How to Plan a Day Trip to Breathtaking “Lands End”

That is a lot of what I like about Maine. The rugged wilderness. The untamed Atlantic. A string of islands near Harpswell’s shore made from shoal and sediment and sand—and perfumed by wild roses that in some way handle to take root. So, it ought to come as no shock that the charming, ocean-swept Bailey’s Island makes a unprecedented vacation spot. Be taught why you may need to plan a day journey (or longer) to Bailey Island Maine with a go to to scenic “Land’s Finish,” too.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this publish in July of 2022 to maintain it present and add new data.

CONTENTS: On this article, you’ll be taught every thing that you must learn about planning a visit to Bailey Island Maine, together with:

Our Go to to Bailey Island Maine

My mom and I, together with my college-age son, took a highway journey to Maine. We spent the higher a part of a day exploring Bailey Island in Harpswell earlier than assembly associates for dinner.

We might have lingered for much longer.

Bailey Island makes for an ideal scenic highway journey in itself or mixed with different stops alongside an extended scenic Maine drive. It’s additionally a wonderful vacation spot for inflatable kayaks and all types of different outside actions.

As it’s all saltwater at Bailey Island, you may decide yours from the listing of best inflatable kayaks for ocean.

Like at many coastal cities on the rugged Maine Shoreline, you may anticipate finding stunning surroundings, quaint New England fishing communities, and an unbiased lifestyle.

The area is residence to a number of the few remaining working harbors on the Maine coast.

Hold studying to be taught all about this stunning vacation spot, and why you’ll take pleasure in visiting Baily Island, Maine.

Associated Article: Journey additional inland to find picturesque Bethel, Maine.

The place is Bailey Island Maine

You’ll discover Bailey Island within the Better Portland and Casco Bay area of Maine. It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive (50 miles) from Portland, and 15 miles south of Brunswick, Maine.

From Boston, it’s 140 miles by automobile.

Bailey Island is one in every of three islands—Bailey Island, Orrs Island, and Sebascodegan or “Nice Island.” Every is related to the mainland or one another by bridge.

The islands make up the city of Harpswell.

Extra particularly, Bailey Island is a part of the 216 miles of rocky shoreline that includes Harpswell Neck.

It’s additionally the final cease on Route 24.

Historical past of Bailey Island

Often called “Newaggin” when settled within the 1600s, Bailey Island is the smallest of the three islands. It’s a captivating coastal city in New England with a year-round inhabitants of simply 400. (Supply: 2000 Census).

The identify of the island is for Deacon Timothy Bailey of Massachusetts.

Bailey is alleged to have purchased the island in 1750 for 1 pound of tobacco and 1 gallon of rum. Then, he named the island for himself.

Get to Bailey Island Maine

There are two methods to get to Bailey island: by land or by sea.

As a way to get there from the mainland, it’s essential to journey Route 24 throughout the Cribstone Bridge. This bridge is the one one in every of its sort on the earth. Extra on that, beneath.

Associated: Earlier than you hit the highway, ensure you take into account the pros and cons of traveling by car.

Crossing The Cribstone Bridge

In-built 1927, the slim Cribstone Bridge is made totally of huge stacked granite blocks. The bridge is a historic civil engineering landmark, listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

It’s 1,122 toes lengthy and gravity alone holds collectively the blocks. This distinctive design permits water to stream freely by the open cells with out disturbing the construction because the tide adjustments.

The Cribstone bridge connects the islands of Bailey Island and Orr’s Island within the city of Harpswell.

We pulled over within the dust lot to the suitable earlier than crossing to take some pictures and to look at the boats gracing the waterway. (If the sunshine isn’t proper, you may all the time use a photo retoucher to right the shot.)

In the event you’re searching for a chew to eat overlooking the water, Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home is true across the nook from the bridge.

Get to Bailey Island Maine by Sea

The opposite technique to get to Bailey Island is by sea.

Casco Bay Strains affords scenic excursions departing from Portland, ME. Amongst others, the excursions embrace Bailey Island and Mackerel Cove or Eagle Island. Each excursions present for a 2-hour layover on Bailey Island for lunch at Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home.

You may as well arrive by sea on a crusing constitution, lobster tour, and even constitution your personal non-public tour.

