You don’t have to be a guest at The Claremont Hotel to enjoy the incredible views from our waterfront location. Batson River Fish Camp is open to the public with a selection of creative dishes and New England favorites. Whether you stop by for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack, be sure to order one a craft beer or signature cocktail made with spirits distilled in southern Maine.

Acadia National Park gets all the glory but this natural wonder right here in Southwest Harbor is a feast for all the senses. The delightful mix of perennial and annual flowers is lovingly maintained by a legion of volunteers. Each plant was chosen to attract caterpillars that become butterflies that flutter throughout the garden in late July and early August. No matter when you visit, Charlotte Rhoades Park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

A master plumber turned master carver, Wendell Gilley was a Southwest Harbor native who hand carved over 10,000 sculptures of wild birds. More than 300 of Wendell’s carvings are on display at the museum that honors his memory where Artist in Residence Steven Valleau has been carrying on Wendell’s legacy since 1985. A visit to the gallery is the ultimate rainy day activity and a treat in any weather.

Owned and operated by the Beal family since 1932, no trip to Southwest Harbor is complete without one of their signature lobster rolls enjoyed on their rustic pier. In addition to the classic lobster roll, Beal’s offers garlic butter and spicy Buffalo options plus lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese plus options for folks who prefer a burger or a salad.

Southwest Harbor is even more relaxing after the service of your choice from the skilled staff at Botanica Spa. Whether you opt for a rejuvenating massage or an invigorating skin treatment, you’re sure to leave looking and feeling better than you did when you arrived.

Owner Chuck Watson was born and raised on Mount Desert Island and has been renting boats and teaching people to sail since 1973. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a friendlier, more qualified or highly regarded person to learn the art and science of sailing than Chuck. Humble to the core, Chuck named his business after Robert Mansell, the original owner of Mount Desert Island who purchased it 1622 for 110 English pounds.

Open daily for dinner, Little Fern is the social hub of The Claremont Hotel. Featuring a mix of seasonal creations and New England favorites, Little Fern is sure to satisfy everyone in your group. Thanks to the ever-changing menu that takes advantage of local ingredients at peak flavor and the timeless beauty of Somes Sound in the background, Little Fern is popular with guests and locals alike. Please be sure to reserve your table when you book your room.

Our cruiser bikes offer the most fun you can have while exercising. Pedaling the rolling roads of Southwest Harbor is the perfect way to work up an appetite and earn your afternoon cocktail. Our bike rack is a leisurely ride from dozens of shops and quintessential coastal Maine sights and harbor views.

After showing you how to bait and haul traps and how to tell if a lobster is a keeper, Captain Jason Clark cooks up the freshest lobster bake in Maine right on his boat! It’s an experience that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.

Whether you’re a lifelong paddler or you’ve never sea kayaked before, Southwest Harbor is home to some of the most beautiful sights and friendliest conditions on Mount Desert Island. Our staff will be happy to recommend a guide service to match your experience and appetite for adventure in areas where seals are regularly seen and power boats aren’t as plentiful.

Climbable within two hours from the Beech Hill Road parking lot, Beech Mountain is a less crowded alternative to Cadillac Mountain. If you’re seeking a slightly longer hike, choose the Beech Mountain Valley Trail that starts in the same parking lot. Either way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views at the top in the shadow of the old fire tower that was built in 1962.

Great Cranberry Island and Little Cranberry Island offer views of Acadia National Park normally reserved for boat owners. As a passenger on the Cranberry Cove Ferry, you can spend an entire day (7:15am – 5:30pm) exploring both islands plus the charming port of Manset on the other side of Southwest Harbor. For just $8 more, you can bring your bike and see all the sights these charming places have to offer.