Although we often find it difficult to tear ourselves away from the peace and quiet of McKown Point and the cottages, games on the lawn, and fun on the beach, there really is SO much to do in the Boothbay Harbor Region, it’s worth venturing out and exploring the area. Here are some of our favorite activities and spots:

Just up the road less than a 5 minute walk away is the Maine State Aquarium—the kids especially love the tide pool and shark touch tanks.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest botanical gardens in the Northeast and a truly special place located just a few minutes’ drive from the cottages. Explore the trails, visit the children’s garden and fairy village, and stay for lunch.

Rent kayaks* in town and paddle through the harbor to the cottages where you can keep them overnight on the lawn. Explore the cove (keep your eyes out for seals!), paddle around Juniper Point and under the Southport Island swing bridge, or paddle out to Burnt Island Lighthouse, which is tucked directly behind Mouse Island when looking south from our cove. Tie up the kayaks and enjoy lunch on the rocks or check out the restored lighthouse museum.

*Please take all necessary safety precautions – review your routes with the knowledgeable staff and be wary of rough weather and water.

The Boothbay Region Land Trust maintains 15 area preserves with more than 30 miles of trails. Grab a map and choose a leisurely scenic walk or longer hike.

Walk (or drive if you must!) up the road to the Community House to play tennis on the clay courts (call for schedule and prices) or to check out the evening activities for children every Tuesday and Thursday.

Drive across the swing bridge to Southport Island to swim at Hendrick’s Head Beach (and for a view of Hendrick’s Head Light), and stop at the Southport General Store for a sandwich.

Kids love riding the old steam locomotive at Boothbay Railway Village, though it’s totally free to simply walk the grounds and explore the historic village buildings and exhibits, including a warehouse filled with antique cars and trucks.

Drive over to East Boothbay, a longtime hub of boat building, and be sure to follow Rte. 96 to Ocean Point at the end of the peninsula for some spectacular open ocean waves and views.

Walk, ride your bike, or drive into town, which is walkable and chockfull of gift shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. Many boat trips depart from the harbor for sightseeing, whale watching, deep sea fishing, lobstering, sunset cruises, and more.

For those interested in casting the net a little farther, grab the morning ferry for a daylong visit to Monhegan Island, drive to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and stop in the charming town of Damariscotta, go antiquing in Wiscassett, or surf, swim, and sunbathe on the beaches of Reid State Park or Popham Beach State Park.