Picture this: you're strolling along a pebbly beach tucked away along the most quintessential Maine…read morerocky coast scene in the world during almost-dusk without a care in the world. It's like something out of Downeast Magazine, but really it's the vibe at Birch Point State Park during the off-season (which is open all year round, and as a Mainer you should really, really check out... I mean, is there anything quite as romantic as the ocean during winter?). I came in autumn and parked along the street outside of the entrance, walked the half mile down the access road, and was greeted by a crescent shaped beach bookended by giant rocks/ledges and small green spaces with picnic tables. I know there's a fee during the height of the season, but there's something really special about being able to enjoy this kind of unadulterated nature sans people in the chilly weather - so bring a sweater, a flask, a book... I'm confused though - there was a handwritten note defacing a park sign at the entrance that said, "Screw you State of Maine for closing this park." I don't know what's going on with that, but I hope it's not the truth because this is gem of spot. It seemed closed only for the season when I came, though that didn't stop locals from walking their dogs here.

Such a relaxing place that you don't even read your book much- just watch the water…read more A Sunday in mid-July was not crowded when we arrived at 1030 but by the time we left at 1, parking was rare and most people were parked on the long gravel drive into the park. The beach is a typical Maine one with dark, packed Sand and lots of seaweed. There's a lot of bugs in the seaweed that will go everywhere if you try to move it. Rocks are on either side of the beach and can make a less comfortable but quieter site. I was disappointed to see a giant pile of poo when we walked in. I think it was from a dog. Please, please clean up after your dog or leave them at home. This is a state park for all of us to enjoy. The water is frigid cold but we saw quite a few swimmers today. There are some grill to the left as you walk in that are shaded. Dogs must be on a leash.

This is a cute little beach when it's high tide. I've come here several times over the years…read more It's typically packed on sunny days and if it's high tide good luck finding a spot. Lots of the beach is somewhat rocky so bring water shoes. The good part is that this place isn't overrun by tourists... It's fairly calm and doesn't have a ton of stores or attractions....

Amazing stay. Beautiful quiet location and accomodations! We hope to go back again soon.read more

I did not see any owls at this state park, and I would think that the windy bluffs are not the spot…read morewhere you'd find one as they seem to prefer quiet areas. However, the views are majestic and entrance is free. There are ways to walk down to the beach, which is rocky as is typical in the region. The lighthouse itself is not regularly open for visitation, but there is a visitor center below it. The amount of trails and things to do is not enormous, but it is a great place to have open to the public to take as a sightseeing endeavor.

Owls Well That Ends Well…read more State Park that includes a lighthouse, visitor center, and several beaches along the Penobscot Bay. The Good: *Free to visit *The Owls Head Lighthouse is the main draw here and for good reason as it's been in operation since 1825 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. *Gift shop *Picnic tables *Two beaches that are evidently swimmable *Large dirt lot that don't seem too busy *Easy drive over from nearby touristy Rockland The Meh: *If you're not a fan of stairs, then this lighthouse won't be your jam. The Ugly: *If you visit on a foggy day there won't be much of a view. =/ Conclusion: Superb lighthouse at my favorite price.

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is located in the park and to get there, you have to walk about…read morea mile or more on the uneven granite slabs. There's some parts that have gaps, so you have to pay attention. But over all it was an easy walk to the light house. The walk itself was quite relaxing and beautiful. On each side of the pathway, the water on each side are quite different, which makes it beautiful. Once you reach the end, you'll find a lighthouse at the end. You can walk up the stairs of the lighthouse to get a better view. Overall, I really enjoyed this lighthouse and would come back.

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is located in this park. There was ample parking . The…read morelighthouse is located almost one mile our and the walk to get there is not horrible, but you do have to pay attention. You walk along large stones/bolders with gaps in between. However, the views are spectacular. Definitely worth the walk for to experience the views.

The cold water didn't stop me from diving right in. The water had a vibrant color. I was in awe…read moreof the landapace surround me! It was so relaxing and refreshing. The sand was so soft and fine. There a good amount of ppl sitting on the beach.

I am not a warm weather person, so the chance to go to Acadia National Park on a very cold day…read moreseemed like Heaven. It sure was. Off season is the perfect time to visit that particular beach. We had the beach all to ourselves, took an amazing walk while the wind whipped and the sand felt like frozen tundra. The whole experience felt like we were last people on the planet and it was fun to pretend, surrounded by gorgeous views of sky and water. We bought annual passes to the park, so I have a feeling that I'm definitely going back a few more times before the beach fills up with people.