Listed below are just a few choices you may take into account for arriving at Bailey Island by sea:

• Tevake Crusing Charters
• Casco Bay Websites-N-Lights
• West Wind Lobster Excursions

Associated Article: Learn our assessment of this great lobster tour departing from Portland, Maine.

What to See and Do On Bailey Island Maine

As you may think about, the tempo is slower, right here on Bailey Island. It’s a really perfect vacation spot for somebody who likes to meander about, taking in gorgeous ocean views, consuming the freshest seafood, and having fun with unimaginable photograph alternatives.

My suggestion is to simply take your time to casually discover this quaint little island by yourself.

However if you happen to choose a extra stable plan, there are a variety of points of interest you may put in your itinerary.

Actually, let’s go forward and design a treasure hunt for you, although you’re more likely to bump into many of those points of interest your self.

Bailey Island Maine Treasure Hunt

Listed in random order

• Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home
• Bailey Island Bridge
• Bailey Island Seashore
• “BIGS” – Bailey Island Basic Retailer
• Casco Bay
• Mackerel Cove (some of the photographed locations in Maine)
• Giants Stairway Path
• Betty’s Seaside Creations
• Abner Level
• Large Stairs Grille
• Bailey Island Lobster Co.
• Glen’s Lobsters
• Johnson Discipline Protect at Mackeral Cove
• MacIntosh Lot Protect
• Garrison Cove
• Harpswell Honey
• Harpswell Heritage Land Belief (a lot of trails)
• Cedar Seashore
• Morse’s Cribstone Grill
• Land’s Finish Present Store

One in every of my favourite scenic stops is Land’s Finish.

To get there, observe alongside Route 24 till it actually ends. You’ll know you’re getting shut whenever you see an indication that warns “Highway Ends 500 toes.”

Associated Article: Discover out what to pack for a Fall Journey to New England here.

Take A Aspect Journey to Close by Portland Maine

And when you have a little bit of time, undoubtedly cease by Portland Maine in your technique to Bailey Island.

When you’re in Portland, you may participate in an amazing, 2.5-hour historical tour of the area. Tickets begin at $40 per particular person and embrace knowledgeable commentary on over two-hundred years of historical past from an area information.

You’ll begin the tour on Industrial Avenue. Then, you’ll take a leisurely stroll by the city’s many cobblestone lanes as you discover the Outdated Port. Lastly, you’ll find yourself on the downtown waterfront space in Portland.

Alongside the way in which, you’ll admire the city’s well-known lobster statue, see the previous residence of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, go to the Jap cemetery, cease by the Abyssinian Church, and finish the day with a complimentary candy deal with from an area meals vendor.

Portland Maine is a good place to go to. It’s ony about an hour’s drive from Bailey Island.

From Portland, you would even plan a fast visit to the quaint Peaks Island.

What’s Land’s Finish in Harpswell ME?

Land’s Finish is a scenic vacation spot on the southernmost tip of Bailey Island.

At Land’s Finish, you’ll discover mesmerizing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Turnip Island, and Jaquish Island. You’ll additionally see a myriad of different small outcroppings on the horizon. (Enjoyable Truth: About 200 islands of Harpswell are reachable solely by boat.)

You’ll additionally discover the “Maine Lobsterman” sculpture, in addition to slim strolling paths alongside the shale.

The view is particularly breathtaking from the deck of the Land’s Finish Present Store—to not be confused with the mail-order clothes catalog.

The place to Park at Land’s Finish

You’ll discover two free parking tons subsequent to and throughout from Lands’ Finish Present Store.

Plus, it’s price noting that if nature calls, you should use the moveable restrooms within the first car parking zone subsequent to the present store.

Exploring Land’s Finish

Whereas visiting Land’s Finish, you may select to:

• Loosen up on the small, sea-glass strewn Bailey Island Seashore
• Watch the boats cruise Casco Bay
• Admire the long-lasting ‘Maine Lobsterman’, a bronze statue created for the 1939 World’s Honest
• Stroll alongside the rocky path ending on the Large’s Stairway
• Cool off and store the present retailer for distinctive Maine-made souvenirs

At Land’s Finish, observe the trail that meanders alongside the shoreline to benefit from the gorgeous views of Casco Bay. It’s possible you’ll even catch a glimpse of seals, seabirds, and different sea life.

