Boothbay Harbor + Portland Head Light

While planning our trip to Maine, I had a hard time deciding between visiting Bar Harbor or Boothbay Harbor. The amount of time we had planned to be away didn’t allow for both destinations, and ultimately I settled on Boothbay. Why? I know Bar Harbor is extremely popular and a “must-go” place in northern Maine. But after a friend visited in the spring, she warned us about busy streets & multiple cruise ships docking per day. We’re all about seeing popular destinations, but while trying to truly escape on this trip, we chose the quieter route.

Boothbay Harbor

Although we spotted a small cruise ship when we got to town, Boothbay Harbor seemed far from a tourist attraction. Rather a quaint little fishing town minding it’s own business, allowing people to relax and easily wander. The same way Kennebunkport lived up to our visual expectations, Boothbay Harbor lived up to our true getaway wishes. Unlike Kennebunkport, everything seemed to be on the water. The inlet is much wider & the calm water is beautiful at every hour & so soothing.

We stayed at the Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort for the sole purpose of hitting the links one day. Turns out the hotel was an experience itself with a beautiful open-door, on-the-water bar & restaurant. Plus gorgeous rooms and excellent service. The day we played an adequate 18 holes on one of the most beautiful courses we’ve ever seen, the weather turned a bit and poured rain. It made for a cozy afternoon visiting a book store & learning to play cribbage on our room’s covered patio by the water. Honestly, it was perfect. There’s no pressure to do anything but relax in Boothbay & that’s exactly what we wanted.

We did venture out, I promise. The rain cleared enough for us to grab dinner at the cutest local bistro with amazing risotto. The next morning was moody but the sky opened up to a beautiful, sunny day. We walked around downtown in and out of little shops, along the boardwalk & across the footbridge. After a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and iced coffee, we headed out. It was a short, but very, very sweet stay in Boothbay Harbor.

What To Do

• Rent kayaks or take a schooner ride
• Explore shops downtown
• Golf at Boothbay Harbor Country Club (mandatory stay at the Oceanside resort – worth every penny)
• Walk the infamous footbridge

Where To Eat

• Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant (amazing risotto!)
• Harborside Tavern
• Coastal Prime

Portland Head Light

We actually visited Portland Head Light on our way to Boothbay Harbor from Kennebunkport. It’s about 5 miles southeast of Portland and an easy stop along the route.

Pemequid Point was the most recommended lighthouse to visit, but we actually enjoyed Portland Head Light more. There are coastline trails, beautiful rock formations and magnificent views of the Portland harbor. You could easily spend a half day exploring, having a picnic or indulging in gelato at the food trucks like we did. Beyond all of that, the actual lighthouse is pretty spectacular. The largest one we saw and commissioned by George Washington with some great history behind it. You can’t go up into Portland Head as it’s still active, but there’s plenty to do right around the area giving you unique views from (almost) all sides.

We did end up making time to stop at Pemequid Point as well. They offer tours of the lighthouse which is what attracts most people I think and unfortunately, it was closed on our chosen day to visit. So we spent most of our time walking around the dramatic, rocky coastal line and taking in more stunning North Atlantic views we never tired of. Pemequid Point Lighthouse is much smaller than Portland Head Light, so if we would have seen them in opposite order, it may have been more impressive to us. Overall, worth the stop, but definitely don’t skip Portland Head.

Have you ever visited Maine?

xoxo. B