How to Plan a Day Trip to Breathtaking “Lands End”

That is a lot of what I really like about Maine. The rugged wilderness. The untamed Atlantic. A string of islands near Harpswell’s shore made from shoal and sediment and sand—and perfumed by wild roses that someway handle to take root. So, it ought to come as no shock that the charming, ocean-swept Bailey’s Island makes a unprecedented vacation spot. Study why you may wish to plan a day journey (or longer) to Bailey Island Maine with a go to to scenic “Land’s Finish,” too.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this put up in July of 2022 to maintain it present and add new data.

CONTENTS: On this article, you’ll be taught every thing it is advisable learn about planning a visit to Bailey Island Maine, together with:

Our Go to to Bailey Island Maine

My mom and I, together with my college-age son, took a street journey to Maine. We spent the higher a part of a day exploring Bailey Island in Harpswell earlier than assembly pals for dinner.

We might have lingered for much longer.

Bailey Island makes for a fantastic scenic street journey in itself or mixed with different stops alongside an extended scenic Maine drive. It’s additionally a wonderful vacation spot for inflatable kayaks and all kinds of different out of doors actions.

As it’s all saltwater at Bailey Island, you’ll be able to decide yours from the listing of best inflatable kayaks for ocean.

Like at many coastal cities on the rugged Maine Shoreline, you’ll be able to anticipate finding lovely surroundings, quaint New England fishing communities, and an impartial lifestyle.

The area is house to a number of the few remaining working harbors on the Maine coast.

Preserve studying to be taught all about this lovely vacation spot, and why you’ll get pleasure from visiting Baily Island, Maine.

Associated Article: Journey additional inland to find picturesque Bethel, Maine.

The place is Bailey Island Maine

You’ll discover Bailey Island within the Better Portland and Casco Bay area of Maine. It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive (50 miles) from Portland, and 15 miles south of Brunswick, Maine.

From Boston, it’s 140 miles by automobile.

Bailey Island is considered one of three islands—Bailey Island, Orrs Island, and Sebascodegan or “Nice Island.” Every is linked to the mainland or one another by bridge.

The islands make up the city of Harpswell.

Extra particularly, Bailey Island is a part of the 216 miles of rocky shoreline that contains Harpswell Neck.

It’s additionally the final cease on Route 24.

Historical past of Bailey Island

Often known as “Newaggin” when settled within the 1600s, Bailey Island is the smallest of the three islands. It’s an enthralling coastal city in New England with a year-round inhabitants of simply 400. (Supply: 2000 Census).

The identify of the island is for Deacon Timothy Bailey of Massachusetts.

Bailey is claimed to have purchased the island in 1750 for 1 pound of tobacco and 1 gallon of rum. Then, he named the island for himself.

How you can Get to Bailey Island Maine

There are two methods to get to Bailey island: by land or by sea.

With a purpose to get there from the mainland, it’s essential to journey Route 24 throughout the Cribstone Bridge. This bridge is the one considered one of its variety on this planet. Extra on that, under.

Associated: Earlier than you hit the street, make certain you think about the pros and cons of traveling by car.

Crossing The Cribstone Bridge

Inbuilt 1927, the slender Cribstone Bridge is made solely of huge stacked granite blocks. The bridge is a historic civil engineering landmark, listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

It’s 1,122 toes lengthy and gravity alone holds collectively the blocks. This distinctive design permits water to stream freely by the open cells with out disturbing the construction because the tide adjustments.

The Cribstone bridge connects the islands of Bailey Island and Orr’s Island within the city of Harpswell.

We pulled over within the dust lot to the suitable earlier than crossing to take some images and to observe the boats gracing the waterway. (If the sunshine isn’t proper, you’ll be able to all the time use a photo retoucher to right the shot.)

For those who’re in search of a chew to eat overlooking the water, Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home is correct across the nook from the bridge.

How you can Get to Bailey Island Maine by Sea

The opposite technique to get to Bailey Island is by sea.

Casco Bay Strains provides scenic excursions departing from Portland, ME. Amongst others, the excursions embody Bailey Island and Mackerel Cove or Eagle Island. Each excursions present for a 2-hour layover on Bailey Island for lunch at Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home.

You may as well arrive by sea on a crusing constitution, lobster tour, and even constitution your individual non-public tour.

