Guide to the Best Lodging in Northeast Harbor Maine
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Northeast Harbor is a peaceful village beloved by sailors and boaters for its natural protection, scenic charm, and rich boatbuilding heritage. Visitors will find local craft shops, cozy restaurants, and quiet walking paths that showcase the area’s beauty.
The village is an ideal base for exploring Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Southwest Harbor. However, returning to Northeast Harbor always feels like a quiet escape.
Know Your Lodging Options in Northeast Harbor Maine
Northeast Harbor offers a range of lodging styles, from historic inns and cozy bed‑and‑breakfasts to waterfront cabins and cottage-style guesthouses.
You’ll find charming early-20th-century properties – recently renovated and reopened – that blend coastal elegance with modern amenities. Many accommodations boast scenic harbor views, wooded settings, and easy access to gardens, trails, and the village core.
Whether you’re drawn to a classic inn with built-in character or a quiet cottage nestled near the water, the area caters to both romantic escapes and relaxed family stays.
Most properties are open seasonally, aligning with the summer influx, and emphasize a serene, laid-back Maine experience.
Take a look at some Downeast Maine lodging specials and packages to save on your next visit.
Featured Northeast Harbor Maine Lodging
Getting to Know the Northeast Harbor Maine Area
Tucked along the southeastern edge of Mount Desert Island, Northeast Harbor is a quiet coastal village that offers a more laid-back alternative to bustling Bar Harbor.
Known for its natural beauty, boating culture, and charming small-town feel, it’s the perfect place to unwind while exploring the best of Maine’s iconic coastline.
Outdoor Activities & Attractions
Northeast Harbor offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden, two beautifully landscaped spaces open during the warmer months.
Golfers can enjoy a quiet round at the Northeast Harbor Golf Club, and hikers will appreciate the nearby trails that connect to Acadia National Park.
For those looking to get on the water, paddling, boating, or taking a scenic cruise on Somes Sound is a must. You can also hop aboard the Beal & Bunker Ferry for a scenic ride to Cranberry Island, Little Cranberry Island (with a lunch stop), and Sutton Island.
Historic Sites
The village is home to several notable historic landmarks. St. Mary’s‑By‑The‑Sea, for instance, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases beautiful architecture.
Just offshore, Bear Island Light – originally built in 1889 – marks the entrance to the harbor and serves as a reminder of the region’s maritime heritage.
Shops
Main Street in Northeast Harbor is lined with small shops, artisan galleries, and locally-owned boutiques, making it a great place to browse for handcrafted goods and unique souvenirs.
The Kimball Shop offers a curated collection of gifts, housewares, kitchen items, linens, and décor – perfect for finding stylish Maine-themed souvenirs and practical treasures.
Swallowfield is a charming local boutique filled with letterpress cards, paper goods, puzzles, contemporary jewelry, and thoughtfully designed gifts from Maine artisans.
Restaurants
Dining options in Northeast Harbor range from casual seafood spots with harbor views to cozy eateries serving classic Maine fare.
The Colonel’s Restaurant and Bakery offers a warm, family‑run atmosphere perfect for any meal of the day. Enjoy classic New England seafood, hearty breakfasts, and fresh bakery treats like donuts, breads, and pies. It’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting.
Copita brings a sophisticated twist to local flavors with a Mediterranean‑inspired menu rooted in New England ingredients. Located on Main Street, it’s an excellent choice for dinner with thoughtfully sourced dishes and comfortable ambiance.
Whether you’re craving a lobster roll from a dockside food truck or a quiet dinner inside a quaint village restaurant, there’s something here for every appetite.
Featured Lodging in Nearby Towns
Top Northeast Harbor Maine Resorts, Inns, & Cabins
The Asticou Hotel
15 Peabody Dr, Northeast Harbor | 207-244-5036
The Asticou Hotel offers a blend of timeless charm and modern comfort. Overlooking the harbor, this historic shingle-style inn features elegantly restored rooms and suites, many with water or garden views. Guests enjoy amenities like a spa, heated pool, clay tennis courts, and an on-site restaurant with harbor-view dining. Following a major renovation in 2025, the hotel now pairs its classic New England character with updated touches, making it a peaceful, upscale retreat just minutes from Acadia National Park.
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Harbourside Inn
48 Harborside Rd, Northeast Harbor | 207-276-3272
Built in 1888 and run by the same family for over four decades, Harbourside Inn offers a cozy, historic experience. This three-story inn features 14 individually styled rooms – many with fireplaces and kitchenettes. Guests love gathering on the breakfast porch for delicious morning treats and fresh fruit, then relaxing in the comfy parlor by a crackling fire or unwinding outdoors at picnic tables or around the evening campfire.
The Colonels Suites
143 Main St, Northeast Harbor | 207-610-2053
The Colonels Suites places you right in the heart of Northeast Harbor above the Colonel’s Restaurant & Bakery, offering spacious, clean suites with kitchenettes. Guests appreciate the private self check‑in via keypad and the quiet, family‑friendly atmosphere – complete with shared laundry facilities and a playground – combined with a central village location just steps from shops, harbor views, and easy access to Acadia National Park.
Kimball Terrace Inn
10 Huntington Rd, Northeast Harbor | 207-276-3383
Just steps from the village shops, marina, and Acadia trails, Kimball Terrace Inn offers a relaxed, family-friendly experience. Many rooms feature private balconies or patios with harbor or garden views, while on-site amenities include an outdoor pool, restaurant, and a cozy lounge area.
Unique Cove Side Cabin on Somes Sound
This rustic cliffside cabin offers a romantic retreat with sweeping views of Somes Sound. Surrounded by pines and perched above a quiet cove, guests can enjoy wildlife watching from rocking chairs or relax by the large stone fireplace inside. The cozy interior features a full kitchen, dining space for eight, and two bedrooms – one overlooking the cove, and the other the babbling brook nearby.
Renovated Bungalow
This newly renovated two-bedroom bungalow offers a bright, clean, and spacious one-floor layout ideal for small families. Featuring an updated kitchen and modern bathroom, it combines comfort with convenience. Located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and trails, it provides easy access to downtown and Acadia National Park.
Shell Heap North
This charming family cottage sits on the shore with stunning views of the open ocean. Guests can relax on the porch, dine on the shaded stone patio, or launch a kayak from the private stone beach. The boathouse is perfect for cookouts or quiet reading time, and the well-kept paths make it easy to explore the shoreline. Located within walking distance of Thuya Gardens and close to Acadia’s hiking and biking trails, it’s an ideal coastal retreat.
Exploring All of Northeast Harbor Maine & Beyond
Northeast Harbor blends coastal beauty, historic charm, and a relaxed pace, offering a quieter, more intimate experience than nearby Bar Harbor. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Mount Desert Island without the crowds, but there’s no reason not to explore nearby towns as well.
Bass Harbor
The bustling town of Bar Harbor is a short drive away, offering additional shopping, dining, and entertainment. The town is known for its vibrant nightlife, unique shops, and whale-watching tours, providing a lively contrast to tranquil Southwest Harbor. Plus, it’s home to the Sieur de Monts Nature Center where visitors can enjoy educational opportunities about the local ecosystem and wildlife, such as interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs for all ages.
Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor offers a charming and tranquil escape. Visitors can explore the quaint village’s unique shops, art galleries, and delightful restaurants. The area is also known for attractions like the Wendell Gilley Museum and the serene Charlotte Rhoades Garden & Butterfly Park. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and sailing activities in the picturesque harbor.
Trenton Maine
Trenton Maine is an ideal day trip destination offering a mix of outdoor activities and local attractions. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly fun at Wild Acadia Fun Park, experience the excitement of Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show, and explore the natural beauty at Thompson Island Information Center. Trenton provides a charming, relaxed atmosphere perfect for a memorable day out.
Visitors who want to stay overnight in one of these towns can find plenty of Downeast lodging options, including campgrounds and RV parks.