From Kittery to Old Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. .eb-button-wide { width:100%; } On Sundays, hit up the Kittery Community Market for picnic supplies, live music, and a kids corner with art and science projects. Heavy use. The southern coasts best breaks are at Scarboroughs Higgins Beach, Yorks Long Sands Beach, and Wells Beach, and each has surf shops that offer rentals and lessons for newbies. Edna St. Vincent Millay, Camden poet, Renascence, 1912. Established in 1966 to protect sensitive salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was named for the world-renowned marine biologist, author and environmentalist. Seaplane service throughout Maine & New England. Five Islands Lobster Company Heavy use. The island is located in the lower Bay of Fundy about a mile west of Grand Manan Island, a remote island known for its iconic lighthouse. 6 Cape Neddick Beach Shore Rd. Battie Trail (each isa half-mile). The record served in a day is 923 punches thats with a three-drink limit on this potent stuff. Ogunquits 3-mile marquee attraction is the Platonic ideal of a New England beach, with sand as fine and soft as anyplace north of Daytona, beach grasses swaying on the dunes, and a vibrant (if sometimes crowded) scene on the sand. Explore Boon Island Lighthouse and Nubble Lighthouse on this tour that cruises up the coastline. They dont offer tours, but the folks at World Within Sea Kayaking (at the Ogunquit River Inn) rent kayaks and SUPs that paddlers can launch out the back door, into the lower Ogunquit River, at high tide. 9. But researchers haven't yet confirmed the origin this time. Browse our Frequently Asked Questions for any additional information you may need. Heavy use. Reid State Park This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. Glenn Dochtermann (go ahead and call him Doc) learned to fish off the beach from his dad some 60 years ago, and hes been out surf-casting ever since for stripers, pollack, and more. Several Maine State Park Campgrounds make good basecamps for regional moose watching. Infections are more likely. 207-563-1393. not unlike when you push your hand into a mattress and then release the pressure. Along most of Maines coast, this rebound has exceeded or kept pace with naturally (and gradually) rising sea levels. Plummer Point Rd., off Rte. In 2007, archaeologists measured the hull and took samples of the wood. Shes been at it 50 years, so we asked her for some tips. All of your picnicking needs in one cute little store fresh bread, nice wine selection, local produce. It was amazing! 40 Bowery Beach Rd., Cape Elizabeth. Other puffin-preferred places on the Maine coast include eastern Egg Rock in the MidCoast & Islands region, and Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay. 12. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113317266', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise with Acadian Boat Tours out of Atlantic Oceanside in Bar Harbor and it goes right past Egg Head Light and there were SO many seals hanging out by the light house. 207-967-6065. Marginal Way Catch the weekly Thursday night fireworks at Old Orchard Beach. They provided 2 kayaks and we were right on the water where we could kayak out to a mussel bar and sea seals. 207-361-1000. Light use. Thank you! 11 Crescent Beach Gold Ribbon Dr. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. But dont worry about that last part. 100 % of Cadillac Mountain Passes Sold 2 Days in Advance? 32 Kettle Cove Kettle Cove Rd. Bayview Takeout The Wells National Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge are ideal for nature lovers, and those that enjoy a good walk by the seaside and in one of Maines largest salt water marshes. Some 40 percent of overnight guests more than 8 million people made a destination last year out of the sunny, seaside stretch that tourism types simply call The Maine Beaches. And who can blame them? Play Skee-Ball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and more at the retro Fun-O-Rama arcade pavilion on York Beach. Rhumb Line Alternatively, you may use. Thats what geologists call a beach made primarily of pebbles and/or cobbles (the former measure 4 to 6.4 centimeters across, the latter 6.4 to 25.6 anything bigger is a boulder). 207-646-5575. The entire Kennebunkport Coastline in an epic 1 Hour adventure. .eb-thumbnail { width: 99%; } Camden Hills State Park is laced with miles of trails, nearly all leading to incredible views of Penobscot Bay, but if you only have time for one mountain, make it Battie. Like all mammals, seal pups begin life drinking . Do you like visiting historical places where history comes alive? 14 Parsons Beach Rte. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. Join us today! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019-2022 Dunes on the Waterfront. Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. Although all are classified as humid continental, small differences exist among regions. For better or for worse, the states beach-speckled southernmost 50 or so coastal miles are Maine for legions of summertime visitors. 