#MAINE TIDAL POOLS PRO#
#MAINE TIDAL POOLS FREE#

This museum is a house made of newspaper, literally: the structure and even some of the furniture inside are made of actual paper. Worth Stopping By: By far the most unique thing to do in the area is the Paper House Museum.

Or, opt for its sister location, Roy Moore Fish Shack Restaurant, if you’d prefer more of a sit-down experience. If you’re up for a wait, grab a spot in line at the famous Ray Moore Lobster Co, a small BYOB shack specializing in boiled lobsters. Local Eats: A quick ten minute drive to the waterfront downtown will give you endless options of fresh and delicious seafood. On a clear day you can spot Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isle of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

#MAINE TIDAL POOLS PRO#

Pro Tip: The State Park’s visitor center is a 60 foot World War II fire-control tower that visitors can climb to the top. You won’t need to worry about tide schedules for this destination, since the tide pools are always present. While there is no actual beach and a firm no swim policy, you will want to dress to get wet! Pack a lunch to have on the rocks or hike back up to the visitor center to enjoy the picnic area. Photo by Todd Van Hoosear/ CC BY 2.0Īt this state park, an old rock quarry that shut down in the 1900s, you and your children can hike an easy trail down to the water: a rocky oasis of crystal clear tidal pools filled with snails, hermit crabs and sea stars. Halibut Point State Park used to be a rock quarry.

#MAINE TIDAL POOLS FREE#

Take a self guided tour this medieval castle and the exterior grounds to see how royalty really live! Admission is free for kids under 6. Worth Stopping By: If you have little ones that are into princes and princesses, you’ll want to make time for a visit to the Hammond Castle Museum. If you’re ok with a dessert dinner (we know your kids will be fine with it) stop at Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe for some delicious homemade ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. Local Eats: The beach has a concession stand with snacks and drinks and you can often find a local vendor selling Italian ice from a cart, but if you’re looking for something more substantial, head into town where are there endless options.

Parking is discounted after 3pm and free after 5pm. Depending on tides, you can also consider visiting later in the day, when spots begin to free up as beachgoers head home.

Pro Tip: This beach is very popular, so get there early to get a parking spot in the lot. And as the water returns, warm wading pools are formed, making this an ideal 'swimming' beach for even the littlest beach bums. While you should check the tide schedules to plan your trip around low tide, tide pools remain exposed for at least a few hours before and after that mark, giving your little ones plenty of time to explore. During low tide, this beach reveals an awesome sand bar, large rocks to climb on, and tide pools filled with snails, tiny fish, sand shrimp, and hermit crabs.

Maine tidal pools