We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.
As one of the first places to see the sunrise in the United States, Acadia National Park is glorious no matter the time of day you visit.
Established in 1916, Acadia National Park is one of the top ten most visited national parks in the United States. It’s the only national park in the northeast so you’re likely to find a lot of other people visiting the area. With 26 mountains and over 20% of the Park considered wetland, there are endless nature viewing opportunities.
Make sure to download that bird call app and bring your binoculars. You’ll see everything from puffins to bald eagles to snowy owls and you won’t want to miss it!
Check out the list below to find the ideal Airbnb to go home to after your adventures are done for the day.
Related Read: 10 Super & Secluded Cabin Rental in Maine
1. Waterfront Dream Rental
Why you should stay: be at one with nature in your birthday suit — there’s an outdoor shower.
- Location: Mount Desert
- Sleeps: 7 guests
- Minimum Stay: 6 nights
- Rates from: $617/night
It’s a rare experience to stay within a National Park without having to stay at the Park’s lodge, but that’s exactly what you get in this beautiful bungalow. Owned by the Reath family for over 100 years, this property sits within an inholding of the National Park.
They’ve tastefully decorated the house with old photographs including what the original house looked like. Take in the views of Somes Sound on the 40-foot deck or swim in the chilly waters off your own rocky bluff. If you’re here with family, the kids will love the gorgeous, life-size playhouse outdoors.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Spectacular Glamping Spots Near Acadia National Park, Maine
2. Jordan Cottage
Why you should stay: you might see Martha Stewart on her picnic yacht — yes, that’s a thing!
- Location: Mount Desert
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $159/night
Ever wonder what it’s like to live like a Rockefeller? Now’s your chance! At this newly-renovated cottage residing in Seal Harbor (the same place as the summer home of the famed oil tycoon family), you’ll get a real taste luxury. The cottage is the epitome of coastal Maine living with its bright and airy décor.
Sit on the patio in the evening to hear the bell buoy and the lobster boats coming in to dock. Or take in the view from the bedroom of Barr Hill which is still owned by the Rockefeller family.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 14 Best Hikes in Maine for Exploring the Great Outdoors
3. The Lighthouse Cottage
Why you should stay: a kayaker’s dream rental.
- Location: Bar Harbor
- Sleeps: 2 guests
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $149/night
Enter into the ideal setting for those needing more adventure on the seas than on land. This quaint and cozy cottage sits on a private beach in Salisbury Cove where you can launch whatever human-powered sea vessel you own.
However, if you don’t own anything, the hosts have six stand up paddleboards for you to choose from free of charge.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Maine
4. Three-Story Chalet
Why you should stay: who needs one deck when you can have two…wait, nope, there’s three decks here!
- Location: Bar Harbor
- Sleeps: 6 guests
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $450/night
You cannot beat the views from this luxurious vacation home sitting just 100 feet from the boundary of Acadia. With more than enough room for anyone who wants to hop in your car for an adventure, this home is ideal for families.
Have a toddler? Don’t worry, the media room is full of fun games for them to entertain themselves. Have a teenager who loves the stars? Then they have full access to the in-house telescope (there’s two of them)! And for the adults there’s a hammock out back while you lock your family inside the home. Just kidding… well, sort of.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Unique Vacation Rentals in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
5. Poets Cabin
Why you should stay: peace and quiet abound to inspire your next New York Times bestseller.
- Location: Southwest Harbor
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $150/night
Tucked away in a secluded part of the Island, this whimsical abode reminds us of a cottage found in a Grimm’s Fairy Tale story. Do you have writer’s block? Perhaps you’re the star in an upcoming stage play? Or maybe you’re struggling to write your next big musical hit?
Regardless of your profession, this home will spark some real magic to get your creative juices flowing. Just make sure there’s no monsters in your creative juices, this place gets really dark at night and can spook even the bravest of men.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Charming Yurt Rentals in Maine
6. Iris Ledge
Why you should stay: at $32(ish) dollar a night per person, this is one of the most affordable places to stay in Bar Harbor.
- Location: Bar Harbor
- Sleeps: 7 guests
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $225/night
Bring the whole dang family (including Fido!) to this tranquil escape on Mount Desert Island, but still have plenty of space to sneak those Twizzlers without your toddler staring at you.
Iris Ledge sprawls over 2.5 secluded acres where even the closest of families can have some alone time. With nooks and crannies throughout the home, nobody will get on each other’s nerves. Ah, a parent’s paradise!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Must-See Waterfalls in Maine You Can Hike To
7. The Little House
Why you should stay: ignite, maintain, or rekindle a flame with your special someone.
