Looking to explore Maine’s coastline?

A lobster trap and buoy road trip is a fun way to explore the coast, see these unique trees, and experience some of the cutest towns in Maine. Many of these spots can be easily packed into a day trip as well!

Boothbay Harbor

Location: Pier 1, Boothbay Harbor

The tallest buoy tree in Maine! Head to one of Maine’s most charming coastal towns, Boothbay Harbor, to see the Giant Lobster Pot Buoy Tree! This 20-foot-tall tree weighs 3,000 pounds and is made of over 800 lobster-pot buoys. It is also adorned with 1,000 twinkling lights and to top it all off (literally) is a giant metal lobster tree topper!

Created in 2020 by local resident Mark Gimbel, the tree was a way to bring the community together during the height of COVID-19. With help from local businesses and an architect, Mark’s vision has become a reality as locals and visitors enjoy this festive holiday tradition, year after year.

While you’re in Boothbay Habor, take a stroll through the beautifully decorated town, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and check out the seasonal events happening. I recommend a visit to the nearby Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for their Gardens Aglow, which features over 750,000 lights and two giant trolls.

Kennebunkport

And if you are looking for a town that goes all out for the holidays, Kennebunkport is it! Their famous month long Christmas Prelude event features festive activities all month long. You will find several other festive trees around town too, including a cute buoy tree at SEACRAFT (2 Morning Walk Lane), a tiny lobster trap tree next to The Clam Shack (on Western Avenue), and a classic Christmas Tree in the center of Dock Square.

Portland

Location: Downtown Portland

Discover not only one, not two, but three lobster trap trees here!

The Portland Regency - Just outside of the Portland Regency this tall lobster trap tree is also decked out with a giant star at the top! The lobster traps used on this tree were previously owned by Jack Bradbury who lived in South Portland and was in the lobster fishing business for 30 years. You can find out more about Jack on the hotels website here.
Lukes Portland on Portland Pier - Just a short walk away from The Portland Regency you will find two lobster trap trees on Portland Pier. These two are very similar in design, with classic green and yellow traps, and decked out with Maine’s flag at the top. I recommend stopping by The Holy Donut on your way from the Portland Regency hotel to these two trees. Their famous potato donuts are a must when visiting Maine!

Ogunquit

Location: The back lawn of the Beachmere Inn

During the month of December, Ogunquit, Maine goes all out with festive decorations and its annual Christmas by the Sea event. You can even find some holiday cheer on a scenic walk along the ocean. The Marginal Way is a picturesque, paved 1.25-mile path that runs along the ocean cliffs. The path stretches from downtown Ogunquit to Perkins Cove, and along the way, you’ll spot this lobster trap tree and a festive lighthouse.

There is parking available at both ends of the path, as well as a few spots along the route. I parked in one of the spaces at the end of Stearns Road, which was conveniently close to the Lobster Point Lighthouse. It is also less than a 0.5-mile walk along the Marginal Way from the lighthouse to reach the lobster trap tree.

Wells

York

Location: Fox’s Lobster House, Cape Neddick Nubble

This lobster trap tree happens to be next to my absolute favorite Maine lighthouse - the Nubble Lighthouse. And the lighthouse is also decked out for the season with a little wreath and lights. The Nubble Lighthouse is located on an island so you can’t walk right up to it but you can still get amazing views and photos from across the water.

And if you can’t make it during the holiday season, you still have a chance to see the lobster trap tree because it transforms into a Valentine’s Day tree in February, complete with teddy bears and hearts.

Rockland

Location: The harbor in Mildred Merrill Park

Still on my list to visit! This tree stands at 40 feet tall and is comprised of red and green traps, with a fiberglass lobster at the top! This tree was also supposedly the second New England town to have its own lobster trap tree, with Gloucester, Massachusetts being the first.

Where to Find Maine’s Lobster Trap & Buoy Trees