The 10 Best Things to Do in Boothbay Harbor, United States

This state park has two miles of hiking trails and a beautiful beach.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a natural wonder on 270 acres of shorefront in mid-coast Maine. Strolling through spectacular ornamental gardens and traversing miles of waterfront and woodland trails, visitors are delighted by the beautiful plantings, impressive stonework, waterfalls and fountains, and scenic views. It's no wonder the Gardens have been hailed as one of Maine's top three attractions. The Gardens are open 9-5 April 15 - October 31 (open until 6 pm in July and August). There is a cafe and gift shop on site. A visit at any time is a memorable experience.

We invite you to travel back in time to vintage Vacationland with us. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an vintage steam or diesel locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. In addition to the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a vintage locomotive, the Museum also occasionally offers rides in one of our Ford Model Ts. Two of our most popular attractions are the resident goats who delight visitors of all ages with their antics. From a display of hundreds of salt & pepper shakers to a collection of engines that powered everything from small boats to whole factories, there truly is something for everyone in your family here. Throughout the season a wide variety of special events are hosted on the Village Green from vintage ball games to car shows and family festivals. The Museum is also a unique location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Featuring maritime paintings and landscape scenes by award-winning artist Brad Betts. Betts has been an artist for over 20 years and is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery's acclaimed "International Marine Art Exhibition" for the past 7 years. In 2006, he received the "Maritime Gallery Yachting Award" at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of "Four Distinguished Artists" at the Mystic Seaport Gallery. In 2011, Brad's maritime painting "Cup Challenge" was selected by internationally renowned author Ferenc Mate for the cover of "Sea of Lost Dreams", the second book in the Dugger / Nello series. Brad is currently working on a book cover for Mate's first book in the series, "Ghost Sea". His inspiration to paint all things nautical is an outgrowth of his youth, which he spent around the Gulf coast waters, deep sea fishing and sailing. Today, his paintings reflect his life-long appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine's inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine-blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas. In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him. Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain his natural, inspired style. He seeks this through outdoor painting, "When you paint outside, the light and conditions change constantly. This forces you to simplify your decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within."