The town of Boothbay Harbor, named after its well-protected waterway, is one of Maine's most picturesque tourist destinations, offering a variety of things to do for people of all ages and interests.
There are numerous attractions and activities to keep you entertained whether you enjoy maritime history, boating activities, or both. The History Society offers information on the significant contribution this small town made to the nation's war effort. The Windjammer Emporium offers free access to models and components of well-known ships. You may even join a vintage vessel for a sightseeing cruise.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are a great place for nature enthusiasts to meander through after taking a boat to see puffins, whales, and seals. Next, tour island wildlife preserves. If you enjoy the arts, keep a look out for the countless sculptures erected across the city and don't forget to see live performances at the Boothbay Opera House and Carousel Theater.
Plan your trip with our list of the top things to do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, which includes everything from sailing and seafood to museums and concerts.
1. Cross the footbridge above Boothbay Harbor.
Walking down the waterfront and around the marina is one of the best parts of visiting Boothbay Harbor. A stroll across the Boothbay Harbor Footbridge, a 1,000-foot-long wooden bridge that spans the harbor, is a fantastic spot to get started.
The current bridge is permanent, unlike the 1901 bridge, which had a 75-foot swinging draw to let boats over. A bridge house that was constructed in 1902 by a local merchant named William Foster may be found near the bridge's halfway. Within a few years after it was found that he was using the covert location for smuggling, his enterprise was shut down; presently, it is a privately owned residence.
It's a terrific site to visit to take pictures of the busy waterfront because you can get great views of the boats from the bridge, including anything from little fishing rigs to mega-yachts to tour boats. Once you've had your fill, make your way back to the wharf and choose a restaurant by the water so you can try the local fish and chips and make plans for the rest of the day.
2. Take in the beauty of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Across approximately 300 acres that slope sharply to 3,600 feet of frontage on a tidal river, flowers, trees, and artwork merge harmoniously. A water garden with irises and other aquatic plants is one of many themed gardens connected by flower-lined walks. Beyond is a wooded garden with a pool that is surrounded by vegetation that likes the shadow.
The lengthy Rose Arbor, where visitors can sit in the shadow of scented wisteria, clematis, and honeysuckle vines, is located above the rose garden, which is at its peak in June, and overlooks beds of perennials.
A garden for the five senses with plants noted for their flavors, scents, and textures is located close to the entrance. For easier wheelchair access, plants are placed in raised and hanging beds with braille signage identifying them.
Original outdoor sculptures are positioned around the gardens to add visual interest and to serve as visual accents. Approximately 20 of these were expressly ordered for the garden and are permanent attractions. These can be found all over the garden, but George Sherwood's stainless-steel Wind Orchid, a kinetic sculpture above a lawn and meadow of wild grasses and blooming perennials, is the most noticeable.
The sculptures at the Children's Garden, which takes up a whole area of the garden, were influenced by children's books written by Maine authors. The garden cottage with a grass roof, the tunnel made of flowers and leaves, and the fantastical fairy house are all favorites among kids. Watering cans with vibrant colors entice kids to start gardening at a young age.
3. Ride a train at Railway Village
With its large-scale replicas of vintage trains and intricate models that inspire creativity, Boothbay's Railway Village appeals to everyone's inner child.
The 35-acre town contains numerous historic structures that have been moved there and conserved so that visitors can experience what life was like for Mainers in earlier eras. A one-room schoolhouse, hardware store, fire station, blacksmith shop, chapel, and farmhouse are a few of these.
The town features a variety of exhibitions for visitors to see, such as changing exhibits and ongoing collections like the Antique Car Museum and two narrow-gauge railroad exhibits.
The HO-scale model train, which was initially constructed by the late Ron Spinney in 2006 to depict the railways of mid-20th-century Maine in remarkable detail, is one of the most well-liked sights to visit here.
In addition, a ride on the historic locomotive powered by steam is available to visitors and is included in the admission price. The railway changes into the "North Pole Express" train ride in December, making eight journeys per day on Saturdays and Sundays to visit Santa Claus in a spectacular journey. Tickets for the Christmas train must be purchased in advance online.
4. Join Cap'n Fish for Whale Watching & Puffin Spotting.
It is imperative to take a sightseeing trip in and around Boothbay Harbor, and Cap'n Fish offers a variety of options for any interest. Of these, whale-watching cruises, which are led by marine biologists who are familiar with the finest locations to locate these enormous ocean creatures, are by far the most well-liked.
