Town of Phippsburg, Maine

Just hearing mention of Phippsburg is enough to make a lot of us think of sparkling summer days at the beach or a brisk winter walk along the west shore of the mighty Kennebec River. Of course, this Sagadahoc County town of about 2,250 residents is much more than that.

Although the peninsula’s roads fill with traffic for those longing for long stretches of sand and marsh-filled scenery, there are historic forts that tickle the imagination.

The center of Phippsburg is seven miles south of Bath, and the beaches are about ten minutes or so from there. As you travel down the peninsula you’ll pass through a section called Winnegance that encompasses portions of West Bath, Phippsburg, and Bath.

The area’s features make the ride south sensory as the scenery unfolds along with marsh and ocean aromas.

Along the way you’ll come to the Winnegance Restaurant, a delightful place to stop for a meal or fresh baked goodies.

Then there are a variety of shops to visit for souvenirs, antiques, and other unique items. Bisson’s Center Store is a handy place to pick up groceries, takeout food, and beverages, meaning if you’re staying for several days, you can shop nearby.

Exploring Phippsburg Maine

I’ll admit I’m partial to Phippsburg’s beaches, even though there are many wonderful beaches and seaside villages up and down Maine’s varied coastline.

The long stretch of beach that includes Popham Beach State Park becomes Hunnewell Beach to the east, then turns the corner to where Popham Beach becomes the west shore of the mighty Kennebec River.

Altogether, the beaches have different views of islands and lighthouses. Waterplay is wonderful along the whole stretch that extends about three miles. The Popham Beach end is dog friendly throughout the year, whereas the state park has varied privileges, depending on the time of year.

Why, people can even ride their horses there during the winter if they have a permit. What a wonderful thing to do or witness!

While there’s lots more to say about the islands and such at the beach, there’s plenty yet to share about Phippsburg and all there is to do right here! Please set aside time to read up about the beaches as they shift with the tides and the weather.

Seaside Places to Stay & Dine

Phippsburg offers you a wide variety of activities, whether you want to paddle, hike, or have a round of golf. We’ll get into all of those particulars shortly. Right now I want to share the amazing variety of places to stay and dine during your visit to our beautiful area.

Whether you plan to camp, cabin, or lodge, we have it all! Much the same holds for dining options. Lucky you, as you can choose down-home or upscale, local brews or lemonade, and eat-in or takeout. When you get right down to it, you might as well stay here long enough to do it all!

Of course there are lodging options where you can get a meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Spinney’s Restaurant & Guest House serves up all of it in genuine Maine style. That means a lot as a stay there is right on the beach and next to Fort Popham overlooking the Kennebec.

Stonehouse Manor is tucked away nearby on the shores of Silver Lake and a short walk to the beach. It a tranquil setting for a getaway where you can arise and partake a leisurely breakfast as you muse about what your day will hold.

Three Isles Cottages lets you step back in time as it’s a place that lends well to unplugging. Along with that, tense muscles ease and sleep deepens as ocean sounds lull you to sleep.

That place, like some others, is a setting where you do your own cooking or pick up some takeout unless you want to dine in. Of course, if you’re camping, there’s the fun of stirring up something yummy over the fire! Hermit Island Campground is a spot on the west side of the peninsula where you can combine that with a swim, then taking any chill off while contemplating faces in the flames.

Meadowbrook Camping Area has RV and tent sites along with cabin rentals. Why, you can even order up a lobster with the usual fixin’s! Of course, there are lobster and seafood businesses where you can pick up the catch of the day to prepare over the fire or on the stove.

Sebasco Harbor Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cabins. Why, you can even settle if for a stay in one of the rooms in the lighthouse situated at the resort that also features a 9-hole golf course.

Both that and dining options are open to the public. Whether you plan a stay of a few or several days, there’s a lot to do right there. For those who yearn for an 18-hole golf course, there’s the Bath Golf Club that’s been around for 90 years and is a mere 10 miles away.

Trails, Tours & Forts

You’re sure to be amazed by all of the adventure opportunities that you’ll find here. Let’s begin with some that’ll get you out on the water! Abkenoc Guiding will show you around as you kayak, fish, and more!

Want to try out a scull or visit someplace named Camp Nowhere? This is the guide business to check out for those too. Then another day, take the gang out on a lobster tour. Lucky you as you’re out on the water for hours and leave with your very own delectable crustacean. I happen to recommend steaming lobsters for full flavor.

Before filling you in on some trails, let’s touch on the forts. You can’t find the likes of these in many places. They kindle the imagination as you roam through places designed for protection during wars. One is Fort Baldwin that’s typically open June 1 to September 30.

The other is Fort Popham that is open mid-spring through October, though it can be accessed throughout the year. Kids of all ages love its expanse with places to hide and marvelous views of the Kennebec and Popham Beach.

You’ll be thrilled with the variety of day hikes out here, each one unique unto itself. Bates Morse Mountain Conservation Area is a 600-acre protected area with year round access.

Along with peace and quiet, you’ll enjoy wildlife and views from Seawall Beach that the Sierra Club states is Maine’s best-kept-secret beach. (On my last count, there’s several more…)

And although Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public during the nesting season, Spring through the end of August, it’s a special place to know about.

Another unique setting is The Basin Preserve, a large tract of land donated to The Nature Conservancy that describes the setting as a “memorable destination” and a “recreational and scenic treasure.” Who could want for more?!

Well, a couple of those places don’t allow pets. So, if you want a nice hike with your furry pal, then Sprague Pond Trail welcomes you, along with that section of the beach I mentioned early on.

Now you know you’ll need extra time when you visit Phippsburg as there’s so much awaiting you on our beautiful coastal peninsula.

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