It began as an 18th-century British settlement after the French and Indian War, and it sustained itself as a center for lumber and boat-building in the years that followed. But since its incorporation in 1800, the city of Ellsworth has become best known for its position as the gateway to Downeast Maine - a commercial crossroads for visitors to Acadia National Park, and a destination in its own right for shopping, outdoor recreation, and our wonderful Ellsworth vacation homes.
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Yes, 26 of our Ellsworth homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 70 of our Ellsworth vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Ellsworth team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Located in Hancock County directly north of tranquil Mount Desert Island, Ellsworth sits at a major junction of U.S. Route 1. This town of nearly 8,000 residents on the Union River is just 18 miles north of the Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia, 20 miles north of charming Bar Harbor, 28 miles southeast of Bangor, and 139 miles east of the historic city of Portland.
Before hopping in the car to explore the wonders that await in Acadia, take a day or two to enjoy the beauties that surround our Ellsworth vacation rentals. Begin your mornings with an espresso at Rooster Brother Coffee Roasters, a hybrid specialty cooking store and coffee roastery beloved by Ellsworth locals. You'll then be fueled for a day on the links at the Bar Harbor Golf Course, an instructional class at Pinniped Kayak, or a peaceful stroll through the wildflowers, glens, ponds, and picnic areas at the 200-acre Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary.
When you're not perusing the city's restaurants and shops, or perhaps setting sail from the public marina, be sure to stop by Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park. This 180-acre estate is home to the gorgeous historic Black House, formal gardens, and quiet walking trails that are open for exploration.
It is Ellworth's proximity to the unique landscapes of Acadia that has spurred its recent role as one of Maine's fastest growing cities. Whether you're a hiker, kayaker, motorist, or cyclist, you'll be enchanted by the scenery in this incredible national park.
There's no better place to begin your visit than a stroll down Ocean Path, the 2.2-mile trail that connects Sand Beach with Otter Point as it traces a stretch of iconic, craggy coastline. Gaze across the pristine waters of Frenchman Bay from the one-mile climb to the summit of Gorham Mountain, or calm your nerves for the treacherous (but breathtaking) ladder ascent of the Precipice Trail.
Just be sure to save at least one day for a sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain (which is best reached before dawn on the 2.2-mile North Ridge Trail), a lunch of lobster stew and popovers at Jordan Pond House, and a delicious dinner of Latin-inspired favorites at Havana in downtown Bar Harbor.
The wonders of Maine are unlike any others - let our Ellsworth vacation homes introduce you to this awe-inspiring state.
