With the Boothbay region's peninsula and islands, enjoying a great meal by the water's edge is easy to do. And many restaurants also offer "dock and dine" options for guests arriving by boat.

Not all restaurants have their own dock, but two public docks are available just a short walk from most downtown restaurants. Both are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Whale Park Pier has free public docking for three hours and a series of floats to the west of the footbridge also offers free three-hour docking. Both are on a first come, first served basis.

If no space is available at the public docks, contact one of the nearby marinas and make arrangements with them. Harbormaster Rob Leavitt monitors channel 9 and can also be reached at (207) 380-7602.

Here's a sampling of great area restaurants offering dockside dining and water views:

Boat House Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 12 the By-Way, offers three unique dining rooms and is in the heart of the Harbor. Its open air rooftop deck has expansive views of the Harbor just below. In inclement weather, diners can choose from one of the indoor dining areas.  (207) 633-0400. Closed Tuesday.

Harborside 1901 Bar and Grill at 12 Bridge St has a variety of options for diners. It sits next to the footbridge and offers a waterfront view and enclosed deck. Hours: Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (207) 315-6043.

McSeagull's at 14 Wharf St. overlooks the harbor. Enjoy seating on the large, covered deck or dine indoors. Options include appetizers, a raw bar, sandwiches and dinners. Hours: Seven days/week 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. (207) 633-5900.    

Brady's at 25 Union St. is at the head of the harbor. There's always a party atmosphere on the deck or dining inside in inclement weather. Owner Jen Plummer jokes that their dock has “free six-hour tie-up” if boaters don’t leave before the tide does. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saltwater Hillbilly performing Sunday at 2 p.m. Closed Monday. (207) 315-6555.  

Whale's Tale at Carousel Marina has a full view of the harbor, and dock and dine options for boaters with free docking for a meal. The marina market also has grab ’n go beer and wine and sandwich options off the dock. For docking, call ahead or check with personnel on the fuel dock before taking a slip. Hours: 11 a.m. -9 p.m. seven days a week. (207) 633-2922.

Tugboat Inn at 80 Commercial St. has a main dining room, rooftop deck and marina lounge all with harbor views for guests. Its marina also offers a complimentary dock and dine option based on available space.  Call (207) 633-4434 for restaurant hours and select option 8 for the dockmaster or contact them on VHF channel 9.

On Wall Point Road in Boothbay Harbor, the Deck Bar & Grill at Linekin Bay Resort provides an expansive view of the bay while enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner. Reservations are encouraged. Boaters can set a course for 43° 50’ 45.6” N, 69° 36’ 43.2” W. Radio ahead on channel 09 and tie up at the dock or on a mooring. Transport via tender is provided if needed. See website for hours of operation. (207) 633-2494.

Robinson's Wharf on Southport Island has expansive decks overlooking the water and a menu with lots of options. By car, follow Route 27 from Boothbay Harbor. You'll cross Townsend Gut over one of Maine's remaining swing bridges and the restaurant is immediately on the left. Docks are available for boaters and are on a first come, first served basis. Hours: Seven days a week 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (207) 633-3830.