Boothbay Harbor, Maine invites you to expand your idea of what an ideal beach vacation looks like.
Instead of fruity tropical drinks and palm trees, it offers lobster rolls and evergreens– a refreshing change of pace if you feel like you’ve been “stuck in a vacation rut” and want to shake things up.
Maine is known for a wide range of outdoor activities, but it’s not just for the hikers and kayakers among us– it’s a fantastic destination for a bunch of reasons, and we’re here to share some of our 100 Collection™-approved favorites with you.
Destination events can be a great way to free yourself from the constraints of your hometown and curate exactly the experience you want to create for your guests. And Boothbay Harbor is exactly the spot you have been looking for.
Rocky beaches and green forests set the stage for photos that you will love for years to come. Plus, spacious vacation rentals in the area provide plenty of room for activities leading up to weddings, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, or for a honeymoon afterward.
The Boothbay Playhouse is the area's most beloved event venue. Built in 1937, this barn theater sits on the beautiful Boothbay peninsula and can host up to 200 guests from late April through mid-December. Everything you need is included: in-house catering, bar services, farm tables, indoor and outdoor ceremony sites, a bridal suite, a groom's lounge, a screened porch, lawn games, and day-of coordination. It is ideal for weddings, but also vow renewals, anniversary parties, and other significant celebrations.
After the festivities, Ports of Italy in downtown Boothbay Harbor is a wonderful spot for a rehearsal dinner or a group meal, with waterfront Italian dining and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that suits any occasion.
Boothbay Harbor is also ideal for family reunions or private retreats because there are plenty of activities to keep the adventurous members of your party busy, yet the small town is still peaceful enough for quiet rest and reflection.
Maine is known for its natural beauty and contains three distinct ecoregions, each with a similar climate, plants, and wildlife. Plus, the state emphasizes conservation and land stewardship, so much of the local landscape is preserved. The natural diversity and purity of the scenery make it an ideal destination for anyone passionate about connecting with nature, and there are many opportunities to explore both land and water.
A great place to start is Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which offers walking trails, classes, seasonal events, and one of the most popular annual experiences in the state: Gardens Aglow, a stunning holiday light display that opens each November. It is well worth dedicating a full half day, and most visitors wish they had given it even more time. New England With Love
You can also visit Reid State Park, which is just a short drive away and features two long sandy beaches, Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach, along with hiking trails offering sweeping ocean views and picnic areas perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Out on the water, Balmy Days Cruises arranges whale watching tours and puffin cruises, while Cap'n Fish's Cruises offers lighthouse and island tours where you can spot seals sunbathing on the rocks and osprey nests along the outer islands.
Boothbay Harbor is home to multiple historic sites and hosts a variety of local shows and events throughout each season. Burnt Island Light Station is one of the most unique historical experiences in all of coastal New England. The restored buildings now serve as a living history museum, where interpreters in period clothing portray a lighthouse family, lead natural history walks, and share the history of Maine's marine resources and conservation efforts.
Since it can only be reached by boat or kayak, getting there is part of the fun. Book your spot through Balmy Days Cruises from Pier 8, with departures at 1:45 pm and returns at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $34 for adults and $24 for children ages 3 to 11.
Make sure to also grab tickets to a show at Boothbay Summer Theater, which brings high-quality original productions to the region each season, or catch a concert at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. Check the calendar before your trip and book early since popular shows sell out fast.
You can also schedule a walking tour of downtown Boothbay Harbor to learn more about local history, explore the art galleries, or simply wander and let the town reveal itself at its own pace.
Maine lobster is famous for a reason. The cold water makes it sweeter and more tender than other varieties, and that same water quality also boosts the area's fish and shellfish, including clams, mussels, swordfish, tuna, cod, and more. In addition to tons of local restaurants perfect for casual dining, Boothbay Harbor offers unique dining experiences worth exploring if you want to get the most out of your trip.
For example, the Cabbage Island Clambakes is a Boothbay Harbor tradition you simply cannot skip. You sail the Bennie Alice from Pier 6 in Boothbay Harbor out to Cabbage Island, where the Moore family hosts guests seven days a week from mid-June through Labor Day for a traditional Downeast clambake cooked right on the water's edge. The meal includes New England fish chowder, two lobsters, steamed clams, corn on the cob, potatoes, and the famous blueberry cake. The boat ride passes lighthouses and seal rocks on the way out, and the island itself is five and a half acres of pure coastal Maine charm.
For a more relaxed waterfront meal, Tugboat Inn Restaurant serves classic New England fare right on the harbor, while Ports of Italy is the local favorite for handmade pasta and a warm atmosphere that makes dinner feel like an event.
And if you are hosting a large crew or planning a special event, consider hiring Seacoast Catering and Lobster Bakes for delicious feasts. Of course, make sure not to leave without trying a red snapper hot dog, perfect for anyone in your party who is not big on seafood.
Whether you’re new to cold-water beach vacations or you’re ready to book another one, Boothbay Harbor is a great place to explore. It’s cozy and intimate while also providing plenty to do, and you don’t have to be an outdoor sports enthusiast to enjoy the beautifully-conserved natural surroundings.
The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with Cottage Connection, a curated selection of properties in the area that range from the magnificent 8-bedroom Captain’s Quarters to the adorable 1-bedroom Boathouse.
Cottage Connection’s homes are right on the water and anything but cookie-cutter. Each one has its own eclectic New England personality, with one-of-a-kind antique items, elegant textiles, and updated amenities.
