The Best Vacation Rentals Near Acadia National Park

Looking for the best vacation rentals near Acadia National Park, but not sure where to start?

You’re probably asking: Should I stay on Mount Desert Island or the mainland? What’s close to the trails? What areas are too crowded—or too remote?

I’ve been there – literally.

I’ve stayed in vacation homes all around Acadia, from cozy cottages near Bar Harbor to quiet retreats on the Schoodic Peninsula. Some had unbeatable views and quick access to hikes. Others… not so much. I’ve done the research (and the trial and error), so you don’t have to.

This is best for travelers who want the comfort and flexibility of a vacation rental – especially families, couples, or small groups who prefer a home base over a hotel.

Here’s a quick favorite: One of my top picks is a waterfront cabin in quiet Southwest Harbor – peaceful mornings, starry nights, and no crowds.

These aren’t just rentals with good reviews. They’re places I’ve either stayed in or seriously considered – and they stand out for location, value, and charm.

Whether you want walkable access to shops and restaurants or a quiet hideaway in the woods, you’ll find something that fits your style.

Let’s find the perfect place to stay near Acadia.

Here are the vacation rentals I’d actually recommend.

‼️ If you are specifically looking for a rental in Bar Harbor, check out our separate list of the best Airbnbs in Bar Harbor.  

Note that this guide was originally just focused on Airbnbs, but I have revised and updated it to include other vacation rentals so that it includes more and better options.

⛺ There are also plenty of campgrounds in and around Acadia. Check out my Guide to Acadia Camping.

Read an overview of the property types and main locations

Our pick for the best Airbnb near Acadia National Park

We love the Shoreline Harbor Home – a spacious, bright vacation home with plenty of space outside and in.  

Why is the Shoreline Harbor Home the best Airbnb, Acadia, ME? 

Watching the working harbor in operation really gives those staying here a sense of place. As do the outdoor decks and steps from the lawn that lead to a little pebble beach. Inside are all the amenities you could need. Downtown and Acadia are also within easy reach of this Maine coastal property.  

Book the Shoreline Harbor Home Airbnb 

Best Acadia Airbnb Comparison Chart 

These quick reference tables are here to help you decide between different rental properties near Acadia National Park selections.  

They vary in terms of their type, price and guest ratings. To make it easier to decide, the following table lists each place’s key features, so you can see at a glance the main benefits of each.  

If you are reading this on a mobile device, you might need to swipe to scroll across each listing. 

Property	Photo	Type	Pets	Guests	Rating (/5)	Price & Availability
Giant Slide Cottage		Cottage	No	2	4.9	CHECK NOW
Woodland Retreat		Cottage	No	2	5.0	CHECK NOW
Tremont Tiny House		Tiny House	No	3	4.8	CHECK NOW
Winter Harbor Cottage		Cottage	No	3	4.9	CHECK NOW
Coastal Vibes Cottage		Cottage	Yes	4	4.8	CHECK NOW
Super Sorrento		Cottage	No	5	4.9	CHECK NOW
Bass Harbor House		House	Yes	6	4.9	CHECK NOW
Shoreline Harbor Home		House	Yes	6	5.0	CHECK NOW
Hall Quarry House		House	Yes	11	4.9	CHECK NOW
Spacious Schoodic Home		House	Yes	12	4.8	CHECK NOW

Best Vacation Rentals on Mount Desert Island 

Giant Slide Cottage for 2 

No, this Maine vacation cottage does not have a large play slide in the backyard! It is so named because of its proximity to the Giant Slide Trail and Sargent Mountain. Staying here means you can hike from the front door to the traffic-free network of carriage roads that crisscross Mount Desert Island.

The well-appointed cottage is perfect for a couple or solo traveler seeking clean, comfortable accommodation close to Acadia National Park.

Woodland Retreat for 2 

For a vacation with a difference, take look at this woodland home for two. The bright, open plan cottage has high ceilings and large windows, and the walls feature original local artworks. In a central position on Mount Desert Island, the home is just outside Somesville.

By car, swimming spots and hiking trails can be reached in just five minutes. Clean and contemporary within, the cottage gives guests soothing views over the surrounding woodland. 

Tremont Tiny House for 3 

If you ever look at interiors magazines or watch TV shows featuring homes, you’ll know that tiny houses are big news. This one in Tremont, Maine can accommodate up to three – in just over 175 square feet of space. Two sleeping lofts contain one Queen and one single bed.

The small, light-filled vacation home occupies a woodland setting in Bass Harbor, and has a stylish kitchen, lounge area, eating nook and enclosed outdoor patio. 

Coastal Vibes Cottage for 4 

Once a one-room school, this Maine holiday cottage in Trenton was completely renovated in 2018. With a coastal feel throughout, this lovely cottage is full of character. The separate bedroom has a Queen bed, plus there’s a sofa bed in the living space.

The Acadia Explorer bus route passes close by, making it easy to access Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor and the National Park. There are views of the Acadia Mountains from the property. 

Bass Harbor House for 6 

This vacation house for six borders Acadia National Park. It is also close to an LL Bean Explorer bus stop and the lighthouse at Bass Harbor Head.

If you’re looking for a spacious vacation Airbnb near everything, then this could be the place for you. Various restaurants and grocery stores are nearby, as are Ship’s Harbor, Wonderland and Seawall. A large living area, outdoor decks and a screened sunroom give guests lots of room in which to stretch out and unwind. 

Shoreline Harbor Home for 6 

Accommodating up to six, this shorefront vacation home overlooks Southwest Harbor. Located on the peaceful side of Mount Desert Island, the house even has a staircase leading from the lawn to a small pebble beach. Guests can walk to the center of Southwest Harbor in 10 minutes and there is a bus stop 3 minutes’ away on foot.

