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Bath, Maine
Bath, Maine Historic Bath, Maine is hidden gem located in Midcoast Maine, at the northeastern tip of New England. Bath - the City of Ships - is known for its rich history, as well as its beautiful 19th-century architecture. Settled by primarily British beginning in 1607, and chartered in 1781, Bath Maine was one of the largest seaports in the country during its 1840s and 1850s shipping and shipbuilding hey dey. The nineteen shipyards, side by side in a two-mile stretch on the west bank of Kennebec River, produced more ships than any other comparably sized place on earth. Recently, the larger Bath area, including Arrowsic and Georgetown, has been visited AGAIN by the Stellar’s Sea Eagle - a rare bird, far from its native Russia.
Bath Maine Walking Tour participants enjoy stories about historic ships and shipbuilding on the Kennebec River.
Bath, Maine Today
Today, the city of Bath is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical sites and attractions, and easy access to outdoor activities. Visitors can tour the Maine Maritime Museum, take a scenic boat ride on the Kennebec River, or explore the city's charming downtown area, widely believed to be one of the most beautiful in New England. Whatever your interests, the charming city of Bath is sure to have something for you!
Historic Bath Maine, as viewed from the Kennebec River.
Downtown Bath, Maine
Bath's downtown district is a lively and picturesque area, full of historic buildings, tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, and period gas lamps. The main street and focal point is Front Street, which runs through the center of town and is home to some of the city's best restaurants and shops. Pace yourself as you meander and browse at wonderful shops such as Lisa Marie's Made in Maine, Springer's and Pamela's World jewelry stores, as well as Markings and Centre Street Galleries which are filled with an eclectic mix from local artists.
Front Street and Centre Street in Bath Maine are filled with outstanding shopping and restaurants.
Shop for your kitchen, including your beer, wine, and cheese needs at Now You're Cooking. Visit the boutique shops of Over the Moon, Bohemian Rose, and House of Logan for that just-right beachy dress or fun accessory. J'adore Consignment has clothing, antiques, and jewelry galore. Centre Street offers additional fantastic shopping and dining options to explore, including an art gallery, a bakery, a sweet shop, and a natural food store. Bath's City Hall and the Sagadahoc County Court House anchor either end of the street. Bath is the county seat for Sagadahoc County - other communities in the County (the smallest geographically n the state) are Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Topsham, Phippsburg, Georgetown, West Bath, Richmond and Woolwich, Maine.
Bath Maine Front Street and Centre Street business districts offer great shopping and dining.
Our community loves to read! If you do too, visit all four bookstores. You are sure to find something to kick back or curl up with on your visit. Stop in the Patten Free Library, with its historic building, artwork, and collections. No matter your age, take a peek in their children's room, where you'll see colorful murals worthy of a museum.
Best Photo Op in Bath, Maine
Be sure to take photos in the prime location in front of Hallet's clock, across from City Hall, on the corner of Front and Centre Streets. It is just one of the beautiful places to create memories on your visit to Bath.
Tour participants pose in front of Hallet's Clock on the corner of Front and Center in Bath Maine.
The city of Bath's downtown has become a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, thanks to its growing number of businesses and its vibrant atmosphere. You can find a complete list of businesses on the website maintained by Main Street Bath, VisitBath.com.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park, a short walk from downtown, is a beautiful and popular spot in the city of Bath. The park stretches along the west bank of the Kennebec, providing stunning views of the river, historic bridges, and the downtown district. Walking trails line the riverbank, and it's a popular spot for reading, fishing, dog walking, and playing, no matter your age. The Bath Farmers' Market is here every Saturday morning. The many amenities of the park include comfortable benches and Adirondack chairs, a bandstand, public restrooms, historical signs (creating a sort of museum in the streets), and many walking paths.
Our Downtown Bath tour begins at Waterfront Park, on the Kennebec, with views of the Carlton Bridge.
While there, visit the nearby Freight Shed, home of Maine's First Ship, the Virginia, a reconstruction of the first British ship built in the New World. Its launch in June of 2022 was over 20 years in the making. If the visitor's center isn't open, you can still get fantastic views of the ship from the park.
For a place to relax and take in the sights of Bath, Waterfront Park is the perfect spot. Be sure to visit when you're in town!
Bath, Maine Hotels
If you're looking for a place to stay in Bath, there are plenty of hotels and inns to choose from. Whether you're looking for a luxurious room with a view or a more budget-friendly option, you'll be able to find a hotel that suits your needs. All are located in or near downtown Bath, so you'll be within walking distance of all the best that the city has to offer. See all Bath Maine hotels and inns.
Bath, Maine Restaurants
Downtown Bath is home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, pizza, Thai, Mexican, or American fare, you'll be able to find a restaurant to suit your taste. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Sweet Shoppe and The Fountain (for ice cream).
Stop by The Fountain Cafe in Bath Maine for ice cream, lunch or dinner.
There are many restaurants located downtown, so you'll be within walking distance of all the best that Bath has to offer. Many offer live music on weekend nights and outdoor seating, with beautiful views. Check social media for restaurant specials, special events, and room/availability. See all Bath Maine restaurants.
Bath Maine Places to Dine - a List
Some of the most popular places to eat in Bath include:
Bath Brewing Company
Burano's Woodfired Pizza
Kennebec Tavern
J.D. Maxwell's
Byrne's Irish Pub
The Cabin (Pizza)
Long Reach Kitchen (in North Bath)
The Fountain (ice cream and grab-and-go meals)
The Red Envelope (Vietnamese and Thai)
Mae's Cafe (breakfast, brunch and lunch)
Best Thai 2
Southgate (diner with breakfast and lunch)
Winnegance Store (diner with breakfast and lunch)
Witch Hill Spring Ice Cream (West Bath)
Sisters Gourmet Deli
Cafe Creme (coffee/bakery)
Solo Pane (coffee/bakery)
Linden and Front (fine dining)
OystHERS (Oyster Bar)
If you're looking for a delicious meal, be sure to check out one of these popular restaurants. You won't be disappointed!
