Spring on the Pemaquid Peninsula in Midcoast Maine offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Below is a structured guide featuring ten highlights to experience during this vibrant season.
1. Puffin Cruise
Hardy Boat Cruises launches its Puffin Cruise on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The cruises provide a unique opportunity to observe puffins, which arrive at the end of April and depart in mid-August. For more details, visit Hardy Boat Puffin Cruises & Ferry to Monhegan Island.
2. Sea Kayaking
Maine Kayak offers sea kayaking adventures with options ranging from 2-hour excursions to full-day guided trips. Explore the scenic coastline and waterways of Midcoast Maine. For trip information, see Maine Sea Kayaking Trips – Midcoast, Maine.
3. Maine Maritime Museum
The Maine Maritime Museum features a collection of buildings and exhibits that document Maine’s maritime history. Enjoy guided tours and demonstrations, including cruises starting mid-May that explore local lighthouses, nature, and the unique ecosystem of Merrymaking Bay—a confluence of six rivers. The museum also offers narrated trolley and cruise tours of Bath Iron Works (BIW) by land and sea.
4. Farnsworth Art Museum
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland presents an impressive collection of over 15,000 works, including pieces by three generations of Wyeths—N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. The museum is collaborating with the Wyeth Center for American Art and the Brandywine Museum to provide access to more than 7,000 Wyeth works.
Opening May 2, 2026, “The Worlds of Betsey James Wyeth” exhibition explores the designer’s contributions to historical restoration, architecture, and interior collecting, as well as her creative partnership with Andrew Wyeth.
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the museum presents “MAINE: A Force Within American Art (1890–2026),” a major initiative that highlights Maine’s influence on American art and honors artists who have shaped the nation’s artistic legacy.
5. Old Bristol Historical Society
The Old Bristol Historical Society (OBHS) History Center opens in mid-May, featuring the renovated historical Pemaquid Mill site and a history center displaying many donated Bristol artifacts, photos, and documents. OBHS is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Bristol, Maine. Visitors can view collections or research their own family’s Bristol history.
6. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park opens mid-May and includes a learning center, Fisherman’s Museum, an art gallery, and the iconic lighthouse.
The Fisherman’s Museum operates daily during regular park hours,
The lighthouse tower opens on Memorial Weekend. The tower is managed by Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
7. Pemaquid Craft Co-op
Located in the heart of New Harbor, the Pemaquid Craft Co-op showcases juried crafts in 15 rooms from over 50 local crafters. The diverse selection includes pottery, jewelry, photography, fine art, quilts, decorative painting, baby items, wood and epoxy furniture, stained glass, jams, chocolate pops, pillows, pet items, weaving, lamps, knitting, soap, baskets, and more. There are also two rooms filled with Christmas items.
8. New Harbor Art Galleries
- Saltwater Artists Gallery: Opens May 22, 2026. Over 25 jury-selected artists display work in painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, woodturning, glass, jewelry, fiber art, and pottery. Located across the street from the Inn.
- Sally Caldwell Fisher Gallery: Features new original paintings and works created over the years, right in New Harbor.
- Chesebro Gallery: Mark Chesebro paints realistic fine art pieces inspired by Maine, using oil and watercolor.
- Pemaquid Art Gallery: Located in Lighthouse Park, this gallery features 32 juried artists residing in Lincoln County, Maine.
9. Pemaquid Beach Park
The park’s facilities officially open on June 1, but visitors can enjoy the beach beforehand. Experience the beautiful views, explore tide pools, and relax by the ocean. Ask us for beach chairs, beach towels and blankets. You can also schedule in advance to have a picnic lunch prepared when booking your room.
10. A Day in Damariscotta
Spend a day exploring the town of Damariscotta and nearby Newcastle. Enjoy local shops, restaurants, and scenic views. Some of our favorite stores include:
- Beach Plum Company: A favorite destination offering a variety of home, garden, and seasonal gift items, always creatively decorated for the season.
- The Kingfisher & The Queen: Specializing in unique vintage finds, housewares, gifts, and children’s items.
- Wildings: A curated plant and lifestyle boutique with a selection of objects for yourself, your garden, and your home.
- Renys: Damariscotta is the birthplace of Renys, founded in October 1949. The founder’s philosophy is to provide high-quality merchandise at the lowest possible price, a tradition that has continued for over 75 years. A must go to store for all that visit!
Book now to make The Bradley Inn your home base for enjoying the Pemaquid Peninsula in the Spring!
Select a warm and inviting room, which includes a full, three course, delicious breakfast.
Stay when the award-winning restaurant is open for an experience that will bring you back time and time again.