A sunny, second floor deck faces the water, and you can watch the fishermen working from the lobster wharf. With three bedrooms over two floors, this vacation home offers plenty of space for families or groups alike. 

Hall Quarry House for 8-11 

This spacious vacation rental is centrally located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, close to Acadia. It is located in the attractive Hall Quarry neighborhood, within easy reach of both Southwest Harbor and Somesville.

This bright, modern house offers great living spaces both inside and out. There are three double bedrooms, each of which contains an additional toddler or set of bunk beds, making this an ideal place for a group or larger family.  

Best Vacation Rentals on/ near Schoodic Peninsula 

Winter Harbor Cottage for 3 

This sweet cottage is recently built, yet has a classic, elegant feel. With one double and one single bedroom, it’s ideal for a family of three. The outdoor deck offers ocean views, and guests staying here are within a mere stone’s throw of the shoreline.

Brand new hiking and walking trails built by the National Parks Service are just steps away, too. With a complete cable TV package including Netflix and Amazon Prime, evenings here are made for relaxing. 

Super Sorrento Cottage for 5 

This vacation cottage is in a very secluded position – about 200 feet from the road, with no other houses in sight. A five-minute stroll from the property leads to stunning views over Sorrento and Frenchman’s Bay.

The home comes complete with four bikes of various sizes, ping pong table and darts, and has a screened porch at one end. Past guests praise the cleanliness as well as the tucked away location and helpfulness of the Superhost. 

Spacious Schoodic Home for 10-12 

Located in downtown Winter Harbor, this huge holiday home has plenty of room for larger families or groups. This property offers it all – easy access to downtown restaurants and shopping as well as the shores of Schoodic Point and hikes to Schoodic Head. There is also a six-mile Schoodic Bike Loop, and it’s easy to bring your own cycles as you can store them in the on-site garage. This spacious home even has a home office, should anyone need to work while staying in this home from home. 

A quick overview of the Airbnb in Acadia National Park options

To find the best properties, we searched according to location, then narrowed only the best down to a range of different types. Our focus is on those that look great, are comfortable, have nice hosts, are well positioned, and attract great reviews from fellow travelers.    

Types of short-term rentals near Acadia National Park 

There are three main types of vacation rental properties near Acadia National Park.  Which type you will choose depends on other factors listed below.

1. Tiny House 

Tiny Houses are currently some of Airbnb’s hottest properties. They are incredibly well designed, making great use of every inch of available space. 

2. Cottage 

A cottage tends to be larger than a tiny house, but smaller than a house, although sizes do vary.  

3. House 

Booking into a house is ideal for anyone requiring lots of living space. Houses tend to have more room both indoors and out. This type of Airbnb is just right for groups or families, giving everyone enough areas in which to relax and socialize. 

Location 

Your location can have a huge impact on the type of holiday you can have, so it’s important to consider this carefully. The main accommodation locations in the Acadia National Park area are spread across – or are close to – Mount Desert Island. Most are in or near the towns of Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Somesville, Bass Harbor, Winter Harbor or Sorrento. 

Bass Harbor 

Some of the properties in this list are closer to Bass Harbor, known for the lighthouse at Bass Harbor Head, on the ‘quiet side’ of Mount Desert Island. 

Southwest Harbor and Somesville 

The village of Somesville and working fishing harbor at Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island are also popular vacation spots. 

Winter Harbor 

The Winter Harbor area is close to the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park. Schoodic Head, Schoodic Point and the Schooldic Bike Loop are popular here, while the town center offers shops and eateries. 

Sorrento  

On a peninsula, we list one lovely, secluded holiday home in the peaceful location of Sorrento. 

Bar Harbor 

Bar Harbor is the most popular area on Mount Desert Island to stay. The attractive town center offers a range of shops, bars, restaurants and other amenities and is very close to the main parts of Acadia National Park. This guide focuses on the other areas ** You can see a separate guide to Bar Harbor Airbnbs here **

Which is the best Airbnb in Acadia for you? 

We rate all the Airbnbs listed here very highly – as do numerous satisfied travelers. To read more reviews, click on the links below each listing.  

Which is the best Airbnb for your vacation will depend on factors such as the size of your party, whether or not you have a pet, if you want to self-cater or be close to restaurants and stores, and the amenities you are looking for. Whether you’re a couple looking to spend most of your time outside, a family looking to self-cater and keep the kids happy or a group traveling together, we hope this guide makes the selection process a little simpler and faster.  

Wherever you decide to stay, I hope this handy guide to selecting the best Airbnb near Acadia National Park helps you to have an incredible trip. 

Do you have another vacation rental near Acadia National Park that you loved?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

Read more accommodation guides here:  

🛏️ Best Airbnbs near national parks
🛏️ Best Airbnbs Bar Harbor 

Additional Planning Resources for Acadia National Park

⭐ How to Plan A Trip To Acadia National Park
⭐ The Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
⭐ 10 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
⭐ Guide to the Acadia Cadillac Mountain Reservation System
⭐ Planning a Trip to Acadia National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How Many Days in Acadia National Park?
⭐ The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Complete Guide
⭐ The Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park
⭐ Visiting Acadia National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ How to Get To Acadia National Park
⭐ The Airport Nearest Acadia National Park
⭐ The Best Airports Near Acadia National Park
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About Acadia National Park
⭐ Best Books About Acadia National Park
⭐ Comprehensive Guide to Acadia National Park Camping
⭐ Tips For Visiting Acadia National Park

If you found this review helpful but are not quite ready to book your trip yet, Pin It so you can find it easily!  

About the Reviewer

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…

As an Airbnb associate, I earn a commission when you book through those links.