8 day trip end of May/beginning of June

Question

We are traveling to Maine for 8 days (plus spending 2 nights in Boston first). Kids 5, 7, 9. We have four nights booked at Terramor in Acadia. For the in between 3 nights, where would you recommend? Ogunquit or somewhere else? Is there enough to do on the beaches (not getting in the water) but looking for sea glass, playing on rocks, etc? Is there a place that is better to do whale watching out of? Thank you for the help!

Answer

Your 8-day trip to Maine sounds wonderful, especially with the time spent in Acadia! For the 3 nights in between your stay at Terramor, both Ogunquit and other towns along the coast offer excellent options. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Ogunquit is a great choice if you're looking for a charming coastal town with a laid-back vibe. The beaches in Ogunquit are beautiful and perfect for walking, playing on the rocks, and searching for sea glass. The town also has a nice selection of family-friendly activities, such as:

Ogunquit Beach – This is a wide, sandy beach where kids can enjoy exploring the tidal pools and playing on the rocks. It's a great spot for collecting sea glass, especially after a storm.
Marginal Way – A scenic coastal walking path with stunning views of the Atlantic. It's an easy walk for kids and leads you along the rugged coastline, with plenty of opportunities for rock climbing and exploring tide pools.
Ogunquit Playhouse – If you're interested in an indoor activity, the Ogunquit Playhouse offers family-friendly performances, which could be fun for your kids.

As for whale watching, Ogunquit is not the prime location for that. However, you can find whale watching tours from nearby towns like Bar Harbor (near Acadia) and Boothbay Harbor on the Midcoast, both of which offer exceptional whale watching opportunities.

Alternative Locations to Ogunquit:

Boothbay Harbor – If you're looking for more outdoor adventure and a quieter atmosphere than Ogunquit, Boothbay Harbor is a fantastic choice. It's known for its scenic harbor views and more secluded beaches. From here, you can easily access whale watching tours, as several local companies depart from Boothbay Harbor. The town itself is small but charming, with plenty of opportunities for boat tours, nature walks, and coastal exploration.
Camden – Located a little further up the coast, Camden is a lovely small town known for its picturesque harbor and hiking trails. It's another great option for kids, with Camden Hills State Park offering excellent hiking (with views of the bay) and rocky beaches for exploring. You can also take boat tours for scenic views and potential whale watching.
Rockport – Another lovely town near Camden, Rockport offers scenic views, a few small beaches, and art galleries. It's quieter than Ogunquit but still offers plenty of charm and opportunities for family activities.

Whale Watching – If you're specifically looking for whale watching, Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor are your best bets. Both locations offer a variety of whale watching tours where you can spot humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales, among other marine life. If you're traveling with kids, many tours are family-friendly and have knowledgeable guides who can keep the kids engaged.

Ultimately, Ogunquit is a great option for a beach-focused experience with kids, especially if you're interested in playing on the rocks and looking for sea glass. If you're looking for more of an adventure or wish to go whale watching, Boothbay Harbor or Bar Harbor may be better options. All of these locations are relatively close to each other, so you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Maine’s coastline no matter where you stay!

8 day trip end of May/beginning of June

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