Thanks to the National Audubon Society's efforts at Eastern Egg Rock, you now have a fantastic opportunity to watch puffins up close. Passengers on a puffin cruise get to witness a colony of these lovely birds while being guided by Audubon employees.
Also, there are combined tours that give visitors the chance to observe seals, puffins, whales, and other types of coastal wildlife.
A wide variety of specialized excursions are also available for tourists to select from, such as sunset sails, lighthouse tours, Pemaquid Point, bird-watching cruises, and more.
Are you worried that during your trip you might not see a whale or a puffin? You will receive a free stand-by ticket for another trip if you don't get to see the star animal on your voyage, so don't worry.
5. Go buying
Boothbay Harbor's notable lack of gaudy tourist shops is one of its attractions. Instead, local merchants choose to sell locally created, higher-quality goods that you're happy to carry home for friends and family.
The majority of shops can be found between McKown Street and the river, and there are even more up Route 27 (Townsend Avenue), where shoppers may also locate Mung Bean, a neighborhood shop that specializes in homemade goods. Gift shops, apparel retailers, and art galleries flank Commercial and Wharf Streets.
The Windjammer Emporium, which has a wide assortment of Maine products and is situated right on the wharf, also has a free museum. Customers can ogle a remarkable collection of model ships, nautical memorabilia, and even fragments of renowned ships at the store's back.
Be sure to visit the Duffy Taffy and Fudge Factory if you want to take some of the sweeter flavors of the seaside home with you. You can find an incredible variety of flavors of freshly produced saltwater taffy hidden away at a small shop on By-Way, as well as pounds of fudge that are just waiting to tempt you.
6. Kayak to the lighthouse on Burnt Island
The lighthouse that served as a safety beacon for ships entering and leaving Boothbay Bay has been located on Burnt Island since 1821. Up until electricity was installed in 1961, it communicated by firelight and a 1,029-pound bell, and 30 men worked as keepers during its 167 years of manual operation.
Former lighthouse keepers offer "living history" tours of the lighthouse on Mondays and Thursdays, complete with historical attire. From June through October, visitors are free to explore this five-acre island on their own from 10 am to 5 pm every day of the week.
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Only private craft may access the island, and many visitors choose to rent kayaks because they are both inexpensive and enjoyable. The cruise, which takes about an hour each way, passes by McFarland Island, Tumbler Island, and Mouse Island as it travels through the port.
The most practical place to rent a kayak is Tidal Transit Kayak Co, which is close to the Footbridge off Granary Way. Tandem kayaks are a fantastic way to save money, and rentals come with safety gear and basic instruction. Also, the store hires SUPs, sells a full line of kayaking gear, and offers free public boat launches from its beachfront location.
If you don't feel like paddling, a number of nearby boat companies provide transportation to and from Burnt Island.
7. Sail aboard a Schooner, Sloop, or Windjammer
Nothing compares to the sensation of setting sail on a tall ship and sailing out to sea only on the strength of the wind. There are many excellent options available in Boothbay Harbor, the majority of which leave from the main wharf area.
A sail past Burnt Island Lighthouse and Ram Island Lighthouse is usually included on windjammer and other sailing trips, which run at least two hours. Most are available for special charters in addition to the daily sail schedules, and some allow guests to help rig the sails or even take the helm.
If you truly adore windjammers, schedule your trip to Boothbay Bay for the week-long Windjammer Days celebration at the end of June. The spectacular Gathering of the Fleet, an antique boat parade, a street parade, fireworks, and a ton of kid-friendly events are all part of the festivities.
8. Stroll around the sculpture trail
A group of artists at the Maine Coast Stone Symposium launched the Sculpture Trail in Booth Bay Harbor in 2017 after being inspired by a popular sculpture walk in Meredith, New Hampshire. Around 30 sculptures are currently on exhibit, and these sculptures made up the first phase of public art.
The trail showcases the creations of artists from Maine and the rest of New England, and each piece is displayed for around two years before being replaced by a new piece and being sold at auction. Most of these are visible to visitors while they explore the waterfront area, and the Chamber of Commerce can provide a map with more information (192 Townsend Avenue).
9. Go to the Museum in the Streets in Boothbay Harbor
Two dozen educational plaques from the Museum in the Streets in Boothbay Bay offer fascinating details and images from the town's past. A map can be obtained from the visitor center, or you can spot one of the big signs on Howard Street or at either end of the Footbridge.
