What Are the Best Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine?

Our treasured location at the top of McKown Hill is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation with a short walk to all the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Any visitor is sure to find an endless list of possibilities and unique experiences waiting for them here. Pull up a chair at top-rated restaurants, browse local boutique shops, tour art galleries, or enjoy a peaceful stroll across the famous footbridge. Plus, you’re always within reach of the scenic waterfront. For even more information and insider tips, explore our free Vacation Guide. We hand-selected our favorite activities and attractions nearby for an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy Some of the Best Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Relax on the Water

A trip to Midcoast Maine isn’t complete without taking advantage of the scenic waterfront area. There are dozens of exciting opportunities to step aboard a boat and enjoy a unique ride to historical sites, lighthouses, and islands. Head to the pier at the bottom of our hill and try some of these adventures:

• Rent a kayak and explore the area on your own, or enjoy a guided boat tour in Boothbay Harbor.
• Set sail on a local schooner for an up-close look at lighthouses, historical sites, and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of seals and porpoises.
• Let an experienced naturalist guide you in search of whales, seals, puffins, and more.
• Take a day trip to magical Monhegan Island and hike through serene trails or snap pictures of the cliffs. Afterward, quench your thirst with a refreshing brew from Monhegan Brewing Company.
• Feast at a traditional New England clambake after a short boat ride.
• Experience the timeless tradition of lobstering in Maine.
• Visit stunning lighthouses, including the Burnt Island Lighthouse, Hendricks Head Lighthouse, or Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
• Enjoy a picnic and view fascinating wildlife on the picturesque Damariscove Island.
• Reel in some brag-worthy catches on a Maine fishing adventure.

Check out Unique Attractions on Land

You can still have a one-of-a-kind Maine experience while keeping your feet on dry land. There’s an abundance of popular options just a short drive away from the Topside Inn:

• See what’s in bloom at the incredible, 250-acre Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
• Try a variety of unique wines along the Maine Wine Trail.
• Hike through 30 miles of nature trails preserved and protected by Boothbay Region Land Trust.
• Walk over to Barrett Park and enjoy a picnic and a dip in the water at the head of Linekin Bay.
• Head to Ocean Point, walk along the seawall and take in the views. Stop at East Boothbay General Store for a treat while you’re there.
• Learn more about marine species at the Maine State Aquarium or the weekly Cafe Scientifique lectures sponsored by Bigelow Laboratory.
• Antique car enthusiasts, railroad fans, and history buffs can all enjoy Boothbay Railway Village.
• Hit the links at Boothbay Harbor Country Club, a championship 18-hole course with challenging holes on par with the breathtaking vistas.

Attend Exciting Events and Festivals

If you’re searching for exciting shows and want to dive into our local culture, there are several options available.

• Don’t miss a show at the historic Opera House, a unique venue for any performance. Their summer calendar has several must-see events!
• Catch the latest blockbuster at the small-town, one-screen Harbor Theater.
• Compete for putt-putt champion at Dolphin Mini Golf, ranked one of the top 10 mini-golf courses in the country.
• Check out the revue at Carousel Music Theater or the summer theater show at the Boothbay Playhouse.
• Listen to live music in the evenings at several local hotspots on weekends and throughout the summer.
• Taste some local flavor and browse through creative vendors at the ten-day Boothbay Harbor Fest.
• Watch top chefs goes head to head with tasty lobster bites in the Annual Claw Down competition.

Browse Art Galleries and Shops

There’s something for everyone amongst the shops, art galleries, boutiques, and merchants in Boothbay Harbor. If you’re not a shopper, you can still find something fun to do downtown. You can almost always grab some ice cream or take a relaxing stroll. Check out some of our favorite establishments here, starting from the bottom of our hill.

• Discover unique coastal-inspired accessories by local artist, Alison Evans, at AE Home.
• Find home decor and gifts and art at Coastal Interiors and Abacus Gallery.
• Visit Memorial Library’s Used Bookstore to find your next bit of leisurely reading.
• Artistic offerings abound. Start at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation, then cross the footbridge to see our friends at Joy to the Wind Gallery. First Friday art walks are a great way to visit with artists and tour studios!
• Frozen treats can be found at the Ice Cream Factory and WannaWaf.
• Find unique treats at Eventide Specialties, Coastal Maine Popcorn, and Orne’s Candy Store.

Explore the Nearby Area

Boothbay Harbor is ideally situated as a base for exploring the midcoast region. Plan to stay a while — there is some great exploring to do. We have everything you need right here in Boothbay Harbor, but if you want to venture out and explore further, stop by some of these attractions:

• If you travel south, stop in Wiscasset for excellent shops and the Castle Tucker and Nickels-Sortwell House museums.
• Historic Bath and the Maine Maritime Museum are a great day-trip destination.
• Our rocky coastline offers few sandy beaches, but Popham State Beach and Reid State Park are on peninsulas south of Bath.
• Brunswick has a lively Maine Street, great restaurants, the Maine State Music Theater and Bowdoin College.
• The midcoast shopping mecca Freeport, home to LL Bean and 200 other upscale outlets, can be reached in 45 minutes or less.
• Drive the River Road north to Damariscotta, and on down to Pemaquid Lighthouse, one of the most photographed locations in Maine.
• Visit nearby Rockland for the Farnsworth Museum, Owl’s Head Transportation Museum, a fun visit in town, and possibly dinner at Primo.

Experience It All at Topside Inn

When it’s time to book your lodging in Maine, look no further than the Topside Inn. Our bed and breakfast in Boothbay Harbor has everything you need for a memorable stay. Enjoy airy, coastal-themed guest rooms, top-of-the-line amenities, and a delicious three-course breakfast each morning. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re always happy to help. We offer on-site concierge services to help plan your day and maintain a bulletin board of current activities to reference at your convenience.

Before planning the ultimate trip to Midcoast Maine, download our Free Vacation Guide. Inside, find our personal favorite Boothbay Harbor restaurants, activities, festivals, and more. Plus, we included some helpful local tips on the area.