Maines southern coast offers the American summer vacation at its beach-blanket best. 207-967-2321. 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. Youll need a wet suit (because brrrr), and the steep swells can be elusive, but Maines surfing community is passionate and welcoming. Races start at 10:30AM - registration accepted up to 1 hour before the race. Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best chefs inspired by Maine seafood and local farm raised food. 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. Thurstons Lobster Pound 207-646-7088. 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). . $35$40 for 2-hour rentals. Dawn breaks over Five Islands Harbor, in Georgetown. Maine's whale watching season lasts from mid-April through October. 214 Nubble Rd. .eb-col a { text-decoration: none; } , Livermore, P.O. 2 Western Ave. 207-967-3321. 8 Ogunquit Beach Beach St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, showers and toilets. Head to the shore and keep an eye out for adorable harbor seal pups or spot the majestic bald eagle as you kayak in Frenchman Bay. But the most important difference is that puffins like to hang out in Maine. . Heavy use. 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. 207-799-3134. seals - Maine Forum - Tripadvisor Check out the National Park Service for more information. Built by architect John Calvin Stevens in the oh-soNew England Shingle style in 1914, the Colony is a landmark with ocean views and a straight-up beach of its own, right across the street. This tour has it all Walkers Point, Seals, Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse, and if time permits, Goose Rocks Beach. 207-967-3331. 2. It is not unusual for a seal pup to be left alone on the beach by its mother for up to 24 hours. Fresh flowers in each room, an exquisite restaurant, and complimentary bikes and canoes are a few of the perks From $348. } 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk. Station Rd., Beals. But the real draw, as far as were concerned, is the creamy and house-made frozen custard. 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor. 7 Little Beach Marginal Way, off Israel Head Rd. As any puffin can tell you, its worth the trip. 207-439-9324. The cliffs rise nearly 50 feet in spots, and the waves can put on a show. For the best visibility, time your. Plummer Point Preserve 2 Railroad Ave. 207-363-2621. .page .lead {padding: 0 110px 0 110px;} 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. 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. 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. Maine has three well-defined climatic zones: central, southern interior, and northern. Instructors at Black Point Surf Shop (134 Black Point Rd., Scarborough; 207-939-6016) lead 90-minute tutorials by appointment ($90 for one person, $140 for two, with discounts if you BYO gear); Liquid Dreams Surf Shop (171 Long Beach Ave., York; 207-351-2545; 696 Main St., Ogunquit; 207-641-2545) has a whole catalog of 3-day beginners programs ($170), kids clinics and mini-camps ($50$90); private lessons ($70$105), and ladies nights ($40); Maines original surf shop, Wheels N Waves (365 Post Rd., Wells; 207-646-5774) offers multiple 2-hour tutorials daily in summer ($40$90, depending on group size and gear needs). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113315820', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');New England Aquarium in Boston: https://www.neaq.org/animal/northern-fur-seal/, https://www.neaq.org/animal/atlantic-harbor-seal-2/. Late spring means seal pupping season in mid-coast Maine. No, thats not a penguin youre seeing. Shorebirds, waterfowl, otters, and even harbor seals abound. Whales can be seen up and down Maines coastline, but are best viewed by booking a whale watching boat tour. 9. Best place to see seals? - Acadia National Park Forum Planning a trip with the kids and dont want to leave spotting a moose to chance? Ogunquits 3-mile marquee attraction is the Platonic ideal of a New England beach, with sand as fine and soft as anyplace north of Daytona, beach grasses swaying on the dunes, and a vibrant (if sometimes crowded) scene on the sand. Where to kayak, see seals, forage for mussels and blueberrie - Maine Been looking online - there is one at Bar Harbor and another on the Cape. 207-563-1393. Its a short paddle to Stevens Brook, behind Footbridge Beach, and a network of tiny tidal streams in the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. The Oakland House Inn in Brooksville was established in 1889. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. More Than 3 Dozen Dead Seals Found On Southern Maine Beaches In Past Maine is a destination for birdwatchers during all four seasons. While all of Maines wildlife is spectacular, nothing quite compares to the whale. 77. Maines southern coast offers the American summer vacation at its beach-blanket best. Get a deck seat and dont skip the fruity, blood-red rum punch, the tastiest cocktail youre likely to sip through a straw this summer. Heavy use. 21 Timber Point Timber Point Rd. Light use. 19 Cleaves Cove Beach Halcyon Way. $4 Maine residents, $6 non-residents. New this summer: a breezy rooftop deck overlooking rocks and sea. This amusement park hosts an expansive arcade, Kiddieland, & Galaxy Coaster and carousel as well as Fireworks every Thusday night by the Pier. After watching and learning about the lighthouse, seabirds, and seals youll have a little fun with the boat in front of Kennebunk Beach. Brian Beal, Jonesport native and director of research at the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education. Ogunquits paved, mile-and-a-quarter seaside footpath is a classic Maine stretch of the legs. Seaside Inn. 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. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA 40 Bowery Beach Rd., Cape Elizabeth. Immerse yourselves in the history and lore, that include rescues, heroism, Sailor the bell ringing dog, even an 1896 murder/suicide. .eb-thumbnail {width:30%;} Battie Trail (each isa half-mile). 30 Higgins Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, showers and toilets. Gray seals, Halichoerus gypus, are the largest seal found in the area, with males growing to 8 feet . Its cottages stud the nearby shore and forest. Schoodic Institutes Seth Benz will lead this special bird tour designed to enhance your enjoyment o Register today for Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park's first Bird Tour of 2023! Portland While wildlife watching is something visitors can enjoy throughout the state, here are two of Maines most beloved wildlife and human life - destinations. Moderate use. Heavy use. 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. Our Programs. One hard-to-miss difference is that puffins can fly and penguins cant. A high-energy, improv-heavy flute, cello, and drum trio. The trip departs daily at 5:30pm, and trips end in late August. 1 Bypass, Kittery. 10. Seals | Department of Marine Resources - Maine.gov THERES A SHIPWRECK BURIED BENEATH YORKS SHORT SANDS BEACH. In addition there is a squadron of returning Ospreys that fish aggressively there as well. 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. Thats enough to start their own moose lodge. Your email address will not be published. It's a storm with major impacts for southern Maine, with an estimated snowfall rate of 1 inch . .eb-p {width:100%; margin-top:0;} The Nubble Light is a beacon for photographers and lighthouse lovers visiting Yorks Sohier Park. Steller sea lions also occur on the West Coast, but the eastern . The manager of South Berwicks Vaughan Woods State Park and Kitterys Fort McClary State Historic Site, Doc leads a series of free (with paid park admission) drop-in surf-casting clinics at coastal state parks. Where should we go to see whales, seals, puffins without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Several Maine State Park Campgrounds make good basecamps for regional moose watching. That's about the best I can do with so little info. Battie Maine is one of the few states in the U.S. with a sizable moose population. Sandy, free (limited) parking, no facilities. } .page .content .inner { padding: 20px; } I have taken small groups of tweens/teens to Boston and we've always stopped at the seal tank outside the aquarium to watch the seals swim and play. 3 York Harbor Beach Rte. 9. The park is home to animals that have been injured, orphaned or are too dependent on humans to be released back into the wild. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake Also, because this island is so notable for its bird populations, you can meet and swap stories with fellow bird watchers from across the country. An award-winning saxophonist in the bebop and swing traditions. 207-236-3109. From $129. @media only screen and (min-width: 1024px){ Moderate use. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113315485', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston in July. 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. What is your time frame? Rocky jetties, pounding surf, the smell of salt water, and beach roses galore oh, and also terrific people watching. 207-371-2616, Every year, I return to this spot. Open 364 days a year, the institute offers tours and a marine-life touch tank. 26 Old Orchard Beach Rte. 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. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. Best Places To See Wildlife In Southern Maine Eastern Egg Rock No, that's not a penguin you're seeing. Heavy use. THE GEOMETRIC confusion of silhouetted rooflines, a sunrise or sunset streaking the backdrop orange and pink, the spring tide surging through the spindly forest of pilings: you can keep your Portland Head Light for our money, the Old Orchard Beach pier is the states most compelling man-made landmark. There are actually two. $65, plus lunch. If you love whales, this is your chance to see these incredibly intelligent mammals up close! 24 Hills Beach Rte. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Hundreds of Seals Are Dying on the New England Coast Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center. Island Grocery There are definitely seals at the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Perkins Cove 29 Scarborough Beach State Park Black Point Rd. . Impeccable service has set this high-end classic apart since 1973, but the property has welcomed guests since it was a Civil Warera boarding house. I'd drive either way. Featured Attractions Adventure type: Seal watching Duration: 2 hours Location: Kennebunk Boat: We use the same high-performance custom RIB boat for all our tours Meeting location: 8 Western Ave. inside Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike Everyone Loves Seals! Of course, Dykstra says, specific local conditions currents, the shape of a coastline, wave directionality can monkey with this process, which is why a single mile of Kennebunk coastline can host a shingle beach right between two sandy ones. Portland, Maineoffers a city feel with a twist. 9 Footbridge Beach Ocean St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. Edna St. Vincent Millay, Camden poet, Renascence, 1912. Grab a towel and come with us. .eb-image-right {width:100%; max-width:400px;} } 12 Wells Beach Mile Rd. 10 Snow Canning Rd., Scarborough. Epic Wildlife Watching in Maine - Visit Maine The 3-mile beach consists of two well-protected crescents, and the slope is gentle, making Goose Rocks a favorite of families with young kids. 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. 100 % of Cadillac Mountain Passes Sold 2 Days in Advance? Really, is there a bigger thrill than seeing one of earths largest creatures majestically break the ocean surface, pause for a moment for wows and camera clicks, then return to the mysteries of the deep? You may even have the opportunity to see birds that dont normally visit the mainland. Oh, and we GUARANTEE that you see seals or you get YOUR MONEY BACK! Admire the endangered birds from a distance, stay out of signed restricted areas, and fill any beach holes (since chicks can tumble in). Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. @media screen and (min-width: 900px) { The path connects(awkwardly, via the beach and social trails the Cliff Walk ranger can steer you) to the -mile Fishermans Walk from the harbor to the Wiggly Bridge, the worlds smallest suspension bridge.. .eb-thumbnail { width: 99%; } Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2001. Sitting right on the dock alongside Camden Harbor, Rhumb Line combines the carefree spirit of Jimmy Buffett with fresh, simply prepared Maine seafood and killer craftcocktails. An outpost of Portland Paddle offers paddleboard and kayak rentals and tours, plus theres a snack bar, picnic areas with grills, and a playground for the kiddos. There were also hiking trails close by where we found wild blueberries. Like any wild animal, seals are where you find them, so no guarantees. Any suggestions? Designed by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele, the Amphitheatre, with its terraced stone seating, lush trees and lawn, and view of Camden Harbor, is well used by the town for concerts, weddings, graduation ceremonies, craft fairs, and just hanging around. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57909508', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Portland. 207-361-1000. 591 Shore Rd., Ogunquit. $10 admission, $9 students and seniors. HERES WHAT LITTLE WE KNOW ABOUT IT. 207-363-8466. Stroll to the top on the gently graded Carriage Trail or scramble up the steep Mt. 207-730-1926. The most important step members of the public can take to assist investigators is to immediately report any sightings of seals in distress or dead stranded seals. Thirty-nine benches face the ocean, each with a sponsorship plaque that sold for $5,000 to fund trail maintenance which is necessary. Multiple species visit the state's waters, including humpback, finback, minke and pilot. Free admission. Seals are swimming around the harbor. All rights reserved. Theres an independent spirit that comes along with that, and its fundamental to the culture of the town. Its wicked cheap too. 207-367-2788. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Linda Mehlhorn, of South Portland, coined the term seaglunking that is sea glass + spelunking, the act of exploring beaches and waterways in search of sea glass. MOVE OVER, OGUNQUIT, YORK'S GOT A DRAMATIC CLIFF WALK OF ITS OWN. Maine Moose watching trips offered daily! Linking Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach, themile-and-a-quarter paved walkway traces its origins to 1925. Tiny taffy kisses are made fresh daily and come in old-school flavors like molasses, licorice, and peppermint. 18 Colony Beach Ocean Ave. Pebbly/sandy, free parking, no facilities. Back-door access to Goochs Beach from what is very likely Americas oldest hotel: an inn has occupied the spot since at least 1660. Box 633 38 Main St., Milbridge. Alternatively, you may use. I will be in Bar Harbor from 4 Oct thru 8 Oct. Harborside Cottages, nestled over small, working New Harbor, has been in business since 1950. Although all are classified as humid continental, small differences exist among regions. The tight-knit summer community combined with the pristine sheltered harbor has been creating fond memories for generations. @media only screen and (min-width: 600px){ Thank you! Address: recipe from 1935. . 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. Golden Road 111 Perkins Cove Rd., Ogunquit. 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. A brilliant display on a warm spring day. 208. 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. You name, it you can enjoy it in Wells. We, and friends, have also often seen them on some of the tours offered by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, especially some of their non-whale tours that stay closer to shore (I'd check their website). The Wells National Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge are ideal for nature lovers, and those that enjoy a good walk by the seaside and in one of Maines largest salt water marshes. 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. #5 in Best Maine Beaches. Local officials have said that its typically buried beneath 6 or 7 feet of sand. .eb-button-wide { width:100%; } 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! 207-646-0455. The institute also tends to a hatchery that produces soft-shell seed clams to replenish clamflats in Maine, New Hampshire, and Canada. (207) 502-8040, 8 Western Ave. inside Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike. Visit themainebeaches.com for more info and its never a bad idea to call the local town office with questions. Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2022Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted. Tours in July and August. View our Privacy Policy. Answer 1 of 5: Is it possible to see Seals in October? Though distinctly different in design, the two parks complement each other so well, they feel like one. Location Isle au Haut, Isle Au Haut, ME, USA. Coveside ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57646747', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bar Harbor and another on the Cape. 9 Thurston Rd., Bernard. Hot tip: sub sweet potato wedges as a side and wash everything down with a slice of the otherworldly blueberry pie. more. Maine has a wide . A no-frills lobster shack paragon, it offers cold beer, rich chowders, fresh seafood, and a small deck overlooking the water. From $399. 11 Crescent Beach Gold Ribbon Dr. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. 14 Parsons Beach Rte. Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre 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? .page .content .inner { padding: 20px 10px 20px 20px; } 1447 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown. Save. 207-367-5500. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, no facilities. Due to its location along the Atlantic Flyway, Monhegan Islandis a particularly busy bird habitat during spring and fall. Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. If you see a sick, injured, or dead seal in Maine, please call the Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline at (800) 532-9551. P.O. Enjoy inside or from the takeout window for a picnic. Colonial or post-colonial shipbuilders launched the vessel either a sloop or a schooner, probably about 60 feet long, judging from the hull fragment thats left on the beach. Frequent QuestionsMaine Seal Stranding Event | NOAA Fisheries Gray seals are bigger; they're between 7 and 8 feet long, and can. Look out for the worlds largest mammals aboard one of southern Maines whale watch boats, and get ready to be splashed! On the shoreline, you see a village that probably looks very similar to what it was in the 1930s and 1940s. 28 Ferry Beach Ferry Rd. You ll have the opportunity to safely and comfortably view these magnificent creatures and other wildlife as you learn about moose habits and habitat from a knowledgeable guide. .eb-linked-heading {border:none; text-decoration:none; color:inherit;} Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. To report seal strandings south of Maine, please call the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Hotline: (866) 755-6622. Play Skee-Ball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and more at the retro Fun-O-Rama arcade pavilion on York Beach. The best times to spot moose are at dusk and dawn from mid-May through July and again in the fall during their breeding season. .eb-hero-content p { width: 80%; } Southern Maine Coast Area Attractions