We plan to drive from Kennebunkport to Rockland on a weekday in July. We are stopping in New Harbor to do the puffin watch tour. Should we also plan to stop at Boothbay Harbor on the way, or will that be too much driving for one day? We range in ages from teenagers to senior adults.

Don't forget that New Harbor is a good 20 to 30 minute drive down the peninsula, and that the parking for the Hardy boat is another few minutes walk from the dock. I think New Harbor is one of the prettiest spots in Maine. I know Boothbay has its fans but I found it very busy and chock full of souvenir shops and the like.

Thanks for the heads-up on the drive time to New Harbor and the thumbs-up for the spot.

A pretty spot trumps souvenir shops and crowds for our group.

Boothbay isn't a "stop" it's a destination. It's a drive down a very trafficky peninsula (in July) and then a drive back out the very busy peninsula. I'd skip it unless the teens are really into ice cream, the Ice Cream Factory on the wharf is great.

That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. We have our beloved Blue Bell ice cream at home. It sounds like we can skip Boothbay on our limited time schedule and even save some calories bypassing the Ice Cream Factory. Thanks.

You can get some pretty good ice cream in New Harbor as well!

Ahh... The best of both worlds!

I agree--I would skip Boothbay in July. It's a pretty spot with lots of boats and beautiful views, but packed with tourists in season.

Thank you, aprillilacs. We'll take your advice and head to New Harbor instead.