For some of the best that midcoast Maine has to offer, head to the charming seaside village of Boothbay Harbor.
By Bethany Bourgault|Jul 21 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Just an hour’s drive north of Portland lies the village of Boothbay Harbor, Maine — a seaside getaway embodying the quintessential midcoast. Its shoreline, fringed with evergreen forests and rocky outcroppings, is an idyllic setting for any weekend escape, and its downtown, filled with a variety of attractive shops and restaurants, ensures that the whole family will enjoy the trip.
Here’s what to do and see on your next trip to Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
A classic water view at Boothbay Harbor. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Boothbay Harbor is famous for its connection to the sea, so don’t leave without taking one of the many boat tours on offer here. Whales, puffins, seals, lighthouses, and lobster boats are just a few of the things you can spot as you cruise around the islands near Boothbay Harbor. Feeling more adventurous? Rent a kayak and do the seafaring yourself. There’s no better way to see Maine’s coast than from the water.
Picturesque Boothbay Harbor is known for its connection to the sea. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
If you’d rather stay on land for the day, Boothbay Harbor offers several attractions within a 10-minute drive of downtown. Stop by the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to reconnect with the beauty of nature. You can also check out the Boothbay Railway Village, an interactive history museum that depicts life in a rural Maine village from 1850 to 1950, and the Maine State Aquarium, complete with a 20-foot-long touch tank for guests to learn more about the aquatic animals of Maine.
Spend the whole afternoon wandering around the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultBarrett Park is one of several parks and nature reserves near Boothbay Harbor that are perfect for short hikes or walks by the water. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
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Boothbay Harbor’s downtown is filled with shops and restaurants that pack in as much history as they do souvenirs and seafood. Pick up a beach read at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, known as Maine’s oldest bookstore, and something sweet at Orne’s Candy Store, a Boothbay Harbor staple since 1885. Don’t miss Gimbel & Sons Country Store for everything from knickknacks and toys to sauces and jams; at Seawicks Candle Company, you can take home the scents of the coast.
Many shops and restaurants are located on Townsend Avenue and Oak Street —but don’t forget to check out the side streets as well! Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Of course, a visit to Boothbay Harbor requires that you eat at least one lobster roll: We recommend Shannon’s Unshelled for your fix. If you’re in the mood for Italian, try the lobster ravioli at Ports of Italy — you won’t be disappointed.
The Lobster Dock, one of many oceanfront eateries serving up Maine’s signature dish. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
While you wander downtown, be sure to stroll across the famous footbridge and check out the bridge house. Built in 1901 to connect one side of the harbor to the other, this is the longest wooden footbridge in the country. The bridge house was built in 1902 and has served as a residence, a fish market, a gift shop, and an art studio, among other things.
Cross the famous footbridge to get an on-the-water glimpse of the harbor. Photo Credit : Bethany BourgaultThe bridge house has worn many hats over the years. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Finish off your trip with a visit to the Downeast Ice Cream Factory. The huge portions, central location, and 70-plus flavors combine to draw crowds almost every night. Plus, what getaway would be complete without a visit to the local-favorite ice cream spot? Not ours!
One of many islands surrounding Boothbay Harbor, McFarland Island helps make this the picture-perfect setting for a Maine vacation. Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Have you ever visited Boothbay Harbor, Maine?
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
Boothbay is fantastic. I would add, going on a Cabbage Island Clam Bake. I’d love to go back and do that again. Oh, and the author has the same last name (my maiden) as me. I don’t see that very often.
Don’t leave Booth Bay Harbor without going on the Cabbage Island Clambake. Expensive but worth it and reserve early as it quickly fills up. Great family experience. Roger from New York
If you love Boothbay Harbor and a good cozy Maine mystery try Barbara Ross’ Maine Clambake Series. The main character lives in Boothbay and her family runs a “clambake business on an island”. Author lives there as well so it’s very authentic and atmospheric, not to mention the great family recipes! Eagerly awaiting her next novel set for a December release!
My wife and I have been going to Boothbay for our camping vacation for 25 years now. We stay at Shore Hill’s Campgrounds it a short drive to down town Boothbay. And we always find fun things to do in and around town. We even are able to take our two large dogs with us in town. All the shops put out water bowls for your dogs and benches for you to take a break with them. There are a lot of hiking trails outside of town along the many rivers for you to see all kinds of wildlife from bald eagles to seals swimming in the rivers. The botanical gardens is a must see. It is the second largest botanical gardens in the country. Needless to say the restaurants and shopping are right there in town with what ever cuisine you were looking for from seafood to Chinese and even pizza it’s all there. Now shopping that’s my wife’s department! From souvenirs to clothing.
Boothbay has everything you need for a great vacation????
As a young teenager, I traveled to Boothbay with my parents in June. It was beautiful. I’ve always told myself I’d go back one day but that day hasn’t come. I’ll retire next year n this will be my first trip!! So many yrs ago we stayed at a hotel that was once a boarding house. It sat up on top of town n overlooked the bay. I can’t remember the name but the view was spectacular. Would you happen to know where I’m talking about? I can’t wait to revisit this beautiful town with the cobblestone streets n GODS view of his mighty works. Thank you for writing on Boothbay!
I suspect it could have been the Mount Pisgah Lodge, on the Eastside of the footbridge, up the hill across from the water tower. It’s height and proximity provided it with great views. It, like much of this former art colony, has become a seasonal summer home.
If you’re walking along Commercial Street, walk a little further and try Dunton’s Doghouse, a little trailer alongside the road. Whether it’s fish, fries, or meats, whatever you order you won’t be disappointed. And you don’t have to wait to be seated!
As a young child my dad chose to take the family on vacation here to Boothbay Harbor rather than Disney. The fresh air, the tall pines, the boat rides, the clambakes in August each year was a highlight of the summer. So many wonderful memories and so much to do. If you are in Portland and can take that hour drive up the coast to Boothbay Harbor you will indeed give yourself an enormous gift of beauty, fun shops and numerous boat ride adventures.We would stay at Fisherman’s wharf right on the water downtown. We would get boat rides right on the dock. Boothbay Harbor won’t disappoint. Let the car take you there!
Went there a few years ago and stayed at Brown’s Wharf Inn which and has a wonderful restaurant adjoining, right on the water. We had a delightful time.
The family summered there for years, It is a beautiful little city/town you must not miss. if Cathiolic don’t misss Our Lady Queen of Peace church and of curse lobister bake. The best in the world
My wife and I drove up from florida to see the the gorgeous Maine coast and the many lighthouses and booth harbor was where I had my first lobster roll on the trip, fantastic stop
Boothbay was my favorite stop on my trip to Maine. Loved the Botanical Garden! I took a cruise to see the various lighthouses and the scenery was picture-perfect–just like in the magazines! Shopping downtown was super, and the lobster roll at Boothbay Lobster Wharf was outstanding! What a wonderful little town!!
Stayed at Cap’n Fishes in BoothBay for 1 week and loved it. Great place to stay right on the water. Toured the lighthouses, great shopping in town and great food. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Was so fortunate to have lived there for about 7 years. I loved the summer season with the downtown area alive with people having fun. I’d put my son in the stroller and head down the hill and enjoy the view. I loved being able to open my kitchen window and smell the ocean. A magical time.
We had a Bed & Breakfast in Boothbay Harbor, which looked right directly out into the ocean! We never claimed to have the best views, but our guests did!!
AS an Innkeeper, my favorite story involved a guest who was a photographer. This photographer enjoyed taking pictures of churches and he had traveled all over our country photographing churches. In every church he spotted a gold telephone with the inscription, “$500.00 for a call to God”, when he came to bed with us, I sent him across the Harbor to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. There he found this same gold telephone. However, the inscription under this phone read, “25 cents for a call to God”!! When he questioned Father Picard, his response was, “from here in the Harbor, it is a local call to God”!!! That personifies, Boothbay Harbor!!!!!!!!
“McFarland Island”? Who call it that? It’s always been known as “Harbor Island”. Three properties in one, now, including the iconic luxury from the 40’s; a bowling alley. And it’s not even a place to visit. The article is a bit shallow, with much, much more to do with so many resorts, coves and harbors. And getting out on the water is what makes Boothbay truly unique.
We have vacationed in Boothbay Harbor (and nearby Southport Island and Barters Island) for over 20 years. Perfect mix of seaside amenities and rural Maine Coastline life. A beautiful, magical at times, community.
On our honeymoon, without any plans, we drove down route 27 into Boothbay Harbor, it was the first place I had ever eaten a whole lobster (we were from NY and could only buy lobster tails). 5 years later, we returned and for over 20 years we spent most of our summers there. I still have friends there that I visit on occasion. Boothbay Harbor is a gorgeous place and I will return over and over again!! PS, Bets fish stand is the best!!!! My husband is gone, but so thankful that back in 1979 we made a turn not planned.
When I was a kid, my dad was the foreman who’s team built the railway museum and then later, the Tugboat Inn. We used to go to the railway museum at least once each summer for the Dick Curliss concert. In 1973, I helped my grandfather cut the top off of the tugboat so that it could be placed on its current foundation as the Inn’s bar. I have many fond memories. If Boothbay Harbor is full up, try the Tarbox Inn on Westport Island. A quaint and quiet place close to Boothbay, Damariscotta, Camden, Rockport (Andre the Seal), Wiscasset (Reds Eats and theSea Basket).
Boothbay Harbor is the best!! My family started going there back in 1978 and it became an annual summer ritual to enjoy a sunset cruise, wonderful dinners at Robinson’s Wharf and then ice cream treats in downtown Boothbay. I may be a Connecticut Yankee, but part of my heart will always remain in Boothbay Harbor!
My grandfather, Judge Charles Bolster, spent summers on Southport island (right next to Boothbay Harbor) since he was a boy. My cousins and I were very lucky indeed to spend some time up there every summer. He would take us on one boat trip each summer, and a trip to the Railway Village was always a wonderful time. The smell of (and swimming in) the ocean, walking in the pine and spruce forests was so refreshing, and relaxing. I married an Aussie and I live in Sydney now, but those sun-soaked days were wonderful. I highly recommend a lobster at Robinson’s Wharf and a trip to the Down East Ice Cream shop. You won’t be disappointed!
Boothbay is fantastic. I would add, going on a Cabbage Island Clam Bake. I’d love to go back and do that again. Oh, and the author has the same last name (my maiden) as me. I don’t see that very often.
I agree. Cabbage Island Clambake is a wonderful experience.
For my family, no trip to Boothbay Harbor was complete without at least one sunset cruise and a lobster roll from the Lobstermen’s Co-op. Heaven!
Don’t leave Booth Bay Harbor without going on the Cabbage Island Clambake. Expensive but worth it and reserve early as it quickly fills up. Great family experience. Roger from New York
If you love Boothbay Harbor and a good cozy Maine mystery try Barbara Ross’ Maine Clambake Series. The main character lives in Boothbay and her family runs a “clambake business on an island”. Author lives there as well so it’s very authentic and atmospheric, not to mention the great family recipes! Eagerly awaiting her next novel set for a December release!
Been going to booth bay for 47 years. Would not miss a visit there every year
Absolutely great place.
how are the fall colors now?? when do you think Boothbay harbor will have peak color this year???
My wife and I have been going to Boothbay for our camping vacation for 25 years now. We stay at Shore Hill’s Campgrounds it a short drive to down town Boothbay. And we always find fun things to do in and around town. We even are able to take our two large dogs with us in town. All the shops put out water bowls for your dogs and benches for you to take a break with them. There are a lot of hiking trails outside of town along the many rivers for you to see all kinds of wildlife from bald eagles to seals swimming in the rivers. The botanical gardens is a must see. It is the second largest botanical gardens in the country. Needless to say the restaurants and shopping are right there in town with what ever cuisine you were looking for from seafood to Chinese and even pizza it’s all there. Now shopping that’s my wife’s department! From souvenirs to clothing.
Boothbay has everything you need for a great vacation????
As a young teenager, I traveled to Boothbay with my parents in June. It was beautiful. I’ve always told myself I’d go back one day but that day hasn’t come. I’ll retire next year n this will be my first trip!! So many yrs ago we stayed at a hotel that was once a boarding house. It sat up on top of town n overlooked the bay. I can’t remember the name but the view was spectacular. Would you happen to know where I’m talking about? I can’t wait to revisit this beautiful town with the cobblestone streets n GODS view of his mighty works. Thank you for writing on Boothbay!
I suspect it could have been the Mount Pisgah Lodge, on the Eastside of the footbridge, up the hill across from the water tower. It’s height and proximity provided it with great views. It, like much of this former art colony, has become a seasonal summer home.
It could very well be the Topside Inn, which sits atop a hill in the middle of the village and offers panoramic views of the harbor and sea.
If you’re walking along Commercial Street, walk a little further and try Dunton’s Doghouse, a little trailer alongside the road. Whether it’s fish, fries, or meats, whatever you order you won’t be disappointed. And you don’t have to wait to be seated!
As a young child my dad chose to take the family on vacation here to Boothbay Harbor rather than Disney. The fresh air, the tall pines, the boat rides, the clambakes in August each year was a highlight of the summer. So many wonderful memories and so much to do. If you are in Portland and can take that hour drive up the coast to Boothbay Harbor you will indeed give yourself an enormous gift of beauty, fun shops and numerous boat ride adventures.We would stay at Fisherman’s wharf right on the water downtown. We would get boat rides right on the dock. Boothbay Harbor won’t disappoint. Let the car take you there!
Went there a few years ago and stayed at Brown’s Wharf Inn which and has a wonderful restaurant adjoining, right on the water. We had a delightful time.
Spent a magical week at Boothbay Harbor, Topside Inn many years ago. Will try to return again soon, I hope.
Stoppped in Boothbay Harbour in 2008 when visiting from Australia. Charming place
The family summered there for years, It is a beautiful little city/town you must not miss. if Cathiolic don’t misss Our Lady Queen of Peace church and of curse lobister bake. The best in the world
My wife and I drove up from florida to see the the gorgeous Maine coast and the many lighthouses and booth harbor was where I had my first lobster roll on the trip, fantastic stop
The boat trips are great. Been on all of them. Puffin Island was interesting. Robinson’s lobster restaurant is great.
Beautiful scenery and very home town living.
Best harbor views are from the Tug Boat Inn.
… if you must stay on land. The newer rooftop deck is an ideal to have a pre-dinner cocktail.
We stayed there several years ago also and it was the best!
Been going to Boothbay Harbor for years. It’s lovely, charming and picturesque! Will always go back. Grammie from CT.
Boothbay was my favorite stop on my trip to Maine. Loved the Botanical Garden! I took a cruise to see the various lighthouses and the scenery was picture-perfect–just like in the magazines! Shopping downtown was super, and the lobster roll at Boothbay Lobster Wharf was outstanding! What a wonderful little town!!
Stayed at Cap’n Fishes in BoothBay for 1 week and loved it. Great place to stay right on the water. Toured the lighthouses, great shopping in town and great food. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Was so fortunate to have lived there for about 7 years. I loved the summer season with the downtown area alive with people having fun. I’d put my son in the stroller and head down the hill and enjoy the view. I loved being able to open my kitchen window and smell the ocean. A magical time.
We had a Bed & Breakfast in Boothbay Harbor, which looked right directly out into the ocean! We never claimed to have the best views, but our guests did!!
AS an Innkeeper, my favorite story involved a guest who was a photographer. This photographer enjoyed taking pictures of churches and he had traveled all over our country photographing churches. In every church he spotted a gold telephone with the inscription, “$500.00 for a call to God”, when he came to bed with us, I sent him across the Harbor to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. There he found this same gold telephone. However, the inscription under this phone read, “25 cents for a call to God”!! When he questioned Father Picard, his response was, “from here in the Harbor, it is a local call to God”!!! That personifies, Boothbay Harbor!!!!!!!!
I cannot get enough of Boothbay Harbor and Maine – beautiful. A little piece of heaven on earth.
I really love Boothbay. My wife and I have been visiting since May 1971.
“McFarland Island”? Who call it that? It’s always been known as “Harbor Island”. Three properties in one, now, including the iconic luxury from the 40’s; a bowling alley. And it’s not even a place to visit. The article is a bit shallow, with much, much more to do with so many resorts, coves and harbors. And getting out on the water is what makes Boothbay truly unique.
We have vacationed in Boothbay Harbor (and nearby Southport Island and Barters Island) for over 20 years. Perfect mix of seaside amenities and rural Maine Coastline life. A beautiful, magical at times, community.
On our honeymoon, without any plans, we drove down route 27 into Boothbay Harbor, it was the first place I had ever eaten a whole lobster (we were from NY and could only buy lobster tails). 5 years later, we returned and for over 20 years we spent most of our summers there. I still have friends there that I visit on occasion. Boothbay Harbor is a gorgeous place and I will return over and over again!! PS, Bets fish stand is the best!!!! My husband is gone, but so thankful that back in 1979 we made a turn not planned.
Heading to Boothbay shortly, 5th trip over 30 years. Always miss it!
When I was a kid, my dad was the foreman who’s team built the railway museum and then later, the Tugboat Inn. We used to go to the railway museum at least once each summer for the Dick Curliss concert. In 1973, I helped my grandfather cut the top off of the tugboat so that it could be placed on its current foundation as the Inn’s bar. I have many fond memories. If Boothbay Harbor is full up, try the Tarbox Inn on Westport Island. A quaint and quiet place close to Boothbay, Damariscotta, Camden, Rockport (Andre the Seal), Wiscasset (Reds Eats and theSea Basket).
Boothbay Harbor is the best!! My family started going there back in 1978 and it became an annual summer ritual to enjoy a sunset cruise, wonderful dinners at Robinson’s Wharf and then ice cream treats in downtown Boothbay. I may be a Connecticut Yankee, but part of my heart will always remain in Boothbay Harbor!
My grandfather, Judge Charles Bolster, spent summers on Southport island (right next to Boothbay Harbor) since he was a boy. My cousins and I were very lucky indeed to spend some time up there every summer. He would take us on one boat trip each summer, and a trip to the Railway Village was always a wonderful time. The smell of (and swimming in) the ocean, walking in the pine and spruce forests was so refreshing, and relaxing. I married an Aussie and I live in Sydney now, but those sun-soaked days were wonderful. I highly recommend a lobster at Robinson’s Wharf and a trip to the Down East Ice Cream shop. You won’t be disappointed!