Top 5 Things to do in the Boothbay Area

1. Get on the Water 

Boothbay Harbor is referred to as “The “Boating Capital of New England”. With its deep-water port, protected areas and islands-it is a boating paradise. There are myriad excursions that leave from downtown Boothbay Harbor and include sightseeing tours, fishing trips, nature cruises to see whales or puffins, island tours to nearby Burnt Island or further out to Monhegan Island and guided kayaking. While you are visiting, you should definitely get on the water and see Boothbay from another perspective.

2. Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay

The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in New England with a land area of 295 acres of which 17 acres are gardens. The garden is open from April 15 to October 31st and then opens again from late November through December for the “Gardens Aglow” light display. It is worth the trip and you will want to visit at different seasons as it changes with time of year depending on what is blooming. They also offer learning opportunities with many class offerings.

3. Eat Seafood 

Eating the local seafood is a must do in the Boothbay area and preferably it should be eaten outdoors, because for some reason it just tastes better. The local takeout places are great for generally fried food or lobster and crabmeat rolls.  There are many great restaurants that feature seafood and most have seating available outdoors. You might also go to the local grocery store or seafood market and pick up local oysters, live or cooked lobsters, clams or fresh local fish.

4. Take the Kids to the Boothbay Rail Village and Maine State Aquarium 

The kids and adults will love these two places. The Boothbay Rail Village features a historic village, model railroad, vintage car exhibit, and you can take a train ride. The Maine State Aquarium is located in Boothbay Harbor and run by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The aquarium features tanks with fish and invertebrates including lobsters and a 20-foot touch tank.

5. Go on a Hike with your Furry Friend 

At any time of the year, you can explore the area by foot and enjoy the natural landscape. The Boothbay Region Land Trust has over 35 miles of hiking trails in the area that go through woods and wetland landscapes and along rivers and the ocean. Many of them are also pet-friendly. In nearby Damariscotta, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust also has many preserves and hiking trails.