Botanical gardens, art, trails, and children's garden

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

About 3.8 miles by the checked driving route

Pair Railway Village Museum with more than 300 acres of coastal Maine gardens, accessible central paths, woodland trails, art, and children's spaces about 3.8 miles away.

The place

About Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is New England's largest botanical garden, occupying more than 300 acres in Boothbay. Seventeen acres of curated gardens feature Maine native plants and other species suited to northern coastal conditions, while the larger campus includes forest, trails, art, and nearly a mile of tidal shorefront.

The grassroots effort began in 1991. The organization acquired its first Boothbay land in 1996 and opened the garden in summer 2007 after years of planning, design, planting, and construction.

Central gardens and buildings are ADA compliant and wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Other terrain ranges from pavers and compacted gravel to woodland paths. A daytime shuttle operates continuously, and wheelchairs are available free on a first-come basis.

The 2026 regular season runs May 1 through October 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online admission is $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 65 and older and veterans, $19 for students 18 and older, and $12 for ages 3-17; gate tickets cost $4 more.

What stands out

Start with the central gardens

Use the accessible core to see concentrated displays before committing to longer woodland routes.

Make room for the children's garden

Families can combine planted spaces, water, and hands-on discovery in a dedicated garden.

Use the shuttle strategically

The daytime shuttle helps connect major areas when the full campus is too much to walk.

Reserve accessible extras

Popular 90-minute cart tours require advance registration; wheelchairs and scooters are first-come.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Railway Village Museum trip

The checked route from Railway Village Museum is about 3.8 miles and nine minutes. Treat the gardens as a separate two-to-four-hour visit, reserve admission online, and leave enough time to exit before the 5 p.m. gate closure.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • 2026 regular seasonMay 1-October 18, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; gates lock at closing
  • Online admission$28 adult, $24 senior 65+ and veteran, $19 student 18+ with ID, $12 ages 3-17, under 3 free
  • Gate pricing$4 more per ticket than advance online admission
  • Time blockAllow 2-4 hours depending on central gardens, trails, children's spaces, art, and café time
  • AccessibilityADA-compliant central gardens and buildings; free wheelchairs, rental scooters, shuttle, and reservable cart tours
  • ParkingAmple free onsite parking, accessible spaces near the entrance, bus access, and 14 complimentary EV chargers in Lot F
  • PetsOnly ADA-defined service animals; pets and therapy animals are not allowed and cannot remain in vehicles
  • Walking conditionsCentral paths are accessible; outer routes include compacted gravel and woodland terrain
  • Time zoneEastern Time

Return to the Boothbay railway guide

Add Railway Village Museum

Check the museum's open day, hourly train window, daily equipment, accessible coach notice, admission, and exact 2026 events before pairing the day.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2026 regular-season hours?

The regular season runs May 1 through October 18, with daily hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How much is admission?

Online prices are $28 adult, $24 senior 65+ and veteran, $19 student 18+ with ID, $12 child 3-17, and free under 3. Gate tickets cost $4 more.

Is parking free?

Yes. The gardens publish ample free onsite parking, accessible spaces near the entrance, and complimentary EV charging during open hours.

Is the garden wheelchair accessible?

Central gardens and buildings are ADA compliant. Outer campus terrain varies. Free wheelchairs, rental scooters, a shuttle, and reservable cart tours are available.

Can I bring a dog?

Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed. Pets and therapy animals are not permitted and cannot be left in vehicles.

How long should I allow?

Two to four hours is a practical range, depending on how many gardens, trails, exhibits, children's spaces, and food stops you include.

Is it included with Railway Village Museum?

No. The gardens are an independent attraction with separate admission, hours, and visitor rules.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-25. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.