August in Maine is my absolute favorite time of year—the weather is nothing short of perfection and the options for outdoor fun are unlimited. Hoping to squeeze a quick staycation in before the summer escapes you? Keep the planning simple and maximize family fun in the Boothbay Harbor region of midcoast Maine. Just an hour’s from Portland, you’ll find a treasure trove of activities, outdoor dining, and accommodations that are both family and dog-friendly. The best part? Almost everywhere you go, there’s a stunning oceanfront landscape beckoning to become the backdrop for your next family photo.
One of my top picks in Boothbay Harbor is Linekin Bay Resort, which began as a quintessential summer camp for girls in the 1920s and evolved into a family resort after World War II. Located on picturesque Linekin Point, the 20-acre property offers guests the very best of Maine’s rugged coast aesthetic with a landscape open for exploration.
There’s a myriad of summer activities available at Linekin Bay Resort. Water adventures include sailing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing; popular on-site land activities include tennis, pickleball, beach volleyball, lawn games, and campfire s'mores by the sea—an absolute must for summer nights in Maine. If you’re ready for a more relaxing day, go for a swim in the oceanfront pool or lounge while enjoying a summer read. Children ages 4 to 12 can join Linekin Bay Resort’s Kids Camp, which takes place on the property and is chock full of activities and kid-friendly adventures (think tie-dye, slime-making, tide pool exploring, and more).
Linekin Bay Resort’s accommodations are located in a wooded or water-view setting, and lodging options range from standard hotel style rooms to suites or free standing cabins with one to six bedrooms (not all cabins are updated with modern finishes, and some remain rustic for guests who prefer that experience). The one or two bedroom Rustic Cabins welcome dogs for an additional fifty dollars per stay—just be sure to mention your pup at time of booking.
If you can’t stay overnight or have friends visiting for a day, the resort offers all-access day passes for a flat fee.
The Deck Bar and Grill, Linekin Bay Resort’s on-site restaurant and bar, offers local seafood and a variety of dishes that cater to all ages (including a great children's menu) with live music scheduled in the afternoons and evenings. After eating, kids and teens can retreat to the game area while adults enjoy conversation and remarkable waterfront views.
While you’re in town, be sure to explore the charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants in Boothbay Village. Consider jumping on the complimentary trolley that loops around the harbor—you can hop on and off as you please, and the guided tour is full of fun facts and historical tidbits. For a quintessential Maine adventure, hop on the 15-minute ferry from Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor to Burnt Island Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the state. On the way home, make a stop at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and discover giant trolls hiding in the woods.
Katie Hogan is a nomadic spirit, multi-passionate individual, entrepreneur, and a certified life coach and champion of empowerment, self discovery, and mindset. She is currently developing her latest project, Wonder Love Travel Co., and is the founder, designated broker, and owner of the boutique real estate company Reside In Maine, which serves the greater Portland area and beyond. Find her online: @wonderlovetravelco and @resideinmaine