Town of Georgetown, Maine

The rugged and wild beauty of the island of Georgetown in the midcoast region embodies all that exemplifies the coast of Maine: seaweed-covered inlets and sheltered coves, rocky cliffs, tidal pools teeming with marine life, salt marshes, and sandy stretches of beach. Georgetown, bountiful and rich, has long beckoned to people seeking to make a living from land and sea and those seeking inspiration from the natural world.

To get to Georgetown, you’ll cross the Sagadahoc Bridge (Route 1 heading north) in the shipbuilding community of Bath, take a right on Route 127, and meander through lush meadows, forests, and estuaries, over a handful of bridges that eventually lead you to the island. Georgetown Island comprises the communities of Five Islands, Georgetown, Bay Point, Marrtown, West Georgetown, and Robinhood.

Georgetown⁠—a spectacular island situated between the Sheepscot and Kennebec rivers on the Gulf of Maine⁠—is truly an unforgettable and magical coastal New England experience.

Exploring Georgetown Maine

Once you turn onto Route 127 and head towards the island, you’ll immediately feel transported away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and drawn into a quieter and simpler space—the island is an uncomplicated breath of fresh air and a relaxing break.

The raw beauty and abundant wildlife you’ll experience in and around the island are exceptional. Here’s what makes Georgetown so memorable.

The Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary

Naturalist Josephine Newman gave this precious sanctuary to Maine Audubon in 1968. The rugged and compact preserve features 2.5 miles of trails across meadows, marshes, sea bluffs, woodlands, and rocky ridges—everywhere you hike, the scenery is simply stunning. The property is home to Snowshoe Hare, mink, Whitetail Deer, coyote, and a diverse variety of birds, very popular among avian enthusiasts.

Reid State Park

The panoramic view of Reid State Park from Griffith Head, the rocky promontory that overlooks the stretch of sand where the Atlantic meets land, is breathtaking; this is one of the most beautiful and expansive beaches along the Maine coast.

The sandy beaches, aptly named Mile and Half Mile, are wide and generous, and rarer still are the large dunes that surround this rare and wonderful place. The park is popular for surfing, swimming, strolling, seals, whale, and bird watching. Summer days are long and languid at Reid, and the cooler/colder weather provides the best time to explore the park in quiet wonder.

Seguin Island Lighthouse

South of Georgetown and close to the mouth of the Kennebec River, the Seguin Island Lighthouse stands sentinel on the compact rocky island of Seguin. The lighthouse is the highest constructed along the Maine coast and is the second oldest, commissioned in 1795.

The lighthouse is visible from vantage points in the southern part of Georgetown and accessible by boat. Grab a mooring if you arrive by sea, and there are boat tours from the mainland. If you want a truly unique Maine island experience, you can stay overnight in the lighthouse’s guest quarters or camp out under the starry sky.

Five Islands

Located at the southernmost tip of Georgetown, there is a gorgeous harbor named Five Islands—known as “the prettiest harbor in Maine.” There is no doubt that the views here are stunning—the ocean is fresh and clear—and the land, rich and fertile.

Five Islands Lobster Company, located on a busy (and very productive) fishing wharf, serves-up steamed lobsters that just came up from the ocean floor—you’ll never have a fresher lobster experience than right here. If you are curious about all things lobster, you won’t have a better opportunity to watch lobster boats in action.

Equally intriguing is Five Islands Farms, just a short walk (or drive) from the waterfront, which sells flowers, plants, and specialty Maine-made and harvested products and goods, everything from specialty cheeses to farm-raised oysters.

Amazing Accommodations

For low-key, minimalist, and close to nature accommodations, Seguin Tree Dwellings offers a handful of tree houses that make for pretty cool digs. Remote and private, the homes are only a hop, skip, and a jump from fun activities and interesting sights—staying here will be a memorable experience.

For more upscale lodgings, the Grey Havens Inn is a quaint and charming bed and breakfast perched along the water’s edge at Harmon’s Harbor. Built in 1904, the Inn is a well-preserved (and modernized) example of a turn-of-the-century coastal resort. Last but not least, enjoy the waters of a quiet and peaceful cove aboard a floating cottage at Robinhood Marine.

Riggs Cove Rentals offers three unique, spacious, decked-out houseboats for seasonal rental. No boating experience is required, and you and your family (or guests) have access to activities at Robinhood, or you can easily get out and about tour Georgetown.

A Few Final Suggestions

No visit to Georgetown is complete without a visit to Georgetown Pottery. This creative hub has been hand-making (and hand-painted) heirloom-quality pottery since the early 70s and is a popular Georgetown destination for distinctive home goods and gifts.

The Robinhood Free Meetinghouse, built in 1865, is a well-preserved example of vernacular Greek Revival architecture and serves the community (seasonally) as a venue for concerts and gatherings, featuring music jams, champagne brunches, and meals that feature locally-sourced ingredients and products.

The Georgetown County Store is your year-round spot for all sorts of sundries, fresh lobster, homemade meals—so many great reviews about their fried fish dinners—also, just the place to get a bead on local happenings.

There’s so much more about Georgetown; we just don’t have the room to cover all that makes this island such an amazing place to live or visit. Once you’ve been here, you’ll see why Georgetown is such a remarkable Maine destination; and why so many return year after year to explore this lovely little coastal community.

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