2. A large number of seal pups appear each year on New England beaches, apparently stranded, but these pups are often only temporarily abandoned by their mothers, who are feeding nearby. 207-244-7463. Its cottages stud the nearby shore and forest. On Sundays, hit up the Kittery Community Market for picnic supplies, live music, and a kids corner with art and science projects. The deskbound can get a moment of zen thanks to live webcams operated by the nonprofit Marginal Way Preservation Fund. . Lets start with the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland. } The Colony Hotel. Battie Road. 207-646-5575. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. To aid her search in sand, Mehlhorn uses a sifter attached to a long handle. 207-883-5100. More than once, a bench has been washed out to sea by storms that can wreak havoc on the path. M.C. Follow the crowds to the Original Pier French Fries stand near the Old Orchard Beach pier, where daily shipments of New England potatoes are delivered whole, then washed, peeled, crinkle-cut by hand, and fried golden brown (but soft inside). Maine has three well-defined climatic zones: central, southern interior, and northern. Theyll be back up again before you know it. A gospel-tinged bluesy act with virtuosic pedal steel. 207-730-1926. To report seal strandings south of Maine, please call the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Hotline: (866) 755-6622. Multiple species visit the state's waters, including humpback, finback, minke and pilot. Setting sail from Kennebunkport, First Chance offers whale watches of varying lengths and intensity aboard Nick's Chance, as well as lobster tours and educational tours of Maine's marine culture aboard Kylie's Chance. After watching and learning about the lighthouse, seabirds, and seals youll have a little fun with the boat in front of Kennebunk Beach. .eb-image-left {float:left; margin:7px 14px 7px 0; width:45%; max-width:400px;} Bass Harbor natives Kim and Eli Strauss offer passengers their insiders view of Mount Desert Islands hardest-working harbor. 119 Cedar St. Beach ecosystems are fragile, and visitors should never walk across vegetated areas. 2 Western Ave. 207-967-3321. Enjoy shopping andlovely diningin quaint Perkins Cove, take a coastal walk along the Marginal Way, or relax with an evening ofsummer stock Theaterat the Ogunquit Playhouse. 14. Home to rare plants like beach-head iris and birds-eye primrose, the islands managed by The Nature Conservancy. 12 Wells Beach Mile Rd. Southern Maine, a million miles from the daily grind, is only a short distance from you. Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press The Southern Maine Coast region is a year-round vacation spot with miles of sandy beaches, many hotels, motels and inns,excellent restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor activities for every season. Hours and hours of walking here, and probably hundreds of photos. 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. National Marine Fisheries Service Law Enforcement division has established the following toll-free number for reporting potential violations: 1-800-853-1964. Seals like to "haul out" to rest, sun themselves on rocky ledges or rocky shorelines on islands. John Steinbeck, writing in Travels With Charley, 1962. Best Places To See Wildlife In Southern Maine Eastern Egg Rock No, that's not a penguin you're seeing. All I could see from where I stood / Was three long mountains and a wood, / I turned and looked the other way, / And saw three islands in a bay. Aragosta About half that is along the water itself, running parallel to muddy flats and steep, short cliffs. 207-967-6065. 9. Meeting location: 8 Western Ave. inside Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike. The best time for whale watching is mid-April to October. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. No, thats not a penguin youre seeing. 9. However, these actions usually do more harm than good. Barnacle Billys .eb-thumbnail {width:25%;} Its one of those rites of passage youd have to be a moose to fully appreciate. 1. So why does Maine have so many sandy beaches down south? Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd., Camden. Instructors at Black Point Surf Shop (134 Black Point Rd., Scarborough; 207-939-6016) lead 90-minute tutorials by appointment ($90 for one person, $140 for two, with discounts if you BYO gear); Liquid Dreams Surf Shop (171 Long Beach Ave., York; 207-351-2545; 696 Main St., Ogunquit; 207-641-2545) has a whole catalog of 3-day beginners programs ($170), kids clinics and mini-camps ($50$90); private lessons ($70$105), and ladies nights ($40); Maines original surf shop, Wheels N Waves (365 Post Rd., Wells; 207-646-5774) offers multiple 2-hour tutorials daily in summer ($40$90, depending on group size and gear needs). 