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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, ME

Photo: CMBG editor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

AttractionsFamily FavoriteOutdoor AdventureDate Night

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

105 Botanical Gardens Dr · Boothbay, ME

Why you should go…

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens grew from a grassroots effort into the largest botanical garden in New England, spread over more than 300 acres in Boothbay. Its paths wind through themed gardens such as the Giles Rhododendron Garden and along nearly a mile of tidewater shoreline. Giant trolls, the Guardians of the Seeds, wait to be found in the wooded areas. Wear comfortable shoes, and note that only service animals are allowed.

  • #botanical garden
  • #giant trolls
  • #gardens
  • #waterfront trails
  • #midcoast maine

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

    Under $25

    Walk the granite ledges below a white 1835 lighthouse and tour a fishermen's museum in the old keeper's house.

    8.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Theatre & Events
    Local Gem

    Maine State Music Theatre

    $25–$50

    Professional summer musical theatre on the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Freeport

    Free

    Coastal Maine outlet-shopping town anchored by the L.L.Bean flagship.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Palace Playland

    $25–$50

    Oceanfront amusement park on Old Orchard Beach's sand, with rides, arcade games, and a boardwalk feel.

    43 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
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    Aquaboggan Waterpark

    $25–$50

    A classic Maine seaside water park with slides, pools, bumper boats, and mini-golf near Old Orchard Beach.

    43 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Funtown Splashtown USA

    $50+

    Maine's biggest amusement and water park combo, with two roller coasters and a dozen water rides in Saco.

    45 mi awayMore like this