City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Boothbay, Maine
Maine’s rugged mid‑coast offers a perfect blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty and cultural flair. From tranquil gardens to lighthouses, railways and island adventures, Boothbay is a charming seaside village for boaters and travelers to enjoy from private boat slips for rent near Portland and Kennebunkport.
From peaceful paddling through quiet coves and kayaking beside wooded trails to clambakes, fishing excursions and sightseeing cruises past lighthouses, puffins and rock-lounging gray and harbor seals. Keep reading to discover a few of Boothbay’s fun attractions.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Spanning nearly 300 acres, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are the largest in New England. You’ll find themed landscapes, sculpture trails and peaceful waterfront walks. Whether visiting in bloom season or enjoying the magical “Gardens Aglow” light display, it’s a year-round feast for the senses.
Boothbay Railway Village
Step back into the 19th century at the Boothbay Railway Village. This living history museum is an excellent spot to visit from private boat lift rentals as you can ride a narrow-gauge steam train, wander through restored vintage buildings and explore antique locomotives and cars. It also hosts seasonal events like vintage games and model train exhibitions.
Maine State Aquarium
The small but captivating Maine State Aquarium on the West Boothbay Harbor shore shines a spotlight on local marine life with everything from tidepool creatures to lobsters, sharks and even a whale skeleton. Check out the touch tank and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum
Housed in a restored 19th-century building, the Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum offers seven exhibits covering more than 150 years of local maritime and town history. Entry is free, and self-guided tours provide rich insight into the area’s past.
Burnt Island Lighthouse
Take a boat trip to Burnt Island to tour one of Maine’s oldest lighthouses, which has been restored to its 1950s appearance. Guides recount life as a keeper, and you can climb to the lantern room and explore scenic trails on the five-acre island. This is one of our favorite spots to visit from a private boat dock rental.
Historic Boothbay Opera House & Carousel Theater
The 1894 Opera House at Boothbay Harbor hosts year-round live performances from music and theater to lectures and local events. The nearby Carousel Music Theater offers dinner shows with Broadway-style cabaret and entertainment in a fun and relaxed setting.
Boothbay Sculpture Trail & Outdoor Art
Discover the Boothbay Region Sculpture Trail, an open-air gallery stretching from downtown harbor to Southport Island. Wander through public art installations among the town’s natural beauty and coastal charm while spending time at marinas, hotels or private boat lifts for rent.