Right here’s an ideal aerial video of the world to offer you a style of the pure magnificence you may count on whereas visiting Land’s Finish:

In the event you observe alongside the coastal path, I’m informed you’ll arrive at what’s identified domestically as “The Giants Steps.” It is a pure rock formation that appears like stairs main all the way down to the ocean. (Tip: Be careful for poison ivy.)

On the path, you’ll encounter a small rocky seashore known as Pinnacle Rock. That’s the place you’ll need to hold your eyes out for stunning sea glass.

You possibly can look ahead to the waves crashing in “Thunder Gap,” too.

A Should-See: The Present Store

Land’s Finish has a big present store with home-made fudge, gentle snacks, water, and an in depth number of Maine-made souvenirs.

Two flooring are full of artisan items, trinkets, t-shirts, and extra, crafted by practically 100 Maine artisans. Belief me, you’ll need to spend a while right here to take all of it in. That is memento heaven.

Land’s Finish Present Store has been owned and run by the Hutchins household since 1959. It was initially a small snack bar and retailer opened by Ed Hutchin’s grandparents within the Nineteen Thirties.

The constructing was totally reworked in 1978 after a dangerous January storm.

Immediately, Land’s Finish is run by Ruby and Ed’s son, Howard Hutchins, alongside along with his spouse Karen.

As well as, the store supplies loads of benches on the wraparound deck (alive with whirligigs) overlooking the waterfront. It’s an ideal resting level if you wish to sit comfortably and take within the view of Casco Bay.

That’s what I did. I cherished catching some rays right here, sipping a ginger beer, and taking all of it in.

Greatest Time of Yr to Go to Land’s Finish Present Store

Regardless of Harpswell’s status as a seasonal group, Land’s Finish Present Store is open seven days per week from April by October. It’s additionally open on weekends in December, faculty trip week in February, and weekends in March.

New England winters might be bitter chilly, particularly on the coast. A go to to Land’s Finish within the spring, summer time, or fall could be the higher timing.

Land’s Finish Seashore

Adjoining to Land’s Finish Present Retailer, you’ll discover the diminutive Land’s Finish Seashore. Only a few steps down from the small car parking zone, it’s identified for sea glass and its beautiful views of the ocean.

You might also take pleasure in swimming within the gentle sandy backside seashore. However bear in mind, the ocean water at Maine seashores might be chilly!

This seashore reveals a variety of sea glass at low tide. For the very best likelihood to search out some sea glass to your assortment, verify the tide charts. Then, plan to reach an hour or two earlier than low tide.

The place to Keep on Bailey Island

After we visited this space, we had been staying within the close by city of Brunswick. This was an ideal day journey, however I might have simply been persuaded to in a single day on Bailey Island.

Along with a number of cottages on the island, you may take into account one in every of these glorious lodging decisions.

Bailey Island Motel

Simply over the Cribstone Bridge and on the water’s edge, is Bailey Island Motel.

It is a nice family-friendly choice inside strolling distance to well-liked points of interest. You’ll discover decks overlooking the water, night campfires, and complimentary use of their kayaks, too.

Waterside rooms at this modest however snug motel are well-priced at $130 per evening and embrace complimentary breakfast.

A typical breakfast at Bailey Island Motel consists of espresso, tea, and scrumptious, freshly baked muffins. You’ll additionally take pleasure in cable TV, free Wi-Fi, ocean views, mini-fridges, and entry to a non-public dock.

Click to see Bailey Island Motel Rates & Availability.

Log Cabin Island Inn

You’ll discover breathtaking sundown views of the bay and a firsthand have a look at lobster boats at Log Cabin Island Inn.

Plus, every room is uniquely styled. Some suites are fairly spacious with full kitchens and a jacuzzi. All are well-appointed.

In the event you keep at Log Cabin Island Inn, you’ll take pleasure in a full complimentary breakfast. You might also go for a scrumptious dinner along with your keep, too.

Click to see Log Cabin Island Rates & Availability.

The Driftwood Inn

The Driftwood Inn is the oldest inn on Bailey Island. It has been in steady operation for over 100 years.

It affords pristine, non-public cabins for hire on their three-acre oceanfront location overlooking stunning Casco Bay. Internet hosting consists of housekeeping companies and the usage of their saltwater swimming pool.

Or, hire “The Mansion,” which accurately sleeps a full home of as much as 16 friends.

Click to See The Driftwood Inn Rates & Availability.

Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson Home

Maybe some of the luxurious lodging on Bailey Island is the Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson Home.

