Our Story
When you live like a local, you have the opportunity to break free from the confines of the tourist bubble and discover a destination in a whole new light. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the local customs, traditions, and values, and forge genuine connections with the people who call that place home. From exchanging stories with friendly faces at a neighborhood cafe to joining community events and celebrations, you’ll find yourself becoming a part of the fabric of the local community.
So, throw away the guidebooks and tourist brochures, and venture into the heart of a destination. Embrace the untold stories and hidden treasures that await you off the well-trodden path. By living like a local, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime and return home with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world.
About Boothbay
The Boothbay Region, located in Midcoast Maine a little under an hour and a half north of Portland, is your quintessential coastal Maine town right out of a storybook. With just a few thousand year-round residents, Boothbay is a working waterfront community comprised of local residents who are proud to call the peninsula home. First settled in the early 1600s, ship-building and fishing were the area’s lead industries in later years, and today remain the town’s main sources of income along with tourism.
The Boothbay Region has much to offer – from sea-side dining, to nature preserves, to local festivals and more – there is something in our community for each and every traveler passing through. We welcome you with open arms to come and discover the magic of our little sea-side haven for yourself!
Local Attractions
The Boothbay Region has much to offer visitors – whether you come during peak season in July or over the winter holidays – you’re sure to find something for everyone.
During the summer months, check out Cap’n Fishes Cruises, where you have the option to hop aboard a whale watch or puffin cruise, a harbor cruise with seals, lighthouses and lobster trap hauling, or even the infamous Sunday night Reggae Cruise! Get tickets for the whole family to take the Schooner Eastwind or Applejack out at sunset, or, if you’re here for the Fourth of July, head out at dusk for a beautiful firework show. If you want to get out on the water but also want to get a taste of some quintessential New England dishes, look no further than Cabbage Island Clambakes. A multi-course meal including chowder, lobster, blueberry pie and more – you really can’t beat this island dining experience. If you have young ones in tow (or even if you don’t!) be sure to make your way over to the Maine State Aquarium where they have jellyfish, a Minke whale skeleton, a blue lobster, and even a touch tank.
Book a Traditional New England Wood-Fired Lobster Bake with Red Claw Lobster Bakes for you and your group! About 15 years ago, Tom Caron, Wendy’s husband, introduced the “Traditional Maine Lobster Bake” to a local resort on the Boothbay Harbor peninsula. Since then he has shared this wonderful tradition with many customers from both near & far.
If you plan to explore the downtown Boothbay Harbor area by foot, be sure not to miss The Footbridge, originally built in 1901. This historic landmark connects the East and West sides of the Harbor, and was most recently renovated in 2023 to be wheelchair accessible, among other improvements. While nearby, be sure to check out Maine Kayak – locally known as “the kayak shop” – for a kayak tour of the harbor. Or, rent kayaks and paddleboards and explore on your own. And if you’re walking over from the East side, be sure to check out Downeast Candies (you can’t miss the cute yellow building) where the owners and staff pull and wrap taffy daily. This is a great demonstration that kids love, and their pre-packaged taffy bags are a perfect souvenir to take home to family and friends. And lastly, speaking of candy, be sure to reach out to us about our “coffee with a local” experience with John Webster, owner of Orne’s Candy Store. Another great spot to bring back some treats to loved ones!
Want to explore the downtown area and learn a little bit more about the history of the town? Look no further than the Boothbay Harbor Ghost Walk – a 90-minute walking tour of the downtown area where you’ll learn about the haunted waterfronts of the region, listen to the local pirate legends of the area, and visit age-old burial grounds. Please note that Sea Maine offers a discount to these tours.
If you’re looking to relax after all the sightseeing you’re sure to be doing in the region, look no further than Jack Pine Sauna!
A mobile sauna business – they deliver, set-up, and breakdown the sauna at your rental property, providing you with an easy and relaxing experience. They also offer a discount to Sea Maine renters, so be sure to reach out and ask our team if you’re interested!
Photo Courtesy of Jamie Mercurio Photography
And finally, we can’t forget about the Botanical Gardens! Whether you’re coming in winter to see the infamous Gardens Aglow, or in the summer to see the thousands of beautiful flowers in bloom, this is a must-see in the Boothbay Region. Sea Maine offers a discounted rate to the gardens, and tickets are available at check-in. Just ask!