The National Marine Fisheries Service recommend that any stranded animal be left alone. } The health risk posed by avian flu to the general public is low; however, precautions are recommended. The Can-Am Crown is an international sled dog race with a 29-year history, held in Fort Kent, Maine. 40 Bowery Beach Rd., Cape Elizabeth. Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education Light use. From the majestic moose to the huge humpback, Maine has long been known for its vast and unique wildlife. In 2007, archaeologists measured the hull and took samples of the wood. Where should we go to see whales, seals, puffins without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By following the directions at that number, your call will be directed to the appropriate responder. 77. 207-303-0137. Visit Katahdin Air. 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. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA (207) 502-8040. var _ctct_m = "0706d9b9bf00aebc0dc1bb571c5a40b2"; Click here to Learn more about adventures, Click here to Learn more about kennebunk adventures, Click here to Learn more about portland adventures, Click here to Learn more about private tours, Click here to Learn more about all new england eco adventures, Click here to Learn more about our vessels, Click here to Learn more about gift cards, Click here to Learn more about rugosa lobster tours, Click here to email matt@newenglandecoadventures.com, Click here to view location Kennebunk Since the last retreat of the ice sheet, Dykstra says, the coast of Maine has been slowly rising . Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. Required fields are marked *. .page .lead { width: 100%; padding: 0; } 103. Try the house specialty, a none-too-sweet blueberry martini. Stay off the GRASS! , Millinocket, 59 Morrill Rd Hollis Burgess, writing in The Rudder magazine, 1917. 207-367-2788. 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). Vazquez Mexican Food Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. Light use. , Bingham, PO Box 773 Come see us at the Visitor Center Monday to Friday, from 8:00-4:30. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake In its first year with new director Michael Mansfield (most recently of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art), Ogunquits nationally recognized art museum has an impressive slate of summer and fall exhibitions. (207) 502-8040, Map Marker Open 364 days a year, the institute offers tours and a marine-life touch tank. Do you like visiting historical places where history comes alive? The OOB pier is one of the great American boardwalks and a slice of southern Maine at its unassuming best. With a box of chocolatepeanut butter in hand, stroll out on the rocks, have a seat, and indulge in the fudge and the view. If you show up during peak hours, expect to wait for a table but its worth it. .eb-thumbnail {width:30%;} All the potato donuts are tasty, but dont sleep on this summers customer-chosen flavor, honey lavender. IF NOTHING SAYS Maine to you quite like the mingled scents of salt water and sunscreen, the crisp tug of a wetsuit around your torso, or the damp slap of flip-flops on a wooden boardwalk, you are far from alone. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. Light use. 207-799-5871. maine.gov/crescentbeach. Head north, and the crowds thin out at Footbridge and North beaches with their own parking and access, theyre technically extensions of Ogunquit Beach, and a beachcomber can spend a lovely afternoon wandering there and back. , Greenville, 119 Cedar St. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. 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. 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. No trip to Maine would be complete without visiting Acadia National Park. 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. Check out the National Park Service for more information. A few doors apart are three indie bookstores: cozy Owl & Turtle Bookshop Caf (33 Bay View St.; 207-230-7335), with a fine collection of fiction, nonfiction, and childrens books; Shermans Maine Coast Book Shop (14 Main St., Camden; 207-236-2223), with a large selection of Maine books and souvenirs; and the charming Stone Soup Books, a nook of a secondhand store tucked above Marriners Restaurant (35 Main St., Camden; 207-763-3354). This is our most adventurous tour and has something to offer for everyone! 9. Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2022Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted. Bayview Takeout Where receptacles are available, dont fill them with huge bags or large items like broken umbrellas or chairs. At Acadia you will occasionally see harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) just offshore and in the area harbors. We have on goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! 9. Plenty of outfitters offer kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours. North from Perkins Cove to Beach St., with multiple access points along the way. Seals are swimming around the harbor. M.C. This amusement park hosts an expansive arcade, Kiddieland, & Galaxy Coaster and carousel as well as Fireworks every Thusday night by the Pier. 59 Morrill Rd } Watch for wading birds. Been looking online - there is one at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? .eb-col h4 { line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0 0 20px 0; color: inherit; font-weight: bold; } 3 York Harbor Beach Rte. 92 Pine Point Rd., Scarborough. When you cross the Maine, Read More 21 Best Things to Do in Kittery MaineContinue, The Perfect Family Beachfront Vacation York Beach is an idealMaine vacationspot for beach walks, kite flying, playing in the sand, visiting the famous Nubble, Read More Your Guide to Motels in York Beach MaineContinue, Wells is a well-loved vacation town in Maine. Southern Maine, a million miles from the daily grind, is only a short distance from you. 207-644-8300. Re: seals 8 years ago Save What is your time frame? Ride a rollercoaster at Sacos Funtown Splashtown. Rangeley Lake State Park, Mount Blue State Park, Lily Bay State Park, and Peaks-Kenny State Park are all campground parks located in or near parts of Maine with ample moose-watching opportunities. To report any stranded marine mammal, or if a seal appears to be abandoned, appears on a crowded beach, or shows signs of illness or injury, notify the Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline, 1-800-532-9551. This wildlife conservation center in Gray holds a special place in the hearts of those whove been there. 