Belfast & Searsport

Waldo County is home to several of Maine's most charming seaside communities and Belfast and Searsport are two of mid-coast Maine's special treasures. With fewer than 3,000 residents, Searsport is a quiet community with a proud maritime heritage. Searsport's Penobscot Marine Museum, the oldest maritime museum in Maine, has something for visitors of all ages. Viewing the many exhibit buildings and displays on the seafaring history of Maine is a great way to spend a day. Off the coast of Searsport is Sears Island, the largest uninhabited island on the East Coast. Sears Island is accessible by a causeway and offers excellent biking and walking along the many natural hiking trails. In the winter, the trails are perfect for snowshoeing.

In 2008, Budget Traveler named Belfast a “Coolest Small Town” and as you stroll down Main Street and along the dynamic working waterfront, you can easily see why. Three miles south of Searsport, Belfast's classic New England Main Street gently slopes towards the tidal waters of Penobscot Bay and is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. The small city proudly boasts the country’s oldest shoe store, Coburn's Shoe, and more art galleries than any city its size in the state. Every Friday evening in July and August, visitors can join the Belfast Art Gallery Walk of over 15 galleries.

You can also head to the water for a kayak tour along the coast, and explore Belfast Harbor and the islands in Penobscot Bay on a tour perfect for beginners or intermediate kayakers.