SmarterTravel Spotlight: Sebasco Harbor Resort

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

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The quintessentially Maine Sebasco Harbor Resort embodies the state’s Vacationland nickname. The property has plenty of activities (like golf, kayaking, and candlepin bowling) and a variety of restaurants on site, so you’ll have everything you need within walking distance. Sign up for the meal plan and you can even leave your wallet behind. Pull up an Adirondack chair at Sebasco and watch the waves crash against the shore—this is Vacationland mode.

The Location

Sebasco Harbor Resort is located on the Phippsburg Peninsula in Casco Bay. This peaceful area is less than an hour drive from Portland, making it an easy trip if you’re flying into Portland’s international airport. From Boston, it’s a fairly quick three-hour drive.

The peninsula location and ocean breezes make Sebasco consistently 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding towns—it’s a perfect place to escape the summer heat.

Although you may find it tough to drag yourself off-resort, Sebasco is located near some of the best beaches in Maine. The expansive Popham Beach is just a few miles away, as is Seawall Beach. Seawall Beach is a practically private beach—strict parking restrictions allow just 30 cars in at a time, and the more than 1.5-mile walk from the parking lot to the beach deters the crowds.

The Rooms

Sebasco harbor resort lighthouse. — Sebasco Harbor Resort

The Sebasco Harbor Resort has an intriguing array of lodging options, ranging from a lighthouse to family-sized cottages. The Lighthouse rooms are the most unique—rooms here offer panoramic views of the harbor and the coast from within the harbor’s most recognizable landmark. Built in 1945, the lighthouse has plenty of window seats to enjoy the view from, plus an observatory at the top where guests can enjoy 360-degree views.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, the Fairwinds Spa Suites offer king-sized beds, fireplaces, and patios overlooking the ocean—plus private access to the spa’s hot tub in the evening.

Bringing the whole family? There are 23 cottages on the property, which range in size from one to 10 rooms each, so you can all stay together.

There are also traditional hotel-style rooms in the Main Lodge for a more affordable option, as well as Harbor Village Suites for more space.

Dining

Don’t worry about leaving the property to hunt for food—Sebasco Harbor Resort has plenty of options, and unusually for Maine, even offers a meal plan option. The meal plan is $50 per person per day and includes breakfast and a three-course dinner. Kids 12 and under eat free when adults are on the plan.

The Pilot House is open for breakfast and dinner. This is the property’s more formal option, and it focuses on showcasing the local flavors of Maine. Here, you’ll find options like a fresh burrata version of a Caprese Salad, seafood that was likely caught just outside, decadent desserts, and a stellar wine list.

The Ledges Pub and Patio is more casual, but still focuses on traditional Maine cuisine, so come here to get your lobster or fried seafood fix. This is the place to be a on warm summer night, as the outdoor patio overlooks the water.

Time your dinner to eat around sunset, as the views from both restaurants are unbeatable—you’ll get a meal and a natural show.

For a quick grab-and-go option, the Sea Chest Cafe serves up freshly brewed coffee from a local Portland roaster, plus breakfast items like baked goods and sandwiches.

Activities

Sebasco harbor resort pool. — Elana Jadallah @elanaloo / Aaron Haynes @aaronhaynes

There are a variety of ways to get out on the water at Sebasco Harbor Resort. Opt for a scenic sunset cruise on the hotel’s boat, take a kayaking tour, or rent a stand-up paddleboard.

Want to stay on the land? The resort has its own picturesque and surprisingly challenging golf course. Or, head to the Quarterdeck, the hotel’s recreation center, and play a game of pool, air hockey, foosball, or Ping-Pong—or try your luck on the vintage candlepin bowling lanes.

And, on a hot summer day there’s no better activity than going for a swim in the hotel’s saltwater pool, located on the edge of the harbor for endless views.

Price and How to Book:

Rates start from $179 in summer and $159 in fall, and can be booked on Sebasco Harbor Resort’s website. Or, compare rates with TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company).

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Caroline Morse Teel was hosted by the Sebasco Harbor Resort. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from New England and all around the world.

Photos courtesy of Sebasco Harbor Resort and Elana Jadallah @elanaloo / Aaron Haynes @aaronhaynes.

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