Seal Harbor, ME

Join sailboats, lobster boats, yachts and even the harbor’s namesake animals in this picturesque destination on Maine’s Mount Desert Island.

See Maine at its most postcard-perfect in Seal Harbor. Located on the southernmost tip of Mount Desert Island, the town is a popular summer destination for the rich and famous. Despite its lofty associations, it is a quaint and down-to-earth destination that makes all its visitors feel right at home. As you explore the village, look for stunning sights at every turn, from majestic moose to magnificent oceanfront manors.

Play in the surf and sand at Seal Harbor Public Beach. Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, collect seashells or enjoy an oceanfront picnic. Admire the variety of boats floating in the harbor.

Take a scenic stroll around Little Long Pond, located just west of the village. Follow the old carriage road path that circles the pond and enjoy views of the mountains and open seas beyond.

Discover Acadia National ParkOpens in a new window, which surrounds Seal Harbor. The park has over 47,000 acres (19,020 hectares) to explore. Venture into unspoiled woods and along rocky beaches. Scale its craggy granite peaks, including Cadillac MountainOpens in a new window, the highest point on the East Coast. Keep watch for moose, bear, whales and other wildlife.

Visit a variety of gardens in and around Seal Harbor. Make an appointment to tour Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, a unique East-meets-West style garden. Explore the tumbling flowerbeds and wild woodlands of Thuya Garden overlooking Northeast Harbor. Relax in the serene Asticou Azalea Garden, which features a lily pond and a wealth of blooming azalea plants.

Although Seal Harbor feels like its own little world, it is actually quite accessible. Find it just 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) south of Bar Harbor, the hub of the island. Mount Desert Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and Bangor International Airport, which serves the area, is about an hour drive inland.

Thanks to its small size and well-maintained paths, you can explore Seal Harbor on foot or by bike. To go farther afield, rely on your car or take an Island Explorer Bus, which stops through all of the island’s villages and Acadia National Park.