Boothbay Harbor, Maine Activities

There is always something special about being on the ocean and Boothbay Harbor offers exceptional opportunities for Whale Watching or Puffin Nature Cruises or a variety of Harbor Tours and excursions to Monhegan Island.

Sailing adventures are another great way to enjoy a day on the water and the Schooner Eastwind and the Lazy Jack are always a highlight.

You have to eat, right? Well Cabbage Island Clambakes have combined a harbor tour to their private island with a traditional Maine Clambake.

Nowhere else in New England except the Boothbay Railway Village can you ride the rails behind an authentic steam locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos or experience model trains as never before.

For wine enthusiasts, the Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard is a destination winery experience with picturesque views of a spectacular vineyard, located in Lincolnville, Maine. Described by the New York Times as, “A bacchanalian playground for wine lovers and casual day-trippers alike.”

Take a guided tour of Boothbay Harbor coupled with a sampling of some of the culinary delights that highlight the Boothbay culinary scene by Maine Foodie Tours.

For live entertainment The Opera House, built in 1894, offers nationally renowned performers. The Opera House has been voted the Best Seaside Concert Hall in Maine by Down East Magazine. The Salt Bay Chamberfest in nearby Damariscotta brings some of the country’s most talented musicians to the Maine coast and New York NPR named the Salt Bay Chamberfest one of North America’s top five most scenic music festivals. For a perfect evening after a day exploring Boothbay Harbor try the dinner theater at the Carousel Music Theater. Dinner, music and fun – what a great combination!

For museum-goers: Farnsworth Art Museum; this wonderful museum features works by some of the great names in 18th- and 19th-century art history like Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, Thomas Eakins, Eastman Johnson and Fitz Hugh Lane. The Wyeth Center showcases three generations of this first family of American art with a comprehensive collection of Maine-related artwork by N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew Wyeth and Andrew’s son, James Wyeth. Owls Head Transportation Museum is known internationally for its collection of pioneer aircraft, historic automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, carriages and engines. Maine Maritime Museum located in the historic Shipbuilding town of Bath is a celebration of Maine’s maritime heritage and culture. One of our favorite attractions are the multitude of lighthouses along the Maine coast and The Maine Lighthouse Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in lighthouses and American maritime history!

First, let’s take care of the essentials. Whether an early morning cup of coffee and newspaper or a terrific selection of wine, local beer and homemade snacks for the perfect afternoon cocktail on the inn’s porch, Liz has made the East Boothbay General Store a must on any trip to East Boothbay.

The Boothbay Harbor Region abounds with artists and craftsmen, diverse galleries, antique shops and specialty stores. Stroll and shop through Boothbay Harbor’s streets and along the waterfront. You’ll find distinctive, high quality glass and pottery, traditional and designer clothing, handmade jewelry, nautical home decor, books about the region by local authors, footwear, gifts, toys, and original art in various styles and media.

The Boothbay Region also boasts two amazing artisans who create original and unique coastal ceramic pottery right here on the peninsula. Alison Evans kiln is right in her shop, AE Home, in Boothbay Harbor. Alison sells her Ceramic Oyster designs throughout the country. In nearby Edgecomb, Edgecomb Pottery has been throwing and selling unique pottery since setting up shop in a little red schoolhouse in 1976.

And of course the mecca of shopping in the midcoast region: Freeport and LL Bean.

Ports of Italy – fine northern Italian,

Carriage House – Classic re-imagined coastal Maine fare set in a boat builder themed interior and it’s just down the street!

The Thistle – Cozy country tavern with lots of warmth, great food and great service.

Robinson’s Wharf – a local institution offering Maine fresh seafood in a gorgeous natural setting.

Coastal Prime – Outdoor deck with incredible views overlooking Boothbay Harbor, amazing sunsets, Maine cocktail hour at its best!

Maine Foodie Tours – Experience Boothbay Harbor’s culinary scene with a guided tour of the Harbor combined with a sample of some of our amazing Maine food treats.

Damariscotta River Grill – fine dining with a mid coast Maine feel

King Eiders Pub – combine oysters & an old English pub

Water Street Kitchen and Bar – Mid-Coast’s newest culinary destination located on the banks of the Sheepscot River.