One hard-to-miss difference is that puffins can fly and penguins cant. Do you consider yourself a history buff? 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. With a box of chocolatepeanut butter in hand, stroll out on the rocks, have a seat, and indulge in the fudge and the view. But the most important difference is that puffins like to hang out in Maine. .page .content .inner { padding: 20px 10px 20px 20px; } More than once, a bench has been washed out to sea by storms that can wreak havoc on the path. 12 Wells Beach Mile Rd. I was at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth yesterday and there were seals right off the point in front of where I was sitting. Great Wass Island Preserve The first town, upon entering the Southern Maine Coast isKittery. Deer Isle Jazz Festival The tight-knit summer community combined with the pristine sheltered harbor has been creating fond memories for generations. Plenty of outfitters offer kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours. Pete Erskine, co-owner of Mexicali Blues, one-time summer person turned year-round resident of South Bristols Rutherford Island. Visit historic Wood Island Lighthouse! 10 Snow Canning Rd., Scarborough. Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary and the Berry Woods Preserve Thirty-nine benches face the ocean, each with a sponsorship plaque that sold for $5,000 to fund trail maintenance which is necessary. Rhumb Line 119 Cedar St. 207-646-5575. Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. 1 Bypass, Kittery. Five Islands Lobster Company However, these actions usually do more harm than good. We have on goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine! 207-646-5575. 207-363-8466. 10 North Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. The center is the landing spot for Project Puffin, an ongoing partnership of the Audubon Society, local businesses and private donors to bring puffins and other rare birds back to their historic nesting grounds. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake The huge kitsch clearinghouse at Lands End is worth visiting if only for the decadent homemade fudge. 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. At the right time of year, you can spot as many as twenty moose in one outing. 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). 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. A high-energy, improv-heavy flute, cello, and drum trio. 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. Ride the Ferris wheel at Palace Playland for a birds-eye view of the iconic Old Orchard Beach pier. Plus, theres room to roam. Been looking online - there is one at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 18 Colony Beach Ocean Ave. Pebbly/sandy, free parking, no facilities. Youll see Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise and then travel to Goose Rocks for more seals and back down the coast to Wells. Light use. .eb-thumbnail {width:30%;} Blue Keep an eye out for fieldstone walls still running throughout the area reminders of the lands agricultural past and enjoy a quiet stretch of coastline that, more often than not, youll have all to yourself. Since the last retreat of the ice sheet, Dykstra says, the coast of Maine has been slowly rising . Pay a visit to the Maine Wildlife Park where youre guaranteed to spot a moose, among many other kinds of fascinating creatures, at this special wildlife sanctuary. . But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. MOVE OVER, OGUNQUIT, YORK'S GOT A DRAMATIC CLIFF WALK OF ITS OWN. 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. 7 Little Beach Marginal Way, off Israel Head Rd. .eb-image-right {float:right; margin:7px 0 7px 14px; width:45%; max-width:400px;} 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. $6 Maine residents, $8 non-residents. Shop Now. As any puffin can tell you, its worth the trip. Where should we go to see whales, seals, puffins without a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Reid State Park The lobster rolls are hefty and served on a pile of crinkle-cut chips, and the fried seafood served in the adjacent Love Nest grill stacks up to any shack on the coast (dont skimp on the house-made dill tartar sauce). Hope it helps. But researchers haven't yet confirmed the origin this time. As intimate and adventurous as a small music festival gets highly recommended. 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. 1A. 1 Marina Way 8 Western Ave., Kennebunk. Access the island viaferry from Port Clyde, New Harbor, or Boothbay Harbor. During the summer season in the Southern Coast of Maine, you can overhear many visitors speaking English, French, various European languages, and even Jamaican. 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. Kennebunk 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA 207-646-7088. Local officials have said that its typically buried beneath 6 or 7 feet of sand. .eb-button-wide { width:400px; } I'd drive either way. Free admission. Old Village Inn. We traveled to Maine several years ago and stayed at a private vacation rental near Bar Harbor. Their population is greatest in the Western Lakes and Mountains regions, the Kennebec Valley, the Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. 11 Crescent Beach Gold Ribbon Dr. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. It is against the law to handle a marine mammal without proper authorization, and their sharp (dog-like) teeth can be very dangerous. 59 Morrill Rd I'd drive either way. Many of the small islands off the coast of Maine are filled top to bottom with these charming little birds. Eli Strauss, owner of Bass Harbor Island Cruises. The one and a half hour tour departs New Harbor for Eastern Egg . 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). The dusky glare helps hunters distinguish darker colors against rocks. Built in 1883, the downtown inn, a half-mile from Ogunquit Beach, Sandy, paid parking, concessions, showers and toilets. Artists renditions of the coast can be seen in the many galleries and art museums in town. 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! Sandy, paid parking, concessions, showers and toilets. A seaside destination resort within walking distance of Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove, with stylish rooms, legendary service, a trendsetting seafood restaurant, and a garden pool, bocce court, and fire pit that attract families. Tiny taffy kisses are made fresh daily and come in old-school flavors like molasses, licorice, and peppermint. 26 Old Orchard Beach Rte. FromKitterytoOld Orchard Beach, the Southern Maine Coast is the perfect vacation getaway. Vazquez Mexican Food NOAA Fisheries has listed 22 species of marine mammals under the ESA. 3. Been looking online - there is one at Bar Harbor and another on the Cape. Play Skee-Ball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and more at the retro Fun-O-Rama arcade pavilion on York Beach. A no-frills lobster shack paragon, it offers cold beer, rich chowders, fresh seafood, and a small deck overlooking the water. A noreaster removed enough sand from the beach to uncover the wreck for the first time in modern memory. Answer 1 of 5: Is it possible to see Seals in October? That's about the best I can do with so little info. Experience the 9 Buildings of the Museums of Old York Maine, Locals Guide to the Best Kennebunkport Boat Tours. 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. Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2022Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted. 207-967-3331. Gray seals are bigger; they're between 7 and 8 feet long, and can. 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. .page .lead { width: 100%; padding: 0; } 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. 207-497-5769. And were not using the word massive lightly. 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). 4. The shopping in the Old Port is fun at boutiques along cobblestone streets. 103. According to the Marine Mammals of Maine, on southern Maine beaches, many people try to help these young seals by feeding them or wrapping them up and bring them to the water. 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? 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. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. The 17th running of the islands scrappy jazz fest is spread out across three venues: the Stonington Opera House(1 Opera House Ln., Stonington), The Reach Center for the Performing Arts (249 North Deer Isle Rd., Deer Isle), and gWatson Gallery (68 Main St., Stonington). Open 364 days a year, the institute offers tours and a marine-life touch tank. A gospel-tinged bluesy act with virtuosic pedal steel. As well, we work closely with our colleagues of the Marine Mammals of Maine who attend to response and rescue in southern Maine and have a new facility in Harpswell allowing for temporary holding before transporting animals to a rehab facility. 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA 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. Its anchored York Beach since 1868, but the Bluff feels like a clean, contemporary conference hotel albeit with huge balconies overlooking Short Sands Beach. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. FAST FACTS ABOUT OGUNQUIT'S MARGINAL WAY, MAINE'S MOST BELOVED SHORELINE STROLL. 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. Take a book and a blanket and let the ocean breezes sweep your cares away. Light use. If you love seals, beautiful scenery, or just want to be on the ocean, this is the tour for you! This is family-friendly educational activity at its finest and most massive. Who needs a pontoon boat when youre naturally buoyant? Fresh flowers in each room, an exquisite restaurant, and complimentary bikes and canoes are a few of the perks From $348. 127 in Georgetown, 500 feet east from where it crosses the Sasanoa River. Battie Trail (each isa half-mile). (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 Grab a towel and come with us. Christi / Flickr. 12. Our tribute to the eight port towns and peaceful coves we never tire of gazing at. The best time to spot sea glass, Mehlhorn says, is at sunset. Bass Harbor is almost exclusively a working harbor its all lobsterboats and fishing boats and nearly all the small businesses in town are fishermen. Peek over marine scientists shoulders as they research lobsters, mussels, scallops, and other shellfish. 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. 20 Goose Rocks Beach Kings Hwy. Bayview Takeout $10 admission, $9 students and seniors. Visit Katahdin Air. Enjoy inside or from the takeout window for a picnic. Our boat puts you up close and personal with all of what the ocean has to offer. 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. Desert Island or mainland ports like Jonesport, Cutler, Bar Harbor, Millbridge, Stonington, Rockland, Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Port Clyde. Maines Holy Donut micro-chain has a Scarborough outpost a few miles from the towns best beaches. 13. From $189. 2 Seapoint/Crescent Beach Rte. See if you can spot the differences between these whale species. 8 Beach St., York Beach. Its time to lay anchor. 250 Main St., Ogunquit. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. Heavy use. Thanks so much. Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best chefs inspired by Maine seafood and local farm raised food. 207-204-8888. southernmainekayaks.com. .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; } From $299. Check out the replica of the Maine Lobsterman (there are identical statues around Maine and in Washington, DC), originally modeled on local fisherman H. Elroy Snoody Johnson. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.. Historically, harbor seals pupped in Massachusetts, and there are increasing sightings of very small pups here in May and June. Report inappropriate content 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 h0trudderedbum Phippsburg, Maine Level Contributor 351 posts 1. Mt. 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. Neither the tower nor keepers house is open to the public, but the views are spectacular. The Can-Am Crown is an international sled dog race with a 29-year history, held in Fort Kent, Maine. Kitterys Route 1 is filled with outlet stores of every kind imaginable and famous Kittery Trading Post. 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. Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center. 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. 9. PARKING often requires a trip to the town office for a permit. Multiple outfitters in the Kennebunks can guide short paddles along the tidal Mousam River, which wends through the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge to meet the sea at Parsons Beach. This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. 1945 Harpswell Islands Rd., Bailey Island. Heavy use. Books, Books, Books 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. Whales can be seen up and down Maines coastline, but are best viewed by booking a whale watching boat tour. Heavy use. Address: The best things to do, great lodging, unique restaurants, and more. 214 Nubble Rd. But dont worry about that last part. Light use. Light use. 111 Perkins Cove Rd., Ogunquit. Any suggestions? .eb-hr {margin-top: 110px;} Give this Article . 207-644-8300. There are definitely seals at the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Coveside 77. 5 Short Sands Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, showers and toilets. 19 Cleaves Cove Beach Halcyon Way. Maine Quest Adventures is a locally owned and operated Katahdin Region Outfitter. 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. 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. Photographs: Michael D. Wilson (ice cream, punch, lobster roll, taffy, clams, beach glass); Mark Fleming (fries, donuts). Across the street is Camden Harbor Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers. }, Moose | Whales | Puffins | Birds | Wildlife Parks & Refuges. Cliff House. $65, plus lunch. In southern Maine, not all the best places to see wildlife are remote islands or national parks. Yorks sandy beaches, good surf and fantastic scenery provide visitors with fun in the sun. Public ALCOHOL consumption is illegal statewide, including on beaches. If you want to experience nature from the comfort of your own front porch, consider a cottage at Dunes on the Waterfront, where beachfront views will give you a front row ticket to southern Maine birds and wildlife. Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd., Camden. 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. Visit themainebeaches.com for more info and its never a bad idea to call the local town office with questions. The southern coasts best breaks are at Scarboroughs Higgins Beach, Yorks Long Sands Beach, and Wells Beach, and each has surf shops that offer rentals and lessons for newbies. They can also take out chunks of wall and pathway, and storm damage can make for tricky footing. 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. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, toilets. 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. HERES WHAT LITTLE WE KNOW ABOUT IT. Address: PO Box 773 Take the Mt. You dont see a mast. 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk. Their morning lunch cruise includes an hour-plus stop on the island of Frenchboro. . Every time it happens. 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. Easterseals Southern California. Fresh (round!) .eb-thumbnail { width: 99%; } National Marine Fisheries Service Law Enforcement division has established the following toll-free number for reporting potential violations: 1-800-853-1964. Where receptacles are available, dont fill them with huge bags or large items like broken umbrellas or chairs.