document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2019-2022 Dunes on the Waterfront. @media screen and (min-width: 410px) { Your email address will not be published. From $399. Frequent QuestionsMaine Seal Stranding Event | NOAA Fisheries Peek over marine scientists shoulders as they research lobsters, mussels, scallops, and other shellfish. 70 Rte. Lands End The southernmost section, known as the Main Beach, has copious concessions and spots to rent everything from beach chairs to bodyboards, along with warm(-ish) commingled waters where the Ogunquit River spills into the sea. .eb-col img {width: 100%;} If you want to see a moose on your trip to coastalMaine, Acadia National Park is your best bet. When you visit the Museums of Old, Read More Experience the 9 Buildings of the Museums of Old York MaineContinue, The Maine Waterfront Dining Experience Food and water. FromKitterytoOld Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. Nothing fancy just fresh local seafood served a variety of ways at a family-friendly restaurant (its also carnivore friendly: steak and chicken are on the menu). Admire the endangered birds from a distance, stay out of signed restricted areas, and fill any beach holes (since chicks can tumble in). The Strausses share stories about their community and the fishing way of life, and they stop to haul a lobster trap. 23 Biddeford Pool Beach Rte. Named for the architectural gem of a cribstone bridge that connects Orrs and Bailey islands a one-of-a-kind cobwork of granite slabs Morses restaurant is a landmark in its own right. Visitors can view a live camera feed of puffin activity and learn about conservation efforts to protect puffins and other seabirds of Maine. has seven rooms with a B&B vibe and a cozy British-style pub. (207) 502-8040, Map Marker 92 Pine Point Rd., Scarborough. Inland cottage resorts feature either traditional cottages or gatherings of rustic cabins. 1. The one and a half hour tour departs New Harbor for Eastern Egg . Built in 1883, the downtown inn, a half-mile from Ogunquit Beach, Gray seals are bigger; they're between 7 and 8 feet long, and can. You can reach us at: 1063 McGaw Avenue, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 714-834-1111 714-834-1128 (Fax) Contact Us. Seals like to "haul out" to rest, sun themselves on rocky ledges or rocky shorelines on islands. Most of Maines beaches are shingle beaches, particularly northeast of Portland, and many of those shingles were deposited there by the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which scraped them up inland as it moved across the continent some 15,000 years ago. Its a great place to spot wading birds and waterfowl and avoid people. The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. Less dazzling ceramic bits and pieces of frozen Charlottes antique porcelain dolls are also fun to collect. Gray seals, Halichoerus gypus, are the largest seal found in the area, with males growing to 8 feet . .eb-col { width: 31%; float: left; margin: 7px 2% 0 0;} Steller sea lions also occur on the West Coast, but the eastern . Just over the bridge from Jonesport on Beals, Bayview delivers on the promise of its name plus, its lobster roll was voted number one in Maine and Massachusetts by USA Today readers. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Artists renditions of the coast can be seen in the many galleries and art museums in town. Scout rocky, rather than sandy, beaches, since sea glass often ends up wedged in among the rocks. Like any wild animal, seals are where you find them, so no guarantees. 207-799-5871. maine.gov/crescentbeach. 207-204-8888. southernmainekayaks.com. Her farm-to-table approach means the menu is always in flux, but lobster figures prominently (the states most productive lobstering fleet is out her back door) and often unexpectedly par for the course is a recent dish of applewood-smoked lobster beignets, served over local greens. Frye Island, Sebago Lake, Cumberland County. 1447 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown. 207-363-1277. 3 York Harbor Beach Rte. Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. Unless youre in Maine and you know exactly when and where to look. The Best Places To See Puffins In Maine We are a small family run outfit that specializes in personalized one-on-one guided trips. Old Village Inn. Carson was author of Silent Spring and a Maine Summer resident. 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. Explore Maine using our interactive map that features local businesses, guides, restaurants, lodging and more. Former state rep Josiah Chase almost turned his oceanfront parcel into a cottage subdivision, but a civic-minded pal, architect F. Raymond Brewster, convinced him to donate it to the town instead. It's a storm with major impacts for southern Maine, with an estimated snowfall rate of 1 inch . 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. 8 Ogunquit Beach Beach St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, showers and toilets. 375 Seguinland Rd., Georgetown. Seal Watching in Kennebunkport, Maine | New England EcoAdventures document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); VisitMaine.Net The unofficial guide to experiencing Maine. 2391 Harpswell Islands Rd., Bailey Island. Get outside on your next vacation, and visitsome of the best places to see wildlife in southern Maine. Voted #1 in New England by Yankee Magazine for the best chance of finding Moose! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. All rights reserved. Blue You dont see a mast. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake Acadia National Park,a couple hours north of Portland, Maine,is one of the best places to see wildlife in Maine for many reasons other than moose. Moderate use. The best time for whale watching is mid-April to October. Battie Trail (each isa half-mile). The cliffs rise nearly 50 feet in spots, and the waves can put on a show. Marine Mammals on the West Coast - NOAA Fisheries They will shed their antlers in November or December and grow new, larger antlers in the spring. Union Bluff Hotel. To up your chances of seeing a moose in Maine, or to put your wildlife photography skills to the test, contact one of the outfitters that specialize in moose watching tours, also known as moose safaris. Since many moose tip the scales at 1,000 pounds or more, with antlers spanning six feet, its no wonder making visual contact with a Maine moose is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing experience. The Can-Am Crown is an international sled dog race with a 29-year history, held in Fort Kent, Maine. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113317266', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise with Acadian Boat Tours out of Atlantic Oceanside in Bar Harbor and it goes right past Egg Head Light and there were SO many seals hanging out by the light house. .page .lead { padding: 0 20px 0 20px; } In Thurstons screened dining room, you see lobsterboats coming and going, some of them unloading their catch on the wharf just below your perch. The formal trail dates to Yorks days as a posh summer colony and crosses right through the yards of some of the towns most historic homes (be respectful, obvs). From moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles and mountain lions to porcupines, coyotes, hawks, owls, turtles and many others, you can see them all up-close and safe. 207-967-4243. gokennebunks.com Crescent Beach State Park Magic hour at Crescent Beach. The first town, upon entering the Southern Maine Coast isKittery. Photographs: Michael D. Wilson (ice cream, punch, lobster roll, taffy, clams, beach glass); Mark Fleming (fries, donuts). Box 633 Some beaches ban DOGS or mandate leashes, while others set aside hours (often early) when four-legged friends are welcome. Yes, Virginia, there is surfing in Maine. Including approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorback auks and 500 pairs of common murres. Keep an open mind. In addition there is a squadron of returning Ospreys that fish aggressively there as well. But the most important difference is that puffins like to hang out in Maine. Brian Beal, Jonesport native and director of research at the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education. 10 Snow Canning Rd., Scarborough. This is family-friendly educational activity at its finest and most massive. Share this Article. 9 Footbridge Beach Ocean St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. As it turns out, theyve been in social networks a lot longer than we have. The result: a perfectly crisp coating that keeps clams from losing flavor to the fryer. 27 Main St., Stonington. Give this Article . 127 in Georgetown, 500 feet east from where it crosses the Sasanoa River. 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. Harborside Cottages, nestled over small, working New Harbor, has been in business since 1950. This summer, hell be at Sacos Ferry Beach on July 19, Cape Elizabeths Crescent Beach on July 26, and Fort McClary on September 23 (plus Reid, Popham Beach, and Wolfes Neck state parks, farther down the coast, in August). Visit the Easterseals Store. Tours in July and August. If you show up during peak hours, expect to wait for a table but its worth it. Moderate use. 15. Back-door access to Goochs Beach from what is very likely Americas oldest hotel: an inn has occupied the spot since at least 1660. The dinner menu changes from week to week, but the generous and piquant fish tacos are always in season, as are the Dark N Stormies the official cocktail of the many regulars holding down barstools. But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. Afternoons are devoted to seal and bird watching around the entrance of Blue Hill Bay and Bass Harbor Head Light. . We have on goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! The dusky glare helps hunters distinguish darker colors against rocks. Station Rd., Beals. 12 Old Orchard St. 207-934-2328. This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. Yorks sandy beaches, good surf and fantastic scenery provide visitors with fun in the sun. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.. 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. 207-646-5575. Built by a Connecticut bridge company in 1898, its a remnant of the golden age of Atlantic beach towns, when seaside boardwalks and pleasure piers sprang up from Atlantic City to Daytona Beach. Edna St. Vincent Millay, Camden poet, Renascence, 1912. 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). 1A. Pinnipeds. , Millinocket, 59 Morrill Rd Late founder Billy Tower concocted this fruity sipper, so popular that the Ogunquit institution mixes it up in 5-gallon batches. Get answers to your questions about Maine. If so,where would a good area be? .eb-thumbnail {width:25%;} Follow Harbor Dr. to Lighthouse Rd. Any suggestions? 207-563-1393. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. PO Box 160 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. 