RUN
06/26/1984
Welcome Home
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
The Tugboat Resturant
Location: Harbor View Marina – Pier 6
Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | (207) 555-0176
One of Harbor View’s most unique dining experiences, the Tugboat Restaurant is set aboard a fully restored mid-century tugboat permanently docked at Pier 6. With its striking red-and-black hull and panoramic views of the marina, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Inside, the original ship’s structure has been carefully preserved, warm wood paneling, steel-riveted walls, and real portholes looking out onto the harbor. The lower deck offers cozy booth seating, while the top deck features an open-air patio perfect for sunset dinners.
The menu focuses on fresh, local seafood and classic American fare, including lobster rolls, clam chowder, and their famous Tugboat Burger. They also offer daily specials based on the morning catch and a small but thoughtful wine and beer selection.
Casual, welcoming, and unforgettable — this is a can’t-miss stop on any visit to Harbor View.
Harbor View Boat Charter
Location: Harbor View Marina, Slip 2
Hours: Departures daily at 6:30 AM and 1:00 PM
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Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to spend a few hours on the water, Harbor View Boat Charter offers the perfect way to explore the Atlantic coast. Run by lifelong resident and licensed captain Rick Mathers, the charter operates out of a vintage 38-foot sport fishing boat lovingly maintained since 1971.
Each charter includes rods, tackle, bait, and a cooler for the day’s catch. Guests can expect to reel in striped bass, mackerel, flounder, and more—depending on the season and tides. The morning charter is best for serious fishing, while the afternoon ride offers a more relaxed pace for sightseeing, photography, or simply soaking in the salt air.
Private bookings available. Group size is limited to six passengers. Early reservations recommended during peak summer weekends.
“Rick knows the water like it’s his backyard. Best day of our whole trip.”
– Don & Valerie C., Newton, MA
The Lighthouse
Location: Harbor Point
Tours: Daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Ghost Tours: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Contact: 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.
