Maine
These are 3 of the Most Treasured Views in Maine just over an hour’s drive from Boston
Every summer, Maine earns its nickname of “Vacationland,” drawing roughly 8 million visitors who come to explore its 3,500 miles of coastline (longer than California if you measure all the bays and inlets), feast on the nation’s best lobster (fresh off the boat or served on a buttery roll), to hike its mountains and endless pine forests, to shop, sightsee, breathe fresh air and to look up at the dark night sky and see, as if for the first time, the vastness of the universe.
It’s no wonder the Maine Office of Tourism boasts 97% of visitors would recommend Maine to their friends as a top vacation destination.
Maine is truly enormous, the size of all other New England states combined. One northern county, Aroostook, is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. So if you want to visit the entire state, you’ll need some time.
That said, many of Maine’s most treasured views, like those in York, Ogunquit and Kittery, are just over an hour’s drive from Boston.
This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, underappreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.
[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]
Here are three of Maine’s Most Treasured Views: The Nubble Lighthouse, Marginal Way and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that are a perfect day trip from Boston. An energetic visitor could view all three sites and more in a day.
Whether you come for a day or longer this summer, we’re sure you’ll come away agreeing with the state’s motto: “Maine, the way life should be!”
Nubble Lighthouse, York, Maine
The Nubble Lighthouse, in York, Maine, is one of the most photographed sites in the nation and each day artists set up their easels and paints to capture its scenic beauty.
Situated on rocky Nubble Island, just 600 feet from the shore, the lighthouse was first illuminated in 1879, according to a history by York Parks and Recreation, which owns and operates the landmark. It was manned by lighthouse keepers until 1987, when the light was fully automated.
The Nubble Lighthouse, officially called the Cape Neddick Light Station, is visually stunning. While visitors are not allowed on Nubble Island, Sohier Park offers close-up views of the red-roofed, whitewashed Victorian keeper’s house and the cast iron lighthouse tower.
While the lighthouse itself is just 41 feet high, it sits at the highest point on the small rocky island, giving it an elevation of 88 feet, allowing sailors to see its light from 13 nautical miles.
Meredith Reynells, a plein air painter, says when the weather’s nice she’ll set up her easel in Sohier Park two or three times a week. She said she’s drawn to the balance of the lighthouse and its support buildings, the rocky shore and the movement of the water.
“It’s not just ocean,” she said. “It has more going on.”
Sohier Park has 60 parking spots, restrooms and there are expanses of sea-smoothed flat stone, small grassy areas and benches for picnics. It also has a gift shop, where you can learn more about the lighthouse and all purchases go to support the upkeep of Nubble Light and Sohier Park.
Admission to Sohier Park is free, as are the limited parking spots. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
After you are done visiting the lighthouse there is plenty more to do in York. Swim and splash in the waves at Long Sands Beach and enjoy the family-friendly amenities and Ellis Park Playground at Short Sands Beach. Restaurants featuring lobsters prepared how you like, fresh seafood and other summer favorites abound and don’t forget to stop in for salt water taffy you can watch being made at The Goldenrod. Stop in at York’s Wild Kingdom to see the new tiger and other zoo animals and amusement park rides.
Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine
Some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean can be found along Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. This 1.25-mile cliff walk runs from the bustling fishing village of Perkins Cove to the broad, sandy Ogunquit Beach.
Along the paved trail, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible, you’ll have unimpeded views of the coastline, crashing waves, spiraling seabirds, wizened red cedar trees, beach plums and honeysuckle. You’ll hear the clacking of stones rolling as waves break on the shore and the views stretch unimpeded to the horizon, broken only here and there by a bell buoy, a flock of seabirds or a passing boat or ship.
Ron Quinn, a plein air painter from Amesbury, Massachusetts, said he comes to Marginal Way several times a week.
“How can you beat this spot?” Quinn asks. “The rocky coast of Maine is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever found, and I’ve been pretty much all over the world painting.”
“What I love about this whole area is the active water,” Quinn said. “Trying to capture that on canvas. You’re trying to catch a moment in time.”
On the shore side of the trail, you’ll encounter the cottages, larger oceanfront homes and the grand oceanfront hotels with expanses of lawn and Adirondack chairs facing out to the sea.
Along the trail is the smell of salt water, flavored with seaweed, honeysuckle and wild roses.
If you finish your walk at Ogunquit Beach, you can continue along the broad white sands for miles, or just stop to take a swim. You can find casual dining and clam shacks at the beach and a short walk up Beach Street will bring you downtown. Drop in to The Front Porch, where you can sit at the oversized grand piano and join in the sing-along. Visit the many art galleries and antique shops. If you plan ahead, you can catch a Broadway-quality show at The Ogunquit Playhouse.