The majority of the historic sites are found on Atlantic Avenue, which is easily accessible by footbridge, and around half are situated in the vicinity of the dock.
Several of the town's oldest residences and enterprises, including shipyards that were crucial to the Harbor's success as a hub for trade and fishing, are among the attractions.
10. Go to the Museum of the Boothbay Area Historical Society.
The Boothbay Area Historical Society, located in a house built in 1874, is home to a large collection of artifacts and records that give a detailed account of the town's past, both before and after European settlers arrived. In addition to documentation like maps, photographs, and newspapers, collections also include clothing, tools, and models.
The primary exhibit at the museum explores the significant contribution that ships and their people made to the development of Boothbay Bay. Tools for shipbuilding, nautical equipment, and a Fresnel lens that formerly illuminated Ram Island's lighthouse for passing ships are among the items on display.
The Historical Society Museum is free to enter and is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
11. See a Show at Boothbay Opera House
The Boothbay Opera House has performed a variety of functions over the course of its existence, including fraternal lodge, restaurant, residence, and even a shopping mall. It was constructed in 1894 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Since then, it has evolved into a local performance space, offering a diverse range of entertainment.
Live performances of music, drama, and lectures are offered throughout the entire year at the location. Also, it hosts several unique occasions all through the year, such as a contest for gingerbread houses and carolers at the annual Christmas lunch.
12. Take in the scenery of Damariscove Island and Oak Point Farm.
The Boothbay Area Land Trust, which has a visitor center at its historic Oak Point Farm offices, looks after some of the area's most stunning natural regions.
A one-mile loop walk and a half-mile trail lead to the ocean and a freshwater pond, respectively, in this lovely waterfront area.
Birdwatchers and other nature lovers enjoy coming here, and visitors can use their dock and moorings for kayaks and other small craft.
The 210-acre Damariscove Island is where you can take in the pristine scenery, but you'll need your own boat to get there. The entire northern half of the island is devoid of pathways to help conserve their habitat, making this a true birder's heaven.
There are numerous walking routes with views of the water, a small museum, and a nature center near the harbor. Damariscove Island does not permit pets, thus guests should be informed of this.
13. Take in a Performance at the Carousel Music Theater
The 1982-founded Carousel Music Theater offers a traditional dinner and show experience, with a three-course meal before the act. Internationally renowned musical theater performers as well as up-and-coming artists with infectious passion make up the cast.
The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Shoes Have Left the Building, and Gilligan's Island the Musical have all recently performed.
14. The Gulf of Maine Learning Lab offers lessons on marine life.
Visitors who wish to learn more about the marine creatures around the coast can still visit the Gulf of Maine Learning Center, which is conveniently located next door, even though the Maine State Aquarium is closed for renovations.
The fact that the learning lab is an actual operating laboratory where scientists from the Department of Marine Resources perform ongoing research is one of its outstanding features. Hands-on learning is available to visitors of all ages, and throughout the summer, there are additional events available.
Although a precise date has not been determined, the Maine State Aquarium is expected to reopen in 2023 with a completely refurbished building.
15. Go to the Old Swing Bridge
The swing bridge connecting the island of Southport to Boothbay Harbor was constructed in 1939, and it is unique in that the entire structure swings on an axis to provide room for boats entering the harbor.
It is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Sites and is the last remaining truss-swing bridge in the state. The bridge's construction was particularly complex since portions had to be barged in and this task was made more difficult by tide changes.
At the top of its swing span, a pair of osprey build their nest. Because of their distinctive perch, they have gained some local notoriety.
16. Eat at Bet's Fish Fry for Lunch
Plan your visit to Boothbay around lunch at Bet's Fish Fry, even if you're just stopping through for the day.
This tiny, take-out-only, roadside fish and chip shop is as basic as they get and is a true landmark in the community. Need a soda? Next door is a vending machine. Do you need to use the restroom? A lovely public one is only a two-minute walk away. Want to take a seat? In this case, they even have excellent shade umbrellas to cover you.
Why then do we demand that you stop? Since Bet (and her mother) prepare the freshest, largest portions of fish fillets you've ever seen, properly, without the overly thick fried coating that makes you queasy. There is only the option to order them with or without fries.
Take a trip down to Boothbay Common for the farmers market if you're in town on a Thursday.