Caitlin’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
Beautiful (relatively quiet) beach just a 25-minute drive from the
apartment. Great for a long walk, picnics,
sunbathing, and swimming... depending on the tide and how cold the water is! Clean bathrooms and changing areas. Be prepared to pay in cash: $6 for Maine residents, $8 for non-residents; $2 senior non-residents; children 5-11 are $1, under 5 are free.
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal Reid
375 Seguinland RoadBeautiful (relatively quiet) beach just a 25-minute drive from the
apartment. Great for a long walk, picnics,
sunbathing, and swimming... depending on the tide and how cold the water is! Clean bathrooms and changing areas. Be prepared to pay in cash: $6 for Maine residents, $8 for non-residents; $2 senior non-residents; children 5-11 are $1, under 5 are free.
Popham Beach State Park is Maine's busiest state park
beach and for good reason! It's so beautiful, the tidal pools are really fun to play in, and it's large enough to find a quiet spot even with peak-season crowds (if you're willing to walk down the beach, away from the facilities). A 25-min drive from the apartment. Facilities include bathhouses, fresh-water solar
rinse-o showers, and charcoal grills. Arrive early to get parking. Be prepared to pay in cash: $6 Maine residents, $8 non-residents; Senior non-resident; $1 for children 5-11, under 5 are free.
208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal de la Playa Popham
711 Popham RdPopham Beach State Park is Maine's busiest state park
beach and for good reason! It's so beautiful, the tidal pools are really fun to play in, and it's large enough to find a quiet spot even with peak-season crowds (if you're willing to walk down the beach, away from the facilities). A 25-min drive from the apartment. Facilities include bathhouses, fresh-water solar
rinse-o showers, and charcoal grills. Arrive early to get parking. Be prepared to pay in cash: $6 Maine residents, $8 non-residents; Senior non-resident; $1 for children 5-11, under 5 are free.
A 10-min drive from the apartment, Thorne Head Preserve is at the northern end of Bath at the confluence of the Kennebec Estuary and Whiskeag Creek. From the parking lot, a series of trails are available to you, varying in difficulty, from the easily accessible 15-minute Overlook Trail (most mellow for families with little ones) to the outer perimeter trails that take you up and down hills and cliffs and along the water (for more adventurous ones). With bodies of water to the east, west, and north, you'll probably see bald eagles, ospreys and great blue herons fishing above the river!
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thorne Head Preserve Trail Head
Whiskeag TrailA 10-min drive from the apartment, Thorne Head Preserve is at the northern end of Bath at the confluence of the Kennebec Estuary and Whiskeag Creek. From the parking lot, a series of trails are available to you, varying in difficulty, from the easily accessible 15-minute Overlook Trail (most mellow for families with little ones) to the outer perimeter trails that take you up and down hills and cliffs and along the water (for more adventurous ones). With bodies of water to the east, west, and north, you'll probably see bald eagles, ospreys and great blue herons fishing above the river!
3-min by car (or 15-min by foot) from the apartment! See why USA Today named Maine Maritime Museum the best museum in Maine. I'm not even into maritime history and I thought this indoor/outdoor museum was pretty cool. If you're a history buff, definitely pack a picnic and plan to spend the day, or more! Admission is good for two days. The museum is located on a 20- acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River and open year round. May through October, you can enjoy one of their daily lighthouse cruises or go for a saiI on the historic 1906 schooner Mary E. Go to the museum's website to plan your visit.
121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Maine Maritime Museum
243 Washington St3-min by car (or 15-min by foot) from the apartment! See why USA Today named Maine Maritime Museum the best museum in Maine. I'm not even into maritime history and I thought this indoor/outdoor museum was pretty cool. If you're a history buff, definitely pack a picnic and plan to spend the day, or more! Admission is good for two days. The museum is located on a 20- acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River and open year round. May through October, you can enjoy one of their daily lighthouse cruises or go for a saiI on the historic 1906 schooner Mary E. Go to the museum's website to plan your visit.
For dramatic coastal scenery in Harpswell, nothing beats the Giant’s Stairs. Quite the return on investment - park, walk all of a minute and Voila! 180 degree ocean views. Grab a bite to eat at Gurnet Trading Co. (great seafood baskets and lobster rolls) on your way to/back from The Giant Stairs. The trail is super short but you can easily hang out on the rocks, explore the tidal pools and have a picnic to make the most of your visit. A 35-min drive from the apartment. Parking is limited, please be respectful of local, private properties that abut the trail.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Giant's Stairs Trail
Giant's Stairs TrailFor dramatic coastal scenery in Harpswell, nothing beats the Giant’s Stairs. Quite the return on investment - park, walk all of a minute and Voila! 180 degree ocean views. Grab a bite to eat at Gurnet Trading Co. (great seafood baskets and lobster rolls) on your way to/back from The Giant Stairs. The trail is super short but you can easily hang out on the rocks, explore the tidal pools and have a picnic to make the most of your visit. A 35-min drive from the apartment. Parking is limited, please be respectful of local, private properties that abut the trail.
A 45-min drive from the apartment, make a whole day trip to this area by visiting the Pemaquid Lighthouse, then relax at Pemaquid Beach, and end the day at The Contented Sole (amazing food, reservations highly recommended). Beach facilities (bathrooms, changing rooms, shower towers to rinse sand, etc.) are open to visitors June through early September, 8am-4:30pm weather permitting. Cash only, no lifeguard at this beach.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pemaquid Beach
Pemaquid Beach ParkA 45-min drive from the apartment, make a whole day trip to this area by visiting the Pemaquid Lighthouse, then relax at Pemaquid Beach, and end the day at The Contented Sole (amazing food, reservations highly recommended). Beach facilities (bathrooms, changing rooms, shower towers to rinse sand, etc.) are open to visitors June through early September, 8am-4:30pm weather permitting. Cash only, no lifeguard at this beach.
Gorgeous views, plus a cool park and lighthouse to explore! A 50-min drive from the apartment. The park is open 9am-5pm everyday from mid-May until mid to late October (closing date varies each year). The tower has limited hours for climbing and is only open weather permitting (call ahead to check tower is open for climbing if this is something you'd like to do). $3 for adults and children 12 and older, $1 for kids 5-11, and free for children 4 and under. Pair with Pemaquid beach and The Contented Sole restaurant for dinner (reservations highly recommended).
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
3115 Bristol RoadGorgeous views, plus a cool park and lighthouse to explore! A 50-min drive from the apartment. The park is open 9am-5pm everyday from mid-May until mid to late October (closing date varies each year). The tower has limited hours for climbing and is only open weather permitting (call ahead to check tower is open for climbing if this is something you'd like to do). $3 for adults and children 12 and older, $1 for kids 5-11, and free for children 4 and under. Pair with Pemaquid beach and The Contented Sole restaurant for dinner (reservations highly recommended).
A 15-min drive from the apartment, this nature preserve is forest-bathing at its finest. Traversed by a 2.5 mile trail network that winds through an open meadow and coastal forest of spruce and pine, offering many water views and tranquil spots to sit. Open free of charge dawn to dusk, year round. No dogs allowed.
Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary
681 Fosters Point RdA 15-min drive from the apartment, this nature preserve is forest-bathing at its finest. Traversed by a 2.5 mile trail network that winds through an open meadow and coastal forest of spruce and pine, offering many water views and tranquil spots to sit. Open free of charge dawn to dusk, year round. No dogs allowed.
Our family LOVES the gardens! You can easily spend a whole day wandering through the gorgeous (and seemingly endless) property. Don't forget to check out the giant, wooden Troll sculptures. A 40-min drive from the apartment. Open May 1 - Oct 23 9am-5pm, rain or shine. Buy tickets in advance, they do sell out on busy days. Spend the day here and end at Boothbay Craft Brewery for happy hour/dinner.
163 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens DrOur family LOVES the gardens! You can easily spend a whole day wandering through the gorgeous (and seemingly endless) property. Don't forget to check out the giant, wooden Troll sculptures. A 40-min drive from the apartment. Open May 1 - Oct 23 9am-5pm, rain or shine. Buy tickets in advance, they do sell out on busy days. Spend the day here and end at Boothbay Craft Brewery for happy hour/dinner.
Need a simple, rainy afternoon outing with the kiddos? The local public library in Bath has a truly wonderful children's area, complete with original paintings by Dahlov Ipcar, a famous Maine artist (1917-2017). A 5-min drive or 25-min walk from the apartment. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, closed Sundays. Be aware that the library does not have air conditioning.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Patten Free Library
33 Summer StNeed a simple, rainy afternoon outing with the kiddos? The local public library in Bath has a truly wonderful children's area, complete with original paintings by Dahlov Ipcar, a famous Maine artist (1917-2017). A 5-min drive or 25-min walk from the apartment. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, closed Sundays. Be aware that the library does not have air conditioning.
One of our absolute favorite family-friendly places! Wander through the animal barns, rent bikes, hike the trails, grab a snack at the cafe, even rent a kayak or canoe! Check their website to plan your visit. A 30-min drive from the apartment. Pair with a trip to downtown Freeport to check out L.L. Bean's flagship store!
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment
184 Burnett RdOne of our absolute favorite family-friendly places! Wander through the animal barns, rent bikes, hike the trails, grab a snack at the cafe, even rent a kayak or canoe! Check their website to plan your visit. A 30-min drive from the apartment. Pair with a trip to downtown Freeport to check out L.L. Bean's flagship store!
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (no locks on their doors), this is where L.L. Bean began. Now a sprawling campus with Discovery Park hosting year-round events, including a free summer concert series. Downtown Freeport is a shopper's paradise!
270 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
L.L. Bean Factory Store
95 Main StOpen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (no locks on their doors), this is where L.L. Bean began. Now a sprawling campus with Discovery Park hosting year-round events, including a free summer concert series. Downtown Freeport is a shopper's paradise!
A lovely hike through woods and along rocky shoreline, you can enjoy beautiful views of the coastline and of seals who often pull themselves onto the rocks to rest in the sun. Ospreys and bald eagles are often spotted along this trail. A 25-min drive from the apartment. Pair it with lunch at Gurnet Trading Co. (super fresh seafood) and/or a trip to downtown Brunswick.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Devil’s Back Trail
1203 Harpswell Island RoadA lovely hike through woods and along rocky shoreline, you can enjoy beautiful views of the coastline and of seals who often pull themselves onto the rocks to rest in the sun. Ospreys and bald eagles are often spotted along this trail. A 25-min drive from the apartment. Pair it with lunch at Gurnet Trading Co. (super fresh seafood) and/or a trip to downtown Brunswick.
Food scene
A fun spot in the heart of downtown Bath with a great outdoor seating area. Wood-fired pizza and local beer make this a perfect spot to end the day. A 5-min drive (or 20-min walk) from the apartment.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bruno's Wood-Fired Pizzeria
128 Front StA fun spot in the heart of downtown Bath with a great outdoor seating area. Wood-fired pizza and local beer make this a perfect spot to end the day. A 5-min drive (or 20-min walk) from the apartment.
A local favorite. German-inspired craft beer and food truck (good food!), and veteran-owned business. A 5-min drive from the apartment (not suitable for walking). Order food at the truck, order beer at the bar, and enjoy the ample outdoor seating during warmer months.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trinken Brewing Co.
144 State RdA local favorite. German-inspired craft beer and food truck (good food!), and veteran-owned business. A 5-min drive from the apartment (not suitable for walking). Order food at the truck, order beer at the bar, and enjoy the ample outdoor seating during warmer months.
Located on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station (now called Brunswick Landing), a 15-min drive from the apartment. Flight Deck has been named the “Best Tasting Room/Taproom in Maine” by Down East Magazine three times in a row. Open every day. Flight Deck offers wood-fired pizza and guest food trucks on select days. Seating is first-come first-serve, except for the heated huts (awesome in the cooler months), which you can reserve. Family-friendly spot where kids have space to run around and explore the outdoor area.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Flight Deck Brewing
11 Atlantic AveLocated on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station (now called Brunswick Landing), a 15-min drive from the apartment. Flight Deck has been named the “Best Tasting Room/Taproom in Maine” by Down East Magazine three times in a row. Open every day. Flight Deck offers wood-fired pizza and guest food trucks on select days. Seating is first-come first-serve, except for the heated huts (awesome in the cooler months), which you can reserve. Family-friendly spot where kids have space to run around and explore the outdoor area.
