Seal Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island

Seal Harbor, Maine, located on the southeastern part of Mount Desert Island in Hancock County close to Acadia National Park, is actually not a township at all but part of the municipality of Mount Desert which covers 25,699 acres and has an approximate population of 2,109 (per the year 2000 census). There are often many sailboats, yachts, and lobster boats anchored in Seal Harbor adding to the seaside ambiance. A quaint and chic little village offering peaceful views of the harbor, it has become the preferred summering place for many of the rich and famous. For “less affluent” locals and visitors alike, the public beach (next to Route 3 in Seal Harbor) offers a less crowded alternative to the better known Sand Beach near the beginning of the Park Loop Road. (view Seal Harbor photos)

Other than the ocean there are basically three main entry points leading to Seal Harbor. One, is Route 3 coming from Bar Harbor past Jackson Lab and Blackwoods Campground. This is likely the road that you will take. Another is from the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park at the point where the one-way section changes to two way next to Wildwood Stables. A road breaks off and heads south. You may continue in this direction until it meets up with Route 3 right next to the public beach area. Or, just as you turn onto this break-off road from the Park Loop Road, there is also an immediate left. This will take you also to Route 3 but just north of the village center. You may also reach Seal Harbor from Northeast Harbor by heading east on Route 3 as it passes through Northeast Harbor.

A couple scenic spots of note is Little Long Pond, located on the north side of Route 3, and Stanley Brook which is beside the Stanley Brook Entrance to Acadia National Park. You will often see some cars parked on the right side of the Route 3 immediately to the west of the public beach next to Little Long Pond. There is a Carriage Road here even though it is on private land. People are allowed to walk on this and it is worth it for the spectacular views up ahead on either side of the pond. Use extreme caution when exiting or entering your vehicle here as this is not a normal parking situation and road traffic can be faster than expected. Closer to the public beach is the southern entrance to Acadia National Park. This is a two-way section of the park road that leads to Wildwood Stables and Jordan Pond Restaurant.

For area lodging, dining, activity, and Acadia National Park regional information, please refer to the links at the top of this page.

Sieur de Monts & Nature Center GPS: Latitude 44.362097; Longitude -68.207830
Hulls Cove Visitor Center GPS: Latitude 44.409286; Longitude -68.247501

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Weddings in Acadia National Park: Visit the weddings section for information about having a wedding ceremony within Acadia National Park or elsewhere on MDI or nearby villages and towns.

Golf Courses

Churches & Synagogues

Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce: (207) 276-5040

Fire Department: (207) 276-5111

Seal Harbor Library: (207) 276-5306

Mount Desert Municipal Office:
21 Sea Street
P.O. Box 248
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
(207) 276-5531