14. $4 Maine residents, $6 non-residents. In addition to whales, a number of other marine creatures will be waiting to make your acquaintance seals and dolphins among them. Required fields are marked *. It is thought that females from Massachusetts migrate to quiet islands in New Hampshire and southern Maine to pup. National Marine Fisheries Service Law Enforcement division has established the following toll-free number for reporting potential violations: 1-800-853-1964. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Our daily, two hour long, sunset tours are one of the best ways to see seals in southern Maine in June-August! Lets start with the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland. Morses Cribstone Grill Its time to lay anchor. .page .lead { width: 100%; padding: 0; } Started by a Mexican family who first came Down East to feed migrant wild-blueberry harvesters, Vazquez has the most authentic Mexican street food in the state: freshly made tortillas, beef tacos, chicken chimichangas, empanadas, and, sometimes, flan oh, man! Their morning lunch cruise includes an hour-plus stop on the island of Frenchboro. The VisitMaine.Net team is the small team of authors and editors that research and write our in-depth guides throughout the site and update past articles to make sure it's still super valuable to you. Light use. This summer, hell be at Sacos Ferry Beach on July 19, Cape Elizabeths Crescent Beach on July 26, and Fort McClary on September 23 (plus Reid, Popham Beach, and Wolfes Neck state parks, farther down the coast, in August). From $145. Spanning 47,000 acres, Acadia offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails . Heavy use. Moderate use. The tight-knit summer community combined with the pristine sheltered harbor has been creating fond memories for generations. Machias Seal Island is a bit out of the way and youll need to book a guided tour to get there, but if youre a committed puffin fan, the effort will justify the experience. 207-646-4909. Old Orchard Beachhosts oceanside lodgings and attractions including the famous Pier, oceanfront amusement parks, restaurants, shopping and a 7-mile beach sandy beach consistently ranked as Maines best beach by Maines largest newspaper. Stroll to the top on the gently graded Carriage Trail or scramble up the steep Mt. 207-439-9324. .eb-p {float: right; width:65%; margin-left:2%; margin-top:-9px;} Maines Holy Donut micro-chain has a Scarborough outpost a few miles from the towns best beaches. Built by architect John Calvin Stevens in the oh-soNew England Shingle style in 1914, the Colony is a landmark with ocean views and a straight-up beach of its own, right across the street. Head to the shore and keep an eye out for adorable harbor seal pups or spot the majestic bald eagle as you kayak in Frenchman Bay. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk. From the majestic moose to the huge humpback, Maine has long been known for its vast and unique wildlife. 207-833-2313. Maine artists loom large: through the end of August, youll find the abstract landscapes of John Marin and the stylized portraits of Will Barnet. Later in the day its time to kick back with some me time on the rocks or rafting together on the water. 59 Sea St., Camden. When you cross the Maine, Read More 21 Best Things to Do in Kittery MaineContinue, The Perfect Family Beachfront Vacation York Beach is an idealMaine vacationspot for beach walks, kite flying, playing in the sand, visiting the famous Nubble, Read More Your Guide to Motels in York Beach MaineContinue, Wells is a well-loved vacation town in Maine. Its made-to-order (takes about 6 minutes when the staff breaks out the machine) and you can enjoy a cone in an Adirondack chair on the sunny deck. Maine is one of the few states in the U.S. with a sizable moose population. The stand goes through 250,000 pounds of potatoes a season. While a big animal, the harbor seal is only about half the size of the gray seal, the . Share this Article. It's hard enough to find them by going ten miles out to sea. . 22 Fortunes Rocks Beach Fortunes Rocks Rd. 207-646-7088. Box 633 A large number of seal pups appear each year on New England beaches, apparently stranded, but these pups are often only temporarily abandoned by their mothers, who are feeding nearby. 47 Shore Rd., Bass Harbor. Crescent Beach itself is a mile-long half-moon scattered with skipping stones and ringed with beach roses. Harbor seals are 5 to 6 feet long and weigh up to 285 pounds. There were lots of gulls and a few bald eagles as well. Humpbacks and minkes are the whales most often spotted, but blue whales and right whales make occasional appearances as well. All the way out on Bailey Island, where the road abruptly cuts off at a cement barrier and the land literally ends, sweeping views of Casco Bay draw a steady stream of travelers. Do you consider yourself a history buff? , Millinocket, 59 Morrill Rd Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only 2 days for park - driving only, disabled, Looking for jacuzzi room in southern maine or coastal nh. . Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. @media only screen and (min-width: 1024px){ 207-967-4461. Maines Birding Trail highlights the best spots to watch feathered friends of all types. 17 Goochs Beach Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. 4 Long Sands Beach Long Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. To up your chances of seeing a moose in Maine, or to put your wildlife photography skills to the test, contact one of the outfitters that specialize in moose watching tours, also known as moose safaris. Destination dining where you might least expect it. Served with an orange slice, pineapple chunk, cherry, and a sprinkle of what witty servers will say is beach sand (its nutmeg). In southern Maine, no place is better than Eastern Egg Rock for spotting the puffin. Also, because this island is so notable for its bird populations, you can meet and swap stories with fellow bird watchers from across the country. Seafood Ketch Rmew / Flickr. $6 Maine residents, $8 non-residents. See what 40,000 pounds ofcandy looks like at Yummies Candy & Nuts in Kittery. Plummer Point Preserve Southern Maine, a million miles from the daily grind, is only a short distance from you. Battie Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. A ship called Industry ran ashore at Short Sands Beach, according to records some believe the wreck is Industrys remains. Maine Moose watching trips offered daily! See Bernard Langlaiss whimsical wooden creatures in the seaside sculpture garden at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art come Wednesday mornings for kiddie story time and crafts. Head north, and the crowds thin out at Footbridge and North beaches with their own parking and access, theyre technically extensions of Ogunquit Beach, and a beachcomber can spend a lovely afternoon wandering there and back. Sitting right on the dock alongside Camden Harbor, Rhumb Line combines the carefree spirit of Jimmy Buffett with fresh, simply prepared Maine seafood and killer craftcocktails. That's about the best I can do with so little info. An award-winning saxophonist in the bebop and swing traditions. Bass Harbor natives Kim and Eli Strauss offer passengers their insiders view of Mount Desert Islands hardest-working harbor. Address: One of southern Maines consistently excellent restaurants, Mark Gaier and Clark Frasiers 12-year-old seaside eatery manages to thread the needle of upscale ($30 dinner entres that wow, like an Indian-spiced braised lamb shank) and approachable (Thursday burger nights in the shoulder seasons, when a creatively topped burger and a local pint run you $13). Unless youre in Maine and you know exactly when and where to look. For the best visibility, time your. Colonial or post-colonial shipbuilders launched the vessel either a sloop or a schooner, probably about 60 feet long, judging from the hull fragment thats left on the beach. 1. Park at Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary, off Rte. Moose can be spotted diving for dinner in wet boggy areas, chilling out in gravel pits, and doing some sightseeing of their own on hiking or snowmobile trails. The Port can only be found in the coast of Southern Maine; a distinctive coastal blend of food, shopping, and beaches combine with beautiful scenery and charming hotels and BnBs for a memorable visit. Gray seals, Halichoerus gypus, are the largest seal found in the area, with males growing to 8 feet . #5 in Best Maine Beaches. From $399. 17. However, these actions usually do more harm than good. If youre hoping to encounter wildlife, the Allagash is where you want to be. Get free ice cream with your kids meals at Kens Place, a locally beloved, counter-service seafood joint near Scarboroughs Pine Point Beach. Kennebunk andKennebunkportattract the famous each summer includingformer President George Bush and his family. Bass Harbor is almost exclusively a working harbor its all lobsterboats and fishing boats and nearly all the small businesses in town are fishermen. 375 Seguinland Rd., Georgetown. Address: You ll have the opportunity to safely and comfortably view these magnificent creatures and other wildlife as you learn about moose habits and habitat from a knowledgeable guide. Hollis Burgess, writing in The Rudder magazine, 1917. To report seal strandings south of Maine, please call the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Hotline: (866) 755-6622. Its a great place to spot wading birds and waterfowl and avoid people. But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and even tomatoes at Spiller Farm in Wells. The formal trail dates to Yorks days as a posh summer colony and crosses right through the yards of some of the towns most historic homes (be respectful, obvs). Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd., Camden. Dont bring Fido without checking. 