This does not include mammals, such as seals and whales, that must live in ocean environments or domestic mammals like cattle, dogs, and people. Portland to Bar Harbor - is the best way? 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. Barnacle Billys 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. 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). Moderate use. Light use. While wildlife watching is something visitors can enjoy throughout the state, here are two of Maines most beloved wildlife and human life - destinations. .eb-thumbnail {width:30%;} . 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. While sightings are not common, moose have been known to roam the park and reveal themselves to visitors. Whatever your vacation preference, the Southern Maine Coast has it all especially sandy beaches and ocean views. For a little more seclusion, though, visitors can follow the footpaths to adjacent, undeveloped Kettle Cove (which also has its own parking area), a pebblier pocket beach flanked by dramatic granite shelves. In the warmer months, Finback, Right, and Minke whales as well as the Humpback migrate to the feeding grounds off the coast of Maine. That's about the best I can do with so little info. The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. 8 Islands Off The Coast Of Maine You Need To Visit ASAP - OnlyInYourState Aragosta Stroll to the top on the gently graded Carriage Trail or scramble up the steep Mt. Its not every day you see a moose. Station Rd., Beals. 16 Middle Beach Beach Ave. Pebbly, paid (limited) parking, no facilities. All rights reserved. Featured Attractions 207-646-0455. Grab a towel and come with us. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113315485', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston in July. Deer Isle Granite Museum Save. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. Moderate use. 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk. 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). About half that is along the water itself, running parallel to muddy flats and steep, short cliffs. Moderate use. Bird Flu May Have Caused Seal Strandings in Maine - The New York Times Neither the tower nor keepers house is open to the public, but the views are spectacular. 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! No, thats not a penguin youre seeing. Partially enveloped by the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, it supports only a fraction of the tourism infrastructure that beachgoers expect out of neighboring Kennebunk, so while you wont find showers or lifeguards, you may well spot harbor seals sunning on the white sand or hermit crabs skittering around the tide pools. If you show up during peak hours, expect to wait for a table but its worth it. Free admission. The refuge is located along 50 miles of Maines picturesque coastline in York and Cumberland counties. 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. 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. Battie A seal in Casco Bay, near Portland, Maine. 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). .eb-image-right {float:right; margin:7px 0 7px 14px; width:45%; max-width:400px;} The inland portion of the loop is a cool mix of bogs, gnarled, stunted jack pines, and other scrappy trees that tolerate the harsh conditions created by the mingling waters of the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy. Camdens one literary town. Sandy, paid parking, no facilities. 207-204-8888. southernmainekayaks.com. A ship called Industry ran ashore at Short Sands Beach, according to records some believe the wreck is Industrys remains. } 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. The stand goes through 250,000 pounds of potatoes a season. 207-244-7600. Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. Whale Watching in Maine | 6 Favorite Spots - New England Today Follow Harbor Dr. to Lighthouse Rd. Youll need a wet suit (because brrrr), and the steep swells can be elusive, but Maines surfing community is passionate and welcoming. Interactive Maine Map: Small Towns, Cities, & Regions - Visit Maine A large number of seal pups appear each year on New England beaches, apparently stranded, but these pups are often only temporarily abandoned by their mothers, who are feeding nearby. Great Wass Island Preserve You can reach us at: 1063 McGaw Avenue, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 714-834-1111 714-834-1128 (Fax) Contact Us. , Livermore, P.O. Ten of these species occur on the West Coast: Guadalupe fur seals and nine cetaceans, including two distinct population segments (DPS) of humpback whale and the Western North Pacific DPS of gray whale. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA 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. But the real draw, as far as were concerned, is the creamy and house-made frozen custard. All of your picnicking needs in one cute little store fresh bread, nice wine selection, local produce. Photographed by Freddy Bloy. See what 40,000 pounds ofcandy looks like at Yummies Candy & Nuts in Kittery. 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. From the majestic moose to the huge humpback, Maine has long been known for its vast and unique wildlife. Seals - Maine Forum - Tripadvisor . Maine | History, Facts, Map, & Points of Interest | Britannica When the tides out, tidepoolers mingle with surfers and plein-air painters. 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. 