The 10 Best Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, United States

January 29, 2018 Harland Bartelt

Calling themselves "the soul of the coast," the residents of Boothbay Harbor are proud of their seaside town, with its bright summer colors and beautiful snowy winters. A popular sailing and kayaking destination, Boothbay offers more than just boats. There's delicious seafood, seasonal festivals, and plenty of nature trails to explore. Kids will love visiting Fritz, the 23 pound lobster at the Maine State Aquarium, while adults enjoy jazz concerts or comedy shows at the historic Opera House.
Restaurants in Boothbay Harbor

1. Reid State Park

Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548-3625
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 236 reviews

Reid State Park

This state park has two miles of hiking trails and a beautiful beach.

Reviewed By BobHLeverett - Leverett, MA

The land for Reid Park was donated (some 800 acres) in the 1940's by Walter Reid. Reid was a successful business man and investor. His remarkable donation of the land to the state of Maine resulted in a state park with two separate sections, complete with bathhouses. The two sections each has a nice sandy beach, one one mile long and the other about one half mile long. The water is cold, but the sand is nice (not common in Maine with its rocky coastline). In late August in fine weather the beaches were nearly devoid of people. The shore slopes in various ways and signs warn that one must be cautious in the water - there can be rip tides and undertow. There are picnic tables in many places, some in the sun, some in the shade; most have nice views. There are several nice walking trails. The park has an entrance fee.

2. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Off Barters Island Road, Boothbay, ME 04537 +1 207-633-8000
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a natural wonder on 270 acres of shorefront in mid-coast Maine. Strolling through spectacular ornamental gardens and traversing miles of waterfront and woodland trails, visitors are delighted by the beautiful plantings, impressive stonework, waterfalls and fountains, and scenic views. It's no wonder the Gardens have been hailed as one of Maine's top three attractions. The Gardens are open 9-5 April 15 - October 31 (open until 6 pm in July and August). There is a cafe and gift shop on site. A visit at any time is a memorable experience.

Reviewed By islandfoodie04679 - Southwest Harbor, Maine

What a gorgeous evening......and so well organized. The nine of us had a fabulous time.
No problem parking which was perfectly timed to grab the shuttle. Lots of places to get warmed up (and activities for little ones which we did not have with us). Hot cocoa station and Kettle Corn station are a nice touch.
So much to see and experience as one meanders the well marked walkways. A plethora of colors of lights, styles and patterns including under ice!
Just please be smart and dress warmly. Be prepared....layer up, use hand and toe warmers, gloves, hats and scarves. I could not believe how many people I saw wearing shorts or Jean jackets and then complaining!?! Well duh! lol
Truly was a magical evening for any age. I would highly recommend attending during the holiday season.

3. Cabbage Island

Linekin Bay, Boothbay Harbor, ME +1 207-633-7200
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 379 reviews

Cabbage Island

Reviewed By Jezcat2013 - Columbus, Ohio

All around a very fun & delicious experience. Lots of seating on the boat, alcohol too! 2 decks to access different views. Informative narration of the area & history. Also plenty of seating on the island, picnic tables around the house, tables on the porch & inside. Super staff & service (gratuity jar on the table if you're so inclined). The food was plentiful & and DELISH!!! There's chicken if you aren't a lobster fan. 2 lobsters, about a dozen clams, large baked potato, hard boiled egg, onion and sweet corn in the cob. Thoroughly enjoyed every bite & every moment!! A definite repeat when we return to the area!

4. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Bristol, ME 04558 +1 207-563-2739
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 646 reviews

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Reviewed By rnmteach - Massachusetts

This place is a must visit for us each year. This year was even more spectacular as the monarch butterflies were also visiting. The little art gallery is charming and there are good facilities after a long drive.

5. Southport General Store

443 Hendricks Hill Rd, Southport, ME 04576-3102 +1 207-633-6666
Excellent
74%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Southport General Store

Reviewed By JeepGirl50 - Bolton, Massachusetts

We've been customers at the General Store for years and yesterday when I stopped in to pick up sandwiches to take out on our boat, I was once again struck by their friendly interaction with customers. One of the guys making sandwiches was hilarious and had all of us laughing. Their wine selection is fantastic, their pizza and sandwiches are fresh and tasty, their grocery section has everything you need and you can even pick up a copy of Uncle Henry's. There is also a charming gift shop in an out building where I have purchased jewelry, artwork and gifts.

