vacationers who come to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities.
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What outdoor activities are available on the island?
- Apart from enjoying a large selection of marine activities, including scenic cruises, canoe and kayak excursions, and all types of boating, visitors can also spend some time enjoying the extraordinary Thuya Garden Preserve, where there are three gardens to admire and acres and acres of protected areas to explore.
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Why is Mount Desert Island popular among artists?
- It is no surprise that such a beautiful location attracts many artists, and you can look forward to visiting several galleries and studios in the quaint New England towns that dot the shores of Somes Sound.
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1. Asticou Azalea Garden
Inspired by the grace and beauty of the classic gardens of Japan, the Asticou Azalea Garden on Mount Desert Island is nothing short of inspirational. The garden was established in 1957 by Charles K. Savage as part of the Thuya Garden Preserve and has grown ever more beautiful as it has matured. No two visits to the garden are ever quite the same as each month brings its own changes and rewards. Heralding the start of summer, you can admire a beautiful flowering cherry tree in mid-May, followed by the tapestry of colors of the flowering azaleas and rhododendrons from late May to June. As each month passes there is a succession of beautiful shrubs and trees to admire against the backdrop of a stunning reflective lake.
Asticou Azalea Garden, 3 Sound Drive, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, Phone: 207-276-3727
2. Thuya Garden Preserve
Covering a massive 1400 acres between Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor and Acadia National Park, Thuya Garden Preserve is one of Mount Desert Island’s most popular attractions. The Garden Preserve is made up of three separate gardens namely the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, the Thuya Garden and the Asticou Azalea Garden. Visitors can spend several very pleasant hours exploring the three inspirational gardens, or pull on their hiking boots to explore several trails which lead through the verdant preserve, through peaceful meadows and alongside Little Long Pond. Thuya garden features terraces filled with many beautiful trees, shrubs and floral borders, and is named for the white cedar tree, Thuya Occidentalis.
Thuya Garden, 15 Thuya Drive, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, Phone: 207-276-3727
3. Somes Sound
Located in the lower section of Mount Desert Island, Somes Sound is a very large and scenic deep body of water which was formed by past glacial movement. Back in the day, mariners used to seek protection from storms in the calm waters of the sound and a number of settlements were established along its shores. Today Somes Sound is a Mecca for water sport enthusiasts who can indulge in all their favorite activities. All kinds of boating are popular and canoe, kayak and sailing rentals are available at all the villages along the shoreline. You can join a guided kayaking excursion or hop aboard any number of scenic cruises for a different perspective of Mount Desert Island.
Somes Sound, Mount Desert Island, ME 04662
4. Acadia Repertory Theatre
Your summer vacation in Mount Desert would be incomplete without visiting the popular Acadia Repertory Theatre. Located in Somesville, the Acadia Repertory Theatre is housed in the historic Masonic Hall, which is converted into an intimate performance venue each summer. The first show of the annual summer season kicks off in late June and is followed by a further three plays before winding up the season on the Labor Day weekend. In addition, the theatre produces a Children’s Theatre Program every Wednesday and Saturday morning during the entire summer season. The theatre showcases a diverse selection of playwrights from Shakespeare and Sophocles to Shaw and Neil Simon.
Acadia Repertory Theatre, 1154 Main St, Mount Desert, ME 04660, Phone: 207-244-7260
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina – A luxurious waterfront stay in Bar Harbor.
Visit Acadia National Park – Enjoy early-season hiking without the summer crowds.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for exploring the island.
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – A historic and elegant stay with ocean views.
Drive the Park Loop Road – Take in stunning coastal views and stop at Cadillac Mountain.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage.
Claremont Hotel – A peaceful and scenic retreat.
Explore Jordan Pond – Hike along the shoreline and try the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House.
Plan Your Trip
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