Boothbay Harbor was settled in the mid-17th century by fishermen and farmers from England.

The area was resettled by the Scottish and Irish farmers in 1729, and eventually the harbor became the known for the excellent fishing as well as shipbuilding, with several naval vessels for both World Wars and the Korean War. Today, Boothbay Harbor is a popular area for summer residents, retired adults, and as a vacation destination.

Visitors to Boothbay Harbor can explore waterfront art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Many special events and festivals happen on the waterfront.

Besides boating, there are also tidal pools, coves, hiking, and botanical gardens that can be explored for outdoor fun. The Boothbay Railway Village is another popular attraction where visitors can board an authentic steam engine. Map