207-363-8466. Due to its location along the Atlantic Flyway, Monhegan Islandis a particularly busy bird habitat during spring and fall. .eb-p {float: right; width:70%; margin-left:2%;} It's a storm with major impacts for southern Maine, with an estimated snowfall rate of 1 inch . The refuge is located along 50 miles of Maines picturesque coastline in York and Cumberland counties. Its cottages stud the nearby shore and forest. Harborside Cottages, nestled over small, working New Harbor, has been in business since 1950. Taffy technicians have been stretching masses of boiled sugar at the Goldenrod, in York Beach, since 1896 today, passersby watch through the windows as mechanical pulling machines do their thing. 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. Such places have always threaded the needle between glamorous and honky-tonk, and so it is with OOB: in the interwar years, you wore a jacket to see Duke Ellington or Count Basie in the pier ballroom; these days, you wear a tank top to hear a musical comedian working blue at Hooligans. Pat Lacey, Down East reader. 207-799-3134. Races start at 10:30AM - registration accepted up to 1 hour before the race. Thats enough to start their own moose lodge. As intimate and adventurous as a small music festival gets highly recommended. 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. Visit historic Wood Island Lighthouse! 10. Kennebunk All the way out on Bailey Island, where the road abruptly cuts off at a cement barrier and the land literally ends, sweeping views of Casco Bay draw a steady stream of travelers. Featured Attractions Driving from NJ where to stop for a night, Boston to Acadia via the coast and White Mountains. As any puffin can tell you, its worth the trip. 1 Bypass, Kittery. We did the nature (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Explore Maine using our interactive map that features local businesses, guides, restaurants, lodging and more. Thank you! From $299. Gray seals are bigger; they're between 7 and 8 feet long, and can. Participants technically need a saltwater fishing license and are encouraged to bring their own rod and tackle (particularly hooks, sinkers, and bait) but Doc shows up with enough rods and reels for a crowd, plus a few buckets of mackerel. Some beaches (Goose Rocks and Long Sands among them) allow FIRES (conditions obliging), but town permits are a must. Moderate use. An award-winning saxophonist in the bebop and swing traditions. 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. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. 13 Drakes Island Beach Drakes Island Rd. Take a book and a blanket and let the ocean breezes sweep your cares away. Self-consciously vintage, this rebooted 1950s motor-court motel has guest rooms, housekeeping cottages, and a boutique ambiance, with a saltwater pool, luxe linens, and flat-screens. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. 70 Rte. 207-363-1277. 207-646-5575. $65, plus lunch. Multiple species visit the state's waters, including humpback, finback, minke and pilot. 16 Middle Beach Beach Ave. Pebbly, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. , Livermore, P.O. 207-967-4461. Including approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorback auks and 500 pairs of common murres. If you come right now and for about the next month or so you can see dozens of seals fishing in the mouth of the Kennebec River at Popham Village in Phippsburg for free from the beach. 6 Cape Neddick Beach Shore Rd. 4 Long Sands Beach Long Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. 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. But the real draw, as far as were concerned, is the creamy and house-made frozen custard. Camden Hills State Park is laced with miles of trails, nearly all leading to incredible views of Penobscot Bay, but if you only have time for one mountain, make it Battie. Humpbacks and minkes are the whales most often spotted, but blue whales and right whales make occasional appearances as well. Moderate use. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 9 Footbridge Beach Ocean St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. 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! .eb-thumbnail { width: 99%; } Seaside Inn. Ninety-two gray and harbor seals were reported stranded in Maine between May 10 and July 4. Credit. Look out for the worlds largest mammals aboard one of southern Maines whale watch boats, and get ready to be splashed! 207-244-7600. does not look like an American town at all in place or in architecture. But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. A ship called Industry ran ashore at Short Sands Beach, according to records some believe the wreck is Industrys remains. So where in Maine is the best puffin habitat for puffin watching? Station Rd., Beals. 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. Heavy use. , Greenville, Maine's Lakes and Mountains Birding Trail, Plan an East Coast Whale Watching Trip: Public & Private Viewing Coastal Cruises From May to October, Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races, Finding Acadias Early Birds: A Special Maine Birding Excursion, 2023 Spring Birds of Acadia, with Puffin Cruise. Deer Isle Jazz Festival The Port can only be found in the coast of Southern Maine; a distinctive coastal blend of food, shopping, and beaches combine with beautiful scenery and charming hotels and BnBs for a memorable visit. Moderate use. You have the opportunity to witness wildlife anywhere that you travel. Unless youre in Maine and you know exactly when and where to look. Dont disturb piping plover or least tern HABITAT. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, toilets. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. Get ready for some adventure because this tour has it all. A great spot for a none-too-challenging family hike. Deer Isle Granite Museum 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. They dont offer tours, but the folks at World Within Sea Kayaking (at the Ogunquit River Inn) rent kayaks and SUPs that paddlers can launch out the back door, into the lower Ogunquit River, at high tide. 1 Fort Foster Beach Pocahontas Rd. To aid her search in sand, Mehlhorn uses a sifter attached to a long handle. .eb-button { color: #fff; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; border: 1px solid #8d8457; width: 300px; padding: 15px 0; text-align: center; background: #8d8457; font-family: Vans-Bold,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-size: .75rem; text-decoration: none; display: block; margin: 20px 0 30px; } 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor. The island is teeming with thousands of birds. . 6. The record served in a day is 923 punches thats with a three-drink limit on this potent stuff. 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). 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. 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. It is against the law to handle a marine mammal without proper authorization, and their sharp (dog-like) teeth can be very dangerous. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake Fresh flowers in each room, an exquisite restaurant, and complimentary bikes and canoes are a few of the perks From $348. 10 Snow Canning Rd., Scarborough. . Moderate use. You can see seals at the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 207-563-1393. 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! 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. 1. It is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to handle these animals. Save. 24 Hills Beach Rte. So what is a puffin? What a legacy Mary Louise Curtis Bok has given to the town of Camden! We are a small family run outfit that specializes in personalized one-on-one guided trips. has seven rooms with a B&B vibe and a cozy British-style pub. Box 633 Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, also in Kittery, where an 18th-century fort overlooks the Piscataqua River. Later in the day its time to kick back with some me time on the rocks or rafting together on the water. Theyre really not. Our tribute to the eight port towns and peaceful coves we never tire of gazing at. If you have a boat you can see seals basking on the rocks around Cundy's Harbor in Harpswell at mid to low tide most days all summer. Take the Mt. Portland, ME 04101 16. 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. Heavy use. Linking Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach, themile-and-a-quarter paved walkway traces its origins to 1925. 12 Old Orchard St. 207-934-2328. 29 Scarborough Beach State Park Black Point Rd. 27 Pine Point Beach Rte. Christi / Flickr. The Strausses share stories about their community and the fishing way of life, and they stop to haul a lobster trap. 1A. Sandy/pebbly, paid parking, no facilities. A gospel-tinged bluesy act with virtuosic pedal steel. 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. State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. Explore gentle wooded trails at Kennebunkports lovely Edwin L. Smith Preserve. Artists renditions of the coast can be seen in the many galleries and art museums in town. Mammals. 17 Goochs Beach Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. 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. Visit the Easterseals Store. Photographs: Michael D. Wilson (ice cream, punch, lobster roll, taffy, clams, beach glass); Mark Fleming (fries, donuts). Sandy, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. Come to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Is there a best time of day? Coast Guardcertified captains from Old Orchard Beach Parasailing & Jet Ski (5 Bay Ave., Saco; 855-359-2759) head a ways off the OOB shorefront with groups of up to six, and the parasail itself accommodates up to three for what is basically a tranquil, 15-minute aerial cruise with lighthouse and Ferris wheel views ($90 per person, extra if you want pics or to wear a GoPro camera). 207-883-5100. If you love seals, beautiful scenery, or just want to be on the ocean, this is the tour for you! Kennebunk andKennebunkportattract the famous each summer includingformer President George Bush and his family. 207-204-8888. southernmainekayaks.com. We're a non-profit and community-based organization dedicated to seabird conservation and preserving Maine's coast in hopes that we can preserve the habitats of Atlantic seabirds and other wildlife. 9. 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. Maine artists loom large: through the end of August, youll find the abstract landscapes of John Marin and the stylized portraits of Will Barnet. Fall is when the impressive antlers of the bull moose are fully formed. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Moderate use. The one and a half hour tour departs New Harbor for Eastern Egg . Some 40 percent of overnight guests more than 8 million people made a destination last year out of the sunny, seaside stretch that tourism types simply call The Maine Beaches. And who can blame them? 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). About half that is along the water itself, running parallel to muddy flats and steep, short cliffs. Tucked below the cliffs at about the midpoint, Little Beach is a pocket beach thats submerged at high tide. Tiny taffy kisses are made fresh daily and come in old-school flavors like molasses, licorice, and peppermint. Browse our Frequently Asked Questions for any additional information you may need.