Town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine

A quintessential Maine coastal town, Boothbay Harbor draws visitors from across the United States and the world, and lifelong Mainers even flock to the area for an in-state vacation or day trip. With just 2,000 residents, Boothbay Harbor retains much of the feel of a small fishing village, with lobster boats and other commercial vessels crowded into the harbor and visible out in the ocean. The scenery is beautiful, but it’s still very much a working harbor.

At the height of tourist season, the main drag is always bustling as people wander from shop to shop, sit on patios to enjoy a meal or a drink, and wait in lines to head out on sightseeing cruises. You can also spot yachts and other impressive recreational boats motoring in and out of the harbor as visitors from around the world head to Maine for their summer vacations.

Boothbay Harbor may give the sense of being a world away, but it’s only an hour drive from Portland and an hour drive from Augusta. In the summer, that time creeps up as you hit traffic coming over the bridge from Wiscasset, but overall Boothbay Harbor is an accessible distance for those who want a coastal home and don’t mind a bit of a commute. This location also makes it easy to reach for visitors who fly into Portland, or for Mainers who live more inland and want to spend a day on the coast.

Exploring Boothbay Harbor Maine

Whether you live in or are visiting Boothbay Harbor, you’ll be able to find a dining option or a shop to meet your preferences. From harborside bars that serve drinks in plastic cups to formal restaurants, and from kitschy beach shops to crafters’ galleries, there’s something for everyone in the seaside town.

For a casual and classic bite of Maine seafood, visit the Boothbay Lobster Wharf or Shannon’s Unshelled. McSeagull’s is a longtime favorite for a sit-down meal or a casual afternoon at the bar. Coastal Prime and Ports of Italy offer more upscale dining environments. Boothbay Harbor also offers the chance for a more adventurous meal – with Cabbage Island Clambakes, you can hop on a boat in Boothbay Harbor, travel over to Cabbage Island, spend a few hours enjoying a full-fledged seafood feast.

Shoppers will have no problem finding a way to pass the time in Boothbay Harbor. Boutiques, art galleries, bookstores; the town has it all. If you’re visiting, stop into one of the many touristy shops to grab some magnets or postcards as souvenirs, or pick up a more meaningful and unique gift at one of the many boutiques.

Boothbay Harbor also has more practical stores. Residents can head to Hannaford to get grocery shopping done, or pick up other necessities at Walgreen’s.

Attractions

If you’re looking for something to do, Boothbay Harbor won’t disappoint. The Maine State Aquarium sits at the edge of the harbor, welcoming visitors to learn more about the local ocean ecosystem. To see the ecosystem in action, purchase a ticket for one of the local whale watching or puffin sighting tours.

For musical and other live performances, visit the Boothbay Opera House. Though the town is most lively in the summer months, the Opera House offers performances year-round – and the shows include much more than just opera. To learn about local history, head to the Boothbay Region Historical Society. Many other attractions, including the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, are just a short drive away.

Recreation

As an oceanside town, Boothbay Harbor offers much in the way of swimming and boating. If you don’t own your own boat or kayak, you can rent one on the harbor or buy a ticket to take a boat ride.

The town also has numerous walking and hiking trails. The Boothbay Region Land Trust oversees several nature preserves in the area and the trails are free to use. The Lobster Cove Preserve has nearly 50 acres of land, an incredible variety of wildlife to spot, and 1.5 miles of trails to enjoy in the summer or to cross country ski in the winter. Pine Tree Preserve has 144 acres of land to explore, with up to two miles of trails if you include the logging road in your adventures. The trails here are fit for mountain biking as well as for walking.

For a quiet picnic or to simply take in the ocean from a grassy area, visit Barrett Park. A great spot for families, kids can explore the tide pools on the rocks while parents relax at a picnic table.

Boothbay Harbor also offers indoor recreation options. The town is home to a pilates studio, and the Boothbay Region YMCA has a gym, pool, and offers numerous classes.

Golfers can hit the links at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club; if you want a full golf vacation, book a stay at the Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort and play the country club course.

Healthcare, Education, and Other Services

Though it’s a popular spot for tourism, Boothbay Harbor is still a small town. The town is part of a school district with nearby municipalities, and students attend the public schools of Boothbay Region Elementary and Boothbay Region High School.

Healthcare services in the town include LincolnHealth’s Urgent Care center. Larger hospitals are an hour away in Portland and Augusta, but there is also a hospital nearby in Damariscotta; this hospital is also part of the LincolnHealth network. Boothbay Family Dentistry and Dr. John Andrews provide dental services in the area, and the Boothbay Region Health Center and several private practices tend to the health needs of locals.

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