Stargazing at Seawall

Explore the night sky from the west side of Mount Desert Island while enjoying the ocean soundscape. Seawall Picnic Area offers northeastern and southern views over the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of Somes Sound from a quintessential cobblestone beach. Views of the night sky are unobstructed and convenient for those staying near Southwest Harbor or Bass Harbor.

Seawall serves as a good location for night sky photography, since it offers a dynamic landscape foreground for photographs of the Milky Way, Jupiter, Saturn, and more.

Details

Activity

Stargazing

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

Activity Fee

No

Although the activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Seawall Picnic Area

Where to Begin

• Seawall Picnic Area

Getting There:

• By car: Take Maine Route 102 south to Southwest Harbor. Continue through town and turn left onto Route 102A (Seawall Rd). Parking is available at Seawall Picnic Area.

• By bus: There is no public transportation after dark to this location.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Night, Dawn, Dusk

Dawn allows views of the planets closest to the sun.

Accessibility Information

Seawall Picnic Area is accessible only in paved areas. The surrounding area is not accessible. The area beyond the parking spaces is rocky, uneven, and can be slippery when wet.

There is an accessible restroom.

Milky Way and ocean waves illuminated by a car as seen from Seawall

NPS Photo/Sardius S. Stalker