23 Biddeford Pool Beach Rte. Sandy, paid parking, no facilities. Hardy Boat Cruises, based in New Harbor on Maine's Pemaquid Peninsula, runs a Puffin Watch cruise in the Spring with Audubon naturalists starting in early June (and without Audubon naturalists beginning in mid-May). Get a deck seat and dont skip the fruity, blood-red rum punch, the tastiest cocktail youre likely to sip through a straw this summer. .page .lead { padding: 0 20px 0 20px; } From $179. .eb-linked-heading {border:none; text-decoration:none; color:inherit;} Its slightly ramshackle look complements OOBs come-one-come-all vibe this is a beach where you can attack a hunk of fried dough while wading in a Speedo and nobody looks at you twice, and the pier is the charmingly ragtag monument it deserves. Address: Schoodic Institutes Seth Benz will lead this special bird tour designed to enhance your enjoyment o Register today for Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park's first Bird Tour of 2023! Portland, ME 04101 However, with so many beautiful beaches and charming towns in southern Maine, many visitors miss the opportunity to track down these animals. Address: Enjoy inside or from the takeout window for a picnic. 207-967-4243. gokennebunks.com Crescent Beach State Park Magic hour at Crescent Beach. Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education recipe from 1935. Then, you can catch a puffin tour boat from Mt. $65, plus lunch. And of course, where there are crowds, there are gift shops. This is our most adventurous tour and has something to offer for everyone! They will shed their antlers in November or December and grow new, larger antlers in the spring. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. This tour has it all Walkers Point, Seals, Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse, and if time permits, Goose Rocks Beach. Enjoy shopping andlovely diningin quaint Perkins Cove, take a coastal walk along the Marginal Way, or relax with an evening ofsummer stock Theaterat the Ogunquit Playhouse. Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, also in Kittery, where an 18th-century fort overlooks the Piscataqua River. What a legacy Mary Louise Curtis Bok has given to the town of Camden! Kittery Inn and Suites. A 4.5-mile trail loops around the northern section of this 1,576-acre preserve, more than half of it crossing over breathtaking, wide-open coastal headlands. Save. Yes, Virginia, there is surfing in Maine. Give this Article . Any suggestions? 50 Perkins Cove Rd. The southern and coastal regions are influenced by air masses from the south and west. By continuing to navigate through this site or by clicking Approve, you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy notice. 207-363-8466. Atlantic Ave., Camden. Dont show up without calling or going online to check out local parking regulations first. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113315820', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');New England Aquarium in Boston: https://www.neaq.org/animal/northern-fur-seal/, https://www.neaq.org/animal/atlantic-harbor-seal-2/. Join us on Adventure Seal Watch that you wont soon forget. Seaside Inn. Beach ecosystems are fragile, and visitors should never walk across vegetated areas. 80 Beach Ave., Kennebunk. 9. } . Taffy technicians have been stretching masses of boiled sugar at the Goldenrod, in York Beach, since 1896 today, passersby watch through the windows as mechanical pulling machines do their thing. Acadia National Park,a couple hours north of Portland, Maine,is one of the best places to see wildlife in Maine for many reasons other than moose. You name, it you can enjoy it in Wells. The best time to spot sea glass, Mehlhorn says, is at sunset. . Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. It's a storm with major impacts for southern Maine, with an estimated snowfall rate of 1 inch . You were very helpful. See if you can spot the differences between these whale species. 38 Main St., Milbridge. Ten of these species occur on the West Coast: Guadalupe fur seals and nine cetaceans, including two distinct population segments (DPS) of humpback whale and the Western North Pacific DPS of gray whale. Camdens one literary town. If you have a boat you can see seals basking on the rocks around Cundy's Harbor in Harpswell at mid to low tide most days all summer. Plus, theres room to roam. Maine has three well-defined climatic zones: central, southern interior, and northern. Local officials have said that its typically buried beneath 6 or 7 feet of sand. Late founder Billy Tower concocted this fruity sipper, so popular that the Ogunquit institution mixes it up in 5-gallon batches. 2. 1A. 129, 2 miles north of the South Bristol drawbridge. Bass Harbor Island Cruises Would it be worthwhile to do a kayak tour to see seals? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Been looking online - there is one at Bar Harbor and another on the Cape.