Guide to Boothbay Harbor, Maine | Eat, Stay, Play
Plan the perfect midcoast getaway with our guide to Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
By Kim Knox Beckius|Jul 02 2024|
Boothbay Harbor’s iconic footbridge.
Photo Credit: Tristan SpinskiThe lively seaside town of Boothbay Harbor is a midcoast Maine favorite. If you’re planning a visit, our guide to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has you covered with the best things to do, places to eat, and places to stay.
See more in the July/August 2024 Yankee Magazine feature “Summer Weekend in Boothbay Harbor, Maine”
Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Rocky soil, salt-laden air. It’s no easy feat to grow here, which makes these diverse displays, including the invitingly interactive children’s and five-senses gardens, all the more inspiring. This summer CMBG becomes home to a collection of 60 Siberian iris cultivars that were introduced to the horticultural world by the famed Dr. Currier McEwen of Harpswell, Maine. mainegardens.org
Photo Credit : Tristan Spinski
Porter Preserve
With views of islands and working and recreational boats on the Sheepscot River, the shaded, easy 1.1-mile trail through this land trust property is low-effort, immense-reward. bbrlt.org
Knickerbocker Lake Public Access
Find the boat launch off Barter’s Island Road, and you’ll have a 105-acre freshwater swimming hole practically to yourself.
Carousel Music Theater
Young, ambitious singers belt tunes while delivering your lunch or dinner, then perform in an original jukebox musical that’ll leave you in good spirits. carouselmusictheater.org
Tidal Transit Kayak
Paddlers have plied Boothbay Harbor for more than 400 years, and Travis Journagan and his team will set you up for success by renting you a paddleboard or kayak or providing free access to launch your own craft. kayakboothbay.com
Boothbay Sailing
You can help hoist the sails, take the wheel, or just sit back on a daytime or sunset voyage aboard one of two classic windjammers. Seal sightings, while not guaranteed, are a thrill. boothbaysailing.com
Where to Eat in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Trevett Country Store
Even if there were a line for this rustic spot’s supremely fresh lobster rolls, you wouldn’t mind because of the view and the ever-present possibility that the Barter’s Island drawbridge will put on a show. 207-633-1140
Bet’s Fish Fry
You’ll need cash and a willingness to time your hunger to match the sparse hours at Bet Finocciaro’s quirky stand, which serves up mammoth haddock portions only three hours a day, Tuesday through Saturday. 21 Common Dr.
Photo Credit : Tristan Spinski
East Boothbay General Store
Get your breakfast pizza, your fresh-baked breads, and your picnic sandwiches from this bakery-café that doubles as a gift and provisions shop. ebgs.us
Blanchard’s Creamery
As you’re driving Route 27 on or off the peninsula, don’t miss this 1800s barn turned ice cream shop, where small batches are slow-churned and dished up. It’ll take you 20 three-scoop flights to plow through all the flavors. blanchardscreamery.com
Photo Credit : Tristan Spinski
Harborside 1901 Bar & Grill
We gravitate to this waterside spot for its convivial service, artful sushi, and creative lobster preparations. OK, we’re really there for Turkish pastry chef Tugba Ciftci’s desserts: so pretty it would be sinful not to photograph them. harborside1901.com
Where to Stay in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Topside Inn
When checkout day arrives you’ll be reluctant to fly from this stylish hilltop perch, just steps from Boothbay Harbor’s waterfront. Breakfasts and BarOne’s small plates are composed with local ingredients, so yes, you might wake to wild Maine blueberries in your pancakes. topsideinn.com
Bluebird Ocean Point Inn
Generations have vacationed on Card Cove but never like this. Lark Hotels added this 125-year-old property to its Bluebird portfolio of reimagined classics and reopened it last summer: a crisp, minimalist coastal retreat for a new era. bluebirdhotels.com