13. When you look out on the Jonesport and Beals harbor, you see only working lobsterboats. The refuge is located along 50 miles of Maines picturesque coastline in York and Cumberland counties. If you love whales, this is your chance to see these incredibly intelligent mammals up close! A few best bets for paddling day trips: Harbor Adventures leads kayakers on a half-day lobster luncheon paddle that takes in Fort Foster and heads up shady Chauncey Creek, with a lunch stop at a lobster pound. As well, we work closely with our colleagues of the Marine Mammals of Maine who attend to response and rescue in southern Maine and have a new facility in Harpswell allowing for temporary holding before transporting animals to a rehab facility. has seven rooms with a B&B vibe and a cozy British-style pub. If youre hoping to encounter wildlife, the Allagash is where you want to be. 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. Enjoy inside or from the takeout window for a picnic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019-2022 Dunes on the Waterfront. Plummer Point Preserve A ship called Industry ran ashore at Short Sands Beach, according to records some believe the wreck is Industrys remains. 207-799-5871. maine.gov/crescentbeach. Whoever has once visited this delightful region will never forget it, as the scenery is not surpassed in any part of Maine, and it is a veritable yachtsmans paradise. $6 Maine residents, $8 non-residents. Camdens one literary town. From $299. You can reach us at: 1063 McGaw Avenue, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 714-834-1111 714-834-1128 (Fax) Contact Us. 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. 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. 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. Plus, theres room to roam. Heavy use. In addition to two lab buildings that students use for marine and terrestrial studies visitors should be mindful of active research sites as they explore the property offers 3.6 miles of public trails that wind through spruce forests, meadows, and stands of hardwood en route to the jagged shoreline. Sandy, free (limited) parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. They provided 2 kayaks and we were right on the water where we could kayak out to a mussel bar and sea seals. In addition to whales, a number of other marine creatures will be waiting to make your acquaintance seals and dolphins among them. Ride a rollercoaster at Sacos Funtown Splashtown. 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. . 96 Seguinland Rd., Georgetown. Been looking online - there is one at Bar Harbor and another on the Cape. Battie Trail (each isa half-mile). , Millinocket. 20 Goose Rocks Beach Kings Hwy. 1. The Southern Mainecoastal Wells townis popular for its beaches, but also its many antique shops, used and antique book stores. Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre Coveside 240 Bayview Rd., Orrs Island. 16 Middle Beach Beach Ave. Pebbly, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. 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. From $179. Moose can be spotted diving for dinner in wet boggy areas, chilling out in gravel pits, and doing some sightseeing of their own on hiking or snowmobile trails. 207-644-8552. 9. 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). Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. Great Wass Island Preserve Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. And were not using the word massive lightly. If you show up during peak hours, expect to wait for a table but its worth it. 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. It has consistently been our best Maine canoe trip for spotting wildlife, including moose and eagles. Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. We have on goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! Your email address will not be published. Moderate use. However, with so many beautiful beaches and charming towns in southern Maine, many visitors miss the opportunity to track down these animals. Started by a Mexican family who first came Down East to feed migrant wild-blueberry harvesters, Vazquez has the most authentic Mexican street food in the state: freshly made tortillas, beef tacos, chicken chimichangas, empanadas, and, sometimes, flan oh, man! You wont find fresher lobster anywhere, so keep it simple and go for the traditional lobster dinner with corn on the cob, house-made slaw, and blueberry cake. Like Mainers, the pier doesnt let the elements keep it down: a storm partially wrecked it the year it opened, a fire burned the entrance in 1907, waves diminished its length throughout the mid20th century, and a blizzard took it down in 1978. 5. 2 Railroad Ave. 207-363-2621. 9. 207-799-3134. 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). Old Village Inn. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. But the most important difference is that puffins like to hang out in Maine. 