#5 in Best Maine Beaches. . Its not every day you see a moose. Share this Article. 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). As well, we work closely with our colleagues of the Marine Mammals of Maine who attend to response and rescue in southern Maine and have a new facility in Harpswell allowing for temporary holding before transporting animals to a rehab facility. Sucking down an ice cream cone while admiring Cape Neddicks Nubble Light has been a tradition since 1967, when a stand called Browns opened up at Nubble Point. Linking Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach, themile-and-a-quarter paved walkway traces its origins to 1925. Portland The island is teeming with thousands of birds. 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. Eli Strauss, owner of Bass Harbor Island Cruises. With over 1700 species of animals in the park, youre almost guaranteed to have an encounter with nature. 207-967-6065. Catch the weekly Thursday night fireworks at Old Orchard Beach. } 18 Colony Beach Ocean Ave. Pebbly/sandy, free parking, no facilities. 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. You could make an easy and pleasant daytrip to Popham now and watch them from the beach, or wait a few weeks until Spinney's Restaurant is open and you can watch them while you eat! Barnacle Billys Thanks so much. Keep an eye out for fieldstone walls still running throughout the area reminders of the lands agricultural past and enjoy a quiet stretch of coastline that, more often than not, youll have all to yourself. @media only screen and (min-width: 1024px){ Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 h0trudderedbum Phippsburg, Maine Level Contributor 351 posts 1. .eb-p {float: right; width:70%; margin-left:2%;} Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. This is family-friendly educational activity at its finest and most massive. It's a storm with major impacts for southern Maine, with an estimated snowfall rate of 1 inch . 38 Main St., Milbridge.
Puffin Tours | Audubon Project Puffin The manager of South Berwicks Vaughan Woods State Park and Kitterys Fort McClary State Historic Site, Doc leads a series of free (with paid park admission) drop-in surf-casting clinics at coastal state parks. 77. Another itinerary question-Moosehead Lake? The best time to spot sea glass, Mehlhorn says, is at sunset. Dont leave logs on the beach or fires unattended. 21 Timber Point Timber Point Rd. Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. A brilliant display on a warm spring day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); VisitMaine.Net The unofficial guide to experiencing Maine. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions.
Marine Mammals on the West Coast - NOAA Fisheries While a big animal, the harbor seal is only about half the size of the gray seal, the . It is not unusual for a seal pup to be left alone on the beach by its mother for up to 24 hours. Our daily, two hour long, sunset tours are one of the best ways to see seals in southern Maine in June-August! Heavy use. Although all are classified as humid continental, small differences exist among regions. About half that is along the water itself, running parallel to muddy flats and steep, short cliffs. Address: From $299. 207-644-8552. Go before sunset, grab one of the tables on the harborside patio, sip a beer, and sigh contentedly as the sky turns red and streaky. This gateway town provides your first taste of Maine with fresh lobsters caught right off the coast. 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. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. , Greenville, 119 Cedar St. Maine Map. 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. .eb-thumbnail {width:30%;}
Free admission. Thurstons Lobster Pound 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. View our Privacy Policy. Photographs: Michael D. Wilson (ice cream, punch, lobster roll, taffy, clams, beach glass); Mark Fleming (fries, donuts). Expect to carry out your TRASH. We, and friends, have also often seen them on some of the tours offered by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, especially some of their non-whale tours that stay closer to shore (I'd check their website). All rights reserved. As any puffin can tell you, its worth the trip. No trip to Maine would be complete without visiting Acadia National Park.
Where to kayak, see seals, forage for mussels and blueberrie - Maine It's hard enough to find them by going ten miles out to sea. In addition to whales, a number of other marine creatures will be waiting to make your acquaintance seals and dolphins among them. The health risk posed by avian flu to the general public is low; however, precautions are recommended. Try the house specialty, a none-too-sweet blueberry martini. Historically, harbor seals pupped in Massachusetts, and there are increasing sightings of very small pups here in May and June. 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. Light use.
Humpbacks and minkes are the whales most often spotted, but blue whales and right whales make occasional appearances as well. Afternoons are devoted to seal and bird watching around the entrance of Blue Hill Bay and Bass Harbor Head Light. See these historic lighthouses first-hand. $65, plus lunch. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, toilets. 207-303-0137.
Things To Do On The Southern Maine Coast Region - VisitMaine.Net 207-367-5500. } Beach ecosystems are fragile, and visitors should never walk across vegetated areas. Participants technically need a saltwater fishing license and are encouraged to bring their own rod and tackle (particularly hooks, sinkers, and bait) but Doc shows up with enough rods and reels for a crowd, plus a few buckets of mackerel. Pat Lacey, Down East reader. Books, Books, Books document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019-2022 Dunes on the Waterfront. The ship skeleton made its most recent and most publicized appearance, following one of the winter storms the media dubbed a bomb cyclone.. , Millinocket. Seals Seals are the most commonly-seen marine mammals along the shores of Maine. Thirty-nine benches face the ocean, each with a sponsorship plaque that sold for $5,000 to fund trail maintenance which is necessary. 207-729-5181. Mt. More than once, a bench has been washed out to sea by storms that can wreak havoc on the path. Portland to Bar Harbor - is the best way? A great spot for a none-too-challenging family hike. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2001. more. .eb-image-left {width:100%; max-width:400px;} Travelers from all over the world flock to the Southern Maine coast for the ideal summer vacation. .eb-image-right {float:right; margin:7px 0 7px 14px; width:45%; max-width:400px;} 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. .eb-col { width: 31%; float: left; margin: 7px 2% 0 0;} The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. Give this Article .