This beach is the reason I moved to Winthrop! Situated on the end of Maranacook Lake, this little…read moretown beach is my favorite local spot for a swim, float, picnic, and family outing! In peak summer days the shore is lined with families, food trucks, kids on bikes, boaters, kayakers, and all other species of lake lovers. The waters of Maranacook Lake are clear, pristine, and brisk! The beach is easily walked to from downtown Winthrop, which is lined with cool shops, a subway, couple of eateries. The town beach is clean, nicely maintained, trash receptacles are available, lots of green space to picnic and chill. The boat launch is nearby as is a lovely park with benches and a community gazebo. On the 4th of July this is THE place to be! Amazing fireworks food trucks, and of course the Winthrop PD regularly patrols so you can take your leisure in a safe, monitored location. As a local I love using the beach in the off season. There's always tons of free parking and the Winthrop peeps are just great, kind, people who don't mind sharing their gem of a beach with out of towners who respect and abide the rules. While at the beach take a stroll, explore the neato downtown area, and soak up the sun and fun vibes! Bring the fam and chill on the shore of the beautiful Maranacook Lake. Oh! And boaters if you put in the lake check your boat and trailers for milfoil (a nasty invasive plant) it's the law in Maine. No milfoil in or out of our water bodies. Enjoy!

Very nice area to just relax, take in the view, enjoy the fresh breeze and kids can go for a swim…read more,fish etc.

Went on another cruise and his past week on the Stephen Taber. The fog finally cut on our second…read moreday. The winds and sun decided to bless this beautiful schooner with great sailing winds ! The food by Chef Juice, they call him was absolutely 5 stars ! From the best cheeses from around the world hand picked by Capt. Noah and his wife Jane were absolutely fantastic ! They take pride in their appetizers before a wonderful meal ! All the meals are hand made and out of this world ! The trip was almost fog free and we went around many of the Maine islands and had the wonderful lobster bake on Russ island, a favorite of Captain Noah's ! The crew on this trip was absolutely amazing ! They were absolutely spit on with detail and did everything they could to make you feel welcome on such a special schooner cruise. If you haven't taken a schooner cruise, I highly recommend that you give it a try! 3/4 of my sons have gone and they loved it ! Once again, I give this trip a 5 star review !

Wonderful trip. Still talking about it. Food was amazing. Staff were wonderful and knew what they…read morewere doing. It doesn't have the comfort of a cruise, but if you're someone who likes camping spaces, this is your next adventure.

We again included this scenic lighthouse and its interesting museum in our itinerary this year and…read moreso should you. The museum's staff welcomed our questions and really made our visit worthwhile.

You'll find the Marshall Point Lighthouse at Marshall Point Rd, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860. There's…read moreplenty of parking right by the Light Keeper's houses (which is now a museum and gift shop). I'd say that this is one of the better recognized of Maine's lighthouses - while small, it's positioned at the end of a walkway that extends near the water and was used in Tom Hank's movie, Forrest Gump (this is the easternmost point of Forrest's iconic run across the USA). Of course we had to stop - it's a bit out of the way but if you're already visiting Cushing for the Olson House and Langlais Preserve, it's way worth the detour (hit the Owls Head lighthouse too - that's what we did). This lighthouse is extremely well preserved, as is the light keeper's house museum. The museum also has an abundance of exhibits to keep you interesting - one of the better from the examples I viewed to similar-sized lighthouses. There are picnic tables arranged near the house so this would be a good place to eat those lobster rolls you picked up along the way. The views from the lighthouse and property are pretty stunning. The staff (I believe mostly volunteer) were very pleasant and used to answering the stupid questions posed by most tourists - kudos to their training and love of local preservation. In all a great visit.

Such a peaceful and scenic spot to visit! The views from the lighthouse were absolutely stunning --…read moreyou can see the waves crashing along the rocks and feel the salty ocean breeze. It's the perfect place to relax, take photos, and just enjoy the beauty of the coast. The area was clean, easy to walk around, and not too crowded, which made it even more enjoyable. Whether you're into photography, sightseeing, or just love ocean views, this lighthouse is definitely worth the stop.

This was my first ever SUN RISE with a lighthouse and it was AMAZING. Came here around 7am Friday…read moremorning and made it just in time for Sunrise. There were plenty of parking and only a few people here. The View was absolutely breath taking. The sun was slowly making its away up on the beautiful water. The sound of the ocean waves against the rocks, the ocean breeze smell were absolutely magnificent. There is even a bench for you set and enjoy the sun rise. It was truly peaceful and definitely made my morning. Highly recommend coming here.