Castine, Maine
By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure
Kristina Blokhin/stock.adobe.com
- Where is Castine, Maine, located?
- The little New England town of Castine, Maine, and the surrounding region represent a coming together of inland and coast.
- What makes Castine’s landscape unique?
- This is a place where naturally beautiful woodlands give way to scenic rolling hills leading to the harbor.
- What is special about Castine’s streets?
- Towering elm trees still overarch several of the streets in this charming spot, located about sixteen miles from Route 1 on a quiet peninsula.
- What activities can visitors enjoy in Castine?
- From kayaking and sailing to seaside dining and historic museums, Castine offers visitors many ways to enjoy the village "Under The Elms And By The Sea."
⮕ Step Into Coastal History at the Castine Historical Society
© Castine Historical Society
- What is the Castine Historical Society?
- Where is the Castine Historical Society located?
- It is housed at the Samuel P. Grindle House and the historic 1859 Abbott School on Castine’s town common.
- What type of building is the Castine Historical Society located in?
- The historical society is inside a photogenic Italianate-style building.
- What types of events does the Castine Historical Society offer?
- The society hosts a variety of historic reenactments, garden and house tours, lectures, summer exhibitions, and permanent exhibits.
- What items are included in the Castine Historical Society’s collection?
- The collection includes a variety of paintings, publications, books, research notes, maps, artifacts, documents, and photographs.
- What does the Castine Historical Society’s collection showcase?
- The collection provides an overview of the development and complicated history of Castine.
17 School St, Castine, ME 04421, Phone: 207-326-4118
⮕ If You Love Hands-On Learning, Explore the Wilson Museum
© Wilson Museum
- What is the Wilson Museum?
- The Wilson Museum is a unique museum located along the waterfront of Castine, featuring an impressive collection of fossils and global artifacts.
- Where is the Wilson Museum located?
- The museum is situated about half a mile west from the dock in Castine, Maine.
- What kind of artifacts does the Wilson Museum display?
- The museum houses a variety of artifacts made by indigenous cultures from around the world.
- What is featured in the Wilson Museum’s main gallery?
- The main gallery showcases objects from Oceania, North America, South America, and Africa, acquired by Dr. John Howard Wilson, a geologist, during his travels.
- What are some of the notable exhibits at the Wilson Museum?
- The museum documents the planet’s evolution of life through exhibits that include:
- 270-million-year-old trilobites
- Elaborate Umbundu headdresses
- Anthropomorphic Peruvian pottery
- Writing tablets from the ancient Mediterranean
120 Perkins St, Castine, ME 04421, Phone: 207-326-9247
⮕ Sail Into Adventure with Guildive Cruises
© Guildive Cruises
- What is Guildive Cruises?
- Guildive Cruises offers a fun and unique way to experience the history and beauty of Maine’s Penobscot Bay from the water.
- What kind of sailing experiences does Guildive Cruises offer?
- Guildive Cruises provide an enchanting experience sailing among the harbors, islands, and coves off the coast of Castine.
- How long are the typical cruises?
- Most cruises are around two hours in length.
- Where do the cruises depart from?
- Cruises depart from both Searsport and Castine.
- What types of excursions does Guildive Cruises offer?
- Excursions include:
- Private charters
- Sunset sailings
- Day excursions
- All aboard a vintage sailing yacht.
- Are longer custom sailings available?
- Yes! Longer custom sailings can be arranged.
- Are refreshments included?
- Yes! Excursions include refreshments.
- Can guests bring their own food and beverages?
- Yes! Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages and food.
15 Sea St, Castine, ME 04421, Phone: 207-701-1421
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather, blooming gardens, and peaceful seaside scenery. |
The Castine Inn – Historic inn offering charming accommodations and harbor views. |
Explore Witherle Woods – Enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and scenic coastal overlooks. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm days perfect for boating, sailing, and outdoor events. |
Pentagoet Inn – Elegant Victorian inn with excellent dining and local charm. |
Visit Dyce Head Lighthouse – Experience picturesque ocean views and maritime history. |
Fall (September-November) – Cool temperatures, spectacular foliage, and quieter streets. |
Manor Inn – Comfortable rooms set in a beautiful historic property. |
Take scenic drives along the coast – Enjoy stunning autumn colors and quiet beaches. |
Winter (December-February) – Cold, snowy landscapes ideal for quiet retreats and relaxation. |
The Blue Hill Inn (nearby Blue Hill) – Cozy accommodations with warm hospitality. |
Explore local shops and museums – Discover Castine’s rich maritime and colonial history. |
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