Cottage Resorts - Visit Maine All of your picnicking needs in one cute little store fresh bread, nice wine selection, local produce. (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 When the tides out, tidepoolers mingle with surfers and plein-air painters. Wave action also breaks down the bedrock alongside beaches, rolls stones until theyre smooth, and washes away mud and sand. Watch for wading birds. 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. Lets start with the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland. 207-361-1000. .page .content .inner { padding: 20px 10px 20px 20px; } 6. Stonington . However, these actions usually do more harm than good. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This humble one-room museum on Stoningtons main drag is centered around a working model of one of the granite quarries that once operated on the surrounding islands basically, the most elaborate educational train set youve ever encountered. At Acadia you will occasionally see harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) just offshore and in the area harbors. Pebbly, free (limited) parking, no facilities. From $145.
Whale Watching in Maine | 6 Favorite Spots - New England Today 207-363-8466. 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. Tiny taffy kisses are made fresh daily and come in old-school flavors like molasses, licorice, and peppermint. State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. Seafood Ketch Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press Walk the coastal trail, explore the childrens garden, and admire Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Ride a rollercoaster at Sacos Funtown Splashtown. Cliff House. 12 Old Orchard St. 207-934-2328. 50 Perkins Cove Rd., Ogunquit. SMOKING (anything) is prohibited at state parks and by most town-run beaches. Carson was author of Silent Spring and a Maine Summer resident. 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. 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. 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. 240 Bayview Rd., Orrs Island. PARKING often requires a trip to the town office for a permit. Though distinctly different in design, the two parks complement each other so well, they feel like one. Coast Guardcertified captains from Old Orchard Beach Parasailing & Jet Ski (5 Bay Ave., Saco; 855-359-2759) head a ways off the OOB shorefront with groups of up to six, and the parasail itself accommodates up to three for what is basically a tranquil, 15-minute aerial cruise with lighthouse and Ferris wheel views ($90 per person, extra if you want pics or to wear a GoPro camera). .page .lead { width: 100%; padding: 0; } Open 364 days a year, the institute offers tours and a marine-life touch tank. Isle au Haut, Isle Au Haut, ME, USA. 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. The vibe is rustic elegance, and the back patio overlooks the working harbor. The Southern Mainecoastal Wells townis popular for its beaches, but also its many antique shops, used and antique book stores. 207-363-1277. Moderate use. Baxter State Park and Lazy Tom Bog are great places to begin your search. Moderate use. Races start at 10:30AM - registration accepted up to 1 hour before the race. 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. Light use. .eb-button-wide { width:400px; } Yorks sandy beaches, good surf and fantastic scenery provide visitors with fun in the sun. Moderate use. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake Its one of those rites of passage youd have to be a moose to fully appreciate. Harbor seals are 5 to 6 feet long and weigh up to 285 pounds. Linda Mehlhorn, of South Portland, coined the term seaglunking that is sea glass + spelunking, the act of exploring beaches and waterways in search of sea glass. 4. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, showers and toilets. After watching and learning about the lighthouse, seabirds, and seals youll have a little fun with the boat in front of Kennebunk Beach. 105 Coveside Rd., South Bristol. Union Bluff Hotel. Admire the endangered birds from a distance, stay out of signed restricted areas, and fill any beach holes (since chicks can tumble in). There were also hiking trails close by where we found wild blueberries. Visit Katahdin Air. 140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd., Camden. The most dramatic finding was in Saco, where there was a report of a dead seal on the beach early Monday morning. Kids will certainly dig it, and the surrounding placards and artifacts tell the story of the Maine granite used to build everything from Sing Sing prison to Rockefeller Center. A few doors apart are three indie bookstores: cozy Owl & Turtle Bookshop Caf (33 Bay View St.; 207-230-7335), with a fine collection of fiction, nonfiction, and childrens books; Shermans Maine Coast Book Shop (14 Main St., Camden; 207-236-2223), with a large selection of Maine books and souvenirs; and the charming Stone Soup Books, a nook of a secondhand store tucked above Marriners Restaurant (35 Main St., Camden; 207-763-3354). Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. @media screen and (min-width: 900px) { Back-door access to Goochs Beach from what is very likely Americas oldest hotel: an inn has occupied the spot since at least 1660. Seals are swimming around the harbor. 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. 129, 2 miles north of the South Bristol drawbridge. 207-230-8495. Bayview Takeout 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. Any suggestions? . This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. If you want to see a moose on your trip to coastalMaine, Acadia National Park is your best bet. Get outside on your next vacation, and visitsome of the best places to see wildlife in southern Maine. $10 admission, $9 students and seniors. By Tuesday, Marine Mammals of Maine had responded to about three dozen dead seals on beaches from Cape Elizabeth south to York.