Southwest Harbor Maine Vacations, Hotels, Lodging

Southwest Harbor, Maine is found on the southwest side of Somes Sound. Somes Sound is referred to as the only natural fjord located on the east coast of the United States. This little community embodies the romantic image of seafaring coastal towns and continues to attract more and more visitors every year.

Nestled at the southwestern entrance to Somes Sound is Southwest Harbor, Maine. Compared to Bar Harbor, which is located on the northeast side of Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor has a calmer, quieter atmosphere.

Despite its location on what is called the "Quiet Side" of Mount Desert Island, this charming harbor community has wonderful, unique shops, art and craft galleries and fantastic places to eat. If you want to cruise to some of the other islands just off shore, you can catch a boat at Southwest Harbor.

The harbor is generally full of sailboats, private and commercial yacht and fishing boats. The community is known for the two yacht building companies located here and for the Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving.