Places to Visit - Boothbay Harbor

  [Boothbay Harbor]   [Wiscasset]   [Camden]   [Monhegan]

If you can't make it north to Camden-Rockport or Bar Harbor, you should drive 20 minutes out of yur way to see Boothbay Harbor.

While not as glamorous as it once was, Boothbay Harbor is still packed with New England charm and opportunities to have a "Maine experience." BBH caters to a large number of tourists including bus tours. The crowds of dazed travelers can diminsh the fun for some, or just try to visit at the beggining or end of the season (Late June or early September).

Visitors flock to Boothbay Harbor for unique shops filled T-Shirts with 'Maine' sayings such as "Ayuh!" or "You cahn't Get There from Hea," jewelry stores with Maine artists, books, antiques, clothing, salt water taffy, and more.

The harbor is always full of boats and people and boasts Windjammer Days every summer, when historic schooners moor in the harbor.

For those looking for a memorable but possibly touristy experience, you can take a harbor sail on the Bay Lady, go whale watching, travel to an island for a lobster bake, take in dinner at a summer stock musical theater, and more.

Some lesser known places to visit include:
  • Drive to Southport where you can watch a revolving bridge spin as boats cut through a shortcut known as the "Gut." Townsend Gut is a narrow water passage near Southport island used by boats trying to get to Boothbay Harbor.
  • On certain Sunday's there is a church that actually boasts its own dock that parishioners use to arrive for service. The pews of this historic Episcopal church welcome many new guests every summer.
  • Continue driving to the Newaggen to spot a pictureque view of an island, the Cuckholds Ligthhouse and surf.
  • In the evening, drive out to East Boothbay to Ocean Point to see and hear the surf while several lighthouses warn sailors of the rocks.
  • Boothbay Harbor Jazz Weekend - July 14, 15 and 16 -- Featuring a variety of Jazz performances by musicians from throughout Maine and the rest of the US at the Fisherman's Wharf, Sample's Boat Shed and elsewhere in Boothbay Harbor. 563-3328
  • Walk the historic footbridge that joins the two sides of the harbor for a nice change of vantage point
  • Steam train enthusiasts should visit the railway museum on the way into town (Beware: it is touristy)

    Appledore Cruises, Capt. Herb Smith
    Pier 6, Fisherman's Wharf
    207-633-6598

    Balmy Days Cruises, Capts. Bob & Bill Campbell
    Pier 8, 62 Commercial Street
    207-633-2284
    e-mail: diane@lincoln.midcoast.com


    Bay Lady, Capt. Bill Campbell
    Pier 8, 62 Commercial Street
    207-633-2284

    Boothbay Whale Watch, Capt. Dan Stevens
    Pier 6, 100 Commercial Street
    207-633-3500

    Cap'n Fish's Sightseeing Boat Cruises, Capt. Bob Fish
    Pier 1
    207-633-3244, 207-633-2626, 800-636-3244

    Miss Boothbay, Capt. Dan Stevens
    5 Williams Street
    207-633-6445

    Where to Stay
    There are some nice B&Bs in Boothbay Harbor, but we cannot recommend any. If you want to stay nearby we can only recommend the Spruce Point Inn Resort and Spa.