10 North Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Share your pride in Easterseals with branded products from the Easterseals store. Late spring means seal pupping season in mid-coast Maine. Mammals are the class of animals that have fur or hair and produce milk for their young. View our other locations. You can walk to the end of State Pier and usually see them or take a Casco Bay Lines ferry, or one of the other tours available in Portland, to see them out in the bay. Kennebunk andKennebunkportattract the famous each summer includingformer President George Bush and his family. .eb-p {width:100%; margin-top:0;} If you want to see a moose on your trip to coastalMaine, Acadia National Park is your best bet. } Visitors can view a live camera feed of puffin activity and learn about conservation efforts to protect puffins and other seabirds of Maine. Kennebunkport is famous for its many craft fairs and festivals includingChristmas Preludeand an art, food and wine Kennebunkport Festival each June. 140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. In addition there is a squadron of returning Ospreys that fish aggressively there as well. Plus, the map displays our unique regions, cities, counties, convenient roads, and things to doso you'll have no problem picking points of interest and planning vacation routes. Go before sunset, grab one of the tables on the harborside patio, sip a beer, and sigh contentedly as the sky turns red and streaky. Theres an independent spirit that comes along with that, and its fundamental to the culture of the town. But researchers haven't yet confirmed the origin this time. White Barn Inn. Established in 1966 to protect sensitive salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was named for the world-renowned marine biologist, author and environmentalist. The path connects(awkwardly, via the beach and social trails the Cliff Walk ranger can steer you) to the -mile Fishermans Walk from the harbor to the Wiggly Bridge, the worlds smallest suspension bridge.. I have researched, but can't really find a clear answer. 50 Perkins Cove Rd. 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. Its also easier to go seaglunking at low tide, and searching after a summer storm can pay dividends, as more glass tends to wash up then. But dont worry about that last part. Steller sea lions also occur on the West Coast, but the eastern . State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. The vibe is rustic elegance, and the back patio overlooks the working harbor. Check out the National Park Service for more information. Watch for wading birds. Follow Harbor Dr. to Lighthouse Rd. Some beaches (Goose Rocks and Long Sands among them) allow FIRES (conditions obliging), but town permits are a must. . Keep an open mind. Pinnipeds. Walk the coastal trail, explore the childrens garden, and admire Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Give this Article . Late founder Billy Tower concocted this fruity sipper, so popular that the Ogunquit institution mixes it up in 5-gallon batches. Infections are more likely. The tight-knit summer community combined with the pristine sheltered harbor has been creating fond memories for generations. Pete Erskine, co-owner of Mexicali Blues, one-time summer person turned year-round resident of South Bristols Rutherford Island. The seals congregate in the Kennebec rivermouth every spring to gorge on returning baitfish that swim upriver. The Southern Maine Coast region is a year-round vacation spot with miles of sandy beaches, many hotels, motels and inns, excellent restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor activities for every season. Several Maine State Park Campgrounds make good basecamps for regional moose watching. 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. Crescent Beach itself is a mile-long half-moon scattered with skipping stones and ringed with beach roses. . We did the nature (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Whales can be seen up and down Maines coastline, but are best viewed by booking a whale watching boat tour. 207-371-2990. Including approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorback auks and 500 pairs of common murres. 2. The first town, upon entering the Southern Maine Coast isKittery. Seeing Seals with Portland Paddle. The pier was rebuilt every time, and its current, 600-foot incarnation dates to 1980. 10 Snow Canning Rd., Scarborough. These little-visited, adjoining parcels are protected, respectively, by the Maine Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy. .eb-hr {margin-top: 110px;} Their morning lunch cruise includes an hour-plus stop on the island of Frenchboro. .eb-p {float: right; width:70%; margin-left:2%;} @media screen and (min-width: 480px) { Union Bluff Hotel. With a box of chocolatepeanut butter in hand, stroll out on the rocks, have a seat, and indulge in the fudge and the view. Fresh flowers in each room, an exquisite restaurant, and complimentary bikes and canoes are a few of the perks From $348. 