In many ways, Maine's stunningly scenic Mount Desert Island is a study in contrasts. On the island's eastern shores, the bustling town of Bar Harbor has been a magnet for cruise ships, vacationing families, and well-heeled New Englanders for decades. But on the western side - the "quietside," as it is known to locals - is a small village known for its spectacular sunsets and a tranquil ocean inlet frequented by lobstermen and photographers alike. Welcome to Seal Cove, a hidden treasure of Mount Desert Island and an ideal destination for all lovers of the majestic coast of Downeast Maine.
Yes. 42 of our Seal Cove vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Seal Cove team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >The village of Seal Cove, along with its more well-known neighbor Bass Harbor, is part of the greater municipality of Tremont, a town of approximately 1,500 residents that was first settled in 1762. But it is Seal Cove that benefits from one of the loveliest positions on Mount Desert Island, as it is flanked by an ocean inlet to the west, Seal Cove Pond to the north, and the edge of Acadia National Park to the east. Our Seal Cove vacation homes are also just five miles from Southwest Harbor, 16 miles southwest of charming Bar Harbor, and 21 miles south of Ellsworth and the gateway to Downeast Maine.
With a public boat launch, a small picnic area, and a collection of yachts and lobster boats continuously anchored offshore, Seal Cove's harbor is both a picturesque escape and a glimpse of everyday life in Maine. This quiet and protected spot is also a favorite among photographers, who come to capture both the morning fog and the beautiful sunsets.
Just north of the harbor is Seal Cove Pond, a 283-acre expanse with shallow waters that are frequented by bass, sunfish, and perch (as well as the bald eagles and osprey that hunt them). Thanks to the small dirt roads that surround the lake, it is rarely visited by large crowds, creating a wonderful spot to walk, fish, or kayak on summer afternoons.
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, pop into the Seal Cove Auto Museum, a family-friendly collection of more than 50 vintage cars and motorcycles from the turn-of-the-century Brass Era. And come sunset, there's no better place to be than the nearby Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, the iconic clifftop structure on the island's southern tip.
Whether you're a hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or in search of gorgeous fall foliage, there are few places that can match the serene beauty of Acadia National Park.
Within a few miles of our Seal Cove vacation rentals, you'll find trails to the summits of Bernard Mountain, Mansell Mountain, and Beech Mountain overlooking Long Pond. And if you take a scenic drive over to the west side of the island, you can walk along the level (and incredibly beautiful) Ocean Path, ascend the vertical Precipice Trail to enjoy unmatched views of Frenchman Bay, or make a sunrise ascent of Cadillac Mountain on either the North Ridge or South Ridge Trails, both of which offer panoramic vistas of the entire park.
The unique beauty of Downeast Maine will become a lifelong love - treat yourself to a stay at one of our Seal Cove vacation homes today.
Photo Credit: Patrick Rohe via Flickr
