The gardens are located in Boothbay and span over 300 acres, making it the largest botanical garden in New England. It features a variety of themed gardens, including the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses and the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children's Garden. The gardens are also home to the "Guardians of the Seeds," a group of large wooden sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo. The gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can purchase tickets in advance online or upon arrival.
This quintessential Maine experience includes a scenic boat cruise and a traditional Downeast clambake. It begins at Pier 6, in Boothbay Harbor, where guests are picked up for a boat cruise. Visitors then journey to the picturesque Cabbage Island. Upon arrival, everyone is treated to a feast featuring two lobsters, fresh steamer clams, corn on the cob, potato, onion, and blueberry cake. For detailed schedules and ticket reservations, visit the Cabbage Island Clambakes website.
From whale-watching tours and puffin cruises to lighthouse and harbor sightseeing trips, Cap’n Fish’s Boat Trips offers a handful of different scenic and wildlife cruises that take you out onto the ocean from Boothbay Harbor. Trips include narration and a chance to see whales, puffins, seals, and more. Find schedules, tickets, and more info on their website.
If you have the time for a day trip, getting out to explore Monhegan Island is well worth the visit. You can take the Balmy Days II ferry from Boothbay Harbor to Monhegan, a remote island with stunning coastal scenery. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours, offering beautiful views of the Maine coastline. Once on the island, there are many activities to do: go hiking along paths like the Cliff Trail, visiting the Monhegan Museum, or browsing local artist studios. You can grab a bite at a cozy café or enjoy a beer at Monhegan Brewing. After a few hours of exploring, eating, and/or relaxing, the ferry takes you back to the mainland. For schedules and ticket information, check out the Balmy Days Cruises website.
Boothbay Harbor offers some beautiful, free hiking trails maintained by the Boothbay Region Land Trust. Hikes in the area vary in level of difficulty, from a short nature walk to a moderate hike with coastal views. Regardless of which you choose, all of these trails are well worth exploring: Oven’s Mouth Preserve (3.5 miles, moderate) – Wooded trails, salt marsh views, and a scenic bridge over the Back River. Great for wildlife spotting. Porter Preserve (1.2 miles, easy) – Peaceful wooded paths with Sheepscot River views and a rocky shoreline. Penny Lake Preserve (0.5 miles, easy) – A short, accessible boardwalk loop with wetlands and great birdwatching. Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve (2 miles, easy to moderate) – Open meadows, forested areas, and a quiet escape from more crowded areas. Linekin and Burley Preserves (varied trails, moderate) – Coastal forests, rocky shorelines, and a chance to spot seals!