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. In addition to whales, a number of other marine creatures will be waiting to make your acquaintance seals and dolphins among them. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, showers and toilets. 9. I appreciate your time. This amusement park hosts an expansive arcade, Kiddieland, & Galaxy Coaster and carousel as well as Fireworks every Thusday night by the Pier. But the real draw, as far as were concerned, is the creamy and house-made frozen custard. , Greenville. Tiny taffy kisses are made fresh daily and come in old-school flavors like molasses, licorice, and peppermint. 32 Kettle Cove Kettle Cove Rd. 26 Old Orchard Beach Rte. Ninety-two gray and harbor seals were reported stranded in Maine between May 10 and July 4. Credit. Mammals are the class of animals that have fur or hair and produce milk for their young. 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. So where in Maine is the best puffin habitat for puffin watching? A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. However, these actions usually do more harm than good. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. .eb-col img { width: 100%; } John Steinbeck, writing in Travels With Charley, 1962. Seal Island (dont let the name fool you) is the only island you can actually land on and observe puffins from behind blinds. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA Well head over to Cape Porpoise Harbor and Bumpkin Island to enjoy the seals that call that area home. The Nubble Light is a beacon for photographers and lighthouse lovers visiting Yorks Sohier Park. 8 Western Ave., Kennebunk. 11 Crescent Beach Gold Ribbon Dr. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Our Programs. Wildlife watching in Maine presents a world of diversity and endless opportunities for discovery and recreation. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. Light use. Steve Dunne ran the place from 1993 to 2014, then opened his own stand across the way, serving generous scoops of Shains of Maine right in between Short and Long Sands beaches. The stand goes through 250,000 pounds of potatoes a season. 25 Ferry Beach State Park Bay View Rd. Maines coastal islands are the only place in the U.S. where youll find nesting sites for Atlantic puffins. The National Marine Fisheries Service recommend that any stranded animal be left alone. The vibe is rustic elegance, and the back patio overlooks the working harbor. Guide to Southern Maine Beaches - Down East Magazine 8 Beach St., York Beach. 4. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Make faces at the monkeys (not the white tiger) at Yorks Wild Kingdom. It was amazing! Great Wass Island Preserve The Colony Hotel. .eb-image-right {float:right; margin:7px 0 7px 14px; width:45%; max-width:400px;} When you look out on the Jonesport and Beals harbor, you see only working lobsterboats. If you see a sick, injured, or dead seal in Maine, please call the Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline at (800) 532-9551. Destination dining where you might least expect it. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 h0trudderedbum Phippsburg, Maine Level Contributor 351 posts 1. Sea Kayaks were originally invented by arctic peoples such as the Greenland Inuit for seal hunting, and these quiet, sea worthy crafts give you an up close, seals eye view of the world. . 10 North Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Shorebirds, waterfowl, otters, and even harbor seals abound. Ride a restored streetcar at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. Sandy, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. Epic Wildlife Watching in Maine - Visit Maine does not look like an American town at all in place or in architecture. The island is located in the lower Bay of Fundy about a mile west of Grand Manan Island, a remote island known for its iconic lighthouse. 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. Our daily, two hour long, sunset tours are one of the best ways to see seals in southern Maine in June-August! M.C. The record served in a day is 923 punches thats with a three-drink limit on this potent stuff. 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. 140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. The deskbound can get a moment of zen thanks to live webcams operated by the nonprofit Marginal Way Preservation Fund. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. Come to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. The best time to spot sea glass, Mehlhorn says, is at sunset. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA @media screen and (min-width: 480px) { Shes been at it 50 years, so we asked her for some tips. 207-363-1333. Their combined trail network offers 6 miles of mostly gentle hiking through cattail marshland and quiet mixed forest, with periodic lookouts taking in the Sasanoa River and Robinhood Cove (watch for ospreys soaring overhead). Located within Acadia National Park, the lighthouse is a favorite of photographers, who typically shoot from the rocky shore below. .page .lead {padding: 0 110px 0 110px;} Maines Birding Trail highlights the best spots to watch feathered friends of all types. .page .content .inner { padding: 20px; } , Livermore. Whales can be seen up and down Maines coastline, but are best viewed by booking a whale watching boat tour. Take a book and a blanket and let the ocean breezes sweep your cares away. 207-363-8466. Dont bring Fido without checking. You were very helpful. A 4.5-mile trail loops around the northern section of this 1,576-acre preserve, more than half of it crossing over breathtaking, wide-open coastal headlands. 