2 Seapoint/Crescent Beach Rte. No trip to Maine would be complete without visiting Acadia National Park. Any suggestions? From Portlandswaterfront, there is easy access to Casco Bay ferries, water taxis, and boat tours to nearby islands including Peaks Island, Diamond Island, and Long Island. Maine has a wide . A brilliant display on a warm spring day. Christi / Flickr. .page .content .inner { padding: 20px 10px 20px 20px; } Approved and Prohibited Freshwater Species, Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts, Maine Lobster Research, Education, and Development Board, Maine Lobster Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Eligibility Criteria for Maine Students Who Want to Start Lobstering, Lobster and Other Trap/Pot Gear Modification Requirements, River Herring (Alewives and Blueback Herring), Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions, Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety Training Requirements, On-Line Harvester Catch & Landings Reporting, Maine Harvester Landing Reporting Form Examples, Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license), Tuna, Shark, and Other Large Species Information, Tips for Catch and Release of Striped Bass, Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Opportunities to Participate, Maine Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournaments for 2022, Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Summary, Shellfish Closures and Aquaculture Leases Map, Maine Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection, Municipal Shellfish Conservation Warden Information, Phytoplankton Monitoring Form and Guides for Volunteers, Water Quality Monitoring Forms and Protocols, Maine Shellfish Dealer Sanitation and HACCP Guidelines Manual and Forms, Salmon Restoration and Conservation Program (ASRCP), "Experimental" (Limited Purpose) Lease Applications and Forms, Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms, Public Participation in Aquaculture Leasing, Atlantic Halibut Research Tags and Rewards, Maine - New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, Data Dashboard, Reports, and Publications, Maine Coastal Program's Mapping Initiative, MCMI - Current Projects and Program Highlights, Habitat Restoration and Tools (Maine Stream Habitat Viewer), Job, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities, Business and Economic Development Resources. 9 Thurston Rd., Bernard. 9. Sandy/pebbly, paid parking, no facilities. Like all mammals, seal pups begin life drinking . 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. Its wicked cheap too. Lands End Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, also in Kittery, where an 18th-century fort overlooks the Piscataqua River. Shes been at it 50 years, so we asked her for some tips. Birds are the main source of the flu, and seals in the region have caught the flu from passing birds before. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. PARKING often requires a trip to the town office for a permit. Dont bring Fido without checking. Watch purple sandpipers and puffins settle onto the rocky coastline or look for black-capped chickadees (the Maine state bird) in the forest. 4. Its time to lay anchor. Back-door access to Goochs Beach from what is very likely Americas oldest hotel: an inn has occupied the spot since at least 1660. Plenty of outfitters offer kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours. Join us on Adventure Seal Watch that you wont soon forget. Deer Isle Jazz Festival Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, showers and toilets. Two miles of moderately challenging trails weave through this 71-acre property on a peninsula between Seal Cove and Long Cove on the Damariscotta River. I'd drive either way. 207-497-5769. Catch the weekly Thursday night fireworks at Old Orchard Beach. Artists renditions of the coast can be seen in the many galleries and art museums in town. An award-winning saxophonist in the bebop and swing traditions. Its a great place to spot wading birds and waterfowl and avoid people. $65, plus lunch. What is your time frame? 207-646-6263. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. 207-646-4909. The seals disperse when the baitfish run disappears, usually about the time the stripers start returning, ie early June or thereabouts. These are the most vital elements for our health and wellbeing our need for them, Read More Amazing Waterfront Restaurants in MaineContinue, If you ask a local in Kennebunk or Kennebunkport, whats the best way to see this coastal village, theyll tell you to get on, Read More Locals Guide to the Best Kennebunkport Boat ToursContinue, If youre looking for things to do in Kittery Maine, we have the top places to visit right here! Though distinctly different in design, the two parks complement each other so well, they feel like one. From Kittery to Old Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. Later in the day its time to kick back with some me time on the rocks or rafting together on the water. 1A. Built in 1883, the downtown inn, a half-mile from Ogunquit Beach, 111 Perkins Cove Rd., Ogunquit. Share this Article. Keep an eye out for fieldstone walls still running throughout the area reminders of the lands agricultural past and enjoy a quiet stretch of coastline that, more often than not, youll have all to yourself. A seaside destination resort within walking distance of Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove, with stylish rooms, legendary service, a trendsetting seafood restaurant, and a garden pool, bocce court, and fire pit that attract families. Bass Harbor is almost exclusively a working harbor its all lobsterboats and fishing boats and nearly all the small businesses in town are fishermen.