- Location: Bar Harbor
- Sleeps: 2 guests
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $120/night
The aptly named “Little House” — it’s small and more like a lofted studio — packs a lot of punch in a small space. Sleep in late and then take your morning coffee downstairs overlooking the 7-acre property. Take up a competitive game of badminton or ping pong before making that romantic dinner in your cozy kitchen.
There’s no denying that there’s nowhere to hide in this small space, but you may not want to anyway if you’ve arrived with your beau.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Amazing Maine Swimming Holes & Swimming Beaches
8. Sunny and Spacious Home
Why you should stay: walk to a beach for a refreshing swim.
- Location: Mount Desert
- Sleeps: 6 guests
- Minimum Stay: 7 nights
- Rates from: $175/night
Feel as if you’ve stepped back in time in this lovely vacation home full of rustic and thoughtful touches throughout. With several wooden rocking chairs, you’ll want to take up knitting or at least a good book and settle into your home.
If weather allows, take your morning cup of joe outside onto your large deck to breathe in the salty air and listen to the loons’ haunting calls. Make sure to visit Long Pond while you’re there.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Scenic Oceanfront Campgrounds in Maine
9. The Bluff
Why you should stay: experience sunsets like no other from the comfort of your couch.
- Location: Tremont
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $165/night
This oceanfront home tucked away among balsam fir trees overlooks Duck Cove on Mount Desert Island and is the perfect place to experience some tranquility. The house itself is simple but includes everything you’d need on a vacation away from it all.
The true gem of this place, though, is the peace and relaxing atmosphere that surrounds the property. Bald eagles, loons, snowshoe hares, and even porpoises are frequent visitors seen from your deck. And the views! Oh, the views are magnificent!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Must-See Stops on a Boston to Bar Harbor Road Trip
10. Bobcat Cottage
Why you should stay: great for a family of 5 who need time away from the city.
- Location: Bernard
- Sleeps: 5 guests
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $140/night
Wall-to-wall-to-floor-to-ceiling wood planks (but in a good way) greet you in this cozy and rustic cabin. The natural feel to the home is offset by the metal spiral staircase ascending to the loft area — a kid’s dream play area!
If you still haven’t had enough of the natural atmosphere, then head out onto the property to hear the songbirds awaken each morning. Stay long enough on the porch, you’re bound to see one of the many critters that greet the are frequently.
Check Availability11. Summertime Cottage
Why you should stay: bring out your inner child (or bring the ones you have!) to this whimsical and playful abode.
- Location: Bar Harbor
- Sleeps: 8 guests
- Minimum Stay: 7 nights
- Rates from: $295/night
Romp around Mount Desert Island using this eclectic cottage as your basecamp. Filled with color and whimsy, this home brings out the inner child in even the grumpiest of people. The vibrant red staircase brings you upstairs to several rooms aptly decorated in the colors of the rainbow.
Downstairs in the kitchen, even the plates are full of various hues! Just try being cranky in this place, we dare you!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Where to View the Best Fall Foliage in New England
12. Acadia Woods Cabin
Why you should stay: you have access to their private chartering service (for a discounted fee).
- Location: Bar Harbor
- Sleeps: 4 guests
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $225/night
A tiny house sitting on three acres might be exactly what you need to refresh and rejuvenate. The home is quaint and cozy while the surrounding property is vast and majestic. Take it all in on your back porch or around the chiminea.
Bring your dog too because there’s even a 30’ dog run for your use. If you’re visiting June through October, hop on the free Island Explorer to take you wherever you’d like on the island (buses come every 30 minutes or so).
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: When is the Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park?
Plan Your Trip to Acadia National Park
- Want to experience a via ferrata without flying to Italy? Check out these hikes that feature iron rungs and cliff walks: Beehive Loop Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Beech Cliff Ladder Trail, or Precipice Trail.
- Experience one of the first sunrises of the United States atop Cadillac Mountain.
- Take a pit stop on your road trip around the island to Thunder Hole to see where it gets its name (we’ll give you a hint, waves… its waves).
- Rent some bikes and travel the Carriage Roads and Gatehouses within the Park, a gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr.
- Try one of the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House.
- Explore the gateway to Acadia: Bar Harbor. It’s full of good food and unique shops. Grab a mouth-watering lobster roll or pick up some souvenirs!
Explore More in New England
Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring more than 10,000 readers every week.
Seen in: Acadia National Park, Maine, National Parks, Northeast, Where to Stay