Listed here are just a few choices you may think about for arriving at Bailey Island by sea:

• Tevake Crusing Charters
• Casco Bay Websites-N-Lights
• West Wind Lobster Excursions

Associated Article: Learn our evaluate of this great lobster tour departing from Portland, Maine.

What to See and Do On Bailey Island Maine

As you’ll be able to think about, the tempo is slower, right here on Bailey Island. It’s an excellent vacation spot for somebody who likes to meander about, taking in beautiful ocean views, consuming the freshest seafood, and having fun with unbelievable photograph alternatives.

My suggestion is to simply take your time to casually discover this quaint little island by yourself.

However when you desire a extra strong plan, there are a selection of points of interest you may put in your itinerary.

In reality, let’s go forward and design a treasure hunt for you, although you’re more likely to come upon many of those points of interest your self.

Bailey Island Maine Treasure Hunt

Listed in random order

• Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home
• Bailey Island Bridge
• Bailey Island Seaside
• “BIGS” – Bailey Island Normal Retailer
• Casco Bay
• Mackerel Cove (one of the vital photographed locations in Maine)
• Giants Stairway Path
• Betty’s Seaside Creations
• Abner Level
• Big Stairs Grille
• Bailey Island Lobster Co.
• Glen’s Lobsters
• Johnson Discipline Protect at Mackeral Cove
• MacIntosh Lot Protect
• Garrison Cove
• Harpswell Honey
• Harpswell Heritage Land Belief (numerous trails)
• Cedar Seaside
• Morse’s Cribstone Grill
• Land’s Finish Present Store

One in all my favourite scenic stops is Land’s Finish.

To get there, comply with alongside Route 24 till it actually ends. You’ll know you’re getting shut whenever you see an indication that warns “Highway Ends 500 toes.”

Associated Article: Discover out what to pack for a Fall Journey to New England here.

Take A Facet Journey to Close by Portland Maine

And in case you have a little bit of time, positively cease by Portland Maine in your technique to Bailey Island.

Whilst you’re in Portland, you’ll be able to participate in an amazing, 2.5-hour historical tour of the area. Tickets begin at $40 per particular person and embody professional commentary on over two-hundred years of historical past from a neighborhood information.

You’ll begin the tour on Industrial Road. Then, you’ll take a leisurely stroll by the city’s many cobblestone lanes as you discover the Previous Port. Lastly, you’ll find yourself on the downtown waterfront space in Portland.

Alongside the best way, you’ll admire the city’s well-known lobster statue, see the previous residence of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, go to the Japanese cemetery, cease by the Abyssinian Church, and finish the day with a complimentary candy deal with from a neighborhood meals vendor.

Portland Maine is a good place to go to. It’s ony about an hour’s drive from Bailey Island.

From Portland, you may even plan a fast visit to the quaint Peaks Island.

What’s Land’s Finish in Harpswell ME?

Land’s Finish is a scenic vacation spot on the southernmost tip of Bailey Island.

At Land’s Finish, you’ll discover mesmerizing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Turnip Island, and Jaquish Island. You’ll additionally see a myriad of different small outcroppings on the horizon. (Enjoyable Reality: About 200 islands of Harpswell are reachable solely by boat.)

You’ll additionally discover the “Maine Lobsterman” sculpture, in addition to slender strolling paths alongside the shale.

The view is particularly breathtaking from the deck of the Land’s Finish Present Store—to not be confused with the mail-order clothes catalog.

The place to Park at Land’s Finish

You’ll discover two free parking heaps subsequent to and throughout from Lands’ Finish Present Store.

Plus, it’s price noting that if nature calls, you should utilize the transportable restrooms within the first parking zone subsequent to the present store.

Exploring Land’s Finish

Whereas visiting Land’s Finish, you may select to:

• Calm down on the small, sea-glass strewn Bailey Island Seaside
• Watch the boats cruise Casco Bay
• Admire the long-lasting ‘Maine Lobsterman’, a bronze statue created for the 1939 World’s Honest
• Stroll alongside the rocky path ending on the Big’s Stairway
• Cool off and store the present retailer for distinctive Maine-made souvenirs

At Land’s Finish, comply with the trail that meanders alongside the shoreline to benefit from the beautiful views of Casco Bay. Chances are you’ll even catch a glimpse of seals, seabirds, and different sea life.

Right here’s a fantastic aerial video of the realm to offer you a style of the pure magnificence you’ll be able to count on whereas visiting Land’s Finish:

For those who comply with alongside the coastal path, I’m instructed you’ll arrive at what’s identified regionally as “The Giants Steps.” This can be a pure rock formation that appears like stairs main all the way down to the ocean. (Tip: Be careful for poison ivy.)

On the path, you’ll encounter a small rocky seashore referred to as Pinnacle Rock. That’s the place you’ll wish to hold your eyes out for lovely sea glass.

You’ll be able to look ahead to the waves crashing in “Thunder Gap,” too.

A Should-See: The Present Store

Land’s Finish has a big present store with home-made fudge, mild snacks, water, and an in depth choice of Maine-made souvenirs.

Two flooring are full of artisan items, trinkets, t-shirts, and extra, crafted by almost 100 Maine artisans. Belief me, you’ll wish to spend a while right here to take all of it in. That is memento heaven.

Land’s Finish Present Store has been owned and run by the Hutchins household since 1959. It was initially a small snack bar and retailer opened by Ed Hutchin’s grandparents within the Thirties.

The constructing was absolutely transformed in 1978 after a harmful January storm.

Right this moment, Land’s Finish is run by Ruby and Ed’s son, Howard Hutchins, alongside together with his spouse Karen.

As well as, the store supplies loads of benches on the wraparound deck (alive with whirligigs) overlooking the waterfront. It’s an ideal resting level if you wish to sit comfortably and take within the view of Casco Bay.

That’s what I did. I cherished catching some rays right here, sipping a ginger beer, and taking all of it in.

Finest Time of Yr to Go to Land’s Finish Present Store

Regardless of Harpswell’s repute as a seasonal neighborhood, Land’s Finish Present Store is open seven days per week from April by October. It’s additionally open on weekends in December, college trip week in February, and weekends in March.

New England winters may be bitter chilly, particularly on the coast. A go to to Land’s Finish within the spring, summer season, or fall is likely to be the higher timing.

Land’s Finish Seaside

Adjoining to Land’s Finish Present Retailer, you’ll discover the diminutive Land’s Finish Seaside. Just some steps down from the small parking zone, it’s identified for sea glass and its beautiful views of the ocean.

You may additionally get pleasure from swimming within the comfortable sandy backside seashore. However bear in mind, the ocean water at Maine seashores may be chilly!

This seashore reveals numerous sea glass at low tide. For the most effective likelihood to seek out some sea glass on your assortment, examine the tide charts. Then, plan to reach an hour or two earlier than low tide.

The place to Keep on Bailey Island

After we visited this space, we have been staying within the close by city of Brunswick. This was a fantastic day journey, however I might have simply been persuaded to in a single day on Bailey Island.

Along with a number of cottages on the island, you may think about considered one of these wonderful lodging selections.

Bailey Island Motel

Simply over the Cribstone Bridge and on the water’s edge, is Bailey Island Motel.

This can be a nice family-friendly possibility inside strolling distance to widespread points of interest. You’ll discover decks overlooking the water, night campfires, and complimentary use of their kayaks, too.

Waterside rooms at this modest however snug motel are well-priced at $130 per evening and embody complimentary breakfast.

A typical breakfast at Bailey Island Motel consists of espresso, tea, and scrumptious, freshly baked muffins. You’ll additionally get pleasure from cable TV, free Wi-Fi, ocean views, mini-fridges, and entry to a non-public dock.

Click to see Bailey Island Motel Rates & Availability.

Log Cabin Island Inn

You’ll discover breathtaking sundown views of the bay and a firsthand take a look at lobster boats at Log Cabin Island Inn.

Plus, every room is uniquely styled. Some suites are fairly spacious with full kitchens and a jacuzzi. All are well-appointed.

For those who keep at Log Cabin Island Inn, you’ll get pleasure from a full complimentary breakfast. You may additionally go for a scrumptious dinner along with your keep, too.

Click to see Log Cabin Island Rates & Availability.

The Driftwood Inn

The Driftwood Inn is the oldest inn on Bailey Island. It has been in steady operation for over 100 years.

It provides pristine, non-public cabins for hire on their three-acre oceanfront location overlooking lovely Casco Bay. Internet hosting consists of housekeeping providers and using their saltwater swimming pool.

Or, hire “The Mansion,” which accurately sleeps a full home of as much as 16 company.