6. The Wilson Memorial Chapel

Shore Road, East Boothbay, Boothbay, ME +1 207-633-5048
Excellent
58%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

The Wilson Memorial Chapel

Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire

We found The Wilson Memorial Chapel right around the right turn on Shore Road along the oceanfront. There were a few parking spaces across the street.

It was a cozy small-town chapel built of stone to withstand the fury of the North Atlantic during hurricanes and winter snowstorms.

The chapel had a beautiful stained glass window above the entrance.

We were glad that we made the detour to visit this attraction. We encourage others to visit.

We rate The Wilson Memorial Chapel at 4.0.

If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.

7. Boothbay Railway Village

586 Wiscasset Rd, Route 27, Boothbay, ME 04537-4627 +1 207-633-4727
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 202 reviews

Boothbay Railway Village

We invite you to travel back in time to vintage Vacationland with us. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an vintage steam or diesel locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. In addition to the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a vintage locomotive, the Museum also occasionally offers rides in one of our Ford Model Ts. Two of our most popular attractions are the resident goats who delight visitors of all ages with their antics. From a display of hundreds of salt & pepper shakers to a collection of engines that powered everything from small boats to whole factories, there truly is something for everyone in your family here. Throughout the season a wide variety of special events are hosted on the Village Green from vintage ball games to car shows and family festivals. The Museum is also a unique location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Reviewed By Witch41 - Durham, New Hampshire

Took the day for this visit. Interesting but the Village needs a lot of work. Arrived as an exhibition of stone sculptures was being done. This fascinated my granddaughter the most. Very short train ride. Liked the antique car exhibition the best. Called ahead and so took a picnic lunch and the picnic area was pleasant.

8. Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site

Huddle Road, New Harbor, ME +1 207-677-2423
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 122 reviews

Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site

Reviewed By RoseDew - Red Lion, PA

After visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, we popped into this place and were stunned to find that this place was considered "the Jamestown of the north." Walk inside the round stone tower to find a surprise and why the tower was built around "the surprise." There is a museum on site as well with a short historical DVD. For only a few $, this place is worthy of a stop for anyone interested in history dating back to the 17th century.

30 Van Horne Rd, East Boothbay, Boothbay, ME 04544-6409 +1 207-318-3282
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3 reviews

Down East Gallery

Featuring maritime paintings and landscape scenes by award-winning artist Brad Betts. Betts has been an artist for over 20 years and is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery's acclaimed "International Marine Art Exhibition" for the past 7 years. In 2006, he received the "Maritime Gallery Yachting Award" at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of "Four Distinguished Artists" at the Mystic Seaport Gallery. In 2011, Brad's maritime painting "Cup Challenge" was selected by internationally renowned author Ferenc Mate for the cover of "Sea of Lost Dreams", the second book in the Dugger / Nello series. Brad is currently working on a book cover for Mate's first book in the series, "Ghost Sea". His inspiration to paint all things nautical is an outgrowth of his youth, which he spent around the Gulf coast waters, deep sea fishing and sailing. Today, his paintings reflect his life-long appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine's inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine-blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas. In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him. Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain his natural, inspired style. He seeks this through outdoor painting, "When you paint outside, the light and conditions change constantly. This forces you to simplify your decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within."

Reviewed By Rick S

What a wonderful gallery! The artist, Brad Betts is so relaxed and welcoming. The varying style of art is so refreshing, so much more pleasing than other cookie cutter galleries we have visited. Liked it so well we bought 2.

10. Boothbay Region Land Trust

137 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538-1845 +1 207-633-4818
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 130 reviews

Boothbay Region Land Trust

Reviewed By Fifty5 - Maine

As a local, I try to take advantage of as many of the trails as I can. They're all fun. Well-marked and well-maintained.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.