Your home base in Downeast Maine

Below is an abbreviated list of our recommendations beyond Acadia. When you arrive, we can help you customize your itinerary each morning.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

❋ WATER

Whether in the calm water of Frenchman’s Bay, a nearby lake, or the Atlantic Ocean, you’ve got to get out on the water (or better yet, jump in!).

❋ LAND

There are countless beautiful walks & hikes nearby to suit whatever level of adventure you are looking for on any given day.

❋ SHOPPING

We’ll tell you our favorite antique shops nearby so you can bring a little bit of Maine history home with you.

❋ AT THE INN

Sometimes the best adventure is just staying put. Have the perfect day without leaving the Inn.

“Acadia Bay Inn is a peaceful oasis away from the crowds of Bar Harbor and many top attractions of Mount Desert Island. The only mistake you can make is not booking enough nights.”

—Marguerite, 2026 Guest
A scenic view of a small harbor with boats anchored in calm water, surrounded by a wooded shoreline, with a grassy area and large leafy plant with yellow flowers in the foreground, and a blue sky with light clouds overhead.

WATER

Whether in the calm water of Frenchman’s Bay, a nearby lake, or the Atlantic Ocean, you’ve got to get out on the water (or better yet, jump in!).

Swimming & Boating

We’ll give you the name of a local guide

Rent a Kayak

Catch-your-own-lobster in Corea

Go on a Lobster Boat

The most peaceful lakeside beach 

Swim at Schoodic Beach

Watch the tide rush in and out of Frenchman’s Bay

Tidal Falls Preserve
Scenic view of a lake surrounded by trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds

LAND

There are countless beautiful walks & hikes nearby to suit whatever level of adventure you are looking for on any given day.

Walking & Hiking

An easy walk just a few minutes from the inn.

Old Pond Railway Trail

Walk amongst beautiful old homes a long the coast.

Hancock or Grindstone Point

A medium-intensity hike (technically in Acadia) — see photo

Schoodic Head

A short hike just a few minutes from the inn

Baker Hill Loop

Looking for our Acadia Recommendations?

Explore Acadia
A formal dining room with a wooden table set for a meal, featuring white patterned cups, blue napkins, and copper-colored plates. In the center are white candles and small flower arrangements with yellow flowers and blue accents. Behind the table, a dark wooden china cabinet displays glassware and dishes, and a chandelier with pink beads hangs from the ceiling.

SHOPPING

Antiquing in Downeast

Bring a little bit of Maine history home with you.

Mill Stream Antiques

Sullivan

Artisans & Antiques

Winter Harbor

Old Creamery Antique Mall

Ellsworth

Big Chicken Barn Books

Ellsworth

Living room with stone fireplace, decorated for Christmas with greenery on a second-floor balcony, a round rug, and built-in window seats with pillows.

AT THE INN

Sometimes the best adventure is just staying put. Have the perfect day without leaving the Inn.

No reason to leave

Read from our Library

Swim

Play a Game or enjoy the public tennis court up the street  
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

Dining in Downeast

Dining Recommendations