Hotels & GuesthousesSouthwest Harbor

Somes Pond Island Cottage

Somes Pond Island Cottage: A Waterfront Retreat Near Acadia in Southwest Harbor

Families
a large body of water with trees in the background at Somes Pond Island Cottage in Southwest Harbor
a large body of water with trees in the background at Somes Pond Island Cottage in Southwest Harbor

Why Stay

Why Somes Pond Island Cottage

Somes Pond Island Cottage is a four-bedroom beachfront vacation home that splits the difference between being close enough to Acadia National Park for easy day trips and far enough away to actually hear the water. It's the kind of place where you wake up to lake views, spend the afternoon hiking in the park, and come back to a full kitchen where you can cook whatever you caught - or order in, we won't judge. The cottage accommodates up to eight guests and welcomes pets, making it an unusually flexible option for families, groups, or anyone who wants to bring their dog along without the usual complications.

The property sits on direct beachfront with a private garden and dock access. There's a waterpark on-site and enough outdoor space to actually spread out. WiFi runs throughout, but honestly, the real draw is the view and the quiet. Solo travelers have praised it for being peaceful while still positioned perfectly for exploring the park and Bar Harbor.


Direct beachfront access without the crowds. You have your own slice of Somes Pond - there's a waterpark on-site, a patio with outdoor furniture, and a garden that feels genuinely private. Guests have called the location "perfect for Acadia," and it's close enough to the Visitor Center at Hull's Cove (8.7 miles) that you're not wasting morning hours driving.

A fully equipped home, not a hotel room. The cottage comes with a complete kitchen (dishwasher, oven, stovetop, refrigerator), laundry facilities, and streaming services. You can actually cook here - or just make coffee in the morning and sit on the patio with a lake view. Linens, towels, and free toiletries are included.

Pet-friendly and spacious. Pets stay free, which is rare for waterfront properties. With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, groups and multi-generational families have real breathing room. The property accommodates up to eight people comfortably.

Genuinely clean and well-maintained. Reviewers have specifically noted the cleanliness and thoughtful stocking of the cabin. It reads like a property that's actually managed, not just listed.


At a Glance

At a glance

Best for

Families, groups, pet owners, Acadia visitors

Price tier

Mid-range to upper-mid (varies seasonally)

Open

Year-round

Guest score

9.5 Exceptional

Standout amenities

Direct beachfront · full kitchen · pet-friendly · quiet location near Acadia

Details

81 Pretty Marsh Road, Southwest Harbor, ME 04660

Check-in / out

Check-in15:00 – 22:00
Check-out07:00 – 11:00
ReceptionOpen 24 hours

Amenities

On-site amenities

Outdoors: Beachfront · Lake view · Patio · Garden · Outdoor furniture · Barbecue

Water & Recreation: Water sports facilities · Water park · Beach access · Fishing · Cycling · Golf course within 2 miles

Kitchen & Dining: Full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, refrigerator · Dining table · Tea/coffee maker

Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Four bedrooms with linens and wardrobe · Two private bathrooms with bathtubs, towels, hairdryer, free toiletries

Entertainment & Tech: Streaming services (Netflix) · Free WiFi throughout · TV · Desk

Practical: Free parking · Washing machine and dryer · Heating throughout · Smoke-free property


The cottage is a single vacation home built for groups. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms mean you're not competing for shower time, and the shared living area gives you a real kitchen and dining space rather than a kitchenette. Private bathrooms, heating throughout, and a private entrance all come standard. There's a desk if you need it, though the patio and lake view are probably more appealing places to sit.

  • Vacation Home: Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining area, living room with streaming services

Outdoor Space & Water Access

The real property here is the outdoors. You have direct beachfront access on Somes Pond, a patio with outdoor furniture, a garden, a barbecue, and - unusual for the area - a waterpark on-site. Cycling, fishing, and swimming are all possible from the property. There's a golf course within two miles if you're into that. Free parking is included.


Seasons

When to visit

Summer (June–August): Peak season. The water is swimmable, the park is fully open and busy, and the waterpark is in full use. Expect to share hiking trails and popular overlooks. Book early.

Fall (September–October): The best time. Acadia's foliage is legendary, the park is still open, and the crowds thin after Labor Day. The water is cool but still appealing to swimmers. Reviewers have specifically visited in September and October and praised the quiet.

Spring (April–May): The park reopens fully, wildflowers are blooming, but the water is cold. Fewer tourists, good hiking conditions. Some facilities may still be ramping up.

Winter (November–March): Heating is included, so the cottage is viable, but Acadia's roads can be icy, some park roads close, and the water sports appeal drops. This is the quietest season and the cheapest, but it's not peak visiting time for the park.


Reviews

What guests say

"Clean and a great location. Very close to the park yet in a very quiet location."

  • Richard, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Perfect location for Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Well stocked cabin with great location and a great view."

  • Margaret, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

Guests have highlighted the cleanliness, the thoughtful stocking of supplies, and the balance between being close to Acadia and still feeling quiet and removed. One reviewer noted the cottage is well-maintained and the location genuinely is a sweet spot - near enough to the attractions but not in the thick of things.

The only minor notes: one guest mentioned the upstairs bathroom could use deeper cleaning, and another suggested curtains on the bathroom window for privacy. These are small matters in an otherwise solid property.


Location

Things to do nearby

  • 8.7 miles: Acadia National Park Visitor Center at Hull's Cove - start here if you haven't been to the park before
  • 9.3 miles: Bar Harbor - shops, restaurants, and the main hub for the area
  • 9.3 miles: Agamont Park - waterfront walking in Bar Harbor proper
  • 9.3 miles: The Abbe Museum - Native American history and art
  • Less than 2 miles: Golf course
  • Minutes away: Southwest Harbor village for supplies and casual dining
  • 8.1 miles: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport if you're flying in or out

FAQ

Good to know

Is the cottage directly on the water? Yes. Somes Pond Island Cottage has direct beachfront access on Somes Pond with a private patio and garden. You can launch water sports, fish, or swim from the property.

Can I bring my dog? Yes. Pets stay free and are welcome throughout the property. It's one of the few beachfront rentals in the area that doesn't charge per pet.

How far is it from Acadia National Park? The Visitor Center at Hull's Cove is 8.7 miles away. Bar Harbor, the main hub for the park, is 9.3 miles away. You can comfortably day-trip to the park and return for dinner.

What's included in the kitchen? A full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, dining table, and kitchenware. You can cook full meals or just make coffee and breakfast.

Is WiFi included? Yes. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. There's also a desk and streaming services if you need to work or just want entertainment options.

Is parking included? Yes. Free parking is included for guests. No separate parking fees.

What's the waterpark? On-site water recreation facilities are available. The property is set up for water sports, fishing, and swimming from the beach.


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