Did you know that Maine has a longer coastline than California?
Although it may be hard to believe, it is true. The general coastline of Maine only measures to be 228 miles, but the tide coastline (which includes all of the inlets and bays in Maine) measures to be 3,478 miles. There are only three other states that have a longer coastline than Maine: Alaska with 33,904 miles of coastline, Florida with 8, 436 miles of coastline and Louisiana with 7,721 miles of coastline.
The Beautiful Maine Coastline
Maine’s stunningly beautiful coastline also encompasses 3,166 islands. Many of these islands are extremely small and uninhabited but some are so large and a few are so famous that you don’t think of them as islands. The best known island in Maine may be Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, which attracts thousands of visitors and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Acadia is one of our guests favorites locations to go for a day trip. Mount Desert Island isn’t the only island within your reach if you stay with us here at the Inn at Sunrise Point, if you visit the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park only a couple miles from the inn or if you gaze upon the ocean from our own private ocean facing lawn you can see there are several islands right off the cost of the inn-all within reach of your camera lens and some easily accessible by car or ferry.
The ocean facing lawn at the Inn at Sunrise Point
The Inn at Sunrise Point, a luxury coastal retreat located in the beautiful state of Maine is the perfect place to stay not only if you are looking for a highly relaxing and enjoyable stay but also if you are interested in exploring the vast Maine coastline and islands. Staying at our Midcoast Maine Bed and Breakfast gives you easy access, via State of Maine operated ferry boats, to islands such as Islesboro, North Haven and Vinalhaven. Each island features a charming island village as well some of Maine’s most beautiful landscapes.
Small Fishing Village on Vinalhaven
Islesboro — the closest island to the Inn– is located three miles off the coast of Lincolnville Beach. The ferries run hourly during daylight hours from Lincolnville Beach, which is less than 2 miles north of the Inn at Sunrise Point. During the 19th century the island was home to the largest commercial shipping fleet in the bay. However, following the Civil War the island became more of a resort community with many summer homes. Actors such as John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are among those who live part time on the island. Our guests love to visit Grindle Point Lighthouse, Warren Island State Park, as well as to see the open meadows and tall spruce trees on this island.
North Haven and Vinalhaven are both accessible via ferry from Rockland, which is about 12 miles south of the Inn at Sunrise Point. North Haven has beautiful pebble beaches, wildflower meadows and spectacular views of Penobscot Bay. Vinalhaven is another charming island that prides itself on its natural beauty as well as its friendly and close-knit community. Lobster fishing is a big part of the Vinalhaven economy so if you are looking to meet some fisherman and see some lobster traps this is one of the best locations to do so. Walking and biking around these two islands is a pleasure.
There are many more islands to explore in Penobscot Bay. If you have time we would highly recommend visiting some of them. We would be happy to make you one of our delicious gourmet picnic baskets to take while you enjoy a relaxing boat ride and an island adventure.