Northeast Harbor Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hikes, tours and activities, food and drink, local culture and customs, transportation options, safety tips, nearby destinations in Northeast Harbor, Maine.


Introduction to Northeast Harbor

Northeast Harbor is a charming seaside village located on Mount Desert Island in Down East, Maine. This delightful harbor community, situated in the heart of Acadia National Park, offers visitors the perfect combination of scenic natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural and historical landmarks, making it the ideal vacation destination for individuals, couples, or families.

List of Places to Visit in Northeast Harbor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Visitors to Northeast Harbor can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the area by visiting some of the region’s most culturally significant attractions, such as:

  • Asticou Azalea Garden
  • Great Harbor Maritime Museum
  • Abbe Museum
  • Maine Granite Industry Museum
  • Wendell Gilley Museum

Natural Attractions of Northeast Harbor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Northeast Harbor is a hiker’s paradise, offering visitors miles of beautiful trails through breathtaking natural scenery. The most popular hiking routes in Northeast Harbor include:

  • Jordan Pond Path
  • Champlain Mountain & Beehive Trail
  • Hadlock Brook Trail
  • Sargent Mountain Loop Trail
  • Cadillac Summit Loop Trail

In addition, visitors can explore the natural beauty of Northeast Harbor by kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or just sightseeing. The area also offers a wide range of water sports, such as fishing, swimming, and windsurfing.

Best Things to Do in Northeast Harbor: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of other activities and tours to enjoy in Northeast Harbor:

  • Take a scenic boat tour
  • Rent a bicycle and explore the area on two wheels
  • Visit a local winery or brewery
  • Attend a craft fair or music festival
  • Go golfing at Kebo Valley Golf Club

Week-Long Itinerary for Northeast Harbor

For visitors planning to spend a week in Northeast Harbor, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Hike the Jordan Pond Path and enjoy lunch at the Jordan Pond House
2 Go sailing or kayaking in the harbor
3 Tour the Great Harbor Maritime Museum and the Maine Granite Industry Museum
4 Take a bike ride through Acadia National Park
5 Visit the Wendell Gilley Museum and take a bird carving workshop
6 Golf at the Kebo Valley Golf Club and have lunch at the clubhouse
7 Attend a local craft fair or music festival

Food and Drink Scene of Northeast Harbor

Must-Try Dishes

No visit to Northeast Harbor is complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine, such as:

  • Lobster rolls
  • Blueberry pie
  • Clam chowder
  • Fresh seafood
  • Maine potato dishes

Local Beverages

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of local beverages, such as:

  • Maine craft beer
  • Maine wine
  • Blueberry juice and cocktails
  • Hot apple cider and mulled wine

Where to Stay in Northeast Harbor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors to Northeast Harbor have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, including:

  • Asticou Inn
  • Kimball Terrace Inn Northeast Harbor
  • Colonial Inn Northeast Harbor
  • Lindenwood Inn
  • Harbor House Inn

What to Buy in Northeast Harbor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can find some unique souvenirs and products that represent the local Maine culture, such as:

  • Handmade pottery and arts and crafts
  • Local blueberry jam and honey
  • Maine lobsters
  • Sea glass and beach stones

Local Culture and Customs of Northeast Harbor

Visitors to Northeast Harbor should familiarize themselves with some of the local culture and customs, such as:

  • Respect for the natural environment and wildlife
  • Appreciating local cuisine and seafood
  • Dressing appropriately for the weather and activities

Best Time to Visit Northeast Harbor

The best time to visit Northeast Harbor is from late spring through early fall when the weather is mild, and the area is alive with natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northeast Harbor

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and activities

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Use loud music or excessive noise in public areas
  • Ignore traffic laws and pedestrian safety

Safety and Health

Safety in Northeast Harbor

Although Northeast Harbor is relatively safe, visitors should be aware of some safety precautions, such as:

  • Staying aware of wildlife dangers, such as tick bites and bear attacks
  • Taking care when hiking or biking on rugged terrain
  • Being cautious when driving on mountain roads

Health in Northeast Harbor

Visitors to Northeast Harbor should be aware of some of the health risks commonly associated with outdoor activities, such as:

  • Sunburn and heat stroke
  • Dehydration and fatigue
  • Injury from falls or accidents

Getting to Northeast Harbor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northeast Harbor

Visitors can fly into several nearby airports, including:

  • Bangor International Airport (BGR)
  • Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)
  • Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Bus Stations Near Northeast Harbor

There are several bus companies that provide service to Northeast Harbor, including:

  • Concord Coach Lines
  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Maine Coast Transportation

Other Options

Visitors can also drive or take a ferry to Northeast Harbor from nearby ports and cities in the region.

How to Get Around in Northeast Harbor

Visitors can get around Northeast Harbor on foot, by bicycle, by car, or by using the local shuttle buses.

Where to Go Next from Northeast Harbor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Northeast Harbor can also explore some of the nearby destinations and excursions, such as:

  • Bar Harbor
  • Acadia National Park
  • Mount Desert Island
  • Schoodic Peninsula
  • Belfast

Conclusion

Northeast Harbor, Maine, is a charming and unique vacation destination that offers visitors a wide range of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. By following this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can make the most of their time in this beautiful part of the country.