Staying at Acadia Yurts puts you right in the heart of Mount Desert Island's quieter, wilder side — and there's no shortage of incredible experiences just minutes from your door. Here are five of our favorites.
1. Hike to the Summit of Acadia Mountain
Just a short drive up Seal Cove Road, Acadia Mountain offers one of the most rewarding hikes on the quiet side of MDI. The trail rewards you with sweeping views of Somes Sound — the only true fjord on the East Coast of the United States — and the surrounding islands. It's a moderate hike that most families can tackle, and the views from the top are absolutely worth every step. Pack a lunch and linger.
2. Watch the Sunset at Bass Harbor Lighthouse
One of the most photographed spots in all of Maine, Bass Harbor Head Light sits perched on rugged pink granite just under 5 miles from Acadia Yurts. At golden hour, the lighthouse glows against the darkening spruce forest and the rocky coast below — it's the kind of scene that makes you put the camera down and just breathe. Arrive early for parking, especially in summer.
3. Stroll the Wonderland & Ship Harbor Trails
These two connected coastal trails are a local secret hiding in plain sight. Walk the short path from the parking area out onto Wonderland Point and you'll feel miles from everything — sea-smoothed rocks, tide pools, the smell of salt and balsam. Continue a little further and you're on the Ship Harbor trail, weaving along the water's edge. It's peaceful, accessible, and endlessly beautiful.
4. Grab Lobster on the Water
You simply cannot be this close to the Maine coast without eating lobster the right way. Thurston's Lobster Pound and Beal's Lobster Pound are both right here in Southwest Harbor, serving up freshly steamed lobsters with harbor views. For something truly unforgettable, book a spot on the Acadia Lobster Cruise — a vintage 1966 wooden lobster boat where Captain Jason hauls the traps and then cooks your feast right on board.
5. Swim at Echo Lake
The ocean off MDI is famously cold, but Echo Lake is the local's answer — a freshwater gem just up the road from the yurts that's warm enough to actually enjoy swimming. There's a sandy beach for easy entry or you can park across from Acadia Mountain and wade in at the bluffs. On a sunny afternoon, it doesn't get more quintessentially Maine than this.