Perfect Weekend in Mount Desert Island, Maine

New England’s second largest island is a bucket-list destination.

Mount Desert Island is like a New England All Star team: Mountains and coastline, woodlands and lakes compactly converge on this 108-square-mile destination. Bar Harbor brings out the shoppers, while Acadia National Park, which celebrates its centennial this year, is a pristine legacy of the area’s earliest tourists. These were some of America’s most powerful families and they knew then what every visitor to this island comes to know: You can never spend enough time here.

WHAT TO Do

Best Lobster-Boat Cruise Lulu Lobster Boat Ride, Bar Harbor

Why are shedders a little sweeter? What’s the biggest lobster ever caught in Maine’s cold waters? Captain John Nicolai answers these questions plus a whole lot more. Climb aboard the Lulu, a traditional Down East–style lobster boat, for a humor-filled two-hour cruise covering everything you wanted to know about Maine’s tasty crustacean. The seal sightings and breathtaking coastal beauty aren’t bad, either. 55 West St. 207-963-2341; lululobsterboat.com

Best Family Hike Ship Harbor Nature Trail, Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor

Pick up a trail guide at the park visitors’ center and pack a picnic. This gentle 1.2 -mile figure-eight hike passes through varied ecosystems, from moss-laden woods to pink granite ledges. Route 102A. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad

Best Mountain Biking Carriage Roads, Acadia National Park

Pedal into the heart of Acadia National Park on 45 mapped and signposted miles of car-free, crushed-stone carriage roads, punctuated by 17 handsome granite-faced bridges and two gatehouses. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad

WHERE TO EAT

Best Fine Dining with a View XanthUs, Claremont Hotel, Southwest Harbor

Linen-draped tables, candles, and fresh flowers set the tone in the dining room, where big windows frame views over the manicured lawn, croquet courts, and Somes Sound. In the background: Acadia’s peaks and Frenchman Bay’s outer islands. Entrées: from $24. 22 Claremont Road. 207-244-5036 ; theclaremonthotel.com

Best Bistro Fare Mache, Bar Harbor

Come hungry. Hanger steak to duck confit, Atlantic scallops to lamb shanks, might be on Chef Kyle Yarborough’s daily-changing menu, featuring traditional French cuisine with Mediterranean accents. Entrées: from $20 . 321 Main St. 207-288-0447; machebistro.com

Best Twofold Food Stop Sweet Pea Farm, Bar Harbor

Twofer! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner from the wood-fired oven at Sweet Pea Café and purchase Maine-made wine, beer, and chocolates at Bar Harbor Cellars Winery, both located on Sweet Pea Farm. Entrées: from $10. 854 Route 3. 207-801-9078 (café), 207-288-3907 (winery); barharborcellars.com

WHERE TO STAY

Best Parkside B&B The Birches, Southwest Harbor

Built as a summer cottage in 1916, the stately Birches combines gentle summer ease with a location that puts the Flying Mountain, Acadia, and St. Sauveur trailheads and Valley Cove fire road within easy walking distance. Rates: from $249. 46 Fernald Point Road. 207-244-5182; thebirchesbnb.com

Best BirdWatching Seawall Motel, Southwest Harbor

It’s possible to see shore, freshwater, marsh, and woodland birds, and maybe even an eagle, from guestrooms in this family-owned, budget-friendly motel overlooking the rare freshwater pond/saltwater shore combo. Rates: from $80. 566 Seawall Road (Route 102A). 207-244-3020; seawallmotel.com

Best pet-friendly lodging Wonder View Inn, Bar Harbor

Furry guests are welcomed to these motel-style accommodations on estate-like grounds with a bowl, a treat, and recommendations for places to go, things to do, and dog-friendly al fresco restaurants. Rates: from $89, $20 per pet.  50 Eden St. 888-439-8439, 207-288-3358; wonderviewinn.com

Yankee Magazine

More by Yankee Magazine