Exploring the Maine Coastline

Kennebunkport, ME

This is a scenic & interesting place to visit, plus we had a fantastic dinner with some old friends of ours. Situated on the southern coast of Maine, is a charming seaside town renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and vibrant coastal culture. Visitors flock to its sandy beaches, like Goose Rocks Beach and Gooch's Beach, for sunbathing and water activities. The town's Dock Square offers a delightful mix of boutiques, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. Kennebunkport is also famous for its stately mansions, including the Bush family compound at Walker's Point. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge or take scenic boat tours along the rugged coastline. Kennebunkport offers a quintessential New England coastal experience.

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People visit the iconic L.L. Bean store in Freeport, Maine, for its unique shopping experience, outdoor inspiration, and immersive brand history. Established in 1912, this flagship store is open 24/7, 365 days a year, offering a landmark experience for outdoor enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. The store spans multiple buildings, each dedicated to specific categories, including apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, and home goods.

One of the main attractions is the store's outdoor discovery programs, which provide hands-on experiences like kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, and fly-casting. Visitors often come for these classes to learn new skills under expert guidance and with high-quality equipment. The L.L. Bean campus also includes family-friendly activities, such as trout ponds, a 16-foot-tall boot sculpture, and beautiful seasonal displays, making it a favorite destination for families and travelers exploring New England.

Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine, is a charming town celebrated for its coastal beauty and proximity to Acadia National Park. Established in the 18th century, it evolved into a popular tourist destination with a vibrant downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and galleries. Serving as the gateway to Acadia, visitors can explore scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and landmarks like Cadillac Mountain. The town also offers boat tours, whale watching, and opportunities to savor fresh seafood. Bar Harbor's rich maritime history and stunning natural surroundings make it a delightful blend of culture, recreation, and coastal allure.

Want to read more about Bar Harbor? Then click here to view our Bar Harbor page.

Acadia National Park in Maine is a natural masterpiece, encompassing 49,075 acres of rugged coastal beauty. Established in 1919, it is renowned for its granite peaks, pristine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Cadillac Mountain offers the first glimpse of sunrise in the United States, a captivating experience. The park's network of hiking trails, including the iconic Jordan Pond Path, provides access to panoramic vistas and serene landscapes. Coastal wonders like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach add to the allure. Visitors can explore carriage roads, bike trails, and engage in birdwatching, making Acadia a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking the wonders of the Maine wilderness.

Want to read more about Acadia National Park? Then click here to view our Acadia National Park page.

Sand Beach, located within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine, is a stunning coastal gem. Known for its unique blend of sandy shores and rugged cliffs, the beach offers a picturesque escape. The crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand is framed by pink granite formations and surrounded by evergreen forests. Despite its name, the water can be chilly, as it's part of the colder northern Atlantic. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, picnics, and exploration of nearby trails like the Great Head Trail. The beach, with its scenic vistas and tidal pools, exemplifies the natural beauty of the Maine coastline.

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As you can see on the map (click the map link above), Schoodic Peninsula is only 4 miles east of Bar Harbor by boat or bird, but it is 48 miles by road. We had decided to explore that side of the Acadia National Park, because we felt that it would not be as crowded as Bar Harbor and because there were some interesting hikes and a beautiful point.

Schoodic Peninsula comprises 5% of the Acadia National Park, and it is similar in that it is heavily forested with a lot of rocky geography. As can be seen in some of the images below, the black color granite was caused by later volcanic activity - that black granite is called diabase or black igneous rock. Those black rock areas are over 200 million years old !

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The Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Maine is a marvel of engineering and a striking architectural landmark. Spanning the Penobscot River, it connects Prospect and Verona Island, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Notably, the bridge features an observation tower, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, rising 420 feet above sea level. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for unparalleled vistas of the river, mountains, and coastal scenery. Completed in 2006, this cable-stayed bridge serves as a vital transportation link and a unique attraction, providing a memorable experience for both motorists and sightseers.

Penobscot River Bridge

This beautiful view of the Penobscot River was taken from the Tower Observatory at the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, offering a breathtaking perspective of the river winding its way south toward Penobscot Bay. The vast expanse of water below reflects the surrounding forested hills, a characteristic landscape of coastal Maine.

n the image, you can see Route 1 on the right-hand side, the highway we will soon take as we continue our journey back to Manchester, New Hampshire. This road follows a scenic path through charming small towns, rugged coastlines, and wooded areas, making it one of the most picturesque drives in New England.

Standing in the observatory, 420 feet above the river, it’s easy to appreciate the beauty and scale of the Penobscot River, a vital waterway that has played a key role in Maine’s history, particularly in the shipbuilding and lumber industries. The view feels both serene and awe-inspiring, offering a moment of reflection before we hit the road once more.

View North from Tower Observatory

This is a sweeping view of the Penobscot River, looking north from the Tower Observatory atop the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. In the distance, you can spot the quaint town of Bucksport, nestled along the riverbank with its charming homes and historic downtown area.

To the left of the river, partially hidden by the dense Maine forest, you can catch a glimpse of Fort Knox, a well-preserved 19th-century granite fortification that stands guard over the river. Constructed in the mid-1800s to defend against potential British naval threats, Fort Knox is a fascinating piece of American military history and a must-visit site in this area.

Bucksport, our next destination, sits directly across the river from Fort Knox and has a rich maritime history. The town’s scenic riverfront, complete with a charming waterfront walkway and historic sites, is a perfect spot to explore after taking in these panoramic views from the tower.

Fort Knox from Bridge Tower

This is a closer and clearer view of Fort Knox, as seen from the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory. The fort, constructed between 1844 and 1869, stands as one of the best-preserved examples of coastal defense architecture in the United States. Built entirely from granite sourced from nearby quarries, it was designed to protect the Penobscot River Valley from potential British attacks following conflicts during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

Despite its imposing presence and strategic location, Fort Knox never saw active combat. No enemy forces ever threatened the region again after its construction, leaving the fort as a historical curiosity rather than a battlefield. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of Maine's early efforts to safeguard its coastal and inland waterways, while offering visitors a chance to explore its massive walls, underground tunnels, and scenic overlooks of the Penobscot River.

From this vantage point atop the tower, the fort’s star-shaped layout and formidable granite walls can be fully appreciated.