The Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor is a vacation destination for many reasons. There are picturesque beaches to enjoy, historic sites to take in, shopping, fine dining, and more. One of the great things about York is the town’s proximity to other must-see locations. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is approximately 60 miles north of York and worth every moment of the drive.
Overview of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are located in Boothbay, Maine. The drive from York takes approximately 90 minutes if you can resist the urge to pull over at every breathtaking viewpoint along the coastal highways. Even with a few pit stops, travelers can easily make the trip to Boothbay, wander the gardens at their leisure, and get back to Stage Neck Inn in plenty of time for dinner.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) opened in 2007 after 16 years of planning. The gardens are currently spread over 300 acres of rocky forest coastline. It has become the largest botanical garden in New England and draws over 200,000 visitors yearly.
There are currently around 15 different garden sites to explore, including:
- Arbor Garden, inspired by a European rose garden and featuring a few unexpected twists
- Bobby and Harold Alforn Children’s Garden, inspired by children’s books
- Cleaver Lawn, where you can view majestic Dawn Redwood trees
- Dahlia Garden boasts dozens of dahlia varieties
- Giles Rhododendron Garden featuring over 1,000 rhododendrons and other shrubs
- Haney Hillside Garden, where you can view over 6,000 native plants from three different terraces
- Lerner Garden with plants to appeal to all five senses
- Vayo Meditation Garden, a quiet retreat featuring a basin carved from a boulder
CMBG offers new surprises from year to year and throughout each season. Depending on when you visit, you might see sculpture installations or have the opportunity to watch bees at work in the center’s Learning Apiary and Native Bee Exhibit.
Gardens Aglow: Experience the Magic of Maine’s Premier Light Show
For the past decade, the botanical gardens have been transformed into an outdoor winter wonderland experience in November & December. Gardens Aglow features beautiful light displays throughout the gardens, festive seasonal décor, and fun activities for all. It has quickly become a treasured holiday tradition with nearly a million visitors since starting the annual “glow up”! Learn more about the seasonal exhibit at https://www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/gardens-aglow/.
Know Before You Go
A little preparation will allow you to gain the most enjoyment from your trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. To start, purchase tickets in advance, especially during holidays and peak seasons. The garden is open rain or shine, so don’t expect a refund if it rains during your planned visit.
Admissions and Hours of Operation
Tickets cost $24 for adults, $25 for students, and $10 for children 3 to 17, with discounts for seniors, veterans, and families. Children under 3 are free. You can save at least $2 per admission by purchasing tickets online.
CMBG is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 to October 20. Pets, alcohol, smoking, and vaping are prohibited. Check the website for detailed information about parking and the guidelines for experiencing the garden.
Accessibility
CMBG is known as the “People’s Garden” and is committed to maintaining an accessible environment for everyone to enjoy. All the buildings and central gardens comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and are wheelchair accessible.
For everyone’s convenience, a free hop-on-hop-off shuttle transports visitors around the perimeter of the grounds. Accessible cart tours that accommodate up to five people are also available.
Refreshments
Visitors are welcome to bring their own lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks into the garden. There are designated picnic areas for your convenience. Visitors are asked to dispose of their waste and help keep the gardens beautiful.
For those who prefer to purchase food on-site, the Hungry Gardener Food Truck sells wraps, hot dogs, salads, and special diet options. The Snack Shack offers fresh fruit and a variety of snacks and drinks, including a great cup of coffee.
What to Bring
Keep in mind you’ll be outdoors for most of your visit to CMBG. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear light layers appropriate for the season and your most comfortable walking shoes.
Don’t forget your camera or your refillable water bottle. There are filling stations throughout the grounds.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Offers Something for Everyone
Everyone in the family will enjoy a trip to CMBG. Be sure to check the official CMBG website to find out what will be in bloom during your visit and if there are any special events scheduled. Allow yourself the entire day to explore the many gardens and exhibits then enjoy the scenic drive back to the Stage Neck Inn for a relaxing evening and a great night’s sleep.
Stage Neck Inn is an iconic destination where families and friends share delightful experiences that evolve into lifetime memories. Offering spacious accommodations with modern amenities and classic décor, breathtaking ocean and harbor views and the ocean’s relaxing sounds make for the perfect stay at our oceanfront resort in York Harbor, ME. Book your stay online now.