Maine Maritime Museum
The Maine Maritime Museum is considered one of the finest maritime museums in the country. Telling the story of shipbuilding and seafaring in the state, the museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits, including a full-sized replica of a 19th-century sailing ship. Gallery exhibitions rotate regularly. The museum also offers educational programs for any age, and sightseeing tours by water, including a popular lighthouse cruise.
Cap off your visit with a stop in their gift shop - with books, t-shirts, ship models, hats, works by local artists, stuffed animals, and many other options, you will find a gift or souvenir for everyone. In the event you have a rainy day on your visit to Bath, check out other nearby museums including the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, and the Bowdoin Art Museum in Brunswick.
Chocolate Church Arts Center and The Winter Street Center
The Chocolate Church Arts Center is a historic church in Bath that has been converted into a performing arts center and gallery space. The Center offers a variety of programs for all ages and is a venue for local musicians and artists. The Chocolate Church also sponsors concerts free to attend all summer long. Most are held at Waterfront Park, with some at the Maine Maritime Museum.
The Winter Street Center at the Winter Street Church is one of the most historic churches in New England. It is located in City Park (aka Library Park), a wonderful green space, home to the Patten Free Library, an exquisite fountain, a Revolutionary War cannon, and a historic gazebo, where you can attend two or three concerts a week, outdoors, relaxing among the century-old trees with views of the Kennebec River.
Library Park gazebo with free live music several times a week.
Over the Fourth of July, Heritage Days is a great time to visit Bath. Residents and volunteers with the organization Main Street Bath offer a series of special community events, including a fireman's muster, a strawberry shortcake social, an antique car display, numerous concerts, a book sale, and an art sale.
Capping off the event is the biggest Fourth of July parade in the country - well, the biggest in Maine, at least - plus an outstanding fireworks display over the Kennebec River.
Other events include plays, lectures, kids' activities at Library Park, scavenger hunts, and a June House and Garden Show. Most events are free to attend. Check the website maintained by Main Street Bath, VisitBath.com, as well as social media for the latest on upcoming events taking place.
Frequent parades and other special events in Bath Maine are free for visitors.
Outdoor Activities
Just a few miles drive from Bath are some of the top beaches in Maine, Popham Beach and Reid State Park. These parks, and countless other outdoor trails, land trust sites, and preserves, offer great swimming, hikes, and rocky ledges for relaxing while watching sea birds and seals. Maine is known for its pine forests and rocky coastline, and the land surrounding the city of Bath does not disappoint.
Popham Beach and Reid State Parks are just two of the stunning outdoor adventures near Bath Maine.
Be sure to check out the fun rope swing at the Sewell Pond swimming hole and the walk through a majestic forest and beautiful views of the Kennebec at Thorne Head Preserve
The golf course at the Bath Country Club, in North Bath, is open to the public. Its spectacular location and outstanding restaurant (and cocktail menu) are a delight. Order the Whiskeag Sunset!
Bath Iron Works
With its red and white striped crane #11 one of the most visible landmarks in the city, the shipyard Bath Iron Works (BIW) is central to the life and character of Bath. The company was founded in 1884 by Civil War General Thomas Hyde who knew the future of shipbuilding in his hometown would be steel ships. It is one of the largest and most prolific shipbuilders in the United States. Best known today for constructing destroyers for the US Navy, the shipyard employs over 5,000 workers and is one of the largest employers in the state of Maine. The christening or departure of a ship is an event you will never forget!
The shipyard, Bath Iron Works, has been a part of Bath history since 1884. Today, building Destroyers for the U.S. Navy on the Kennebec River.
Embark Maine Tours Walking Tours
Of course, no visit to the City of Ships, Bath, Maine, would be complete without a guided tour of the historic downtown and majestic homes located on Washington Street. Embark Maine Tours offers the only guided tours of Bath, with scheduled dates in May, June, July, August, September, and October, with on-demand and custom tours available year-round.
Guests on this Historic Neighborhood tour learn about architecture and stories of the lives of ship captains and ship builders.
Historic Downtown Tour
Our tour of downtown Bath begins in Waterfront Park, winds through the business district, and finishes at Library Park. The tour takes you through 400+ years of history including the fight for Maine's independence, the Civil War, the founding of Bath Iron Works, the whirlwind of World War II, and the fight to preserve and protect Bath's beautiful architecture.
Downtown Bath tour participants take a break from their walking tour in front of historic Front Street.
Historic Neighborhood Tour
Our Historic Neighborhood tour begins at Library Park and explores the majestic homes of sea captains and shipbuilders, with a close look at the architecture and stories about famous - and infamous - residents.
Join us for a walking tour of the historic Washington Street neighborhood, brimming with homes of sea captains and shipbuilders.
Learn more about Embark Maine Tours and to book your tickets.
Hope to see you soon!
Bath, Maine is a charming city with a rich history and a vibrant present. Bath is home to a variety of businesses and attractions, including the Bath Iron Works shipyard, the Downtown Bath Historic District, Waterfront Park, and the Maine Maritime Museum. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, a unique shopping experience on a historic main street, stellar entertainment, or a scenic view, Bath has something to offer everyone. Plan to explore the city's many attractions when you're in town and don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help.