It comfortably hosts as much as ten friends, making it excellent for household holidays and occasions.

Every room consists of ensuite bogs, luxurious linens, and comfortable sitting areas. They provide completely different view of the inlets and sounds surrounding the island.

The wrap-around deck supplies outside eating with a gasoline grill and a three-burner exterior vary. Plus, you’ll need to try the rooftop deck full with a moist bar.

You may even be tempted to hire this property for a month at a time.

Click to see Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson House Rates & Availability.

Ultimate Ideas

Bailey Island makes a memorable day journey if you happen to occur to be inside driving distance of Harpswell, Maine.

And if you happen to’re additional away, even higher. Plan to remain over on the island so you may totally expertise the relaxed vibe, coastal magnificence, and “Down East” hospitality you’re positive to come across.

Do you like Maine’s coastal islands, like I do? Then you definately may need to try this text about Peaks Island, too!

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This text could include affiliate hyperlinks. As all the time, all opinions expressed are my very own. For extra data, please see the next Disclosure.

Assets

In alphabetical order

Bailey Island Basic Retailer (“BIGS”)

2124 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone:  +1 (207) 833-2400
More Info

Bailey Island Lobster Co.

51 Abner Level Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: (207) 833-6099

Bailey Island Motel

1951 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
+1 (207) 833-2886
Web site: baileyislandmotel.com
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Check Rates & Availability

Betty’s Seaside Creations

47 Washington Avenue
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone:  +1 (207) 833-6645
More Info

Capt. Lawrence E. Johnson Home

1965 Harpswell Islands Rd
Bailey Island, ME 04003-2573
Telephone: +1 (207) 541-9187
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Check Rates & Availability

Casco Bay Strains

P.O. Field 4656
Portland, ME
04112-4656
Telephone: +1 (207) 774-7871
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Web site: https://www.cascobaylines.com/

Casco Bay Websites-N-Lights

1945 Harpswell Island Highway
Bailey Island, Me. 04003
Telephone: Cell – +1 (207) 837-1788 | House – +1 (207) 406-2124
e-mail: [email protected]
Web site: https://cascobaysightseeing.com/

Cook dinner’s Lobster & Ale Home

68 Garrison Cove Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-2818
Menu: https://www.cookslobster.com/

Driftwood Inn

1958 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003, USA
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5461
Electronic mail: [email protected] | [email protected]
Check Rates & Availability

Large Stairs Seafood Grille

2118 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5000
More Info

Glen’s Lobsters

Abner Level Rd
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-6138
More Info

Harpswell Honey

W. Shore Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5858

Lands Finish Present Store

2391 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-2313
Electronic mail: [email protected]

Log Cabin Island Inn

5 Log Cabin Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 833-5546
Check Rates & Availablity

Morse’s Cribstone Grill

1945 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone:  +1 (207) 833-7775
Menu: https://www.morsescribstonegrill.net/

Tevake Crusing Charters

Sea Escape Charters 
3 Sea Escape Lane
Bailey Island, ME 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 841-9125 (cell) | +1 (207) 833-5531
Web site: https://seaescapecottages.com/sailing-charters/

West Wind Lobster Excursions

1945 Harpswell Islands Highway
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Telephone: +1 (207) 939-5481
Web site: https://www.westwindlobstertours.com/

Regularly Requested Questions About Bailey Island, Maine

Under are solutions to a number of the commonest questions on Bailey Island.

What city is Bailey Island in?

You’ll discover Bailey Island within the city of Harpswell, Maine. It’s a part of Cumberland County. This charming little city proper on the coast overlooking Casco Bay. Bailey Island is–as you may need guessed–an island. It’s related to the mainland by a Cribstone bridge you may drive over.

How lengthy is Bailey Island Maine?

Bailey Island Maine may be very drivable at 2.5 miles lengthy and only a half mile extensive. You’ll discover scenic vistas nearly all over the place.

What’s Land’s Finish in Maine?

On the southern tip of Bailey Island, you’ll discover Land’s Finish. This scenic vacation spot affords wonderful views to the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to views to smaller islands and outcroppings, like Jaquish Island and Turnip Island. Trails wrap round this a part of the rugged Maine shoreline, excellent for strolling to take pleasure in a nature break and wildlife. Or, cease into the present store for some souvenirs and a cool beverage.

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