If you’re planning a coastal Maine trip this year and wondering is Boothbay Harbor worth visiting, the short answer is YES! This charming Midcoast Maine town packs a surprising amount into one destination where you’ll find scenic boat rides, fresh seafood, walkable waterfront streets, and easy access to beaches and nature.
For travelers planning their Maine getaway, Boothbay Harbor continues to be one of the most popular spots along the Midcoast. There’s always something for families, couples, and groups. In no particular order, here are our top 10 best things to do in Boothbay Harbor Maine this summer!
One of the best ways to see the area is from the water! Sailing with Boothbay Harbor Schooners is a fun way to see the harbor, nearby islands, and working waterfront.
Their wind-powered schooners glide past lighthouses and quiet coves while the crew shares stories about the region’s maritime history. Guest can also participate in hoisting the sails! Evening sails are especially popular during summer when the light over the harbor starts to soften.
Want to get up and close with Burnt Island Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Maine? Balmy Day Cruises offers a 15 round-trip ferry ride to the Island where you’ll spend 2 hours exploring. While on the Island, the Keeper will guide you around the Island and up onto the Lighthouse tower.
While the gardens are technically not in Boothbay Harbor, the ten minute drive is absolutely worth it. Visit one of the largest public gardens in New England: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! This is a must-see while in Midcoast Maine.
The gardens stretch across more than 300 acres and include walking trails, waterfront areas, sculpture exhibits, and seasonal flower displays. It’s easy to spend several hours here exploring the forest paths, children’s garden, and ocean views!
A true Maine summer dining experience happens just offshore at Cabbage Island Clambakes!
Set sail aboard the Bennie Alice from Pier 6 in Boothbay Harbor to Cabbage Island for one of the area’s most classic summer outings. The Moore family welcomes guests seven days a week from mid-June through Labor Day, where a traditional Downeast clambake is prepared right on the shoreline. The menu features Maine favorites like chowder, steamers, lobster, corn on the cob, and blueberry cake.
Many visitors say this meal alone is reason enough to plan Maine getaways to the Boothbay region.
History lovers and kids alike often enjoy a stop at Boothbay Railway Village, a living history museum that recreates a small Maine town from the late 1800s.
Ride a vintage narrow-gauge train, fun for all ages! Rail trips depart on the hour – 11 am – 4 pm every day. Last train leaves promptly at 4 pm. Visitors can also ride vintage streetcars, explore historic buildings, and see antique automobiles and trains.
It’s a fun stop for families and one of the more unique Boothbay Harbor attractions in the region!
A visit to downtown is easily one of the best things to do during your visit! The waterfront area is full of small shops, art galleries, and dockside restaurants. Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Inn is located just steps from the Footbridge, giving you easy access to downtown.
It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing local stores, grabbing ice cream, or watching boats come and go! Here are a few of our favorite stops downtown:
Although the harbor itself is rocky, there are several nearby spots for anyone searching for Boothbay Harbor beaches!
Hendricks Head Beach is a small sandy beach just across the bridge on Southport Island and sits next to Hendricks Head, a classic Maine lighthouse.
A little farther along the coast is Grimes Cove Beach, a quieter rocky cove with views of the open Atlantic. Keep in mind that Midcoast Maine beaches are different from your typical beach experience. Being on the rocky coast means rocky beaches, but it’s still a great experience!
Summer kicks off with one of Maine’s most well-known festivals, Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days!
This multi-day event celebrates the town’s maritime heritage with fireworks, boat parades, live music, and local food vendors. One of the highlights is when historic sailing ships enter the harbor under full sail!
If your travel dates line up with the festival, it adds a lot of energy to the waterfront and brings many additional Boothbay Harbor activities to town.
Windjammer Days will take place Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, 2026. Rooms will fill up–book your stay ahead of time!
Boothbay Harbor also works well as a base for exploring other parts of the coast. Within an hour’s drive you can reach several charming towns in Midcoast Maine, including Wiscasset, Maine, Damariscotta, Maine, and Rockland, Maine.
Each town offers its own mix of waterfront restaurants, galleries, and harbor views. For visitors planning day trips from Boothbay Harbor, these nearby destinations are easy additions to a multi-day trip!
For one of the best views of downtown Boothbay Harbor, head up to the Tugboat Restuarant Roof Top Deck. The rooftop serves a pub menu and craft cocktails and offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire harbor, making it a great place to relax after a day exploring!
Live music takes place downstairs in the Marina Lounge, so guests can enjoy the entertainment inside or grab a drink on the rooftop and take in the sunset over the boats in the marina. Keep an eye on Tugboat Inn’s Facebook page for updates on live music!
Of course, one of the biggest draws to Boothbay Harbor is the food! Lobster rolls, fried clams, and fresh seafood show up on nearly every menu in town.
Many restaurants sit directly on the water, so dinner often comes with a view of working lobster boats heading back into the harbor. For travelers exploring things to do in Midcoast Maine, trying the local seafood is an essential part of the experience.
Our on-site restaurant Coastal Prime 1901 features sushi and other seafood dishes made with locally caught ingredients.
Other favorites include:
Which of our top 10 favorite things to do in Boothbay Harbor will end up on your vacation itinerary? For anyone planning summer Maine getaways, it’s easy to see why this coastal town continues to be one of the most popular destinations in Midcoast Maine.
Many of our rooms offer outside decks that put you directly on the harbor, perfect for unwinding after a long day of fun without missing out on any of the views! Browse our rooms.
Stay close to all of Boothbay Harbor’s attractions! Book your stay with us today and let the vacation planning begin.
