• What makes Phippsburg a popular destination?
    • Like many other Maine destinations, Phippsburg is synonymous with beach activities and outdoor recreation.
  • Where can you find beautiful beaches in Phippsburg?
    • There are many beautiful beaches to discover in the Popham Beach State Park and on Hermit Island, where camping enthusiasts can pitch a tent and experience the joys of camping right on the beach.
  • What beach activities can visitors enjoy?
    • You can experience a wide variety of enjoyable beach activities, including swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, fishing, and shelling, to name but a few.
  • What other attractions and activities are available?
    • Other activities include exploring two historic forts at the mouth of the Kennebec River, bird-watching and nature observation at the Bates Morse Mountain Conservation Area, or enjoyable sightseeing cruises in Casco Bay.

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1. Popham Beach State Park


Walk along sandy shores, enjoy scenic ocean views during summer.

Popham Beach State Park

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  • What is Popham Beach State Park?
    • Popham Beach State Park covers a whopping 605 acres along the Atlantic coastline and is a treasured day-use recreational area for Phippsburg residents and visitors.
  • Where is Popham Beach State Park located?
    • The park borders the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, where geological conditions create a dynamic, changing landscape.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Popham Beach State Park?
    • Visitors can enjoy:
      • Sunbathing
      • Swimming
      • Body-boarding
      • Ocean kayaking
      • Surfing
  • Can visitors walk to Fox Island?
    • Yes, at low tide visitors can walk across to Fox Island.
  • Are there lifeguards at Popham Beach State Park?
    • Yes, lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
  • Are dogs allowed at Popham Beach State Park?
    • Yes, leashed dogs are welcome off-season.
  • What other activities are available?
    • From time to time, the park offers guided tours, and visitors can also enjoy fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
  • Where is Popham Beach State Park located?
    • Popham Beach State Park, 711 Popham Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-389-1335

2. Fort Popham State Historical Site


Explore Civil War-era ruins, admire river views and historic architecture.

Fort Popham State Historical Site

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  • What is Fort Popham?
    • Fort Popham is a coastal defense fortification dating back to the Civil War era. It is located at the mouth of the Kennebec River.
  • When was Fort Popham built?
    • The fort was built around 1861 using granite blocks quarried from nearby Fox Island.
  • What is the structure of Fort Popham?
    • Fort Popham was built in a crescent shape with a 9m high wall facing the river mouth and was armed with six guns.
  • Did Fort Popham see any military action?
    • The fort saw very little action during its time of operation.
  • Can visitors explore Fort Popham?
    • Yes, today visitors can explore the remains of the fort on a self-guided tour.
  • Are there informational resources available at the site?
    • Yes, there are several information stations that tell the story of the fort and how it was constructed.
  • Are there picnic facilities at Fort Popham?
    • Yes, there are picnic tables outside the fort, overlooking the scenic river mouth.
  • Where is Fort Popham located?
    • Fort Popham State Historical Site, 10 Perkins Farm Lane, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-389-1335

3. Hermit Island


Camp by the coast, explore hiking trails and quiet beaches.

Hermit Island

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  • What is Hermit Island?
    • Located on the edge of Casco Bay, Hermit Island is a seasonal campground where beach and nature lovers can set up camp to enjoy the best of the bay.
  • Where is the Hermit Island Campground located?
    • The campground is situated within easy reach of several long stretches of beautiful beaches.
  • What is the main beach at Hermit Island?
    • The main beach near the entrance to the campground is called Head Beach.
  • Are there hiking trails on Hermit Island?
    • Yes, the island is crisscrossed by a network of trails that lead explorers to several other beautiful beaches.
  • Can visitors bring or rent boats?
    • Visitors are welcome to bring their own sea kayaks, and rowboats and canoes are available for rental.
  • What facilities are available at Hermit Island?
    • Facilities include:
      • Bathrooms
      • Pool table
      • Video games
      • Outdoor ping-pong
      • Volleyball
  • Can visitors buy food and supplies on the island?
    • Yes, visitors can stock up on groceries at the camp store or enjoy meals at the Snack Bar.
  • Where is Hermit Island located?
    • Hermit Island, 6 Hermit Island Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-443-5101

4. Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area


Hike scenic trails, admire panoramic views of salt marshes and ocean.

Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area

© Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area

  • What is the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area?
  • What wildlife can be found in the conservation area?
    • The conservation is home to a wealth of rare plant and bird species, including nesting sites of the endangered piping plover.
  • Who visits the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area for studies?
    • The conservation area welcomes over 1000 school and college students each year for environmental studies.
  • Is the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area open to the public?
    • Yes, the conservation area is open to the public and offers a wonderful beach and hiking destination for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts.
  • When can visitors hike at the conservation area?
    • You are welcome to hike from dawn to dusk throughout the year.
  • Is parking available at the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area?
    • Yes, parking is available close by.
  • Where is the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area located?
    • Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, 372 Morse Mountain Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-786-6202

5. Fort Baldwin State Historic Site


Discover historic fortifications, enjoy peaceful views from scenic overlooks.

Fort Baldwin State Historic Site

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  • What is Fort Baldwin?
    • Like Fort Popham, Fort Baldwin was a coastal defense fortification located near the mouth of the Kennebec River.
  • When was Fort Baldwin built?
    • Fort Baldwin was built somewhat later, in 1905, near the top of Sabino Hill and originally encompassed three gun batteries.
  • How was Fort Baldwin used during World War I?
    • During WWI, Fort Baldwin and Fort Popham together housed a garrison of 200 soldiers.
  • When was Fort Baldwin disarmed?
    • The fort was disarmed in 1924 but was later used again during WWII.
  • How can visitors reach Fort Baldwin?
    • Visitors can reach the fort via a steep but gradual 10-minute hike from the parking area.
  • What remains of Fort Baldwin today?
    • The ruins of the old fort are still pretty much intact, but the tower, which was added in the 1940s to enable lookouts to spot German U-boats, has been sealed off.
  • What views does Fort Baldwin offer?
    • Although the site is now somewhat overgrown, it still offers excellent views of Fort Popham across the river.
  • Where is Fort Baldwin located?
    • Fort Baldwin State Historic Site, 46 Fort Baldwin Road, Phippsburg, ME 04562, Phone: 207-389-1335


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming coastal landscapes. The 1774 Inn – A charming and historic waterfront bed & breakfast. Visit Popham Beach State Park – Enjoy scenic ocean views and sandy shores.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for beach and boating activities. Sebasco Harbor Resort – A relaxing stay with oceanfront views and golf. Take a boat tour to Seguin Island Lighthouse – Explore Maine’s second-oldest lighthouse.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and breathtaking autumn foliage. Small Point Bed & Breakfast – A cozy and scenic retreat. Drive along Route 209 – Experience stunning fall colors along the coastal roads.

Plan Your Trip


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