Phippsburg

Phippsburg, a coastal town in Sagadahoc County on Maine's Mid Coast, is a popular beach destination.

Understand

The location where the popular movie Message In A Bottle was filmed, Phippsburg includes some of the best beaches in the area.

Get in

There is no local or intercity public transport.

Portland (Maine) has air and rail service. From there, I-95 north to I-295 north leads to Brunswick (Maine). Exit onto US Route 1 north, following the coast up to Bath (Maine). Exit right to State Route 209, which goes through Phippsburg.

Get around

You will need a vehicle. As roads (with the exception of Route 209) are mostly narrow with no shoulder, biking can be awkward; motorcars run 40 mph on the back roads and there can be high traffic on the way to the beach in summer's high season.

As most of the town is surrounded by water, many places are easily accessible by boat.

See

Do

While the beaches are the main tourist attraction, fishing is good if you have access to a boat. Most local convenience stores sell tackle supplies. There's a good striper fishing spot on Parker Head Road at the mouth of Mill Pond, and fishing off the beach is popular. Set eels out on a hook on the beach or use a simple shad to catch them at the Mill Pond dam.

Buy
  • Several stores sell souvenirs at the beaches.
  • Andrea Brand Gallery, Sam Day Hill Rd, ☏ +1 207 319-9922. Local craft artist, barn open seasonally. 
  • Bisson's Center Store, 865 Main Rd, Phippsburg (Route 209 and Parker Head Road), ☏ +1 207 389-1884. The only local fuel station, good selection of souvenirs. 
  • Joshua Bate Trading Bermuda, 54 Cranberry Point, Phippsburg, ☏ +1 207 389-1353. Trading card store. 
  • Percy's Store, 6 Sea St, ☏ +1 207 389-2010. 7AM-3PM. Grocer, takeaway restaurant and convenience store. 

Eat

Drink

One may buy liquor at a grocery store for takeaway. There is a local pub, the Ledges Pub (+1 207 371-5113) at the Sebasco Resort.

Sleep

Nearby

Hermit Island

In 1907, there was little here but one old man with a cabin, a few sheep and no family; the cabin was left to decay after his death. A lobster fishery was built after World War II, with a camp ground opened soon after. About 8 mi (13 km) south of Phippsburg (follow Route 209 south to Route 216), this area is now crowded in summer with seasonal campers and sites are best reserved well in advance.

  • Sea Spray Kayaking, ☏ +1 207 443-3646. Kayak rentals ($25-50/day) and tours. 
  • Hermit Island Campground, 6 Hermit Island Rd, Small Point, ☏ +1 207 443-2101 (office). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A 270-site family-oriented seasonal campground on a 255 acre peninsula. Tents and tent-trailers only, no RV's, no utility hookups, prices based on two adults (21+) and up to three kids. Three small cabins for weekly rental ($445-1175/wk). Office is on Front St, BATH ME and is open 9AM–2PM weekdays. The Kelp Shed (reception desk, Snack Bar, fireplace, pool table, video games and picnic tables) is open from 9AM–10PM. The Store sells ice, firewood, lobsters, beer, wine, groceries, bait and camping supplies. Souvenir shop with postcards and t-shirts. No personal cheques, no credit cards. ATM on site. Poor to non-extant mobile telephone coverage in the park; there is one telephone at the Kelp Shed for emergency use. 

Go next
  • The nearest hotels are in Bath (Maine). The closest malls and big-box stores are in Brunswick (Maine) or Freeport. The nearest supermarkets are Shaw's in Bath and Hanniford in Brunswick. Freeport (Maine), home of the popular L.L. Bean sportswear company, offers speciality shops and outlets.
  • The closest major city is Portland (Maine), where the Maine Mall features major chains like Best Buy, JCPenney, Sports Authority and Victoria's Secret.
  • Arcadia National Park is a great place to hike; to the north, white water rafting is available further up the coast.
  • Sunday River and Black Mountain are good for mountain skiing. Sunday River has more slopes, with six mountain peaks.
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