One of my favorite (and among the tourists, lesser known) spots to grab a seafood basket, lobster roll, or grab some crab cakes and chowder to bring back to the apartment. Located in Brunswick, a 15-min drive from the apartment and on your way to the Giant Stairs in Harpswell.
It’s super casual and just off a fast, busy road so it feels kind of random, but they do have outdoor tables along the shoreline. I think it’s the freshest and best classic fried seafood dishes around, even if other places may have better ambience.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gurnet Trading Co.
602 Gurnet RdOne of my favorite (and among the tourists, lesser known) spots to grab a seafood basket, lobster roll, or grab some crab cakes and chowder to bring back to the apartment. Located in Brunswick, a 15-min drive from the apartment and on your way to the Giant Stairs in Harpswell.
It’s super casual and just off a fast, busy road so it feels kind of random, but they do have outdoor tables along the shoreline. I think it’s the freshest and best classic fried seafood dishes around, even if other places may have better ambience.
Serving fresh seafood since 2005, Contented Sole serves up good food RIGHT on the water. Attire is casual. Very quintessential, coastal Maine dining experience. Definitely make a reservation, only open during the high season. A 45-min drive from the apartment. Pair with Pemaquid beach and/or Pemaquid Lighthouse and make a whole day of it.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Contented Sole
Colonial Pemaquid RoadServing fresh seafood since 2005, Contented Sole serves up good food RIGHT on the water. Attire is casual. Very quintessential, coastal Maine dining experience. Definitely make a reservation, only open during the high season. A 45-min drive from the apartment. Pair with Pemaquid beach and/or Pemaquid Lighthouse and make a whole day of it.
Perched on an active fishing wharf with gorgeous views of the five islands just off shore, the seafood could not be any fresher. An awesome spot to grab a lobster roll, seafood basket, onion rings, chowder, or an ice cream. A 25-min drive from the apartment. Pair this with a trip to Reid State park.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Five Islands Lobster Co
Perched on an active fishing wharf with gorgeous views of the five islands just off shore, the seafood could not be any fresher. An awesome spot to grab a lobster roll, seafood basket, onion rings, chowder, or an ice cream. A 25-min drive from the apartment. Pair this with a trip to Reid State park.
Our favorite spot to grab take-out, this is the best Thai food in the area!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Best Thai II
23 Elm StOur favorite spot to grab take-out, this is the best Thai food in the area!
Really homey atmosphere, good food, breakfast and lunch served all day 8am-2pm. Bakery open until 3pm. Open 6 days, closed Tuesdays. Reservations recommended. 3-min drive and 15-min walk from the apartment.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mae's Cafe & Bakery
160 Centre StReally homey atmosphere, good food, breakfast and lunch served all day 8am-2pm. Bakery open until 3pm. Open 6 days, closed Tuesdays. Reservations recommended. 3-min drive and 15-min walk from the apartment.
Classic Irish pub, fun and casual. Good for grabbing a bite to eat and an Irish brew. 3-min drive and 18-min walk from the apartment.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Byrnes Irish Pub
38 Centre StClassic Irish pub, fun and casual. Good for grabbing a bite to eat and an Irish brew. 3-min drive and 18-min walk from the apartment.
Excellent and made from scratch soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. New location is just a 3-min drive or 15-min walk from the apartment. They only have 2 small tables set outside, otherwise it's grab-and-go. Perfect for grabbing lunch to throw in the cooler for your day adventure, or pick up soup for an easy dinner back home. Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Saturday 10-2, closed Sunday and Monday.
Run with Soup
770 Washington StExcellent and made from scratch soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. New location is just a 3-min drive or 15-min walk from the apartment. They only have 2 small tables set outside, otherwise it's grab-and-go. Perfect for grabbing lunch to throw in the cooler for your day adventure, or pick up soup for an easy dinner back home. Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Saturday 10-2, closed Sunday and Monday.
Great, gourmet sandwiches to grab for the beach or day hike. 3-min drive from the apartment. Open every day 9-5.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sisters Gourmet Deli
15 Monument SqGreat, gourmet sandwiches to grab for the beach or day hike. 3-min drive from the apartment. Open every day 9-5.