If you finish your walk in Perkins Cove, there’s more great shops and restaurants ranging from clam shacks to James Beard honored fine dining. President George H.W. Bush, whose family compound at Walker’s Point is located a few miles north in Kennebunkport, was a regular customer of Barnacle Billy’s. Be sure to check out the old Footbridge that you can raise and lower to let sailboats pass through the channel.
There is reasonably priced public parking and less reasonably priced private parking in both Perkins Cove and at Ogunquit Beach. You can also find street parking in downtown Ogunquit and access Marginal Way from the many side streets that feed into it.
Submarines at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
The Navy’s submarine force is known as the silent service. These nuclear-powered behemoths are rarely seen as they patrol global waters.
To see a $3 billion nuclear submarine slicing through local waters inspires awe. The Moran tugboats guiding them in the fast-moving currents of the Piscataqua River are themselves photo-worthy.
Security is tight around the timing of submarine arrivals and departures, but it is possible on occasion for the public to see submarine maneuvers, sometimes with sailors visible manning the rail. The shipyard itself is a sight to behold.
Only two shipyards in the country overhaul US nuclear submarines, Puget Sound in Washington State and Portsmouth, Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, established in 1800 on Seavey Island, is the nation’s oldest continuously operated shipyard.
In the early 1970s, the shipyard transitioned from building submarines to providing overhaul, refueling and modernization work of the nation’s submarine fleet.Today the shipyard has the ability to overhaul three submarines at a time. It is undergoing a $2 billion modernization that will allow it to work simultaneously on five submarines.
Because the shipyard is an active military base, access is restricted, but visits can be arranged in advance by emailing: port_ptnh_ask_pao@navy.mil.
The imposing, castle-like building with the green roof on Seavey Island, is the long shuttered Naval Prison, built in 1898 to house Spanish-American War prisoners, it was closed in 1974.
“My favorite view of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is our industrial waterfront,” said Capt. Michael Oberdorf, the shipyard commander. “Walking our deck plates among the talented workers, Sailors, and civilians, you can feel the pride and patriotism. There is a unique beauty in thousands of empowered individuals rolling up their sleeves in a unified effort to deliver excellence for our country.”
All the best views of the shipyard are themselves beautiful locations. Here are several:
Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH: This beautiful public park is directly across the Piscataqua River from the shipyard and offers an unimpeded view. On most nights in the summer there is an outdoor concert or show that does not require advance reservations and is available for an $8 donation. Definitely take the time to stroll through the award-winning gardens.
Great Island Common, New Castle, NH: This 32-acre seaside park and beach also offers close-up views of the Whaleback Lighthouse at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor
U.S. Coast Guard Station, New Castle, NH: Offers views of the shipyard, Whaleback Lighthouse and the recently restored Wood Island Life Saving Station.
Fort Foster, Kittery, Maine: During World War II heavy guns on Fort Foster stood sentinel over Portsmouth Harbor. From this spot you can see not only the shipyard but also Whaleback Lighthouse, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and Fort Constitution. The fort is now a park with a beach. There is paid parking onsite.
One last recommendation: If seeing submarines from a distance doesn’t quench your curiosity, visit Albacore Park in Portsmouth, NH, just a stone’s throw from the shipyard on the Route 1 Bypass. Here you can go inside and touch and feel an actual submarine that was decommissioned in 1972.
Earlier this year, we asked you, our readers, earlier this year to tell us your favorite places in Maine for budget-friendly feasting. You know where to find bang for your buck — Asian takeout, pizzerias, diners and hole-in-the-wall pubs held heavy sway in your voting, though you named some hip tourist favorites as well. Here are the top 25 our readers loved:
171 Cumberland Ave., Portland. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 207-613-9399, bahnappetitme.com. $7-$18. No reservations.
Vietnamese takeout spot specializing in bahn mi sandwiches. Popular dishes include lemongrass beef bahn mi and bbq pork bahn mi. “It’s just a near perfect bahn mi,” one reader said.
390 Commercial St., Portland. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days. 207-773-7070, beckysdiner.com. No reservations.
Located in the heart of Portland’s working waterfront, Becky’s has been pleasing locals and tourists alike with budget-friendly meals and all-day breakfasts since 1991. Some of the most beloved dishes include blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, fried clams and lobster rolls.
671 Congress St., Portland. 4-9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-347-7557, bodamaine.com. $9-$28. No reservations.
Boda bills itself as a “very Thai” kitchen and bar. Regulars often choose the Thai sticky rice balls and drunken noodles.
262 Island Ave., Long Island. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days through Labor Day, 207-766-2512, lobakehouse.com. $8-$24. No reservations.
Accessible only by boat, Byers & Sons offers sunset views from their deck on Casco Bay. Popular orders include lobster rolls, buffalo chicken pizza and donuts; don’t miss their Oyster & Champagne weekends with an added raw bar menu. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day it’s THE place to get a great lunch by the ocean, and then after the beach, stop by for a beer or prosecco on tap while you wait for a glorious ferry ride back to town,” one reader gushed.
1472 Lisbon St., Lewiston. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 207-376-3870, chickadeeoflewiston.com. $7-$26 with market price seafood dishes. Reservations online through website.
A family restaurant institution for 19 years, Chick-a-dee offers a variety of local seafood dishes along with sandwiches, steaks, chicken and soups. Bestsellers include fried clams, haddock, seafood scampi and lobster stew.
447 US-1, Yarmouth. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 207-846-1117, claytonscafe.com. Breakfast $7-$11; lunch $10-$15. No reservations.
A homey local staple since 1994, Clayton’s is known for its fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and seasonal soups. House favorites include the chicken salad and curried chicken salad sandwiches.
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617 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. seven days. 207-613-9356, cbgportland.com. $11-$20. No reservations.
A hip Portland pub celebrated for its fried snacks, craft cocktails and cheeseburgers. Regulars swear by the fish & chips, smash burger and fried chicken sandwich. “A veggie burger and a beer is under $25, and the vibes never fail,” one reader said. “Local, tastes good, no frills.”
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90 Exchange St., Portland. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m., seven days. 207-536-1017, crispygai.com. lunch $9-$21; dinner $9-$25. Reservations only available for groups of 6-10.
This Old Port hotspot specializes in Southeast Asian street food and expertly crafted tropical-inspired cocktails. Must-orders include hat yai fried chicken/wings, crispy deluxe sandwich, pad see ew and Crying Tiger.
43 Middle St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-774-8080, duckfat.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
Cozy sandwich shop known for its flavorful Belgian-style frites cooked in duckfat. Don’t miss the Duckfat grilled cheese with raclette and cheddar, poutine with duck gravy, milkshakes and donut holes.
240 US-1, Falmouth. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-536-0771, on Instagram @fuegofalmouth. $8-$27. No reservations.
Casual, kid-friendly Mexican eatery known for its fast, friendly service. Popular orders include uniquely-wrapped chimichangas, coconut shrimp and margaritas. “The smothered burritos are heavenly, ” one reader noted.
540 Forest Ave., Portland. Noon-10 p.m., seven days. 207-772-0300, greatlostbear.com. $8-$25. No reservations.
This laid-back brewpub is a Portland institution known for its eclectic decor, extensive comfort food menu and wide array of beers on tap. Top-sellers include the pulled pork nachos, cheesesteaks and peanut butter and jelly wings. “Tons of options, all done pretty darn well,” one readers said. “And it’s a piece of Portland history; there aren’t many affordable, family friendly, classic bar/diners like GLB left!”
36 Main St., South Freeport. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Wednesday. 207-865-3535, harraseeketlunchandlobster.com. $8-$37. No reservations.
A family-owned business operating on the South Freeport waterfront since 1970, specializing in fresh local seafood. Seafood baskets are on the more expensive end of their offerings, but sandwiches are value-priced.
72 Maine St., Brunswick. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-798-6888, online menu. $5-$25. No reservations.
Cozy Japanese sushi restaurant with some hot specialty entrees. Customers laud the bento boxes, chicken teriyaki and sushi boats. One customer notes: “The bento box at lunch is full of delicious fish, and other there are other tasty dishes.”
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145 Main St., Waterville. 10 a.m.-9 p.m, Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-873-4300, nikoswatervillehouseofpizza.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
This Waterville mainstay has been serving pizza, pasta and subs since 1980. Regulars recommend the meatball subs, Big Mac pizza and steak bombs.
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10 locations throughout Maine. Find days/hours of operation of specific locations at ottoportland.com. $10-$28. No reservations.
Portland-based pizza chain known for their creative toppings. Popular pizza orders include the butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry; mashed potato, bacon and scallion; and fresh pineapple, bacon and hot honey. “Top-quality, thin crust pizza,” one reader said. “Try the Mushroom and Manchego option. Great combo and unusual.”
93 Alfred St., Biddeford. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days. 207-283-0002, pizzabyalexmaine.com. $9-$14. No reservations.
A beloved family-owned Biddeford pizzeria, serving New England Greek-style 10-inch pies topped with cheddar for 66 years. Fan favorites include Alex’s special, Hawaiiand pizza, and Yaya’s Greek, with feta cheese and spinach. “Prices for a personal pizza can’t be beat, and Yaya’s Greek pizza is sooo good,” raves a regular.