140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. It is thought that females from Massachusetts migrate to quiet islands in New Hampshire and southern Maine to pup. not unlike when you push your hand into a mattress and then release the pressure. Along most of Maines coast, this rebound has exceeded or kept pace with naturally (and gradually) rising sea levels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); VisitMaine.Net The unofficial guide to experiencing Maine. 207-883-5100. Where receptacles are available, dont fill them with huge bags or large items like broken umbrellas or chairs. Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary and the Berry Woods Preserve Tours in July and August. 207-371-2303. 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. So where in Maine is the best puffin habitat for puffin watching? We traveled to Maine several years ago and stayed at a private vacation rental near Bar Harbor. P.O. More than once, a bench has been washed out to sea by storms that can wreak havoc on the path. A mile up the road from Pine Point Beach, Fun and Sun Rentals and Tours offers kayaks, SUPs, and car shuttles for one-way, self-guided tours through the vast Scarborough Marsh, and the neighboring Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center has canoe and kayak rentals. If you need more adrenaline, theyll kill the engine and let you parachute into the drink. 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. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. PO Box 160 .eb-col h4 { line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0 0 20px 0; color: inherit; font-weight: bold; } Fun and Sun, $30 kids, $50 teens and adults. You have the opportunity to witness wildlife anywhere that you travel. $10 admission, $9 students and seniors. 77. As it turns out, theyve been in social networks a lot longer than we have. Coveside So why does Maine have so many sandy beaches down south? The most dramatic finding was in Saco, where there was a report of a dead seal on the beach early Monday morning. 591 Shore Rd., Ogunquit. . 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. , Millinocket, PO Box 160 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. Pat Lacey, Down East reader. TheTown of Ogunquithas been attracting visitors to Southern Maine for years. Frye Island, Sebago Lake, Cumberland County. The National Marine Fisheries Service recommend that any stranded animal be left alone. Make faces at the monkeys (not the white tiger) at Yorks Wild Kingdom. Box 633 Easterseals Southern California. 13. FAST FACTS ABOUT OGUNQUIT'S MARGINAL WAY, MAINE'S MOST BELOVED SHORELINE STROLL. 1 Bypass, Kittery. Heavy use. Yorks sandy beaches, good surf and fantastic scenery provide visitors with fun in the sun. Kennebunk 207-371-2616, Every year, I return to this spot. Hundreds of Seals Are Dying on the New England Coast The record served in a day is 923 punches thats with a three-drink limit on this potent stuff. .eb-image-left {width:100%; max-width:400px;} Served with an orange slice, pineapple chunk, cherry, and a sprinkle of what witty servers will say is beach sand (its nutmeg). 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. 7 Little Beach Marginal Way, off Israel Head Rd. North from Perkins Cove to Beach St., with multiple access points along the way. There are definitely seals at the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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! Historically, harbor seals pupped in Massachusetts, and there are increasing sightings of very small pups here in May and June. Only 2 days for park - driving only, disabled, Looking for jacuzzi room in southern maine or coastal nh. Travelers from all over the world flock to the Southern Maine coast for the ideal summer vacation. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Maine Quest Adventures is a locally owned and operated Katahdin Region Outfitter. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and even tomatoes at Spiller Farm in Wells. Back-door access to Goochs Beach from what is very likely Americas oldest hotel: an inn has occupied the spot since at least 1660. 17 Post Rd., Wells. Eli Strauss, owner of Bass Harbor Island Cruises. The entire Kennebunkport Coastline in an epic 1 Hour adventure. Desert Island or mainland ports like Jonesport, Cutler, Bar Harbor, Millbridge, Stonington, Rockland, Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Port Clyde. , Millinocket. Explore gentle wooded trails at Kennebunkports lovely Edwin L. Smith Preserve. Heavy use. Sandy/pebbly, paid parking, no facilities. 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. Tiny taffy kisses are made fresh daily and come in old-school flavors like molasses, licorice, and peppermint. However, with so many beautiful beaches and charming towns in southern Maine, many visitors miss the opportunity to track down these animals. 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. Thank you! .eb-p {float: right; width:70%; margin-left:2%;} Explore the tidewater on a paddling day trip. PO Box 773 207-244-5785. Come to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Rhumb Line Thats enough to start their own moose lodge. Voted #1 in New England by Yankee Magazine for the best chance of finding Moose! 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. Infections are more likely. From Kittery to Old Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. Inland cottage resorts feature either traditional cottages or gatherings of rustic cabins. Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, also in Kittery, where an 18th-century fort overlooks the Piscataqua River. Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. 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. 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. } Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best chefs inspired by Maine seafood and local farm raised food. Theres an independent spirit that comes along with that, and its fundamental to the culture of the town. Wildlife watching in Maine presents a world of diversity and endless opportunities for discovery and recreation. After watching and learning about the lighthouse, seabirds, and seals youll have a little fun with the boat in front of Kennebunk Beach. If so,where would a good area be? See if you can spot the differences between these whale species. Play Skee-Ball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and more at the retro Fun-O-Rama arcade pavilion on York Beach. Thats what geologists call a beach made primarily of pebbles and/or cobbles (the former measure 4 to 6.4 centimeters across, the latter 6.4 to 25.6 anything bigger is a boulder). Sandy, paid parking, concessions, showers and toilets. 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. Two-hour tours leave from Vines Landing, Biddeford Pool aboard the Light Runner. 2 Railroad Ave. 207-363-2621. 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.. 1. 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. Home to rare plants like beach-head iris and birds-eye primrose, the islands managed by The Nature Conservancy. The vibe is rustic elegance, and the back patio overlooks the working harbor. Seals like to "haul out" to rest, sun themselves on rocky ledges or rocky shorelines on islands. The one and a half hour tour departs New Harbor for Eastern Egg . The pretty dunes are speckled with beach grasses and songbirds, and the rocky headlands are great for clambering and, when the tide is low, scouring the tide pools for limpets, periwinkles, and the occasional starfish. 12 West Side Rd., South Bristol. Steller sea lions also occur on the West Coast, but the eastern . Kids will certainly dig it, and the surrounding placards and artifacts tell the story of the Maine granite used to build everything from Sing Sing prison to Rockefeller Center. To report seal strandings south of Maine, please call the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Hotline: (866) 755-6622. 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. Businesses and locations related to: Maine Wildlife, Golden Road State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. The best time to spot sea glass, Mehlhorn says, is at sunset. Heavy use. Their morning lunch cruise includes an hour-plus stop on the island of Frenchboro. Tucked below the cliffs at about the midpoint, Little Beach is a pocket beach thats submerged at high tide. Sucking down an ice cream cone while admiring Cape Neddicks Nubble Light has been a tradition since 1967, when a stand called Browns opened up at Nubble Point. 11. 11 Crescent Beach Gold Ribbon Dr. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. Glenn Dochtermann (go ahead and call him Doc) learned to fish off the beach from his dad some 60 years ago, and hes been out surf-casting ever since for stripers, pollack, and more. However, these actions usually do more harm than good. Puffin Tours | Audubon Project Puffin 7. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. Would it be worthwhile to do a kayak tour to see seals? M.C. 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. Lets start with the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland. 23 Biddeford Pool Beach Rte. Plus, theres room to roam. .eb-thumbnail { width: 99%; } At the right time of year, you can spot as many as twenty moose in one outing. 8 Ogunquit Beach Beach St. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, showers and toilets. By continuing to navigate through this site or by clicking Approve, you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy notice. 1945 Harpswell Islands Rd., Bailey Island. 42 Bayview Dr., Beals. rolls from Reillys Bakery in Biddeford, Kates Homemade Butter from Arundel, and fresh, hand-picked lobster meat: the unconventional rolls at this classic Kennebunk seafood stand, right on the Lanigan Bridge over the Kennbunk River, have racked up awards and accolades (expect a line). Humpbacks and minkes are the whales most often spotted, but blue whales and right whales make occasional appearances as well. Its the number one landmark on Mount Desert Islands Quiet Side, so you cant skip this one! While all of Maines wildlife is spectacular, nothing quite compares to the whale. 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. 207-236-3109. Having had their fill while filling camera disks and memory banks the whales head south in October to warmer waters. 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. 207-646-5139. ogunquit.org, Although it still welcomes plenty of beachgoers in midsummer, Goose Rocks Beach, in Cape Porpoise, has a touch of wildness to it. 127 in Georgetown, 500 feet east from where it crosses the Sasanoa River. Southern Maine Coast Area Attractions 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). Epic Wildlife Watching in Maine - Visit Maine Whale watching in Maine is kind of a big deal. 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. For example, Mehlhorn says, people tend to overlook brown pieces of sea glass but hold it up to the light and what appears brown can truly be dark red. This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. Catch the weekly Thursday night fireworks at Old Orchard Beach. Its made-to-order (takes about 6 minutes when the staff breaks out the machine) and you can enjoy a cone in an Adirondack chair on the sunny deck.