Introduction
Maine is a beautiful state and one of its top tourist destinations is Boothbay Harbor. This small fishing village turned tourism hotspot has a lot of attractions and activities to offer for any kind of traveler. The harbor is famous for its pristine beaches, natural beauty, fresh seafood, and quaint downtown area. If you’re planning a trip to Boothbay Harbor, here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your visit.
Getting There
Boothbay Harbor is easily accessible by car and is located approximately 2.5 hours from Portland and 3 hours from Boston. If you prefer to fly, you can fly into Portland International Jetport or Boston Logan International Airport. Once you’ve arrived, you can rent a car or use one of the local transportation services.
Accommodation
There’s a wide variety of accommodation options in Boothbay Harbor. From fancy hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, there’s something for everyone. Some great options are the Spruce Point Inn, the Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort, and the Sunset Beach Motel.
Activities
Boothbay Harbor is packed with attractions for both young and old. Here are some activities that you shouldn’t miss during your visit:
Whale Watching
If you have a love for marine life, you should definitely go for whale watching while visiting Boothbay Harbor. Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch is one of the best whale watching services in the area. They offer daily whale watching tours from May through October, and they guarantee that you’ll see a whale.
Lobster Fishing
Fishing for lobster is one of the most popular activities in Boothbay Harbor. Many local fishermen offer lobster fishing tours where you can learn about the history of lobstering and take a short boat ride to see the traps. You can even catch your own lobster and have it cooked fresh for you on one of the local restaurants.
Coastal Botanical Gardens
For those who love nature and gardens, the Coastal Botanical Gardens should be on their itinerary. Spread over 300 acres, it features beautiful and unique displays of plants and flowers that thrive in Maine.
Boothbay Railway Village
The Boothbay Railway Village is an interactive museum that takes visitors back in time to the golden era of railroads. You can explore the old train station, enjoy a train ride, and view the historic train cars.
Puffin Watching
Puffin watching is another popular activity in Boothbay Harbor. These colorful seabirds are a treat to watch and you can take a boat tour to see them up close.
Food
Boothbay Harbor is famous for its fresh seafood, and there are many great restaurants to choose from. Some of the best places to dine are:
Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant
This restaurant is known for its delicious tapas-style cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to create unique dishes. You can enjoy your meal with a view of the harbor.
McSeagulls Restaurant
This family-friendly restaurant boasts of fresh seafood and burgers. Their crab cake sandwich is a must-try.
The Lobster Dock
The Lobster Dock provides fresh and reasonably priced seafood. It offers a variety of lobsters to choose from, which can be prepared boiled, steamed or baked.
Shopping
Boothbay Harbor has many shopping options for those looking for souvenirs or unique items. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to antiques to fine art. Here are some of the must-visit shops:
The Maine Square
The Maine Square is a multi-vendor gift shop selling unique Maine products such as Maine-made jams, jellies, and chocolates.
Little Dog Coffee
This independent coffee shop offers delicious locally roasted coffee, sandwiches, pastries for the on-the-go travelers.
The Smiling Cow
The Smiling Cow is a must-visit store for candy lovers. It offers a variety of handmade fudge, chocolates, and candies.
Conclusion
Boothbay Harbor is a wonderful destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for whale watching, lobster fishing, exploring the gardens or just relaxing at the beach, you will never be short of things to do. From the fresh seafood to the local shopping options, Boothbay Harbor is a place worth visiting. So why wait? Plan your trip today and explore the hidden gem of Maine.