Main Street Bath, Maine » Area Attractions

Nestled along the sparkling Kennebec River in Maine is a small jewel of a city. An old seafaring town, Bath has sailed gracefully into the present day bringing a taste of her history with her. Bath is ideally sited for water access at the head of two peninsulas. At the mouth of the Kennebec, historic Fort Popham stands guard. Nearby, Phippsburg’s Popham Beach and Georgetown’s Reid State Park offer miles of sandy beach and rocky cliffs. Cultural treasures are plentiful at Bath’s Maine Maritime Museum ,the Chocolate Church Performing Arts Center and the Studio Theatre of Bath.Coastal scenery or sandy beaches are just minutes from Downtown Bath:

In Bath, you’ll find a bustling waterfront shipyard, the Bath Iron Works, just upstream from the Maine Maritime Museum. The tree-lined avenues in town are graced by handsome old ship captain’s mansions. Downtown, shops and restaurants line Front Street on the Kennebec. The 19th century brick buildings and narrow streets have the charm of childhood revisited–a slower pace, a friendlier time. You’ll have to visit in person.Activities In and Around BathBeaches/Hikes/Nature

Reid State Park and Popham Beach State Park are classic New England beaches with rocky headlands and long stretches of sandy beaches and dunes.
Our fall foliage is legendary – for best times visit www.state.me.us/doc/foliage/
For great bird watching and walking trails, head to Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bates College’s Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Hamilton Sanctuary, Montsweag Preserve or Butler’s Head Sanctuary. And keep an eye out for the eagles and osprey on the Kennebec River!
See lobstermen in action in nearby harbors.
Check out the harbor seals and osprey at Fort Popham.
Launch your boat from one of the city’s ramps.
Hire a guide for a day of fishing.

History/Museums

Stroll the quaint downtown area of Bath – recently designated one of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Step back in history at Fort Popham. Built in the 1800’s, the fort tells the story of protecting Maine’s coast from the Civil War through WWI.
Take an historical cruise on the Kennebec River to Merrymeeting Bay and area lighthouses.
Take a guided walking tour of the Bath historic district with a representative of Sagadahoc Preservation, Inc. or take a self-guided walking tour or ride the Bath Trolley for a tour of Bath and the Historic District.
Visit the extensive complex of the Maine Maritime Museum with the Percy and Small Shipyard and hands-on exhibits

Shopping

Downtown Bath is filled with a variety of independently owned shops and galleries selling antiques, art, books, chocolates, clothing, crafts, fiber art, furniture, gifts, groceries, hardware, jewelry, kitchen supplies, marine supplies, photography gear, pottery, quilting materials, wines and yarn.
The Bath Farmers Market(May – October) is every Thursday and Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30 pm at Waterfront Park.

We’re Not Done Yet

Bath’s Chocolate Church Arts Center brings the arts alive with a range of musical and dramatic performances, along with exhibits in its gallery.
Bath celebrates Heritage Days the first weekend of July; step back in time and enjoy the festivities.
Patten Free Library and its wonderful Library Park are a short walk from downtown. Great for internet access as well as genealogical and historical research of the area.
Public Championship Golf courses await golfers of all abilities.
Bath’s Summer Concert Series takes place on Friday evenings at Library Park beginning at 7pm.
Bath’s Skate Park is located in the old YMCA building and is a great spot for a couple of hours of skateboarding.
Bath’s Art Walk is held every 3rd Friday from June through October, 5-7pm.
Visit Bath’s galleries & art studios for exhibits, demonstrations & refreshments.

Area Dining

Whether it is a casual lobster feast, fine dining or a bowl of homemade soup, everyone’s taste can be satisfied. Bon Appétit! Visit our list of dining establishments for more information

Area Lodging