Looking for maritime heritage, quiet coves, and coastal Maine charm? Head to Searsport! Nestled on Penobscot Bay, Searsport is a historic shipbuilding town with a rich seafaring past, beautiful views, and peaceful outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring nautical history, beachcombing, or enjoying lobster by the bay, Searsport is a serene and scenic getaway.
Searsport, ME Highlights:
- For Families: Visit the Penobscot Marine Museum – Discover Maine’s maritime past through historic buildings, ship models, and hands-on exhibits.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike Sears Island – Explore forested trails and quiet beaches on one of the largest undeveloped islands on the East Coast.
- For Kids: Hunt for sea glass at Mosman Park Beach – A great family-friendly beach with picnic tables and stunning bay views.
- For an Adventure: Paddle Penobscot Bay by kayak – Launch from the harbor and explore calm waters and nearby inlets.
- For Shoppers: Browse coastal antiques and local crafts – Find treasures in Searsport’s antique stores, galleries, and roadside shops.
Best Time to Visit Searsport, ME
The best time to visit Searsport is from June through October. Summer offers the warmest weather for coastal fun and museums, while fall brings colorful foliage, seasonal festivals, and quieter beaches. Spring is also pleasant but cooler and less crowded.
How to Get to Searsport, ME
- By Car: Searsport is located along U.S. Route 1, about 45 minutes from Bangor and 3 hours from Portland.
- By Air: Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the closest airport, approximately 40–45 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: Concord Coach Lines offers bus service to nearby Belfast and Bangor with connections to Searsport by taxi or rideshare.
Where to Stay in Searsport, ME
- Homeport Inn & Tavern – Historic Victorian inn with charming rooms and an onsite tavern serving locally inspired cuisine.
- Yardarm Motel – Classic roadside lodging with cozy rooms and easy access to town and beaches.
- Vacation Rentals – Find ocean-view cottages and quiet retreats perfect for families or couples looking for privacy.
Best Things to Do in Searsport, ME
1. Penobscot Marine Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
Established in 1936 to preserve and showcase the unique maritime history of Maine and the Searsport area, the Penobscot Marine Museum is the oldest of its kind in Maine. The museum complex was designed to resemble a seafaring village in the 19th century and encompasses 13 separate historic (and modern) buildings. As you make your way around the 3-acre campus you will learn all about the tapestry of stories which make up the history of Searsport and her original residents. There are at least 8 buildings which appear on the National Register of Historic Places and a brilliant collection of more than 50 historic small boats and craft.
Penobscot Marine Museum, 2 Church Street, Searsport, ME 04974, Phone: 207-548-2520
2. Sears Island
Located at the top of Penobscot Bay, off the coast of Searsport, Sears Island is unique in that it is the largest uninhabited island on the U.S. East Coast which is accessible via a causeway. Although there have been many attempts to develop the island, thus far sanity has prevailed and the island has been preserved in its natural state. Visitors can access Sears Island via the causeway and spend a wonderful day exploring miles of shoreline and a handful of walking/hiking trails. There is plenty of wildlife to observe and a host of fun recreational activities including beach combing, swimming, kayaking, biking, hiking and trail running in summer and cross-country skiing and snow mobiling in winter.
Sears Island, Penobscot Bay, Searsport, ME 04974
Attractions for Couples
3. Carver Memorial Public Library
Following a very generous donation of books by David Sears Esq. in 1871, it was decided to establish the Sears Public Library. A further book donation by Mrs. George A. Carver greatly enhanced the collection of books and the library was finally built in 1909. The library you can visit today is the result of a massive expansion in 1998, which included the addition of the popular Children’s Room. The library and its services to the community have grown by leaps and bounds since those early days and today most of the collection has been digitized to enable remote research. The library hosts many talks, lectures and events for all ages including story-time for littlies on Fridays at 10.30.
Carver Memorial Public Library, 12 Union Street, Searsport, ME 04974, Phone: 207-548-2303
4. BlueJacket Shipcrafters, Inc.
Hand-crafting fine model ships and boats for more than 100 years, the BlueJacket Shipcrafters, Inc. produce some of the most historically accurate model ships in the world. If you are a hobbyist you will not want to miss a visit to their Model Shop where you can buy all kinds of model-building kits to assemble at home. If you are already the owner of a fine model ship you can have it perfectly cleaned and restored at the Blue Jacket shop. In addition to selling model boat kits the shop also stocks everything you need to get started including instruction books and tools. Once you have completed your masterpiece you can order the perfect pedestal and case from their on-line store.
Blue Jacket Ship Crafters, 160 E. Main Street, Searsport, ME 04974, Phone: 207-548-9974
Plan Your Trip