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Things to Do

Harbor View offers the quiet charm of a New England coastal town with just enough activity to keep you coming back. Whether you're in town for a long weekend or just passing through, there's something here for everyone—fishing, dining, sightseeing, and plenty of fresh salt air.

 

 

 

Dining by the Water

Seafood is the star in Harbor View, but you’ll find all kinds of classic fare served with a view. Try the Tugboat Restaurant, a full-service eatery built inside a decommissioned tugboat docked at the marina. Inside, you’ll find cozy booths, warm lighting, and a rotating menu of fresh local catch, chowders, and American favorites.

After dinner, downtown Harbor View has plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth. Grab a soft-serve cone, a slice of blueberry pie, or a bag of fresh-pulled saltwater taffy at Penelope’s—still made the old-fashioned way, just a few blocks from the shore.

 

 

 

Boat Rentals & Charters

Head down to the marina and you’ll find boats of all kinds ready to rent by the hour or the day. Fishing charters leave most mornings and are led by local captains who know the bay like the back of their hand. Whether you’re looking to hook striped bass or just want to explore the coves and inlets, there’s no better way to experience the water.

 

 

 

 

 

A Town Worth Wandering

Spend the afternoon exploring Harbor View’s streets and storefronts. Small antique shops, corner cafés, and general stores line the downtown stretch, many still run by the same families that built the town. Walk the docks, watch the boats roll in, and take your time—this is Harbor View, after all

 

Captain Jacks Charters

 

Step aboard The Persephone, a classic 28-foot trawler captained by local legend Jack Patterson, a lifelong seaman and storyteller known for his calm command of the harbor’s unpredictable tides. Jack’s charters have earned a loyal following among anglers and vacationers alike.

 

What We Offer

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  • Half-Day Excursions – Set sail at dawn and chase the morning schools across the bay.

  • Sunset Tours – Calm seas, pink skies, and the haunting call of the foghorn.

  • Deep-Water Expeditions – For experienced guests only. Includes complimentary gear and radio check.

“The ocean remembers everything.” – Capt. Jack

 

Schedule & Rates

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  • Departures: 6:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM (Weather permitting)

  • Season: April through November

  • Charter Fee: $40 per guest (bait and tackle provided)

  • Dock Location: North Pier, slip #7 — look for the rust-red buoy lamp.

Reservations may be made by calling (207) 555-0164 or visiting the Harbor View Marina Office.
Walk-ins accepted when the waters are calm.

HVARO has reinstated Captain Jacks Charter, we apologize for any inconveniences.

The Lighthouse

Book a Tour

Location: Harbor Point
Tours: Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Ghost Tours: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM

Standing tall at the edge of Harbor Point since 1872, the Harbor View Lighthouse remains one of the most iconic sights in town. Still operational, the tower offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and remains a working beacon for the boats that pass through the bay.

Visitors can climb to the top as part of a guided tour and learn about the lighthouse's storied past, including the keepers who kept it running through storms, shipwrecks, and long winters. The interior features preserved equipment, original logbooks, and restored living quarters from the early 1900s.

For those with a taste for the town's darker history, Harbor View’s popular Ghost Tour runs twice a week at dusk. Led by local historian Margaret Curran, the walking tour shares tales of missing fishermen, strange radio signals, and the keeper who, as the story goes, still tends the light long after he disappeared.

Reservations recommended, especially during the summer season.

HVARO recommends caution when visiting. Leaving the tour group can prove deadly.

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