Historically, harbor seals pupped in Massachusetts, and there are increasing sightings of very small pups here in May and June. Its houses are layered down to the calm water of the bay. This tour has it all Walkers Point, Seals, Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse, and if time permits, Goose Rocks Beach. Heavy use. 8 Beach St., York Beach. $65, plus lunch. 16. Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. The park is home to animals that have been injured, orphaned or are too dependent on humans to be released back into the wild. Sandy, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. Moderate use. Portland Take a book and a blanket and let the ocean breezes sweep your cares away. This is family-friendly educational activity at its finest and most massive. 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). But the real draw, as far as were concerned, is the creamy and house-made frozen custard. . Scout rocky, rather than sandy, beaches, since sea glass often ends up wedged in among the rocks. 127 in Georgetown, 500 feet east from where it crosses the Sasanoa River. "Seal Island" (don't let the name fool you) is the only island you can actually land on and observe puffins from behind blinds. 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. (207) 502-8040, Map Marker Visit the Easterseals Store. Dont show up without calling or going online to check out local parking regulations first. Built by a Connecticut bridge company in 1898, its a remnant of the golden age of Atlantic beach towns, when seaside boardwalks and pleasure piers sprang up from Atlantic City to Daytona Beach. Theyre really not. Gray seals, Halichoerus gypus, are the largest seal found in the area, with males growing to 8 feet . Access the island viaferry from Port Clyde, New Harbor, or Boothbay Harbor. Pinnipeds. Heavy use. One hard-to-miss difference is that puffins can fly and penguins cant. , Millinocket. The most important step members of the public can take to assist investigators is to immediately report any sightings of seals in distress or dead stranded seals. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. Its a great place to spot wading birds and waterfowl and avoid people. Fresh flowers in each room, an exquisite restaurant, and complimentary bikes and canoes are a few of the perks From $348. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2001. Unless youre in Maine and you know exactly when and where to look. 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. , Livermore, P.O. 18 Colony Beach Ocean Ave. Pebbly/sandy, free parking, no facilities. (207) 502-8040, 8 Western Ave. inside Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike. Storms periodically revealed the wreck for brief periods, about every 10 years. The tight-knit summer community combined with the pristine sheltered harbor has been creating fond memories for generations. 250 Main St., Ogunquit. } From Kittery to Old Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. , Millinocket. PO Box 160 Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. Try the house specialty, a none-too-sweet blueberry martini. 100 % of Cadillac Mountain Passes Sold 2 Days in Advance? Call Doc at 207-384-5160 or visit parksandlands.com for more details. Heavy use. Her farm-to-table approach means the menu is always in flux, but lobster figures prominently (the states most productive lobstering fleet is out her back door) and often unexpectedly par for the course is a recent dish of applewood-smoked lobster beignets, served over local greens. Battie If you want to see a moose on your trip to coastalMaine, Acadia National Park is your best bet. @media only screen and (min-width: 1200px){ Hit the Scoop Deck near Wells Beach to choose from among a whopping 72 flavors of ice cream. And if you're into loons, in July 2015, Maine Audubon Society volunteers counted more than 3,000 loons on 300 lakes and ponds the largest population of common loons in the US after Minnesota and Wisconsin. From $145. 30 Higgins Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, showers and toilets. Seeing Seals with Portland Paddle. Deer Isle Jazz Festival 6. Since the last retreat of the ice sheet, Dykstra says, the coast of Maine has been slowly rising . Maine has a wide . 207-363-1277. 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. Their population is greatest in the Western Lakes and Mountains regions, the Kennebec Valley, the Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. What a legacy Mary Louise Curtis Bok has given to the town of Camden! The Can-Am Crown is an international sled dog race with a 29-year history, held in Fort Kent, Maine. 12. 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. Union Bluff Hotel. To aid her search in sand, Mehlhorn uses a sifter attached to a long handle. Thanks so much. A seal in Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine. Walk the coastal trail, explore the childrens garden, and admire Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. 207-967-4243. gokennebunks.com, This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. Boat traffic is minimal, and sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors are common. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019-2022 Dunes on the Waterfront. I'd drive either way. You dont see a mast. .eb-col img {width: 100%;} 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. 207-833-7775. 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. 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). Thirty-nine benches face the ocean, each with a sponsorship plaque that sold for $5,000 to fund trail maintenance which is necessary. The deskbound can get a moment of zen thanks to live webcams operated by the nonprofit Marginal Way Preservation Fund. Seal Island (dont let the name fool you) is the only island you can actually land on and observe puffins from behind blinds. John Steinbeck, writing in Travels With Charley, 1962. 2 Western Ave. 207-967-3321. 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. Moderate use. Frye Island is the only island on this list that is not off the coast of Maine. 207-644-8552. A visit tohistoric Yorkwill show you some of Southern Maines fascinating history including the oldest jail in the country at Old York. A mile up the road from Pine Point Beach, Fun and Sun Rentals and Tours offers kayaks, SUPs, and car shuttles for one-way, self-guided tours through the vast Scarborough Marsh, and the neighboring Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center has canoe and kayak rentals. Watch for wading birds. 207-367-5500. Travelers from all over the world flock to the Southern Maine coast for the ideal summer vacation. Share your pride in Easterseals with branded products from the Easterseals store. 207-371-2616, Every year, I return to this spot. Late founder Billy Tower concocted this fruity sipper, so popular that the Ogunquit institution mixes it up in 5-gallon batches. Across the street is Camden Harbor Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers. 207-646-5575. P.O. To report seal strandings south of Maine, please call the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Hotline: (866) 755-6622. 5 Short Sands Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. Sandy, free parking, toilets. .eb-thumbnail { width: 99%; } Light use. From $159. 105 Coveside Rd., South Bristol. 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. There were also hiking trails close by where we found wild blueberries. 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. Been looking online - there is one at Bar Harbor and another on the Cape. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. } Any help would be appreciated. Follow Harbor Dr. to Lighthouse Rd. Seafood Ketch Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre 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. This is our most adventurous tour and has something to offer for everyone! 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. 15. Bowdoins environmental research station sits on 118 acres of varied terrain jutting into Harpswell Sound. 16 Middle Beach Beach Ave. Pebbly, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. 207-967-6065. Their morning lunch cruise includes an hour-plus stop on the island of Frenchboro. 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 . York Harbors -mile shoreline path an out-and-back walk from York Harbor Beach doesnt have its neighbors notoriety, in part because its more rugged (a mix of paved segments with railings and unimproved trail) and in part because decades of landowner squabbles have kept access in flux. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. The lobster rolls are hefty and served on a pile of crinkle-cut chips, and the fried seafood served in the adjacent Love Nest grill stacks up to any shack on the coast (dont skimp on the house-made dill tartar sauce). Public ALCOHOL consumption is illegal statewide, including on beaches. Browse our Frequently Asked Questions for any additional information you may need. Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. For the best visibility, time your. . $35$40 for 2-hour rentals. Moderate use. 8 Ogunquit Beach Beach St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, showers and toilets. 207-646-0455. Some beaches ban DOGS or mandate leashes, while others set aside hours (often early) when four-legged friends are welcome. Make faces at the monkeys (not the white tiger) at Yorks Wild Kingdom. The Strausses share stories about their community and the fishing way of life, and they stop to haul a lobster trap. Get answers to your questions about Maine. Edna St. Vincent Millay, Camden poet, Renascence, 1912. 39 Wildflower Ln., Beals. Learn more. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. Maines southern coast offers the American summer vacation at its beach-blanket best. . Hours and hours of walking here, and probably hundreds of photos. Maine's whale watching season lasts from mid-April through October. 207-204-8888. southernmainekayaks.com. 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. . 26 Old Orchard Beach Rte. An award-winning saxophonist in the bebop and swing traditions. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The ship skeleton made its most recent and most publicized appearance, following one of the winter storms the media dubbed a bomb cyclone.. Portland to Bar Harbor - is the best way? Box 633 Birds are the main source of the flu, and seals in the region have caught the flu from passing birds before. , Greenville, 119 Cedar St. FAST FACTS ABOUT OGUNQUIT'S MARGINAL WAY, MAINE'S MOST BELOVED SHORELINE STROLL. Brian Beal, Jonesport native and director of research at the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education. Humpbacks and minkes are the whales most often spotted, but blue whales and right whales make occasional appearances as well. If you do a search for puffin images you may, like a lot of folks, imagine puffins are related to penguins. Five Islands Lobster Company Palace Playland - Proudly Maine's beachfront amusement park. The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. Light use. A ship called Industry ran ashore at Short Sands Beach, according to records some believe the wreck is Industrys remains. .page .content .inner { padding: 20px 10px 20px 20px; } Light use. .eb-p {float: right; width:65%; margin-left:2%; margin-top:-9px;} Old Village Inn. From $399. These little-visited, adjoining parcels are protected, respectively, by the Maine Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy. If you see a sick, injured, or dead seal in Maine, please call the Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline at (800) 532-9551. 14 Parsons Beach Rte. 207-646-5139. ogunquit.org, Although it still welcomes plenty of beachgoers in midsummer, Goose Rocks Beach, in Cape Porpoise, has a touch of wildness to it. State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. York Harbors -mile shoreline path an out-and-back walk from York Harbor Beach doesnt have its neighbors notoriety, in part because its more rugged (a mix of paved segments with railings and unimproved trail) and in part because decades of landowner squabbles have kept access in flux. . You have the opportunity to witness wildlife anywhere that you travel. If you need more adrenaline, theyll kill the engine and let you parachute into the drink. Multiple species visit the state's waters, including humpback, finback, minke and pilot. 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. At Acadia you will occasionally see harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) just offshore and in the area harbors. Live. 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. Late spring means seal pupping season in mid-coast Maine. Bass Harbor Head Light Christi / Flickr. 2. 3 York Harbor Beach Rte. 59 Morrill Rd Heavy use. Thurstons Lobster Pound This does not include mammals, such as seals and whales, that must live in ocean environments or domestic mammals like cattle, dogs, and people. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. From the majestic moose to the huge humpback, Maine has long been known for its vast and unique wildlife. Since many moose tip the scales at 1,000 pounds or more, with antlers spanning six feet, its no wonder making visual contact with a Maine moose is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing experience. Rocky jetties, pounding surf, the smell of salt water, and beach roses galore oh, and also terrific people watching. Every time it happens. 11. At the southeastern end of Georgetown Island, a 10-minute drive from the harbor, two sandy beaches beckon. While sightings are not common, moose have been known to roam the park and reveal themselves to visitors. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Fun and Sun, $30 kids, $50 teens and adults. According to the Marine Mammals of Maine, on southern Maine beaches, many people try to help these young seals by feeding them or wrapping them up and bring them to the water. Hollis Burgess, writing in The Rudder magazine, 1917. Miles of surf and white sand, funky beach towns with a foot in yesteryear, pockets of unspoiled splendor (if you know where to look), and more oddball family attractions than you can shake a souvenir lobster-claw at. 8. Light use. Address: 207-236-3109. 25 Ferry Beach State Park Bay View Rd. 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. 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). An Ogunquit landmark since 1961, Billys is where you go for boiled lobsters and steamers if youre tying up in Perkins Cove. With a box of chocolatepeanut butter in hand, stroll out on the rocks, have a seat, and indulge in the fudge and the view. Seaplane service throughout Maine & New England. They provided 2 kayaks and we were right on the water where we could kayak out to a mussel bar and sea seals. Enjoy inside or from the takeout window for a picnic. 17 Goochs Beach Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. At the right time of year, you can spot as many as twenty moose in one outing. Maine Quest Adventures is a locally owned and operated Katahdin Region Outfitter. recipe from 1935. Your email address will not be published. This gateway town provides your first taste of Maine with fresh lobsters caught right off the coast. The 17th running of the islands scrappy jazz fest is spread out across three venues: the Stonington Opera House(1 Opera House Ln., Stonington), The Reach Center for the Performing Arts (249 North Deer Isle Rd., Deer Isle), and gWatson Gallery (68 Main St., Stonington). Marginal Way 29 Eastern Ave. 207-282-1642. In 2007, archaeologists measured the hull and took samples of the wood. 103. Inn by the Sea. .eb-button-wide { width:400px; } 17 Post Rd., Wells. 