Town of Owls Head, Maine

Just south of Rockland, there is a knobby promontory of hilly land that sweeps out into the harbor, seeming to be almost yearning toward the tip of the Rockland Breakwater; this piney peninsula is the diminutive town of Owl’s Head.

Owl’s Head Lighthouse

Mostly residential, this little town’s name is usually associated with the Owl’s Head Lighthouse, located in Owl’s Head State Park at the easternmost tip of this jutting landmass. Take a climbing tour of this historic structure perched at the top of an 80-foot granite rise and you will be treated to a show-stopping view of Rockland Harbor and Penobscot Bay (and keep your eyes peeled for the windjammer fleet).

And if you are a lighthouse fan, don’t forget to take a peek at the Fresnel lens housed at the top—this marvel of glasswork dates back to 1856 (the lighthouse itself was built in 1825). The Keeper’s House Museum is well worth a visit, as well, and the gift shop is the perfect stop to scoop up a few reminders of your trip.

This Coast Guard-owned park offers shore access, a bathroom, and a picnic area, so if the weather allows for alfresco dining, stop off somewhere to pick up some food-to-go—and then spend the day.

Exploring Owls Head Maine

Owl’s Head also has several other outdoor gems to explore, and given the town’s small size, you could ostensibly visit them all in a day.

Birch Point Beach State Park and its tiny, crescent-shaped swath of sand also has peaceful picnic areas and is the perfect spot for swimming with children, as it is impossible to lose sight of them on this compact stretch of beach.

Ash Point Preserve is another natural wonder just around the corner from Birch Point. This 34-acre coastal spruce woodland has much to offer visitors of all ages, with 1.3 miles of trails (three easy loop-and-bisect routes) and over 2,100 feet of shoreline.

Plaisted Preserve is 10 acres of coastal spruce, mosses, and ferns; it features a half-mile of trails with water access and parking for 5 vehicles.

The nearby Richard Carver Harbor Park (or Owl’s Head Harbor Park) is a unique spot in that it provides a state-of-the-art, ADA-compliant pier, float, and two bridges (also ADA-accessible). The park also features a public beach, although it is not ADA-compliant.

The Owl’s Head Transportation Museum is a fantastic option for a not-so-ideal weather day, especially if your interests lie in the history of motor vehicles.

This non-profit, educational organization displays an impressive collection of more than 150 pre-1940 transportation modes—basically, all things relevant to the evolution of this all-important industry—including aircraft, ground vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. Several wings and galleries display simultaneous, ongoing exhibitions—each fascinating, educational, and entertaining in its own right.

Places to Stay

For the most part, Owl’s Head relies on surrounding communities to accommodate visitors when it comes to standard, hotel-style lodging—although the town is home to many Airbnb and VRBO rentals, offering everything from tiny homes and one-room studios to two-story homes and sprawling cottages.

One of these rentals stands out in particular: the Owl’s Head Village Post Office. And yes—you read that right. This second-story apartment sleeps 6, has a full kitchen and bath, and is located upstairs from the town’s working post office, which has occupied the space since 1931 (the entire building started its life as a barn on a neighboring island).

Many of the other local rentals are similar to listings like the Sea Rose Cottage; clean, comfortable, utilitarian, and affordable.

Dining in Owl’s Head

Lodging options are scarce in Owl’s Head, yes, but dining options are next to nil. The Owl’s Head General Store has a little bit of everything, including meals-to-go (the 7-Napkin Burger is a must-try) and house-made fudge; the Midcoast Fudge Factory is a true find for any fudge fanatic (save room for some Rocky Beach fudge—their own Maine-recreation of Rocky Road).

In-season, you can also opt to pick up lobsters to go at Owl’s Head Lobster Company or from Ship to Shore Lobster (the latter of which also features a small store and outdoor dining area at which to enjoy your pre-boiled lobster) but for true, sit-down dining, you’ll have to resort to heading into one of the neighboring communities and choosing one of the many restaurants on offer.

Primo (just over the Rockland-Owl’s Head town line) is a seasonal farm-to-table eatery located in an old repurposed Victorian home; each of their many dining spaces offers its own, distinct vibe and atmosphere.

Their original first floor rooms are snug and intimate, more suited to special occasion meals and celebrations; the new Primo room, also on the first floor, has a more updated, eclectic feel, while the two upstairs dining areas have an energetic, upscale esthetic.

But their most recent dining space endeavor—the 0KM Bungalow—is what has tourists and locals alike buzzing (the name means “Zero kilometers from farm and ocean to your table”). This weather-dependent, the open-air structure does not require reservations—simply show up, find a seat, and order your food and drinks from the walk-up window. You’ll be treated to a fantastic meal, live music, and a lively atmosphere—as long as Mother Nature accommodates.

If you are yearning for a weekend adventure away from it all (but not too far away), Owl’s Head provides a great opportunity to get out there, enjoy Maine’s fresh salty air, and then either retreat to your cozy rental space for a quiet take-out meal—or head off for a short jaunt to Rockland, Camden, or Rockport for one of the myriad dining experiences.

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