Southwest Harbor

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Southwest Harbor - Acadia Nat't Park

A travel journal to Southwest Harbor by Constance

Mt. Desert OceanariumMore Photos

Southwest Harbor is the second largest town on the island. Although smaller and quieter, it still has some wonderful B&B's and restaurants along with an amazing harbor. Best of all - about 1/2 the tourist of Bar Harbor!

  • 4 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 5 photos

Southwest Harbor - Acadia Nat't ParkBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Take the short walk along Main Street while enjoying an ice cream cone. Wander into the small shops and then venture down to the pier and see the lobster buoys and traps by the dock.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is a must. Although you can walk around town fairly easily, you'll need a car to see the rest of the island.

The Deck HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Deck House is both a restaurant and cabaret theater. It's located right on the Water in the marina so the views are amazing. There's an outside deck that allows you to venture out to enjoy the fresh air blowing in off the ocean. The sunset from here is beautiful. The restaurant has delicious food and a lively environment. The best part is the wait staff - who are not only waiters, they're also the entertainment! They perform a wonderful show as you're enjoying your meal. A little singing, a little dancing... it's not Broadway, but it's great anyway.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Constance on July 6, 2000

The Deck House
Great Harbor Marina Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679
(207) 244-5044

Mount Desert OceanariumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mt. Desert Oceanarium"

Behind the Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is the best place on the island to discover what's in the surrounding ocean waters. It's fun for kids and adults. There are more than 20 tanks holding sea cucumbers, snails, horseshoe crabs, scallops, star fish, sea urchins and much more. Guides answer questions and tell interesting facts about the ocean life. The best part is the large tank where you can actually reach in and pick up the ocean life. Beware - (not of the creatures) - of the water! It's freezing!!!!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Constance on July 5, 2000

Mount Desert Oceanarium
Clark Point Road Southwest Harbor, Maine
(207) 244-7330

Wendell Gilley MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The museum really captures nature at it's best. It's best known for it's bird carving exhibits. They offer demonstrations and even workshops. It's amazing to see the intricate details on the carvings. The museum is small and unless you want to stay for the workshops it won't take long to tour. If you're interested in carvings it's worth a stop if you're in the area.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Constance on July 6, 2000

Wendell Gilley Museum
4 Herrick Road Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679
(207) 244-7555

South West Harbor PierBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Harbor View
The town pier has a wonderful mix of local lobsterboats and pleasure crafts. You can drive right onto a wooden parking area over the water and watch the boats come and go all day. You'd have to get there very early in the morning to catch the lobster boats going (around 4:30 a.m) but it's more fun watching them come back at the end of the day with their catch. You can see traps stacked on the docks and you'll even catch an occassional whiff of herring (aka - lobster bait) but it adds to the Maine ambience.

About the Writer

Constance
Constance
New York, New York

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