ABOUT NEW HARBOR

Only 60 miles north of Portland on the Pemaquid Peninsula, New Harbor is one of the last working harbors remaining along the mid-coast. The harbor and surrounding area are steeped in the rich history of fishing, lobstering and boat building. The peninsula is mostly residential with large tracks of undeveloped land. You won’t find tee shirt shops or the hub-bub of most tourist destinations. Things here are simple, peaceful, relaxed and move at a comfortable pace. This is what sets New Harbor apart and attracts most of our visitors.

FMI: • Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce
• Maine Tourism Association

Local Attractions

Pemaquid Lighthouse Park
There is a small entrance fee for the park which allows you access to the lighthouse and the museum. Feel free to climb on the rocks, have a picnic and visit The Pemaquid Art Gallery.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse is easily accessible by car. Built in 1835, the 38-foot stone lighthouse sits on an impressive out cropping of stripped granite that extends into the Ocean. We recommend visiting during a low tide to get the full effect! During the summer months you can pay a small fee to climb the tower and experience the amazing view from the top.

The Fisherman's Museum
The museum is located next to the lighthouse in the light keeper’s house. This is a wonderful museum for young and old and offers a look back at our fishing and maritime history on the Pemaquid Peninsula. Donations are accepted at the door.

Pemaquid Beach Park
This is a beautiful white sand crescent beach perfect for beach combing, swimming or soaking in the sun. There is a small entrance fee. Amenities include a bathhouse, restrooms, snack bar, picnic tables, the town ball field and plenty of parking.

Colonial Pemaquid
Home to Fort William Henry and archaeological digs from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Fort is a wonderful stone structure to explore and imagine yourself as one to the early pilgrims to this area. There is a museum which houses the artifact found on this site and explains the long history that exists here.
FMI: • friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org
• fortwilliamhenry

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Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve
This spot was dedicated to Rachel Carson in 1970 because of her fondness for the small tide pools left behind at low tide. This is a must do with kids! Make sure you arrive on a low tide.

Hiking
Preserving our open spaces is a priority for many people in this area. There are 100’s of acres of beautiful public and private lands set aside for our enjoyment. Please visit the sites below for maps and directions to many of the trails in the area.
Damariscotta River Association
Pemaquid Watershed Association
Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association
Maine Audubon

Fishing
If you enjoy wetting a line, we offer fresh and salt water opportunities. Fresh water fishing requires a license, salt water does not. You can purchase a fresh water fishing license at Bristol Town Hall for only a few dollars. Mackerel can be caught from almost any seaside dock during the summer months. Mackerel are small fish that will give a little fight and kids (adults too!) LOVE to haul them in. Fly fishing can be enjoyed on any of the smaller tributaries that run to the sea. Canoes are available for rent in Bristol Mills. The Damariscotta, Sheepscot and Kennebec Rivers provide for some terrific Striper fishing.

Scenic drives
This is an absolutely beautiful area and one of the best ways to see it is with a short drive down our peninsulas and along the coast. South Bristol is well worth a drive. The small village is quintessential Maine and the swing bridge offers beautiful views of the small working harbor. Large schooners were built here at Gamage Boat yard. Another drive to consider is from New Harbor north along Route 32 toward Waldoboro. These are just a few suggestions…there are so many beautiful places to see!

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Places to eat

Anchor Inn Restaurant, Round Pond
Breathtaking harbor front seating. Grilled seafood, fantastic salads, steaks and a kids menu.
207-529-5584

Bradley Inn Restaurant, New Harbor
Fine dining at its best. This award winning restaurant serves up some of the best food around.
207-677-2105

Contented Sole, New Harbor
Located at Colonial Pemaquid. Local, casual fare served on the dock or in the historic canning building that is now the restaurant. Location, location, location!
207-677-3000

The Cupboard Café, New Harbor
The best down home cooking you’ll every get. Everything made from scratch from soups and salads to yummy desserts and their world famous cinnamon buns!
207-677-3911 / website

Damariscotta River Grill, Damariscotta
Sister restaurant to the Anchor Inn. Wonderful seafood, flat breads and pasta dishes. Nice pub atmosphere upstairs too!
207-563-2992 / website

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King Eider’s Pub, Damariscotta
Pub downstairs and dining up. Steaks, seafood and their famous crab cakes.
207-563-6008 / website

Moody’s Diner
Classic diner food for over 80 years. A must stop, see and eat destination.
207-832-7785 / website

Muscongus Bay Lobster Pound, Round Pond
Lobster in the rough. Grab a picnic table and order up steamed lobsters, corn on the cob, clams and oysters on the ½ shell. They supply the paper towels too!
207-529-2251 / website

Pemaquid Fisherman’s Co-op, Pemaquid Harbor
The oldest fisherman’s co-op around. Lobster in the rough with a spectacular view of Colonial Pemaquid.
207-677-2642 / website

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The Publick House, Newcastle
True pub fare, including the large servings! The atmosphere is warm and social and the food is great!
207-563-3434 / website

Samoset Restaurant, New Harbor
Did anyone say BBQ! This is the place! Family style dining including seafood, steaks, burgers and prime rib specials.
207-677-6771

The Sea Gull Shop, New Harbor
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served while you watch the surf at Pemaquid Point. The best blueberry pancakes and Eggs Pemaquid (Like Eggs Benedict but with crabmeat) you’ll ever have!
207-677-2374 / website

Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf Restaurant, New Harbor
Serving lunch and dinner on the harbor. That’s right, on the dock over the harbor. Lobster, of course, fried clams, chowders, steamers, onion rings, steaks, burgers and a raw bar. No wonder this place is packed all summer!
207-677-2200 / website