About half that is along the water itself, running parallel to muddy flats and steep, short cliffs. 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. 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. Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2022Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted. , Greenville, 119 Cedar St. Dawn breaks over Five Islands Harbor, in Georgetown. FAST FACTS ABOUT OGUNQUIT'S MARGINAL WAY, MAINE'S MOST BELOVED SHORELINE STROLL. .eb-col { width: 31%; float: left; margin: 7px 2% 0 0;} Grab a towel and come with us. Expect to carry out your TRASH. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA Gray seals are bigger; they're between 7 and 8 feet long, and can. Featured Attractions I had read that September through April is the best time to see them but read reviews from July and August that said they saw plenty. .eb-image-right {float:right; margin:7px 0 7px 14px; width:45%; max-width:400px;} The dinner menu changes from week to week, but the generous and piquant fish tacos are always in season, as are the Dark N Stormies the official cocktail of the many regulars holding down barstools. 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). Some beaches (Goose Rocks and Long Sands among them) allow FIRES (conditions obliging), but town permits are a must. Their combined trail network offers 6 miles of mostly gentle hiking through cattail marshland and quiet mixed forest, with periodic lookouts taking in the Sasanoa River and Robinhood Cove (watch for ospreys soaring overhead). 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). If you want to see a moose on your trip to coastalMaine, Acadia National Park is your best bet. 7. . Baxter State Park and Lazy Tom Bog are great places to begin your search. On the shoreline, you see a village that probably looks very similar to what it was in the 1930s and 1940s. 50 Perkins Cove Rd., Ogunquit. Moderate use. Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education You name, it you can enjoy it in Wells. Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. Join us on Adventure Seal Watch that you wont soon forget. Join us on Adventure Seal Watch that you won't soon forget. Heavy use. A seaside destination resort within walking distance of Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove, with stylish rooms, legendary service, a trendsetting seafood restaurant, and a garden pool, bocce court, and fire pit that attract families. You get all this while enjoying your own personal front-row seat! The one and a half hour tour departs New Harbor for Eastern Egg . Grab a towel and come with us. 24 Hills Beach Rte. What a legacy Mary Louise Curtis Bok has given to the town of Camden! .eb-button { color: #fff; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; border: 1px solid #8d8457; width: 300px; padding: 15px 0; text-align: center; background: #8d8457; font-family: Vans-Bold,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-size: .75rem; text-decoration: none; display: block; margin: 20px 0 30px; } Save. Seeing Seals with Portland Paddle. .eb-col h4 { line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0 0 20px 0; color: inherit; font-weight: bold; } Glass bottles are also a no-no, regardless of whats in them. Southern Maine Coasts Saco and Biddeford add oceanside haunts and typical Downtown Maine attractions to visit. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. Maine has a wide . 9. Light use. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. THE GEOMETRIC confusion of silhouetted rooflines, a sunrise or sunset streaking the backdrop orange and pink, the spring tide surging through the spindly forest of pilings: you can keep your Portland Head Light for our money, the Old Orchard Beach pier is the states most compelling man-made landmark. Reid State Park 17. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, showers and toilets. Later in the day its time to kick back with some me time on the rocks or rafting together on the water. Dont show up without calling or going online to check out local parking regulations first. The low-pressure system will strengthen into a nor'easter as it moves away from Maine tomorrow. In addition there is a squadron of returning Ospreys that fish aggressively there as well. 207-363-8466. Rangeley Lake State Park, Mount Blue State Park, Lily Bay State Park, and Peaks-Kenny State Park are all campground parks located in or near parts of Maine with ample moose-watching opportunities. 207-799-5871. maine.gov/crescentbeach. There were lots of gulls and a few bald eagles as well. 18 Colony Beach Ocean Ave. Pebbly/sandy, free parking, no facilities. Maines Holy Donut micro-chain has a Scarborough outpost a few miles from the towns best beaches. Mammals. 207-244-5785. For better or for worse, the states beach-speckled southernmost 50 or so coastal miles are Maine for legions of summertime visitors. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113315485', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston in July. We are a small family run outfit that specializes in personalized one-on-one guided trips. 105 Coveside Rd., South Bristol. M.C. Kennebunk andKennebunkportattract the famous each summer includingformer President George Bush and his family. Experience the 9 Buildings of the Museums of Old York Maine, Locals Guide to the Best Kennebunkport Boat Tours. The Southern Mainecoastal Wells townis popular for its beaches, but also its many antique shops, used and antique book stores. Acadia National Park. 207-967-4243. gokennebunks.com Crescent Beach State Park Magic hour at Crescent Beach. Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. . A best-in-class spa, cool mod art collection, breathtaking ocean-view infinity pool, and crisp seaside dcor help make Cliff House among Maines swankiest splurge lodging options. Blue This is our most adventurous tour and has something to offer for everyone! Getting pulled behind a speedboat is more relaxing than it sounds when youre drifting 1,200 feet above the waves. Call Doc at 207-384-5160 or visit parksandlands.com for more details. The deskbound can get a moment of zen thanks to live webcams operated by the nonprofit Marginal Way Preservation Fund. Channel your inner pirate at Schooner Miniature Golf, in Saco, where youll putt around (and aboard) a 75-foot windjammer. Seals can sometimes be seen but they like to sun and rest on the more isolated islands. Eli Strauss, owner of Bass Harbor Island Cruises. 207-371-2990. Maine Moose watching trips offered daily! .eb-image-left {width:100%; max-width:400px;} does not look like an American town at all in place or in architecture. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.. If you love whales, this is your chance to see these incredibly intelligent mammals up close! With a box of chocolatepeanut butter in hand, stroll out on the rocks, have a seat, and indulge in the fudge and the view. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113316404', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');New England Aquarium without going inside. Maine has three well-defined climatic zones: central, southern interior, and northern. Isle au Haut, Isle Au Haut, ME, USA. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57909508', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Portland. The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. The cliffs rise nearly 50 feet in spots, and the waves can put on a show. 129, 2 miles north of the South Bristol drawbridge. The age class of harp seal we tend to see are the juveniles, who are around 12-14 months old . Light use. Maines southern coast offers the American summer vacation at its beach-blanket best. Its not every day you see a moose. Theyll be back up again before you know it. .eb-col img { width: 100%; } 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. When you visit the Museums of Old, Read More Experience the 9 Buildings of the Museums of Old York MaineContinue, The Maine Waterfront Dining Experience Food and water. 1 Bypass, Kittery. Is there a best time of day? } This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 1. Alternatively, you may use. A third-generation, family-owned business, Huot Seafood Restaurant in Sacos beachside village of Camp Ellis still uses Doris Huots batter Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. For a little more seclusion, though, visitors can follow the footpaths to adjacent, undeveloped Kettle Cove (which also has its own parking area), a pebblier pocket beach flanked by dramatic granite shelves. In southern Maine, no place is better than Eastern Egg Rock for spotting the puffin. 207-371-2616, Every year, I return to this spot. Its wicked cheap too. Pebbly, free (limited) parking, no facilities. Ogunquit Museum of American Art 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. Its one of those rites of passage youd have to be a moose to fully appreciate. Sandy, no parking (bike in is best), no facilities. From the majestic moose to the huge humpback, Maine has long been known for its vast and unique wildlife. You wont find fresher lobster anywhere, so keep it simple and go for the traditional lobster dinner with corn on the cob, house-made slaw, and blueberry cake. All I could see from where I stood / Was three long mountains and a wood, / I turned and looked the other way, / And saw three islands in a bay. Multiple species visit the state's waters, including humpback, finback, minke and pilot. 1 Fort Foster Beach Pocahontas Rd. We're a non-profit and community-based organization dedicated to seabird conservation and preserving Maine's coast in hopes that we can preserve the habitats of Atlantic seabirds and other wildlife. Youll see Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise and then travel to Goose Rocks for more seals and back down the coast to Wells. Pay a visit to the Maine Wildlife Park where youre guaranteed to spot a moose, among many other kinds of fascinating creatures, at this special wildlife sanctuary. Voted #1 in New England by Yankee Magazine for the best chance of finding Moose! . Most of Maines beaches are shingle beaches, particularly northeast of Portland, and many of those shingles were deposited there by the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which scraped them up inland as it moved across the continent some 15,000 years ago. .page .lead { padding: 0 20px 0 20px; } .eb-button-wide { width:100%; } Great Wass Island Preserve #5 in Best Maine Beaches. Watch for wading birds. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, toilets. You may even have the opportunity to see birds that dont normally visit the mainland. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, showers and toilets. Play Skee-Ball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and more at the retro Fun-O-Rama arcade pavilion on York Beach. Named for the architectural gem of a cribstone bridge that connects Orrs and Bailey islands a one-of-a-kind cobwork of granite slabs Morses restaurant is a landmark in its own right. , Millinocket. 10 North Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. .page .lead { width: 100%; padding: 0; } The record served in a day is 923 punches thats with a three-drink limit on this potent stuff. Maines Birding Trail highlights the best spots to watch feathered friends of all types. Storms periodically revealed the wreck for brief periods, about every 10 years. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. Of course, Dykstra says, specific local conditions currents, the shape of a coastline, wave directionality can monkey with this process, which is why a single mile of Kennebunk coastline can host a shingle beach right between two sandy ones. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, no facilities. The ship skeleton made its most recent and most publicized appearance, following one of the winter storms the media dubbed a bomb cyclone.. @media only screen and (min-width: 600px){ There were also hiking trails close by where we found wild blueberries. Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, also in Kittery, where an 18th-century fort overlooks the Piscataqua River. Ferry out to the 19th-century Wood Island Lighthouse in Biddeford Pool, part of a guided tour offered by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. While sightings are not common, moose have been known to roam the park and reveal themselves to visitors. .eb-col a { text-decoration: none; } .eb-p {width:100%; margin-top:0;} Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. 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). So what is a puffin? 1A. Plummer Point Preserve 240 Bayview Rd., Orrs Island. 10. Historically, harbor seals pupped in Massachusetts, and there are increasing sightings of very small pups here in May and June. At the southeastern end of Georgetown Island, a 10-minute drive from the harbor, two sandy beaches beckon. Browse our Frequently Asked Questions for any additional information you may need. Beach ecosystems are fragile, and visitors should never walk across vegetated areas. You'll visi You and the whole family are invited to exscape and relax in Maine's Aroostook County. Its also easier to go seaglunking at low tide, and searching after a summer storm can pay dividends, as more glass tends to wash up then. Not a hiker? 207-646-5575. Moderate use. The stand goes through 250,000 pounds of potatoes a season. @media screen and (min-width: 480px) { You dont see a mast. Since the last retreat of the ice sheet, Dykstra says, the coast of Maine has been slowly rising . Artists renditions of the coast can be seen in the many galleries and art museums in town. Address: Sandy/pebbly, paid parking, no facilities. 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. Portland to Bar Harbor - is the best way? Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. Southern Maine, a million miles from the daily grind, is only a short distance from you. Mt. 214 Nubble Rd. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. Impeccable service has set this high-end classic apart since 1973, but the property has welcomed guests since it was a Civil Warera boarding house. Perkins Cove The Oakland House Inn in Brooksville was established in 1889. Where there are Maine beaches, there are estuaries, and southern Maines quiet, wildlife-rich tidal creeks reward exploration particularly for those who prefer protected waters to open-ocean paddling. Chef Devin Finigan cut her teeth at some of the countrys finest restaurants (including Thomas Kellers Per Se and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in the Hudson Valley) before opening Aragosta in Stonington in 2013. Where receptacles are available, dont fill them with huge bags or large items like broken umbrellas or chairs. Union Bluff Hotel. Yorks sandy beaches, good surf and fantastic scenery provide visitors with fun in the sun. Free admission. From Portlandswaterfront, there is easy access to Casco Bay ferries, water taxis, and boat tours to nearby islands including Peaks Island, Diamond Island, and Long Island. Park at Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary, off Rte. Make faces at the monkeys (not the white tiger) at Yorks Wild Kingdom. Little Coveside might have the finest deck dining in the state, overlooking the harbors gnarly little outcrop islands and often hosting some al fresco troubadour. } The seals hauled up on the Cape are gray and harbor seals. 