Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
250 acres of stunning gardens, art installations like giant trolls, and natural landscapes offering a serene escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical holiday light displays
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Magical holiday light displays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
250 acres of stunning gardens, art installations like giant trolls, and natural landscapes offering a serene escape.
"A truly magical place with stunning gardens and unique art that nourishes the soul."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep & rocky. Miles of walking! :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money & guarantee entry, especially for Gardens Aglow. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Trolls
Scattered throughout the forest paths
Whimsical, recycled-art trolls by Thomas Dambo tell stories and messages of Earth protection. A must-see for all ages!
Gardens Aglow
Throughout the gardens
A spectacular holiday light display with over 750,000 LED lights. Ranked among the nation's best!
Children's Garden
Dedicated area
A whimsical and interactive space with themed areas, a pond, and a quaint workshop that delights both kids and adults.
The Landing
Waterfront area
Enjoy a divine breeze and serene water views after exploring the extensive gardens and trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep & rocky. Miles of walking! :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money & guarantee entry, especially for Gardens Aglow.
TROLL HUNT!
Don't miss the giant recycled art trolls hidden throughout the woods. Fun for all ages!
🚎 Utilize the Shuttle
Free shuttle available from Boothbay Harbor on select nights for Gardens Aglow.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep & rocky. Miles of walking! :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money & guarantee entry, especially for Gardens Aglow.
TROLL HUNT!
Don't miss the giant recycled art trolls hidden throughout the woods. Fun for all ages!
🚎 Utilize the Shuttle
Free shuttle available from Boothbay Harbor on select nights for Gardens Aglow.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warm days as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for its stunning beauty, thoughtful design, and magical atmosphere, especially during the holiday light display. The unique troll art installations are a major highlight, offering a fun and engaging experience for all ages. While the extensive grounds require comfortable footwear and can be challenging in parts, the overall experience is described as serene, inspiring, and well worth the admission price.
"This place is really cool! My family and I went here for the AGLOW light tour in November. Paved walkways with festive lights and decorations. Although it looked like Christmas lights, it was totally neutral. Tickets are very affordable for families. Multiple warming stations, buildings with restrooms, and food/drinks/snacks. I will visit this again during lights, and looking forward to seeing it during the warmer weather"
DSG
"Stunning display of lights throughout the garden. Very unique designs and with lots of colors and fun paths. We really enjoyed our time touring the gardens and looking at all the lights. Highly recommend. MKe sure you get your tickets online and arrive on time."
Alison Wolf
"I spent a wonderful afternoon at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and it was easily one of the most beautiful and well-maintained places I’ve visited in Maine. The gardens are vast and thoughtfully designed, with a perfect balance of natural beauty, art installations, and peaceful walking trails surrounded by flowers, trees, and water views. It took me about 2–3 hours to explore comfortably, and I felt like I could have stayed even longer just soaking in the scenery.
I booked my tickets online, which came at a discounted rate — definitely worth doing ahead of time since the tours and accessible rides fill up pretty quickly. The entire space is impressively accessible, and I appreciated that wheelchairs are available free of charge for guests who need them. Parking is also free, and the staff were friendly and attentive from the moment I arrived.
This place feels magical, especially with the mix of themed gardens, sculptures, and peaceful outlooks over the water. Whether you’re a plant lover, a photographer, or just looking for a serene escape, this destination delivers it all. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning a return visit."
Vijay Thakkar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located at 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, ME 04537. If driving from Portland, it's about an hour and a half. Parking is free on-site.
During Gardens Aglow, a shuttle service runs from Boothbay Harbor on Fridays and Saturdays, departing from the Boothbay Harbor Town Office/Fire Station.
Navigate to 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, ME 04537. The gardens are well-signposted in the Boothbay area.
Yes, it's a feasible day trip from Portland, Maine, taking approximately 1.5 hours each way. Plan for at least 3-4 hours to explore the gardens.
From Boston, it's about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive. Consider an overnight stay in the Boothbay Harbor area to fully enjoy the gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by season and event. Booking online in advance often provides a discounted rate. Check their official website for current pricing.
Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance for Gardens Aglow, as it's a very popular event and can sell out.