189 Main St., Saco. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-282-1847, rapidrays.net. $4-$16. Takeout only.
Another York County institution, Rapid Ray’s has been Southern Maine’s hometown go-to for takeout fast food since 1953. Top sellers include the burgers and hot dogs, onion rings, clam cakes and lobster rolls.
501 Cottage Road, South Portland. Noon-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-747-4089, rattleshakegrill.com. $10-$24.
Rattle Shake began life as A&C Soda Shop before rebranding last December. Popular orders include the burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, ice cream floats and boozy milkshakes. “Best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten anywhere,” one reader said.
190 State St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207- 536-1354, elcorazonportland.com. $10-$20. Reservations by phone.
Downtown restaurant serving authentic regional Mexican fare, as well as specialties like goat birria and deviled shrimp. Regulars love the pollo en mole, tamales and fried green tomato tacos.
212 Danforth St., Portland. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days. 207-774-7604, ruskisportland.com. $8-$22. No reservations.
A landmark dive bar in Portland’s West End dating back to 1892 with a surprisingly expansive menu offering sandwiches, pizza, burgers and dogs, salad and soups, pubby starters and breakfast all day. Popular orders include eggs Benedict, fish & chips and Ruski’s steak bomb.
131 Ossipee Trail W., Standish. 4-8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. -8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-772-0360, sillys.com. $10-$17. No reservations.
This cherished restaurant operated out of Portland since the 1980s before relocating to Standish last year. The fun and quirky space serves up whimsically named dishes like Empire Strikes mac, a protein-topped mac and cheese, the Stop Bacon Sense BLT wrap, and Gravy Danger fries with gravy, bacon and cheese.
548 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days. 207-541-9097, tacoescobarr.com. $5-$18. No reservations.
A funky downtown taqueria offering tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burritos and more. Crowd pleasers include the puffy tacos, chipotle sweet potato taquitos and fish tacos.
333 Clarks Pond Parkway, South Portland. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 207-828-6677, tajofmaine.com. $6-$19. Reservations available online.
Renowned for its bountiful all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, Taj also offers a wide selection of tasty Indian fare at budget-friendly price points for lunch and dinner. Fan favorites include the samosas, butter chicken, masala dosa and chicken tikka masala.
782 Forest Ave., Portland. 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days. 207-828-1114, online menu. $9-$21. No reservations.
Longstanding Vietnamese restaurant near Woodfords Corner offering a variety of pho, vermicelli dishes, fried rice and other hot entrees, as well as pan-Asian selections like pad Thai and lo mein. Regulars swear by the rare beef salad, beef pho and stir-fried chicken with Chinese broccoli.
18 Hampshire St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. 207-536-1285, tomasoscanteen.com. $9-$18. No reservations.
A friendly, no-frills neighborhood bar in the East End, Tomaso’s serves up a menu of pub grub classics like wings, burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches and their house special sausages. Fan faves include loaded Dump Truck Fries, mac & cheese and The Costanza reuben.
Posted inCommunity, News, Outdoors, Schools & Education
The group from Skowhegan Area High School’s outdoor leadership program built tables for the overlook in Dallas Plantation.
The loons are back and nesting on lakes statewide and we need your help to monitor their population! Every year since 1983, hundreds of volunteers have gone out to lakes and ponds across Maine on the third Saturday in July. These volunteers submit data about the number of loons they observe from 7 to 7:30 am, which gives us an excellent “snapshot” of the loon population. The Annual Loon Count allows us to monitor how the number of adults and chicks has changed over the past 40 years and make sure we know how to best protect their population!
This year, the Loon Count will take place on Saturday, July 18. We encourage you to join a group of over 1,800 volunteers and help us count the number of loons in Maine! The Loon Count occurs on lakes and ponds all across the state and volunteers can survey by boat or shore (you don’t have to have a boat to take part!).
If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact us at conserve@maineaudubon.org and tell us if there’s a specific lake or area you’d like to survey. We are always aiming to expand our coverage across the state and particularly encourage volunteers in northern Maine to get involved!
The deadline to sign up for the Annual Loon Count is July 10, so please reach out as soon as possible.
If you can’t make it on July 18, or if one day just isn’t enough for you, you can monitor loons throughout the summer.Through our Loon Pair Monitoring project, you can submit observations of breeding loon pairs over several months to help us better understand nest and chick success across Maine. Find out more here >
If talking to people and doing outreach appeals to you, and you’d like to help spread the word about loon conservation, check out our Look Out for Loons outreach program.
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