23 Biddeford Pool Beach Rte. 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. Local officials have said that its typically buried beneath 6 or 7 feet of sand. Our midwestern kids have never seen seals other than the zoo.Is there a place either in Boston, Acadia, or somewhere along the way that we could find them? But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. Yes, Virginia, there is surfing in Maine. 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. Only 2 days for park - driving only, disabled, Looking for jacuzzi room in southern maine or coastal nh. Check out the National Park Service for more information. Located within Acadia National Park, the lighthouse is a favorite of photographers, who typically shoot from the rocky shore below. These are the most vital elements for our health and wellbeing our need for them, Read More Amazing Waterfront Restaurants in MaineContinue, If you ask a local in Kennebunk or Kennebunkport, whats the best way to see this coastal village, theyll tell you to get on, Read More Locals Guide to the Best Kennebunkport Boat ToursContinue, If youre looking for things to do in Kittery Maine, we have the top places to visit right here! Southern Maines best kept secret! Self-consciously vintage, this rebooted 1950s motor-court motel has guest rooms, housekeeping cottages, and a boutique ambiance, with a saltwater pool, luxe linens, and flat-screens. Thurstons Lobster Pound Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best chefs inspired by Maine seafood and local farm raised food. Our boat puts you up close and personal with all of what the ocean has to offer. Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary and the Berry Woods Preserve } Tickets a la carte, $25$40. This wildlife conservation center in Gray holds a special place in the hearts of those whove been there. Palace Playland - Proudly Maine's beachfront amusement park. When you look out on the Jonesport and Beals harbor, you see only working lobsterboats. Several Maine State Park Campgrounds make good basecamps for regional moose watching. Plus, theres always some Maine-y blueberry variation blueberry coffee cake, blueberry with lemon glaze, blueberry maple bacon. And of course, where there are crowds, there are gift shops. Maines southern coast offers the American summer vacation at its beach-blanket best. Mammals are the class of animals that have fur or hair and produce milk for their young. Been ahotel on this spot since 1872, but generations of modernization and expansion have rendered it quite contemporary. It books up fast. We have on goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! Plenty of outfitters offer kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours. "Seal Island" (don't let the name fool you) is the only island you can actually land on and observe puffins from behind blinds. Maine is one of the few states in the U.S. with a sizable moose population. The dusky glare helps hunters distinguish darker colors against rocks. Address: 207-644-8552. Golden Road The first town, upon entering the Southern Maine Coast isKittery. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 h0trudderedbum Phippsburg, Maine Level Contributor 351 posts 1. 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. , Millinocket, 59 Morrill Rd Nothing fancy just fresh local seafood served a variety of ways at a family-friendly restaurant (its also carnivore friendly: steak and chicken are on the menu). But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. First, you need to understand glacial rebound. Sandy, free (limited) parking, no facilities. Harbor seals range in color from brown to gray, with visible spotting, and blend in well with their surroundings when hauled out on a rock or ledge. Plus, theres room to roam. Our Programs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 207-967-6065. Ride a restored streetcar at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. The lobsterboats bobbing off the wharf are your first indication that youre in for some of the freshest crustaceans served in Maine its never tanked, and you can pick your own bug. 11. Get free ice cream with your kids meals at Kens Place, a locally beloved, counter-service seafood joint near Scarboroughs Pine Point Beach. 13 Drakes Island Beach Drakes Island Rd. has seven rooms with a B&B vibe and a cozy British-style pub. It is not unusual for a seal pup to be left alone on the beach by its mother for up to 24 hours. The seals congregate in the Kennebec rivermouth every spring to gorge on returning baitfish that swim upriver. Though distinctly different in design, the two parks complement each other so well, they feel like one. A huge population of migrating birds makes Maine one of the best places to see wildlife if youre a bird enthusiast. All rights reserved. 207-833-7775. TheTown of Ogunquithas been attracting visitors to Southern Maine for years. I have taken small groups of tweens/teens to Boston and we've always stopped at the seal tank outside the aquarium to watch the seals swim and play. Sandy, free parking, toilets. (207) 502-8040. var _ctct_m = "0706d9b9bf00aebc0dc1bb571c5a40b2"; Click here to Learn more about adventures, Click here to Learn more about kennebunk adventures, Click here to Learn more about portland adventures, Click here to Learn more about private tours, Click here to Learn more about all new england eco adventures, Click here to Learn more about our vessels, Click here to Learn more about gift cards, Click here to Learn more about rugosa lobster tours, Click here to email matt@newenglandecoadventures.com, Click here to view location Kennebunk 2 Western Ave. 207-967-3321. As intimate and adventurous as a small music festival gets highly recommended. Seals are the most commonly-seen marine mammals along the shores of Maine. Whoever has once visited this delightful region will never forget it, as the scenery is not surpassed in any part of Maine, and it is a veritable yachtsmans paradise. Thats why you can find pink-granite stones in spots where the local granite outcrops are all gray, says Jon Dykstra, a retired geologist on the board of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. , Millinocket, PO Box 160 Five Islands Lobster Company @media only screen and (min-width: 1200px){ Rhumb Line It's hard enough to find them by going ten miles out to sea. 77. .eb-thumbnail {width:25%;} 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. Miles ofsandy beaches check, amusement parks , Read More Guide to Wells Maine Condominium ResortsContinue, Your email address will not be published. North from Perkins Cove to Beach St., with multiple access points along the way. Designed by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele, the Amphitheatre, with its terraced stone seating, lush trees and lawn, and view of Camden Harbor, is well used by the town for concerts, weddings, graduation ceremonies, craft fairs, and just hanging around. But researchers haven't yet confirmed the origin this time. 12 Wells Beach Mile Rd. The 3-mile beach consists of two well-protected crescents, and the slope is gentle, making Goose Rocks a favorite of families with young kids. The OOB pier is one of the great American boardwalks and a slice of southern Maine at its unassuming best. But dont worry about that last part. Puffins arent the only birds that Maine can boast. Christi / Flickr. Light use. From $145. A high-energy, improv-heavy flute, cello, and drum trio. The Southern Maine Coast region is a year-round vacation spot with miles of sandy beaches, many hotels, motels and inns, excellent restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor activities for every season. Best Places To See Wildlife in Southern Maine, A Dunes Day Trip: Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine, 4 Different Kinds of Things to Do in Maine in the Winter . Immerse yourselves in the history and lore, that include rescues, heroism, Sailor the bell ringing dog, even an 1896 murder/suicide. 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). Light use. 207-563-1393. Driving from NJ where to stop for a night, Boston to Acadia via the coast and White Mountains. From $179. 9. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hello! 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. 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor. Peek over marine scientists shoulders as they research lobsters, mussels, scallops, and other shellfish. Light use. Including approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorback auks and 500 pairs of common murres. Heavy use. $65, plus lunch. While a big animal, the harbor seal is only about half the size of the gray seal, the . Brian Beal, Jonesport native and director of research at the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education. Instructors at Black Point Surf Shop (134 Black Point Rd., Scarborough; 207-939-6016) lead 90-minute tutorials by appointment ($90 for one person, $140 for two, with discounts if you BYO gear); Liquid Dreams Surf Shop (171 Long Beach Ave., York; 207-351-2545; 696 Main St., Ogunquit; 207-641-2545) has a whole catalog of 3-day beginners programs ($170), kids clinics and mini-camps ($50$90); private lessons ($70$105), and ladies nights ($40); Maines original surf shop, Wheels N Waves (365 Post Rd., Wells; 207-646-5774) offers multiple 2-hour tutorials daily in summer ($40$90, depending on group size and gear needs).