22 Fortunes Rocks Beach Fortunes Rocks Rd. Southern Maine Coasts Saco and Biddeford add oceanside haunts and typical Downtown Maine attractions to visit. Who needs a pontoon boat when youre naturally buoyant? 4 Long Sands Beach Long Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Bass Harbor natives Kim and Eli Strauss offer passengers their insiders view of Mount Desert Islands hardest-working harbor. 207-967-4243. gokennebunks.com Crescent Beach State Park Magic hour at Crescent Beach. Ogunquit Beachis a peninsula beach with water on three sides and was rated by Good Housekeeping as one of the top ten beaches in the United States. Plus, theres room to roam. Sandy, free (limited) parking, no facilities. Stay off the GRASS! .page .lead { padding: 0 60px 0 60px; } 129, 2 miles north of the South Bristol drawbridge. During the summer season in the Southern Coast of Maine, you can overhear many visitors speaking English, French, various European languages, and even Jamaican. Crescent Beach itself is a mile-long half-moon scattered with skipping stones and ringed with beach roses. No trip to Maine would be complete without visiting Acadia National Park. Spanning 47,000 acres, Acadia offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails . Afternoons are devoted to seal and bird watching around the entrance of Blue Hill Bay and Bass Harbor Head Light. An outpost of Portland Paddle offers paddleboard and kayak rentals and tours, plus theres a snack bar, picnic areas with grills, and a playground for the kiddos. You may even have the opportunity to see birds that dont normally visit the mainland. 47 Shore Rd., Bass Harbor. Really, is there a bigger thrill than seeing one of earths largest creatures majestically break the ocean surface, pause for a moment for wows and camera clicks, then return to the mysteries of the deep? Keep an open mind. Visit historic Wood Island Lighthouse! 10. Baxter State Park and Lazy Tom Bog are great places to begin your search. The best time to spot sea glass, Mehlhorn says, is at sunset. 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. Local officials have said that its typically buried beneath 6 or 7 feet of sand. Seals Seals are the most commonly-seen marine mammals along the shores of Maine. .eb-col img { width: 100%; } Sandy, free (limited) parking, no facilities. 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. We did the nature (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? SMOKING (anything) is prohibited at state parks and by most town-run beaches. .eb-thumbnail {width:30%;} Tickets a la carte, $25$40. It has consistently been our best Maine canoe trip for spotting wildlife, including moose and eagles. $10 admission, $9 students and seniors. Is there a best time of day? Bayview Takeout Wave action also breaks down the bedrock alongside beaches, rolls stones until theyre smooth, and washes away mud and sand. BYOB and snag a weathered picnic table at the end of the pier. The dusky glare helps hunters distinguish darker colors against rocks. , Millinocket, 59 Morrill Rd Youll see Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise and then travel to Goose Rocks for more seals and back down the coast to Wells. The result: a perfectly crisp coating that keeps clams from losing flavor to the fryer. A high-energy, improv-heavy flute, cello, and drum trio. Atlantic Ave., Camden. 207-439-9324. .eb-col { width: 31%; float: left; margin: 7px 2% 0 0;} .eb-button-wide { width:100%; } The captain will make every effort to take requests and will tailor the tour according to the weather. Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. Maine has three well-defined climatic zones: central, southern interior, and northern. Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education Very cool! 10 Snow Canning Rd., Scarborough. 2391 Harpswell Islands Rd., Bailey Island. 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). Oh, and we GUARANTEE that you see seals or you get YOUR MONEY BACK! Its a short paddle to Stevens Brook, behind Footbridge Beach, and a network of tiny tidal streams in the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. The Oakland House Inn in Brooksville was established in 1889. 9. Whale watching in Maine is kind of a big deal. 27 Pine Point Beach Rte. Adventure type: Seal watching Duration: 2 hours Location: Kennebunk Boat: We use the same high-performance custom RIB boat for all our tours Meeting location: 8 Western Ave. inside Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike Everyone Loves Seals! Light use. Where should we go to see whales, seals, puffins without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A great spot for a none-too-challenging family hike. What is your time frame? Make a reservation today!