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
Explore seafaring history and admire nautical exhibits on an affordable, educational family trip.
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
Walk quiet trails and enjoy peaceful coastal views on a relaxing retirement outing.
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
Read local stories and explore historic charm on an easy, quiet weekend visit.
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.
Discover handcrafted model ships and admire unusual maritime artistry on a unique trip.
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
Where to Eat in Searsport, ME
- Coastal Cafe and Bakery – Local favorite for breakfast, sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries, and coffee in a cozy space.
- Homeport Tavern – Farm-to-table seafood and pub classics in a welcoming inn setting.
- Angler’s Restaurant – Family-friendly spot for lobster, fried clams, chowder, and all your Maine seafood cravings.
If you are interested in local events:
- Penobscot Marine Museum Summer Programs – Seasonal exhibits, craft workshops, and lectures on nautical topics.
- Searsport Fling into Fall Festival (October) – Family-friendly autumn celebration with crafts, music, food, and games.
- Harbor Fest & Boat Parade (Summer) – Celebrate coastal culture with harbor tours, vendors, and a festive boat parade.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Searsport, ME:
- Belfast (10–15 min) – Browse a lively harbor town with art galleries, farm-to-table dining, and a popular footbridge over the harbor.
- Camden (35–40 min) – Sailboat cruises, boutique shopping, and scenic hikes at Camden Hills State Park.
- Bangor (45 min) – Visit the Bangor Waterfront, Maine Discovery Museum, and Stephen King landmarks.
- Acadia National Park (60–75 min) – Hike granite peaks, bike the carriage roads, and explore Bar Harbor’s coastal charm.
- Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory (25 min) – Tour a Civil War-era fort and take in stunning views from a 420-foot-high observatory.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Searsport known for?
- Searsport is a pretty coastal town rich in maritime history, with the Penobscot Maritime Museum as a key attraction that tells the story of the town’s past.
- What outdoor activities can you enjoy in Searsport?
- You can take a trip across the causeway to Sears Island for a day of beachcombing and hiking, or head to Moose Point State Park or Mosman Park for a picnic overlooking the ocean.
- What is a popular activity for antique lovers in Searsport?
- If you enjoy antiquing, you can spend a few productive hours at the Treasures and Trash Barn.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures and blooming coastal landscapes.
Captain A.V. Nickels Inn – A historic and charming waterfront inn.
Visit Moose Point State Park – Enjoy scenic coastal trails and picnic areas.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for seaside activities.
Yardarm Motel – A cozy and classic Maine motel with a welcoming atmosphere.
Explore the Penobscot Marine Museum – Discover Maine’s rich maritime history.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds.
Homeport Inn & Tavern – A historic stay with great dining options.
Take a scenic drive along U.S. Route 1 – Experience breathtaking fall colors and coastal views.
Plan Your Trip