Travel + Discover Boothbay Harbor: Maine Vacation Guide

Maine’s MidCoast drips with a parade of peninsulas, and right in the middle are the charming seaside towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport. While largely still a quintessential summer colony, one of Maine’s most popular holiday traditions brings the Boothbay region back to life around the holidays. 

Boothbay Harbor embodies everything we love about Maine—coastal views, shipbuilding, lobsters, lighthouses, and island clambakes. 

Fun Fact: The appeal of Boothbay’s heyday was so magnetic that it was the setting for the film adaption of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. 

At the same time, Boothbay’s collection of cities is filled with intrigue. 

Why did Frank Sinatra, Ole Blue Eyes himself, walk away from production after taking one look at the setting? Is there really a ghost ship graveyard in Mill Cove? Let’s get into it.   

Welcome to Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor’s peninsula is easily accessible from Route 1, about halfway between Portland and Camden. Whether you exit at Wiscasset or Damariscotta, you’re only about 11 miles from the gorgeous shoreline of the Gulf of Maine.

There’s a lot we don’t know about Boothbay Harbor. History is scattered at best, with several attempts to settle the land in the early 1600s, but battles with the Indigenous people and several wars delayed any type of incorporation of Boothbay until 1764. 

At first, the footprint covered most of the peninsula, but by 1889, Southport and Boothbay Harbor separated as distinct communities. 

By this time, the region had become a summer colony for the Rusticators—affluent people from the big cities that summered in rural New England—following in the footsteps of Camden and Bar Harbor. 

Boothbay Harbor found its summer niche not by catering to the Gilded Age icons that Bar Harbor attracted but by appealing to the professional working class. That started a tradition of generational land wealth that makes the Boothbay region so tight-knit to this day. 

The Layout of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport

A bird’s eye view of the peninsula looks like the top of a lobster, with Boothbay forming the body, the Sprucewold neighborhood of Boothbay Harbor poking out as a head, and Southport and Linekin forming the front claws.

Rivers flank the peninsula. The Sheepscot River sits to the west, with the Damariscotta River to the east. Ahead of the southern tips is the vast expanse of the Gulf of Maine. 

While Boothybay is the largest of the three towns, Boothbay Harbor is the epicenter of tourist activity in the summer. The population increases tenfold between May and October. The peak of summer travel season runs from late June through August. 

TRAVEL TIP: Given the parking struggles of this ever-popular tourism magnet, renting a bicycle is a great option to get around.

Places to Visit in Boothbay Harbor

Given the seasonal nature of the Boothbay region, assume any option we mention is only open somewhere between May and October. We’ll make a special note of year-round possibilities. 

That said, there’s a special magic of the winter solitude throughout the Boothbay peninsula. 

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Even though the lights go out around town after October, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens brightens the landscape in November and December with its global sensation Gardens Aglow. 

The holiday lights spectacle has made the gardens one of the top three tourist destinations in the state. In the first year of Gardens Aglow, 36,000 people visited. By 2024, more than 310,000 guests came through. 

Beyond the holidays, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers 300 acres of nature’s best, including themed gardens, wooded trails, and water features. Native plant lovers can stroll through wildflower meadows, and sculptures add artistic flair throughout.

Be sure to get a photo with the Guardians of the Seeds, five giant wooden trolls by Danish artist Thomas Dambo that are far more adorable than ominous.

The regular season runs from early May through mid-October. Gardens Aglow kicks off in late November through the end of December.

Boothbay Railway Village Museum

Get your caboose to the Boothbay Railway Village Museum, one of the first attractions on the way to the harbor. As part of the Maine Land Transportation Trail, the village takes you back to the heyday when steam engines ruled the rails and car travel was a new adventure. 

Wander through vintage locomotives, antique cars, and a recreated 19th-century village with historic buildings. Take a steam-engine train ride or view one of the best model railroad layouts in New England. 

Iron Horse Antiques + General Store gives you yet another reason to stop by this Boothbay icon, which first opened in 1964.

Maine State Aquarium

Over in West Boothbay Harbor, the Maine State Aquarium won’t take a lot of time but will open your eyes to the wonders of the Gulf of Maine. This one-room interactive museum is part of the Gulf of Maine Discovery Center. 

You’ll first see the 26-foot minke whale skeleton above you before browsing around the various exhibits. Explore the tidepool touch tank or help trap and band a lobster before or after seeing those sneaky jellyfish up close. 

Tip: The aquarium can get crowded in summer, and afternoons are less crowded than mornings. 

Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum

While most of the early records in Boothbay were either lost or never existed, you can piece together what history did record at the Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum.

The museum’s 1847 house facade blends in seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhoods, but inside, 150 years of history are pieced together through two stories and seven exhibits. 

The museum takes a break during February and March. Admission is free. 

Shell Museum

A beachcomber’s dream comes to reality at the Dolphin Mini Golf & Kenneth E. Stoddard Shell Museum. The shell collection is one of the largest in the world.

Kenneth E. Stoddard collected shells throughout his life and travels during World War II. As a way to honor his father’s dying wish, his son vowed to open a shell museum honoring his late father.

To visit this masterpiece not only shows the beauty of the ocean’s shore but also pays tribute to the legacy of a man gone but not forgotten. 

Carousel Music Theater

Named after the Rodgers and Hammerstein stage production turned musical film in 1956,  Carousel Music Theater opened in the ‘80s, bringing a summer slew of favorites to the stage.

Productions include a mix of concerts and dinner shows, generally from late June through mid-September. It’s less bougie and more barnstorming, so dress casually and be prepared to sing your heart out. 

DID YOU KNOW? Frank Sinatra was originally cast as the lead role in the Carousel. However, he arrived in Boothbay Harbor, saw two sets of cameras, and refused to do two takes. However, it is widely believed he left the film because his then-wife, Ava Gardner, threatened to cheat on him if he didn’t come to her movie set.

The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor

Performances hit a high note at the tallest building in town. The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor dates back to 1894. While winter events are limited, the venue is open year-round. In late May, the schedule picks up substantially.

During the holidays, a Gingerbread Spectacular is worth taking the drive from the Gardens Aglow to the harbor. Several Christmas performances are held annually as well. 

Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor

From ocean walks to island adventures to too many tours to count, the Boothbay Region is teeming with options on and off the water for outdoor lovers. 

The official kick-off to summer happens during Windjammer Days in late June. This is not to be confused with the Camden Windjammer Festival in late August. 

Book a Boat Tour

As a popular port and shipbuilding hub for centuries, it’s no surprise that some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor are on the water. 

While the weather will limit some seasonal activities, there’s another thing to consider if you want to see wildlife like puffins and whales. Here are important seasonal notes:

• Boat tour season: Begins in mid-May and ends in mid-October.
• Best time to see whales: May through October is the season. Peak is June through August. 
• Best time to see puffins: Season runs from mid-May through late August, but June and July are peak viewing times at Eastern Egg Rock. 
• Best time for sportsfishing: Check with local vendors like Reel Addiction Sportfishing.
• Schooner sails: May through mid-October.

Paddle Your Way Around Boothbay Harbor

Grab a paddle and dive into Boothbay Harbor’s epic coastal playground. Beginners can cruise the calm waters of Mill Cove, where old shipwrecks add a spooky, cool vibe just below the surface. You’ll paddle right over them! Go at low tide to get the best chance of seeing the hull peek out of the water.

Want more adventure? Head out to Burnt Island and wave to the lighthouse, or experienced paddlers can head to Damariscove Island for jaw-dropping ocean views and then walk around the island preserve. 

You’ll pass lobster boats, curious seals, and maybe even catch an osprey diving for fish. Rentals and tours are everywhere—perfect whether you’re going solo or joining a guided group full of local stories.

Look for vendors like Maine Kayak, which also offers lessons for those who are new to kayaking.

Come Out of Your Shell for a Clambake

Nothing says New England summer more than a clambake on the beach. Cabbage Island Clambakes runs trips from mid-June through Labor Day. You’ll leave from Pier 6 adored the Bennie Alice boat for a four-hour adventure to Cabbage Island. 

The traditional clambake includes lobster, fish, chowder, corn, potatoes, and a Maine wild blueberry dessert. Be sure to watch the cooks demonstrate how seaweed helps the flavors come together over the open grill. 

Time is built into the trip for a quick nap, a game of sand volleyball, or just walking around the intimate island. 

Take a Hike at a Local Preserve

The Boothbay Region Land Trust includes more than 20 properties, from riverside to seaside to woods to offshore islands. With names like Oven’s Mouth and Singing Meadows, one of these trails is sure to pique your interest. Island campers should look at Spectacle Island and Miles Island, where you can even light a campfire with the proper permit. Some preserves are dog-friendly, and all of them are free. 

Wander the Ocean Walk

Head to the tip of the easternmost peninsula in Boothbay Harbor for a short walk with long views at Ocean Point Walk. The full “trail” hugs the shoreline and isn’t even a quarter of a mile long. However, we highly recommend taking your time as the views rival Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park. 

Boothbay Harbor Restaurants

You’ll work up an appetite doing all the activities of Boothbay Harbor. Luckily, the food selection list is just as robust as the things to do. 

Breakfast in Boothbay Harbor

Start the day off with a specialty brew and some breakfast goodies at Mama D’s Cafe. Get it to go, or enjoy it on the porch.

Another hot breakfast or lunch spot is Waves, which is open throughout the year.

For the most expansive breakfast menu of the three, head to Blue Moon Cafe on the water.

Those with dietary restrictions might enjoy the gluten-free, Keto, paleo, and vegetarian options of Kelly’s Cafe.

NOTE: Most of these spots have a lunch menu, too.

All About Lunch in the Boothbay Region

If you didn’t eat one meal a day from a shack, did you even really visit MidCoast Maine?

Bet’s Famous Fish Fry

Bet’s Famous Fish Fry near the town square in Boothbay serves up massive pieces of fish (haddock) either with chips or in a bowl.

Get the half or under unless you’re training for the Olympics—the portions are that big. 

Dunton’s Doghouse

Score a signature Red Hot Dog at Dunton’s Doghouse in Boothbay Harbor, or go for one of the specialties. The robust menu is impressive for a food shack, and that includes lobster and crab rolls. In the spirit of “When in Rome…” get a basket of haddock nuggets. 

Brady’s Boothbay Harbor

Year-round seafood makes Brady’s Boothbay Harbor a great lunch spot, with winter value meals and specials five days a week.

Check the events calendar for community events and dart league options.

Whale’s Tale

Along the eastern edge of Boothbay Harbor, the Whale’s Tale at Carousel Marina is a mix of casual Maine favorites with fine dining flair.

Try the locally made Sewall’s fish balls for starters, and maybe add the blackened haddock tacos for the main course creative twist. The menu rounds out with scampi, schnitzel, salads, and specialty pizzas. 

Footbridge Brewery

Just steps from the famous footbridge across the bay, Footbridge Brewery’s only food option is the BBQ food truck outside.

Once inside, you’ll face an array of Maine’s premiere brews. If you’re new to craft beers, try the FYP. Go bold with the Ovens Mouth spicy brew, flavored with jalapenos and habaneros.

From crisp IPAs bursting with hoppy goodness to smooth stouts with a hint of chocolate, there’s something for every beer lover.

Dinner in Boothbay Harbor

Hearty meals, pick-your-own lobster, and dishes from ports around the world fill the options for dinner in the Boothbay region. 

Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Summer on the rooftop deck or the cold months in the cozy interior, Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant’s claim to fame is “A Refreshing Alternative to Typical Coastal Fare.”

Start with a series of small plates, like crab cakes or fried dough. The menu includes more than half a dozen risottos and crab-stuffed haddock.

Get wine by the glass or bottle. Plus, Maine-made brews and creative cocktails might make you want to linger a little longer to soak in the waterfront views. 

Boothbay Lobster Wharf

Get the authentic meal of choosing your lobster at the Boothbay Lobster Wharf. You’ll watch the working harbor while choosing from seafood rolls, quesadillas, or even pints of fried food. Seafood by the pound is sold from the attached shed.

Check the event schedule and look for the Buck-O-Shuck Oyster events. Music is scheduled Friday through Sunday in season. 

Ports of Italy

Recently ranked as the best Italian restaurant in Maine by Taste of Home magazine, Ports of Italy delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

Fresh, handmade pasta, locally sourced seafood, and authentic dishes like buttery lobster ravioli and perfectly tender osso buco.

The tiramisu gets rave reviews, and the drink menus include wine, cocktails, and liquors. 

Sweet Treats of Boothbay Harbor

Two of the top places where sugar cravings hit are Downeast Candies and Downeast Ice Cream Factory. Pick up saltwater taffy or fudge at Downeast Candies—maybe get some to take home, too.

Then, find your favorite scoop flavor at one of two Downeast Ice Cream Factory locations. They had us at Whoopie Pie Ice Cream!

The Boothbay Region: The Best of Vacationland

While some might say that Boothbay Harbor is the “typical” New England summer town, we see it as the perfect recipe for everything people love about Maine. You get the touristy vibes, fresh seafood in a historic town, and expansive water and land access to take you away from your busy life. 

Whether you arrive by the boatload or carload, it’s welcoming for families, couples, solo travelers, life-long visitors, and new friends. Even the family dog will love the pup-friendly options. Book your Boothbay Harbor trip today for next summer or the holiday season.