119 Cedar St. Whale watching in Maine is kind of a big deal. Whale Watching in Maine | 6 Favorite Spots - New England Today Hit the Scoop Deck near Wells Beach to choose from among a whopping 72 flavors of ice cream. Plus, theres always some Maine-y blueberry variation blueberry coffee cake, blueberry with lemon glaze, blueberry maple bacon. Seals | Department of Marine Resources - Maine.gov Youll see Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise and then travel to Goose Rocks for more seals and back down the coast to Wells. The lobsterboats bobbing off the wharf are your first indication that youre in for some of the freshest crustaceans served in Maine its never tanked, and you can pick your own bug. 207-244-7463. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. On Sundays, hit up the Kittery Community Market for picnic supplies, live music, and a kids corner with art and science projects. With a box of chocolatepeanut butter in hand, stroll out on the rocks, have a seat, and indulge in the fudge and the view. Reid State Park Harbor seals are 5 to 6 feet long and weigh up to 285 pounds. If youre hoping to encounter wildlife, the Allagash is where you want to be. From Kittery to Old Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. Moderate use. Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. You could make an easy and pleasant daytrip to Popham now and watch them from the beach, or wait a few weeks until Spinney's Restaurant is open and you can watch them while you eat! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. Maine is a destination for birdwatchers during all four seasons. Deer Isle Jazz Festival Explore the tidewater on a paddling day trip. They can also take out chunks of wall and pathway, and storm damage can make for tricky footing. The Oakland House Inn in Brooksville was established in 1889. 207-967-4461. A seal in Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine. 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. That's about the best I can do with so little info. At Acadia you will occasionally see harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) just offshore and in the area harbors. But researchers haven't yet confirmed the origin this time. Heavy use. 207-439-9324. From $299. Where there are Maine beaches, there are estuaries, and southern Maines quiet, wildlife-rich tidal creeks reward exploration particularly for those who prefer protected waters to open-ocean paddling. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. National Marine Fisheries Service Law Enforcement division has established the following toll-free number for reporting potential violations: 1-800-853-1964. Catch the weekly Thursday night fireworks at Old Orchard Beach. Public ALCOHOL consumption is illegal statewide, including on beaches. Visit historic Wood Island Lighthouse! On the shoreline, you see a village that probably looks very similar to what it was in the 1930s and 1940s. Beach ecosystems are fragile, and visitors should never walk across vegetated areas. The age class of harp seal we tend to see are the juveniles, who are around 12-14 months old . 12. Do you like visiting historical places where history comes alive? Since the last retreat of the ice sheet, Dykstra says, the coast of Maine has been slowly rising . So why does Maine have so many sandy beaches down south? Portland to Bar Harbor - is the best way? 207-244-5785. Easterseals Southern California | Augmentative & Alternative Miles ofsandy beaches check, amusement parks , Read More Guide to Wells Maine Condominium ResortsContinue, Your email address will not be published. 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 OOB pier is one of the great American boardwalks and a slice of southern Maine at its unassuming best. 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. 10 Best Maine Beaches | U.S. News Travel The low-pressure system will strengthen into a nor'easter as it moves away from Maine tomorrow. 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). Lets start with the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland. 39 Wildflower Ln., Beals. Deer Isle Granite Museum 1 Bypass, Kittery. Easterseals Southern California. . This humble one-room museum on Stoningtons main drag is centered around a working model of one of the granite quarries that once operated on the surrounding islands basically, the most elaborate educational train set youve ever encountered. It begins when migrating whales arrive in spring, hungry for action and the all-you-can-eat aqua buffet of sand eels, copepods, plankton, and fish. 240 Bayview Rd., Orrs Island. 207-833-2313. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113316404', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');New England Aquarium without going inside. Seaside Inn. Bass Harbor natives Kim and Eli Strauss offer passengers their insiders view of Mount Desert Islands hardest-working harbor. Sandy, free (limited) parking, no facilities. THERES A SHIPWRECK BURIED BENEATH YORKS SHORT SANDS BEACH. Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. It books up fast. 9. Five Islands Lobster Company Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Ferry out to the 19th-century Wood Island Lighthouse in Biddeford Pool, part of a guided tour offered by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse.