Boothbay Harbor Maine - Attractions, Rentals, Dining

Maine - The Way Life Should Be

Great Maine Vacations Home: Boothbay Harbor Maine

Boothbay Harbor, Maine Vacations

At the tip of Boothbay peninsula, on Maine's Midcoast, a charming little seaside village awaits you - Boothbay Harbor, Maine. And charming it is...

...with its dozens of weathered boutiques, restaurants, and galleries, and impeccably decorated inns, B&B's, motels and hotels, surrounding a picture perfect waterfront.

Located on one of the many fingers of land that jut out into the Atlantic Ocean, and a little over ten miles from US Route 1, Boothbay Harbor is centrally located, making it an attractive stopover for your Maine coastal vacation.

Although its popularity draws many tourists in the height of the summer season, there are a pleasant mix of things to do...

...in the Boothbay Harbor region of Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay, Edgecomb, Southport, East Boothbay, and West Boothbay Harbor, so as not to feel overwhelmed by the crowds.

Or, enjoy a Boothbay visit off season...

Be part of the excitement as merchants' gear up for their summer arrivals and the harbors begin to fill in the spring, or enjoy the peacefulness and the slower pace in fall as the season starts to winds down.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine Attractions

Whether you travel to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, by land or by sea, or are visiting for a day trip or on an overnight trip...

...this small waterfront village along the harbor will beckon you and your walking shoes. Its streets are filled with shops selling unique clothing and accessories, pottery, jewelry, nautical decorations, antiques, books, candy and ice cream, and of course, Boothbay Harbor T-shirts.

You will also find many art galleries, with great prints depicting past and present life in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, distinctive gift stores and great places to eat!

When you have tired of the shopping and browsing...

Ram Island Light Boothbay Harbor is not only home to many fishing vessels and pleasure boats, but sightseeing boats regularly sail in and out of its harbors, as well.

The Balmy Days Cruise line on Pier 8, with its fleet of boats - the Balmy Days II, the Novelty, the Miss Boothbay and its Friendship Sloop, the Bay Lady - will introduce you to the best these waters have to offer.

Climb aboard for mackerel fishing, a visit to Burnt Island Light Station, a harbor tour, a trip out to Monhegan Island, or for their hour and a half trip as they sail near...

...Southport Island, Capitol Island, Mouse Island, Ram Island Light, and Burnt Island Light.

Cap'n Fish and Capt. Ron's cruises are also waiting for you, with great Maine whale watching and seal watching cruises, Atlantic puffin cruises, and fishing charters.

If it sounds more exciting to venture into the water on your own, just stop at one of several kayak rental shops in Boothbay Harbor for great personalized service. Or, let them be your guide on one of their kayak tours.

For sightseeing back on land, Boothbay Harbor scooter rentals are available at Mainely Scooters, and Tidal Transit offers bike rentals.

Are you a golfer?

Although the Boothbay Golf Club requires membership, they offer a Stay & Play package. Spend a night with one of several of their Resort Partners and you will be welcomed on their 18 hole course.

For more vacation relaxation...

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - Maine's first botanical garden and New England's largest - offer guided and self guided tours through a dazzling array of colors.

Or, with its main gallery resembling the rocky coast of Maine, you may enjoy the Maine State Aquarium in West Boothbay Harbor, where you can see a collection of regional fish and invertebrates along with interactive displays and numerous touch tanks.

At the Boothbay Historical Society in the 1874 Elizabeth F. Reed House you can roam through seven display rooms containing local artifacts, memorabilia and documentary collections. Big kids and little kids...

Bike Kayak Rentals ...can easily be entertained at the Boothbay Railway Village that operates a narrow gauge coal fired steam train in its recreated historical village. And it's not just about locomotives and train rides, a collection of antique vehicles are also on hand.

If you can stay until evening...

...the 1894 Opera house at Boothbay Harbor, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, has wonderful entertainment. Relax with an evening of jazz, be lulled by a folk singer, enjoy a night of comedy, or be entertained by a Broadway star.

And, with Boothbay Harbor, Maine as your headquarters...

You can easily travel to other historical towns and coastal villages along the Midcoast of Maine. Great day trips, under 60 miles, include...

...to the south, Portland and Freeport, with its dozens of outlet shops, and to the north, Rockland, Rockport and Camden, along with a multitude of charming spots in between.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine Hotels and Rentals

You're staying the night? Fantastic! With the large selection of Boothbay Harbor hotels, motels, inns, B&B's, and Boothbay Harbor vacation rentals, you are sure to find a great place.

Overlooking the harbor and nestled on Commercial Street, near the many downtown shops and restaurants, is the Fisherman's Wharf Inn. Just down the street...

The Tugboat Inn - a longtime fixture of the working harbor - offers "64 rooms and suites facing (some over) the water", a full service restaurant, the Marina Lounge & Cafe, moorings, and a sheltered marina for both seasonal and transient mariners.

A short stroll across the footbridge to Boothbay's east side are...

Cap'n Fish's Waterfront Inn and Marina, the Boothbay Harbor Inn, and the Rocktide Inn, all in great locations for watching the ever active harbor.

Further down Atlantic Avenue, you will know you are at one of Charles Kuralt's favorites - Brown's Wharf Inn - when you see the gigantic statue of The Old Lobster Fisherman that stands guard to the motel, restaurant and marina.

Boothbay Harbor Aerial From the highest vantage point in town...

The Topside Inn Bed and Breakfast, a 19th century sea captains home, has commanding views of the harbor and the nearby islands.

Amongst acres of wildflowers, gardens and shady maples and set back on Route 27 is one of Boothbay's oldest homes...

...lovingly transformed to a bed & breakfast. Built in 1786 by a prominent shipbuilder, the Kenniston Hill Inn has ten tastefully decorated rooms, five with working fireplaces. Be sure to ask your innkeeper about Lobster College!

A short stroll from the Boothbay Harbor footbridge is the Thistle Inn...

...built in 1861, and the former home of a prominent Sea Captain. Along with six guest rooms - each named after a sailing vessel - the Inn offers "fine cuisine" and "casual fare" in its restaurant, pub, and seasonally on the front porch.

And the Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront, an elegant Victorian bed and breakfast inn, with gorgeous gardens, and "12 beautifully appointed guest rooms".

For a bit of pampering...

The luxurious oceanfront Spruce Point Inn offers a long list of amenities including an oceanfront saltwater pool AND a heated freshwater pool, tennis courts, a putting green, and the Spa of Spruce Point, with outdoor or in-room massage!

And...

Sitting oceanfront at the tip of Southport Island is the Newagen Seaside Inn. A quote from Frommer's Travel Guide on their website probably says it best. "It's hard to convey the magnificence of the ocean views; maybe the best of any Inn's in Maine."

Are you traveling to Boothbay Harbor, Maine with a group?

The Sheepscot Harbor Village and Resort, on Davis Island in Edgecomb, provides a large variety of year round accommodations - the Inn, cottages, condominiums and home rentals.

The 45 acre Ocean Gate Resort is also great for spreading out, with standard guestrooms, one and two bedroom suites, and one and two bedroom oceanfront cottages.

The more rustic at heart can find room for an RV or tent...

...at the Shore Hills Campground where the motto is, "No rig too big or too small". Choose between one of their wooded, open, or waterfront sites.

And the list of lodging in Boothbay Harbor, Maine goes on - with dozens of other great places, on and off the beaten track.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine Restaurants

Maybe it's my imagination, but I do believe that as soon as you get to Boothbay Harbor, Maine there is a lingering smell of lobster in the air, EVERYWHERE!

Lobster and Salad If you too smell the smell and can't resist the temptation to indulge, you are most definitely in the right place.

From lobster-in-the-rough to gourmet samplings you won't be disappointed!

What if you have never acquired a taste for lobster?

Don't worry. You are likely to find a full selection of other excellent choices no matter where you eat in Boothbay - from deli's and take-out stands, to upscale dining, and everything else in between.

Sitting at the Lobster Dock, featured in Coastal Living for its succulent lobster rolls, you can take in the superb harbor views.

Or, you may want to join the Brown family at Brown's Wharf Restaurant, for outdoor dining on the water's edge, or in their nautically decorated dining room.

Both formal (jackets required) and casual dining are offered at the Rocktide Inn where you can check out their delicately crafted model boats and the working collection of LGB model trains that pass through the dining rooms.

For a change of pace...

The Boathouse Bistro, specializing in tapas Boothbay Harbor style and gourmet meals, serves really unique offerings. Are you ready for a cold Lobster and Blueberry Cocktail tapa?

Think REAL Italian if you consider the Ports of Italy, where traditional Northern Italian fare is prepared using select ingredients from local vendors.

And, for romantic dining in Boothbay Harbor, or other special occasions, the dining rooms at the Thistle Inn Restaurant offer unique charm. Summer guests love eating on the Inn's front porch, and year-round, locals and visitors enjoy the ambiance of the two dining rooms with fireplaces.

For sure, your travels will lead you to your own Boothbay Harbor, Maine favorites. When they do - please tell me about them - I'd love to include them here. Enjoy!

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