Town of Searsport, Maine

sears island searsport

Coast of Sears Island in Searsport, Maine

If you are interested in visiting a small town with a cozy vibe and rich maritime history, you should make sure you plan a trip to Searsport, Maine. Searsport is a welcoming community. With it’s tiny-town appeal, consisting of one small strip of shops and markets, you will be amazed at how much fun you can have in this area, adjacent to the larger town of Belfast, and merely a half-hour to the city of Bangor.

Exploring Searsport Maine

When you plan your stay in Searsport, be sure to book a room at one of the many gorgeous inns along Route 1. Set in former sea captain’s homes, you are sure to find the amenities lavishly updated and historically relevant. One of these fine examples is Captain Nickels Inn, a bed and breakfast that was originally built as a home for sea captain Albert Nickels and his family. With gourmet meals and massage therapy packages, you will find this an inviting home away from home.

Homeport Historic Inn is another beautiful place to stay, also previously owned by a sea captain, John Nichols. The large guest rooms, dreamy sunroom and delicious, made-to-order breakfast accommodations will and will call you back for future visits, as will the beautiful landscape of this 11,000 square foot mansion. With accommodations established, you can feel free to explore the town and surrounding areas and learn more about the region.

Penobscot Marine Museum

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Penobscot Marine Museum

Searsport is well known for its commitment to educating visitors at the Penobscot Marine Museum. Not only does the museum offer walk-through exhibits and in-depth historical information about the shipping history of the area, but it also provides talks by experts in the field of maritime history and other specialties.

After you satisfy your hunger for knowledge, you may find yourself wanting to explore the areas you learned about. Searsport public landing offers a scenic vista and is a great local spot for pier fishing. Mosman Park is a family-friendly attraction with a playground, gazebo, basketball court and large grassy field to play a game of soccer or fly your favorite kite in the salty sea air. Mosman Park has an amazing shore access for swimming, beach combing or picnicking.

Further down the road you can access Sears Island, a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Sears Island has a unique history. You do not want to miss this beautiful island and all it has to offer. With a long, gated causeway, you can park outside the gate and wander throughout the 940 acre protected lands of the island. Sears Island has many trails, historic sites, and fascinating features.

Whether you spend time on the beach or hiking the trails, you will find this island a treasure. With no vehicular traffic, the island is perfect for biking, jogging, skiing or snowshoeing. The trails are well-marked and perfect for all levels of nature enthusiasts. Friends of Sears Island, a conservation group, sponsors talks and guided walks of the island throughout the year. You can join a guided tour or simply wander the island on your own. If you walk the perimeter of the island, prepare for a five-mile hike and watch for changing tides so that you can ensure that the beach is passable.

Dining In Searsport

Though it is a small town, Searsport offers some of the best seafood around. Check out Anglers Restaurant for fresh seafood offerings and a welcoming down-home atmosphere. The Mermaid Restaurant and Pub is located within the Homeport Inn and offers a wide range of culinary options including a fully stocked bar. For more casual dining, grab a pizza or sub at Dino’s, a popular spot for people miles around. While you are at Dino’s try their gyro and a slice of baklava, you will not regret it.

If you have an eye for all-things-antique, you may have found your new favorite spot. From glassware to nautical-themed treasures and everything in between, Searsport offers a wealth of antiquing opportunities. Searsport has several multiple-site outdoor flea market as well as individual shops such as The Pumpkin Patch Antiques. You are sure to find treasures to cherish and gifts for friends back home.

Whether you come to Searsport for a day, a week, or a month, you are sure to find the sea air, historical sites and fabulous food and lodging a welcome get away. The small town, welcoming nature of Searsport is sure to make you feel right at home and anxious to return again and again to this coastal Maine town.

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Town of Searsport Maine town line

County: Waldo
Population: 2,649
Location: 44°27’30”N 68°55’27”W
Town Office:
P.O. Box 499 1 Union Street
Searsport, ME 04974
207.548.6372
Town Website