Southwest Harbor Vacation Rentals

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Make Southwest Harbor your next getaway

Each year, more than two million people pass through the borders of Acadia National Park, the 47,000-acre expanse that protects some of Maine's most scenic shorelines and bald granite summits. Some of these hikers and kayakers find a charming home base in Bar Harbor, the bustling resort town made famous by New England's vacationing elite. But others discover the Maine of their dreams on the peaceful streets of Southwest Harbor, a nearby seaside haven known as much for its sparkling beauty as its complete and utter tranquility. It's a place to rest and retreat into the "quietside" of Mount Desert Island - and you'll do it best at our beautiful Southwest Harbor vacation rentals.

Explore Southwest Harbor house rentals, duplexes, studios, and more

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House rentals

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Duplexes

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Studios

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Popular amenities for Southwest Harbor vacation rentals

Popular
Dog-friendly Hot tub Internet
Acadia Quietside Retreat
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath | Sleeps 8

Acadia Quietside Retreat - Southwest Harbor, ME

$321 avg / night
4.67 (24)
Mansett Overlook
4 Bedroom | 2 Bath | Sleeps 9

Mansett Overlook - Southwest Harbor, ME

$442 avg / night
4.1 (29)
Southside at Cobb Nob
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath | Sleeps 6

Southside at Cobb Nob - Southwest Harbor, ME

$428 avg / night
4.38 (8)
Clarkside at Cobb Nob
4 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath | Sleeps 8

Clarkside at Cobb Nob - Southwest Harbor, ME

$413 avg / night
5.0 (3)
The Birdhouse of Maine
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | Sleeps 4

The Birdhouse of Maine - Southwest Harbor, ME

$336 avg / night
4.38 (13)

View 4 more homes

Recent Southwest Harbor guest reviews

The Bird House is a lovely, peaceful cottage nestled among the trees with water view glimpses just a few steps away from the beautiful beach path of the rocky harbor. It accommodated a family of four comfortably. The inside was clean with updated bedroom furniture and updated bathrooms. The whole place felt bright and welcoming with a coastal vibe of hand-picked decorative artwork and furnishings. The cottage can be warm and cozy perfect for cooler weather or open and breezy to take advantage of warmer days. Shops, dining, bakery, and even the post office were all within walking distance. The local market was just a short drive for us to dine in among the tree tops on the porch. Our family is looking forward to planning a future adventure with family friends in one of the larger homes, so we can gather together.
Janee S. | Oct 2024
Beautiful interior
Lauren M. | Oct 2024
Overall, the stay was fine for our purposes.
Michael M. | Oct 2024
Southwest Harbor vacation rental FAQ

Yes, 25 of our Southwest Harbor homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).

Browse dog-friendly homes >

Yes. 82 of our Southwest Harbor vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.

Browse homes with internet access >


Some of the most popular amenities in our Southwest Harbor vacation rentals include:

Our standard check-in time is 4:00 p.m., and the check-out time is 10:00 a.m. Some exceptions apply—after you book, you’ll find check-in and check-out details in the Vacasa guest app or your Trip Manager.

Absolutely. Our local Southwest Harbor team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.

Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >

No worries, plans change. Read over our cancellation policy for more information. And if you currently have a Vacasa reservation for Southwest Harbor, log in to Trip Manager to see options available for your specific trip.

Book confidently. Stay comfortably.

Vacasa Guest Value Prop icon: 24-7
24/7 guest service
Vacasa Guest Value Prop Icon check-in
Seamless check-in
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Professional cleaning

Where is Southwest Harbor?

First settled by Europeans in 1761 and incorporated as a town in 1905, Southwest Harbor is named for its position at the southwest entrance of Somes Sound - the body of water that cuts through the center of Mount Desert Island. With a population of just 1,800 people, Southwest Harbor is the largest town on the western quietside of Mount Desert Island, and one that sits only 20 miles south of Ellsworth on Route 102. You'll be directly across the sound from Northeast Harbor, 14 miles southwest of Bar Harbor, and 14 miles south of Acadia's Hulls Cove Visitor Center. 

Things to Do in Southwest Harbor

In its early years, Southwest Harbor was a community built upon fishing, lumber, agriculture, and trade. But since that time, the town has sustained itself as a yacht-building epicenter and an alluring summer respite for visitors to Acadia.

Your vacation begins on the quiet streets that trace the harbor, where you can peruse a lovely selection of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, or charter a boat to reach Sutton, Little Cranberry, and Great Cranberry Islands offshore. Spend your days kayaking, sailing, or visiting the Wendell Gilley Museum, a community institution that showcases and teaches the art of decorative bird carving.

Taste the incredible flavors of the ocean at Beal's Lobster Pier near the tip of Clark Point, or catch a glimpse of the Bear Island Lighthouse from the village of Manset to the south. Come sunset, there's no better view than the one from Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, a picturesque beacon that sits just four miles south.

Visiting Acadia National Park from Southwest Harbor

Roughly one-third of Acadia's lakes, summits, and shores sit on the quietside of Mount Desert Island, making them an easy drive, paddle, or bike ride from our Southwest Harbor vacation rentals.

Within a few miles of Southwest Harbor, you'll find a walking trail that traces the shoreline of Long Pond and several others that climb the summits of Beech Mountain, Bernard Mountain, and Mansell Mountain. Spend a summer day on the sand at Echo Lake Beach three miles north, or take a short drive to the west side of the island to experience some of the park's most famous landscapes.

Hit the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail before dawn to catch the first rays of sunshine in the United States, or stroll along the Ocean Path to watch the waves crash on Acadia's most iconic cliffs. Thrill-seekers will relish an ascent of Champlain Mountain on the Precipice Trail, while leisure-lovers can sample homemade popovers and chowder in the dining room at Jordan Pond House.

Experience the rugged coast of Maine in its natural splendor - reserve your stay at one of our Southwest Harbor vacation rentals!

Photo Credit: Chris Potako via Flickr