Guide to Hotels, Inns, Vacation Rentals, & Lodging on Monhegan Island Maine
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Monhegan Island Maine is a picturesque, remote island 10 miles off the mainland that offers a tranquil escape with rugged natural beauty. Known for its dramatic cliffs, 17 miles of scenic hiking trails, and vibrant artist community, the island’s simplicity is its charm.
Know Your Lodging Options on Monhegan Island Maine
Lodging on Monhegan Island captures the essence of a serene coastal retreat with bed and breakfasts, inns, and vacation rentals. These accommodations often highlight the island’s quaint charm and natural beauty with ocean views and cozy amenities.
Prices for lodging on Monhegan can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation, the time of year, and the amenities offered. Generally, guests might find more budget-friendly rooms with shared baths, and MidCoast Maine lodging specials might even be available to reduce the overall cost.
It’s important to note that Monhegan Island is a seasonal destination, so some lodgings are only open during the warmer months. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season.
Featured Monhegan Island Maine Lodging
Getting to Know Monhegan Island Maine
Accessible only by boat, Monhegan Island provides a sense of seclusion and escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. It’s one of Maine’s most unchanged and unbelievably magical natural places.
Island Transport
With very few vehicles on the island (no visitors’ cars are allowed), Monhegan Island maintains a walking-friendly atmosphere that encourages exploration on foot. It has 17 miles of trails that crisscross the island, leading hikers through forests, over headlands, and along the rugged coastline.
Landscape & Wildlife
With its high cliffs, rocky shores, and lush woodlands, Monhegan offers dramatic and diverse scenery that captivates nature lovers and photographers.
Much of the island is protected land, ensuring that its natural beauty is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Because of this mostly unchanged landscape, the island is a hot spot for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations, attracting bird enthusiasts from all over.
Artistic Heritage & Community
Monhegan Island has a long-standing reputation as a haven for artists, inspired by its stunning landscapes and natural light, which has resulted in a vibrant local art scene. Numerous galleries and studios showcase the work of local and visiting artists, reflecting this creative spirit.
And, the island’s year-round and seasonal residents create a welcoming community vibe, often hosting events and gatherings that visitors can enjoy.
Historic Sites & Museums
Monhegan Island is not only a picturesque retreat but also a place rich in history and culture. Its notable historic sites and museums provide an opportunity to step back in time and experience the island’s history firsthand.
The Village & Cemetery
The historic village — with its old fishermen’s homes and buildings — is a living museum of sorts, reflecting the way of life that has persisted here for generations. And, the island’s cemetery offers a glimpse into the past, with headstones dating back centuries, telling the stories of the island’s inhabitants over the years.
Monhegan Lighthouse
Monhegan Lighthouse, though, is one of the most popular historic landmarks on the island. Standing since 1824, it’s situated at the highest point on the island, offering spectacular views of the surrounding sea.
Monhegan Museum of Art & History
Located in the historic lighthouse keeper’s house, this museum preserves and displays the island’s art and history. The collection includes works by artists who have been drawn to the island’s stunning landscapes, as well as exhibits detailing the island’s past — from its maritime heritage to its role in the local fishing industry.
Food & Drink
Monhegan Island offers a modest yet charming selection of dining options that capture the island’s essence. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood at spots like the Monhegan Fish House. And, Monhegan Brewing Company offers locally crafted beers and an on-site food truck that serves lunch.
There are also a couple of cozy cafes and eateries, such as The Barnacle at The Island Inn. The inn provides a more formal dining experience too, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with beautiful ocean views.
Top Monhegan Island Maine Lodging, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals
Inns & Bed and Breakfasts on Monhegan Island Maine
Trailing Yew
55 Lobster Cove Rd, Monhegan | 207-975-4066
Known for its rustic charm and sense of community, the Trailing Yew is a unique lodging experience on Monhegan Island. It consists of multiple buildings that offer accommodations, dining facilities, and staff housing. Guests often praise the hearty meals, which are a significant part of the experience.
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The Island Inn
1 Ocean Ave, Monhegan | 207-596-0371
The Island Inn is perched on a bluff with stunning views of the harbor and ocean. It’s renowned for its picturesque sunsets and serves as an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. The inn features local artwork, and the waterfront rooms provide tranquil views of the sea and surrounding nature.
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Monhegan House
1 Main St, Monhegan | 207-594-7983
Known for its warm hospitality and excellent food, the Monhegan House is a historic 27-room inn that offers a food-focused experience in a storied setting. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations with the option of ocean or meadow views. Plus, the inn’s amenities include two restaurants, enhancing the stay with a taste of local cuisine.
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The John Sterling Harbor House
5 Wharf Hill Rd, Monhegan | 207-596-2475
Dating back to 1809, The John Sterling Harbor House is a bed and breakfast that stands out for its historic charm and scenic views of the Atlantic and Manana Island. It offers clean and cozy accommodations, aiming to provide a peaceful retreat with rare sunset views of the ocean.
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Cabins, Cottages, & Vacation Rentals on Monhegan Island Maine
Nigh Duck Cottage
A quaint, oceanfront 1920s cottage, Nigh Duck Cottage is ideal for a serene getaway. It accommodates five guests and features a fireplace and three decks with ocean views and sunset vistas. Unique to this vacation rental is the vegetable garden.
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Monhegan Island Retreat
This Monhegan Island Retreat is a welcoming, inclusive cape-style home with stunning ocean views. It features an open floor plan with abundant natural light and three private decks overlooking perennial gardens. The pet-friendly property includes a media room, Bluetooth stereos, and a fireplace with provided wood. Other amenities include a playhouse, toys, and games.
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Featured Lodging in Nearby Towns
Exploring All of Monhegan Island Maine & Beyond
Monhegan Island is a serene, artistic haven with rugged coastal beauty, miles of hiking trails, a rich history, and a peaceful, car-free environment ideal for a tranquil retreat. And, travelers looking for more to explore can find it in nearby towns on the mainland.
Rockland & St. George
Rockland Maine and St. George are vibrant communities on Maine’s MidCoast, offering a blend of cultural attractions, maritime history, and natural beauty. The St. George Peninsula features stunning coastal scenery, charming villages like Port Clyde, and ferry service to and from Monhegan Island.
Known for its iconic breakwater and lighthouse, Rockland is home to the acclaimed Farnsworth Art Museum and a lively downtown with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Also in the area, Thomaston Maine boasts historic architecture and the General Henry Knox Museum.
Damariscotta & Bristol
Damariscotta and Bristol Maine epitomize New England charm. Damariscotta offers riverfront dining, renowned oyster farms, and lively events like the Pumpkinfest. Bristol features the iconic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and serene beaches, and Hardy Boat Cruises in New Harbor offers Monhegan ferry services.
Boothbay & Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor Maine are quintessential seaside destinations. Meanwhile, Boothbay is home to the acclaimed Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and numerous nature trails. Bustling with activity, Boothbay Harbor offers a vibrant waterfront with shops, galleries, and eateries, as well as daily trips to and from Monhegan on The Balmy Days II.
Travelers who want to turn their day trips into overnight stays can find MidCoast Maine lodging options in these towns, including a few campgrounds and RV parks.