Click to See The Driftwood Inn Rates & Availability.

Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson Home

Maybe one of the vital luxurious lodging on Bailey Island is the Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson Home.

It comfortably hosts as much as ten company, making it good for household holidays and occasions.

Every room consists of ensuite bogs, luxurious linens, and comfortable sitting areas. They provide totally different view of the inlets and sounds surrounding the island.

The wrap-around deck supplies out of doors eating with a fuel grill and a three-burner outdoors vary. Plus, you’ll wish to take a look at the rooftop deck full with a moist bar.

You may even be tempted to hire this property for a month at a time.

Click to see Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson House Rates & Availability.

Last Ideas

Bailey Island makes a memorable day journey when you occur to be inside driving distance of Harpswell, Maine.

And when you’re additional away, even higher. Plan to remain over on the island so you’ll be able to absolutely expertise the relaxed vibe, coastal magnificence, and “Down East” hospitality you’re positive to come across.

Do you’re keen on Maine’s coastal islands, like I do? You then may wish to take a look at this text about Peaks Island, too!

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This text could include affiliate hyperlinks. As all the time, all opinions expressed are my very own. For extra data, please see the next Disclosure.

Assets

In alphabetical order

Bailey Island Normal Retailer (“BIGS”)

2124 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone:  +1 (207) 833-2400
More Info

Bailey Island Lobster Co.

51 Abner Level Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: (207) 833-6099

Bailey Island Motel

1951 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
+1 (207) 833-2886
Web site: baileyislandmotel.com
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Check Rates & Availability

Betty’s Seaside Creations

47 Washington Avenue
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone:  +1 (207) 833-6645
More Info

Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson Home

1965 Harpswell Islands Rd
Bailey Island, ME 04003-2573
Telephone: +1 (207) 541-9187
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Check Rates & Availability

Casco Bay Strains

P.O. Field 4656
Portland, ME
04112-4656
Telephone: +1 (207) 774-7871
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Web site: https://www.cascobaylines.com/

Casco Bay Websites-N-Lights

1945 Harpswell Island Highway
Bailey Island, Me. 04003
Telephone: Cell – +1 (207) 837-1788 | House – +1 (207) 406-2124
electronic mail: [email protected]
Web site: https://cascobaysightseeing.com/

Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home

68 Garrison Cove Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-2818
Menu: https://www.cookslobster.com/

Driftwood Inn

1958 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003, USA
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5461
Electronic mail: [email protected] | [email protected]
Check Rates & Availability

Big Stairs Seafood Grille

2118 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5000
More Info

Glen’s Lobsters

Abner Level Rd
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-6138
More Info

Harpswell Honey

W. Shore Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5858

Lands Finish Present Store

2391 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-2313
Electronic mail: [email protected]

Log Cabin Island Inn

5 Log Cabin Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5546
Check Rates & Availablity

Morse’s Cribstone Grill

1945 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone:  +1 (207) 833-7775
Menu: https://www.morsescribstonegrill.net/

Tevake Crusing Charters

Sea Escape Charters 
3 Sea Escape Lane
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 841-9125 (cell) | +1 (207) 833-5531
Web site: https://seaescapecottages.com/sailing-charters/

West Wind Lobster Excursions

1945 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 939-5481
Web site: https://www.westwindlobstertours.com/

Continuously Requested Questions About Bailey Island, Maine

Beneath are solutions to a number of the commonest questions on Bailey Island.

What city is Bailey Island in?

You’ll discover Bailey Island within the city of Harpswell, Maine. It’s a part of Cumberland County. This charming little city proper on the coast overlooking Casco Bay. Bailey Island is–as you may need guessed–an island. It’s linked to the mainland by a Cribstone bridge you’ll be able to drive over.

How lengthy is Bailey Island Maine?

Bailey Island Maine may be very drivable at 2.5 miles lengthy and only a half mile large. You’ll discover scenic vistas nearly in all places.

What’s Land’s Finish in Maine?

On the southern tip of Bailey Island, you’ll discover Land’s Finish. This scenic vacation spot provides superb views to the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to views to smaller islands and outcroppings, like Jaquish Island and Turnip Island. Trails wrap round this a part of the rugged Maine shoreline, good for strolling to get pleasure from a nature break and wildlife. Or, cease into the present store for some souvenirs and a cool beverage.

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