Online booking often offers discounted rates. Keep an eye on their website for any special promotions or group rates.
Hours vary seasonally. From May 1 to October 19, they are typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Gardens Aglow has evening hours. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Refund policies typically depend on the specific ticket type and the reason for cancellation. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the gardens directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore themed gardens, walking trails, art installations like the giant trolls, a Children's Garden, and enjoy waterfront views. Gardens Aglow offers a stunning light display in winter.
Many areas are accessible, and wheelchairs are available free of charge. However, some trails can be steep and rough, making them less accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours, but you could easily spend 4 hours or more to truly immerse yourself and explore all the trails.
Yes, there are numerous benches and resting areas throughout the gardens, including along the trails and at The Landing.
Five giant trolls, created from recycled materials by artist Thomas Dambo, are hidden throughout the forest. They serve as guardians of the seeds and carry messages about protecting the Earth.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering fresh and delicious food options, including sandwiches and baked goods. The menu rotates seasonally.
The cafe offers a rotating menu, often featuring items like curry chicken salad, heirloom tomato sandwiches, and brownies. Quality is generally considered good.
Yes, Boothbay Harbor has various restaurants. For Gardens Aglow, consider dining downtown before or after your visit, and utilize the shuttle service.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check the garden's policy. Picnics might be allowed in designated areas, but purchasing from the cafe supports the gardens.
The menu rotates, so options can vary. It's advisable to check the current menu or inquire at the cafe upon arrival for specific dietary accommodations.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! From the vibrant flower beds and themed gardens to the giant trolls and waterfront views, the gardens offer endless photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
Typically, drone usage is restricted in botanical gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. Check the garden's specific policy.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. For Gardens Aglow, evening is the only option, and the lights create a magical atmosphere.
Absolutely! The trolls are a major attraction and perfect for unique and memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the gardens are expansive, the availability of free wheelchairs and an on-site trolley service can help manage little legs that get tired. Remember to bring snacks and water, or enjoy the cafe's offerings. Visiting during Gardens Aglow offers a magical, festive experience that kids will talk about for years.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Don't miss the opportunity to discover the hidden trolls scattered throughout the woodland paths – it adds an element of adventure to your hike. The breeze on The Landing is also a perfect reward after a long trek. Plan for at least 3-4 hours to truly experience the breadth of the gardens at an active pace.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best natural light. During the holiday season, Gardens Aglow provides a completely different, magical photographic experience with its extensive light displays. The themed gardens also offer diverse backdrops for capturing beautiful imagery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Trolls of Boothbay
+1Finding these hidden giants is an adventure in itself, weaving through the garden's natural landscapes. The trolls are a huge hit with visitors of all ages, adding an element of playful discovery to the botanical experience. They are a testament to how art can be used to promote important ecological themes, making the gardens a place of both beauty and thoughtful reflection.
Many visitors highlight the troll hunt as a must-do activity, often spending significant time posing for photos and appreciating the artistry and message behind each sculpture. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature and art simultaneously, offering a memorable experience that sets these gardens apart.
Gardens Aglow: A Winter Wonderland
+1The display is meticulously designed, with lights woven into trees, bushes, and along pathways, illuminating the natural beauty of the gardens in a completely new light. Visitors can expect a festive and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for families and couples looking for a memorable winter outing. The sheer scale of the light installation is impressive, with reports of over 65 miles of lights used.
+1To enhance the experience, especially on busy nights, consider utilizing the shuttle service from Boothbay Harbor on Fridays and Saturdays. This helps alleviate parking congestion and allows you to focus on the dazzling display. Booking tickets online in advance is crucial, as this event is extremely popular and often sells out.
+1Accessibility and Comfort at the Gardens
However, it's important to note that the gardens are vast, covering 250 acres, and some of the natural trails can be steep, rocky, and uneven. While accessible rides and trolleys are available to help navigate the grounds, wait times can sometimes be significant (upwards of 20 minutes). Visitors with mobility issues should plan their visit accordingly and perhaps focus on the more accessible areas.
For those planning an extensive exploration, wearing comfortable walking or hiking shoes is highly recommended, as visitors have reported walking several miles. Bringing water is also advisable, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit