How to Spend 36 Hours in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Some of the best travel plans come straight from the people who’ve experienced it firsthand! This 36-hour Boothbay Harbor itinerary is inspired by a past guest who stayed with us at Boothbay Harbor Inn, and after reading through their well-planned trip, we couldn’t help but share! This itinerary is family-friendly, easy to follow, and packed with some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor Maine. Happy planning!
Arrival
After a scenic drive from the Boston area, our guest and their family of four arrived to stay with us at Boothbay Harbor Inn! By staying in a room that opened right onto the bay, it was easy for our guests to settle in and immediately feel immersed in the beauty of coastal Maine.
One of the biggest perks of staying here is direct access to the iconic footbridge. After checking in, our guests took a quick evening stroll across the bridge to get a lay of the land and scope out where they needed to be the next morning.
Day 1 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
7:30am: Coffee & Breakfast Run
An early start meant a quick walk over the footbridge to Red Cup Coffee House to grab breakfast. Having walkable options like this makes mornings easy while staying in Boothbay Harbor!
9:15am: Head to Cap'n Fish's Cruises
One of the most popular Boothbay Harbor activities is getting out on the water, and for good reason! This family chose Cap’n Fish’s Cruises primarily because of its proximity to the hotel (no parking hassle!) and convenient timing.
10:00am: Puffin Cruise Adventures
Boarding began around 9:30 AM for the Puffin Cruise aboard the Pink Lady II. The experience combined local history with wildlife education, thanks to an onboard naturalist from Project Puffin!
The ride out included some big swells, something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with kids, but the crew was attentive and well-prepared.
12:45pm: Lunch Downtown
After returning to port, our guests walked over to McSeagull’s for lunch. Fresh seafood, harbor views, and a relaxed atmosphere made it an easy win!
One of the advantages of staying at Boothbay Harbor Inn is being able to walk everywhere, no need to worry about parking or coordinating transportation. The guests made their way swiftly back to the hotel to get ready for more fun!
2:30pm: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for things to do in Boothbay Maine, visiting to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a MUST! The family arrived knowing they were a bit tight on time (the gardens close at 5 PM), but still managed to hit the highlights:
- The Children’s Garden
- The whimsical Fairy Garden
- All five of the famous giant trolls
Even with just a couple of hours, it’s a magical experience and one of the top Midcoast Maine attractions. We recommend staying at the gardens for 2-3 hours to get the full experience.
5:20pm: Relax Back at Boothbay Harbor Inn
After a full afternoon, they returned to Boothbay Harbor Inn to unwind. This is where staying at a waterfront hotel in Boothbay Harbor really shines there’s nothing better than kicking back and soaking in harbor views after a busy day!
6:30pm: Explore Downtown Boothbay Harbor
Another walk across the footbridge brought them into town to browse shops and explore the lively harbor scene. While many restaurants list earlier closing times, the atmosphere is often more flexible depending on crowds.
7:00pm: Explore Downtown Boothbay Harbor
Dinner was at Boathouse Bistro, where the rooftop views were just as memorable as the meal itself. While it’s labeled as tapas, our guests opted for full entrées, and everything was a hit. The oysters with blueberry vinaigrette were a standout and a uniquely Maine twist!
8:30pm: Ice Cream at Downeast Ice Cream Factory
No Maine itinerary is complete without ice cream. Despite a long line, the Down East Ice Cream Factory proved to be fast-moving and well worth the wait. With creative flavors and efficient service, it’s a must-stop for families visiting Boothbay Harbor Maine!
Day 2 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
8:30am: Breakfast at Blue Moon Café
On their final morning, our guests headed back across the footbridge for breakfast at Blue Moon Café. It was busy and a little chaotic at first, but everything worked out seamlessly.
A helpful tip: don’t stress about grabbing a table while waiting in line. The flow naturally works itself out!
The reward? Blueberry pancakes and pecan French toast that were absolutely worth the wait.
10:00am: Checkout and Head Home
After breakfast, it was time to check out and begin the journey home just 36 hours after arriving, but with a full day worth of memories.
Thank you to past guest Kimberly Durniak for allowing us to use your photos and itinerary!
Try This Itinerary During Your Next Visit
This guest-inspired itinerary is a perfect example of how to maximize a short stay while still enjoying a relaxed pace. It blends top things to do in Boothbay Harbor Maine with downtime, great food, and easy logistics!
If you’re looking for Boothbay Harbor hotels or planning your next Maine vacation itinerary, consider this your sign to book the trip. And don’t forget to stay right on the water with us at Boothbay Harbor Inn!
You can absolutely do a lot in 36 hours… especially in a place like this.
