We explored Phippsburg on our trip to Sebasco Harbor Resort. It is a great place to be outside in nature. There are beautiful beaches and hiking trails to discover. Here are the best things to do in Phippsburg, Maine.
1. Popham Beach State Park
If you are looking for a beach day, this is your spot. There are beautiful views of the Casco Bay, ample parking and public restrooms are available. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. When the tide is out, you can walk to nearby Fox Island. Dogs are only allowed during the off-season.
2. Fort Popham State Historical Site
Fort Popham was garrisoned during the Civil War, the Spanish War and World War I as a precautionary measure but it was never attacked. It’s a large and impressive structure right on the coast and my kids loved running around it. It is free to enter, but no pets are allowed.
3. Fort Baldwin State Historic Site
Just past Fort Popham is a second fort hidden up in the woods. The parking here is free and easy. It is about a 10 minute walk up a wooded path. These two coastal defense fortifications housed 200 soldiers during World War I.
We thought it was really interesting, although a little creepy at parts. The boys pretended we were in a zombie apocalypse and ran around finding strategic places to hide. There are three similar ruins to explore ending with a closed-off tower at the top of the hill. This was a dog-friendly area.
4. Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area
This gem of a hike is about two miles each way. It was a bit strenuous for my young kids, but they made it. It is easy to find your way because the compacted trail is mostly paved. There was a pretty steep hill to walk up but when we turned that corner onto the secluded beach it was all worth it.
We were the only ones on the beach and the kids could have run around splashing and playing all day long. We had to watch the time because when the tide comes in, it can block a part of the trail and we didn’t want to get stranded. We found 2 geocaches along the trail so that had the kids really excited. Please note that dogs are not allowed here.
5. Take a walk at Wilbur Preserve at Cox’s Head
This kid-friendly trail is only 1/4 of a mile long. After walking through a wild apple orchard, you will be rewarded with amazing views of Atkins Bay, the western coasts of Georgetown, and to the south the Popham Village and Fort Popham. There is even a Revolutionary War garrison on the summit.
The Wilbur Preserve is owned and managed by the Phippsburg Land Trust. Click here to see a map of the other walking trails you can enjoy in the area.
6. Camp on Hermit Island
Downeast Magazine has called the Hermit Island Campground the Best Saltwater Camping in Maine. Since opening in 1952, Hermit Island has remained largely unchanged. It is considered “rustic, slow-paced, and in tune with the natural environment.” There are 271 sites spread across the southern end of the island welcoming tents and pop-up trailers.
7. Stay at the Sebasco Harbor Resort
If you don’t want to rough it at a campground, head over to the Sebasco Harbor Resort. This family-friendly, dog-friendly place is so much fun. From the ocean side pool to the vintage bowling alley, there is always something to do.
They have everything from hotel rooms to cottages to fit the needs of any family. There are two on-site restaurants and even an ice cream parlor. We highly recommend doing one of their scenic boat excursions where you can see bald eagles and seals.
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Phippsburg, Maine. Ditch the screens and celebrate nature in this beautiful area.
Pin for later-
