Whether you are a summer visitor, a year-round resident, or somewhere in between, the Boothbay peninsula has abundant activities and attractions to satisfy your diverse interests.
Boothbay is a unique community, perhaps in part because it is at the end of a peninsula and has a history of being a self-sufficient maritime and fishing town. There is a state-of-the-art hospital, an active YMCA, and a lovely old library. A range of cultural and non-profit organizations draws people together. And when you need a secluded respite, Monhegan Island is only a boat ride away.
Within an hour's drive of Boothbay are several charming towns where you can enjoy antique stores and other shops, restaurants, and cultural organizations. Visit Bath, home of the Maine Maritime Museum, Wiscasset which is known as "the prettiest village in Maine," Rockland with the Farnsworth Museum, and Freeport for outlet shopping.
The college towns encompassing Bowdoin, Colby, and Bates offer performing arts programs, museum exhibitions, and music and dance festivals.
Visit Boothbay Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Midcoast Maine.
Boothbay Region's Highlights and Attractions
The Boothbay Region possesses a unique mix of first-rate environmental and cultural attractions, as well as the natural beauty for which the area is prized. Take advantage of the non-profit organizations that offer everything from history to hiking, from concerts to coastal gardens.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Visit Maine's first botanical garden to see stunning ornamental gardens, miles of
waterfront and woodland trails, the elegant Visitor Center with Kitchen Garden Café
and Gift Shop, Fairy Village, indoor and outdoor art exhibits, and fine stonework
and sculpture. At 248 acres, this is New England’s largest botanical garden.
Boothbay Region Land Trust
Over 25 miles of coastal and woodland trails at sites on the peninsula are open
for the public's enjoyment, free of charge. Trail maps are available at the office,
chambers of commerce, and individual sites. Trails vary in difficulty.
The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor
Built in 1894, this historic Opera House provides an intimate stage for regional
artists and national touring acts. The calendar includes folk, jazz, classical,
blues, country and world music, in addition to theatrical offerings, lectures, and
classes.
Boothbay Railway Village
Take a ride through woods and the village on a train pulled by a coal-fired, narrow-gauge
steam locomotive. Tour 28 historic buildings, and visit the exceptional antique
car and truck exhibit.
Aquarium and Burnt Island Living Lighthouse
Exhibits at the aquarium include a tide pool touch tank, lobster trap display, tanks
of local fish, lobsters, and more. Enjoy a picnic on the grounds with a panoramic
view of Boothbay Harbor. Ask about trips to the Burnt Island Living Lighthouse where
knowledgeable people take on the roles of the lighthouse keeper and his family in
this living history program. Also, learn about Maine fisheries, and participate
in a guided naturalist hike.
Boothbay Region Historical Society
Artifacts and memorabilia that reflect the region's colonial and maritime origins
are on view in seven display rooms in the 1874 Elizabeth F. Reed house. The building
also houses documentary collections to help visitors research their fields of interest.
Download a map and information on some of the Boothbay region's attractions.
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