Near the southern tip of Maine, Bath is known as a historic ship building center. It is nestled along the banks of the Kennebec River and although small in size, it is a popular vacation spot due to its location. Being at the head of two peninsulas, Bath boasts a great array of water sports. But the city is also steeped in history and there is plenty to learn and see for those with a taste for culture.
Bath was the fifth-largest seaport in the 1800s and one of the centers of shipbuilding in the US. The first ocean-going ship was built at a shipyard in Bath and over 5,000 vessels have been launched from its ports. At the peak, over 200 shipbuilding companies were located in Bath. Today, one can still see and experience this incredible shipbuilding history by simply strolling through the town.
Nature is one of the attractions of Bath, with sandy beaches and state parks just beyond the downtown area. Bath is host to the Popham Beach State Park and Reid State Park, both incredibly beautiful beach parks. Both offer excellent outdoor activities, bird watching, scenery and pristine nature. This, coupled with a bustling waterfront downtown that offers the freshest seafood and local handicrafts, makes Bath a perfect vacation spot.
Highlights
Popham Beach State Park: with its long stretch of sandy beach makes it one of Maine’s most beautiful state parks; here sunbathers and nature watchers can both enjoy the Atlantic surf.****
Reid State Park: boasts a 1.5 mile white sandy beach; it is famous for being Maine’s first state-owned saltwater beach.
Bath Farmer’s Market and Waterfront Market: are favorites among locals and visitors alike; from May through October on Saturday mornings and June through October on Thursday mornings, the markets offer local produce, fresh seafood, handicrafts and antiques.
Maine Maritime Museum: allows the visitor to learn about Maine’s maritime history and culture; the museum showcases a historic shipyard, interactive displays for children, art and artifacts and much more.
Fort Popham: was built in the 1800s and tells the story of protecting Maine’s shores and ports from the Civil War through to World War II.
Heritage Days: takes place each year in the first weekend of July, when visitors can step back in time and experience historic Bath.
Chocolate Church Center for the Arts: is housed in a rebuilt wooden Gothic church and is Bath’s main cultural center; it hosts a range of exhibits and productions, from classical to modern, throughout the year.