The Kimball Terrace Inn is the best-known hotel in Northeast Harbor, the quietly elegant yachting village on the south side of Mount Desert Island. It overlooks the harbor and its marina, with views of sailboats, lobster boats and the hills beyond, and its position makes it a good base for travelers who want to see Acadia without the summer crowds of Bar Harbor. The inn is a comfortable, traditional hotel with rooms, some with water views, a pool and a restaurant or dining options nearby. Northeast Harbor has a refined, village atmosphere, with a handful of shops, galleries, cafes and a library, and it is a short drive to Jordan Pond, Seal Harbor, Somes Sound and the Asticou and Thuya Gardens. If your priorities are a quiet evening, a harbor view and access to the park without the town bustle, this is a strong alternative to a Bar Harbor stay.
Why stay here
The village is gentler and more local than Bar Harbor, and in the evening you can stroll the marina, watch the boats come in and eat at one of a few restaurants without waiting for a table. The location is also strategic for the southern half of the park: Jordan Pond House, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff are all within about fifteen to twenty-five minutes by car, and the carriage roads and gardens are close by. The Island Explorer serves Northeast Harbor in season, giving you a car-free option for trails and the village.
Practical points
Northeast Harbor has fewer lodging options and fewer services than Bar Harbor, so book early, and check seasonal opening dates, since many properties close in winter. Parking is typically on site. The distance from Bar Harbor is roughly ten to fifteen miles, or about twenty to thirty minutes by road, so trolley tours, whale watches and other Bar Harbor activities require transport. Dining choices are more limited and closing times earlier, so make reservations for dinner in summer.
Who it suits
Couples, garden lovers, boaters and travelers who like a quiet village with easy access to hikes, carriage roads and the quieter side of the island. It is less ideal for those who want nightlife or who plan to take many Bar Harbor tours. Pair a stay with a visit to the Asticou gardens, a drive around Somes Sound, a kayak paddle and popovers at Jordan Pond House.
Ask the hotel about packages and check what facilities are open in your travel month, because the village shops and restaurants also keep seasonal schedules and some close early in spring and late autumn.
Why stay here
- ✓Harbor views
- ✓Quiet village setting
- ✓Pool
- ✓On-site or nearby dining
- ✓Parking
- ✓Close to Asticou and Thuya Gardens
- ✓Island Explorer shuttle access
- ✓About 20-30 minutes from Bar Harbor
Good questions
Where is Kimball Terrace Inn?+
In Northeast Harbor on the south side of Mount Desert Island, overlooking the harbor and marina.
How far is it from Bar Harbor?+
Roughly ten to fifteen miles, or about twenty to thirty minutes by car.
Is it a good base for the park?+
Yes, especially for Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, the carriage roads and the gardens, with a quieter village atmosphere.