Quintessential, family-owned lobster shack right on the water. A 40-min scenic drive from the apartment, down the west Harpswell peninsula. Order at the takeout stand and eat at a picnic table overlooking Casco Bay. Cash only (ATM on premise). Open 6 days 11am-7pm, closed Wednesdays. Only open Mother's Day through Indigenous People's Day.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Erica's Seafood
505 Basin Point RdQuintessential, family-owned lobster shack right on the water. A 40-min scenic drive from the apartment, down the west Harpswell peninsula. Order at the takeout stand and eat at a picnic table overlooking Casco Bay. Cash only (ATM on premise). Open 6 days 11am-7pm, closed Wednesdays. Only open Mother's Day through Indigenous People's Day.
Pizza, beer, outdoor seating, games - one of our family's favorite spots to spend a Saturday afternoon. A 35-min drive from the apartment. You could end here after a day at The Botanical Gardens. Summer hours: Wed-Sat 3-9pm, Sunday 3-8pm.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boothbay Craft Brewery
301 Adams Pond RdPizza, beer, outdoor seating, games - one of our family's favorite spots to spend a Saturday afternoon. A 35-min drive from the apartment. You could end here after a day at The Botanical Gardens. Summer hours: Wed-Sat 3-9pm, Sunday 3-8pm.
Great ice cream spot for the whole family. Locally made hard and soft ice creams, sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Outdoor tables and a play area for the kids.
Witch Spring Hill Ice Cream
60 State RdGreat ice cream spot for the whole family. Locally made hard and soft ice creams, sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Outdoor tables and a play area for the kids.
One of our absolute favorite places to grab coffee, a pastry, breakfast sandwich, or lunch! Everything made in house from scratch and tons of options for the whole family.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wild Oats Bakery & Cafe
166 Admiral Fitch AvenueOne of our absolute favorite places to grab coffee, a pastry, breakfast sandwich, or lunch! Everything made in house from scratch and tons of options for the whole family.
The best donuts in Maine (and we literally went on a state-wide donut tour to confirm this)! Located in downtown Brunswick, just a 10-min drive from the apartment. Make sure to get a couple "twists" - they're outta this world delicious.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Frosty's Donuts
45 Main StThe best donuts in Maine (and we literally went on a state-wide donut tour to confirm this)! Located in downtown Brunswick, just a 10-min drive from the apartment. Make sure to get a couple "twists" - they're outta this world delicious.
City/town information
A vibrant downtown with great restaurants and Bowdoin College make Brunswick a fun town to visit. Art enthusiasts should check out Bowdoin's art museum. A 15-min drive from the
apartment.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brunswick
A vibrant downtown with great restaurants and Bowdoin College make Brunswick a fun town to visit. Art enthusiasts should check out Bowdoin's art museum. A 15-min drive from the
apartment.
Definitely worth a visit. A 40-min drive from the apartment. While in the area, you can check out the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine State Aquarium, Boothbay Railway Village, get out on the ocean with Cap'n Fish's Boat Trips, or just eat and shop your way through this quaint harbor town.
105 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boothbay Harbor
Definitely worth a visit. A 40-min drive from the apartment. While in the area, you can check out the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine State Aquarium, Boothbay Railway Village, get out on the ocean with Cap'n Fish's Boat Trips, or just eat and shop your way through this quaint harbor town.
Where we grew up! While Freeport is known for its epic outlet shopping (including the L.L. Bean Flagship store), there are beautiful spots outside of downtown that are worth checking out with the whole family: Wolfe's Neck Farm, and Wolfe's Neck State Park; Winslow Park - small beach, playground, walking trails, and picnic tables with grills, ideal for families with little ones; Desert of Maine - there really is a small desert in Freeport! Kids will love it - gemstone village, natural playground, mini golf and more; The craft beer scene - 2 of our favorites are Maine Beer Company and Mast Landing Brewery.
202 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Freeport
Where we grew up! While Freeport is known for its epic outlet shopping (including the L.L. Bean Flagship store), there are beautiful spots outside of downtown that are worth checking out with the whole family: Wolfe's Neck Farm, and Wolfe's Neck State Park; Winslow Park - small beach, playground, walking trails, and picnic tables with grills, ideal for families with little ones; Desert of Maine - there really is a small desert in Freeport! Kids will love it - gemstone village, natural playground, mini golf and more; The craft beer scene - 2 of our favorites are Maine Beer Company and Mast Landing Brewery.