21 Exciting Things to do in Camden, Maine (+ Hotels, Restaurants, Tours)
Bursting with coastal color and a warm Americana charm, visitors will find a variety of great things to do in Camden, Maine, one of those seaside towns with an endearing Yankee twang.
Camden is our favorite part of Maine — we’ve been visiting for many years and go back year after year.
Known for its scenic harbor, rocky cliffs, and sparkling blue waters, the kaleidoscope of colors from lobster buoys and sailboat bulls carry over into the bright facades of the local shops and restaurants along Main Street overlooking the harbor.
Life in Camden revolves around the harbor and the smattering of streets and antique buildings that surround it, but there are plenty of attractions within a 5 mile drive in any direction to keep you busy for a week or more, not to mention a wealth of fun festivals.
This popular Maine vacation destination offers the quintessential New England experience — so let’s dive in and see all the fun things Camden has to see and do!
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Where is Camden, Maine?
Situated directly on a harbor on Penobscot Bay, Camden is conveniently situated along US Route 1 with a regional airport (and 2 hours from Portland International Jetport as well), making it a perfect East coast weekend getaway.
It’s located in Knox County in Midcoast Maine between Portland and Bar Harbor, and just 6 miles further up the coast from Rockland, another charming Maine town.
And while it’s a popular weekend travel destination from New England, trust me when I say you’re going to want more time!
About Camden and MidCoast
The area around Camden Maine has a rich seafaring history. As a hub of maritime commerce, it thrived on lobstering, fishing, and shipbuilding.
Today much is the same as many of the towns dotting the coastline still fish for lobster as their livelihood.
Lobster remains a significant part of the culture in MidCoast Maine. Many families have fished the coastal waters for generations.
MidCoast Maine is known for its delicious lobster, which is a staple of the local Maine cuisine. Visitors will find seafood shacks and restaurants serving lobster all along the coast.
The region has been a popular destination for vacationing for around 200 years. Thanks to its stunning coastline, picturesque harbor towns, cultural and outdoor attractions, it has much to offer vacationers.
Hotels in Camden, Maine
There are a variety of great lodging options to be had in Camden and nearby Rockport from luxury hotels and B&Bs to comfortable family campgrounds on the water.
Hotels in Camden
On our stay this year in Camden, we tried 16 Bay View for the first time — and really liked it! It has a prime location on the harborfront, steps from Main Street and shops, and directly across the street from Cuzzy’s, a good local seafood restaurant.
16 Bay View looks antique with the brick exterior, but it’s completely renovated into a modern hotel with all the amenities and great service you could ask for. They also have a fun cocktail bar on-site.
Bed & Breakfasts in Camden
While hotels in Camden Maine are very nice, the charming bed & breakfasts are our favorite places to stay in Camden, in keeping with its Americana feel. There’s just something about the personal, local service.
We love the historic feel of the Camden Maine Stay Inn and the Camden Windward Inn (home of one of Camden’s former sea Captains).
Last year we stayed a few streets from downtown at The Belmont Inn and it was excellent, including the morning breakfast — dreamy!
Must-Eat Restaurants in Camden, ME
You’re in Maine so you’ll be wanting to try the very best seafood in Camden, right? We’ll make this easy for you.
The Waterfront Restaurant is one of our favorite places for seafood. Always fresh, a comfortable waterfront atmosphere, and always reliable service!
Franny’s and Peter Ott’s on the Water are also excellent choices. Franny’s is a bit more creative with their cuisine, and Peter Ott’s is famous for their lobster.
When you get tired of seafood and want something different, try Long Grain in downtown for excellent Thai.
Also, just down the road is Tomi, which also serves very good Thai food and sushi.
The Camden Deli is a favorite for lunch and dinner.
And of course Marriner’s Restaurant on Main Street is a well-deserved favorite for breakfast and THE BEST BLUEBERRY PANCAKES IN CAMDEN!
Things to Do in Camden, Maine
Take a Maine Windjammer Cruise
One of the top things to do in Camden, Maine is taking a Windjammer cruise!
Head out to sea on one of the iconic windjammers schooners that dot the bay.
The Mary Day and several other schooner ships offer a number of cruises departing from Camden Harbor, and there are several windjammers out of Rockland Harbor as well.
You can explore the waters of Maine aboard a spectacular vessel for anywhere from 3- to 6- night cruises. Some ships even offer themed cruises including lighthouses, nature and photography cruises, and other hidden gems in Penobscot Bay.
No matter which cruise you pick, pack light (essentials only) — it’s an experience like no other!
Hike Mount Battie
In Camden Hills State Park is one of the top Camden Maine attractions. Mount Battie rises over 750 feet above town.
There are a number of trails leading to the summit. One of which is short though steep, but well worth the views.
Sitting on the top is Mount Battie Tower. This 100-year-old stone tower offers visitors an opportunity for panoramic views of Camden, the bay and islands.
Stroll the Shops in downtown Camden
Camden’s downtown is full of great antique shops, cute cafes and galleries.
A staple in downtown Camden for 150 years is French & Brawn Marketplace. It sells an assortment of fresh local produce, baked goods, as well as wines and more.
Once A Tree is a beautiful gift shop that’s ideal for finding your Maine souvenir! The unique shop showcases the works of talented Maine artists and craftsmen. It has everything from jewelry to wood décor.
Book lovers will be charmed by Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café! This bookstore offers a cozy place to browse books or enjoy a warm cup of coffee.
Eat a Bowl of Chowder at Sea Dog Brewery
A great place to eat in downtown Camden is at Sea Dog Brewery!
The brewery has locations around Maine as well as New Hampshire and Florida. Best known for their beer, they also offer a long list of fantastic food!
Head up to the second floor where you’ll find a deck that overlooks the harbor. Order up a beer and a bowl of New England Clam Chowder and enjoy the views.
For beer lovers, be sure and try their Hazelnut Stout!
Take a Schooner Day Sail
Experiencing Camden on the water is a must but you don’t have to go on an overnight windjammer cruise to do it! You can hop aboard the Appledore II on a day sail.
This schooner day sail tour onboard the historic Appledore departs from Camden and sails around the picturesque Maine coastline in Penobscot Bay.
You’ll take in the sights, like Mount Battie, from a different perspective.
On most day tours, sailors will catch sight of various wildlife too, like eagles and even migrating whales.
Go Antiquing
If you love antiquing, you’ll fall in love with Camden and nearby Lincolnville! You’ll find all sorts of unique nautical antiques and amazing finds for your home — nautical and not.
Our favorite place to go antiquing in Camden is right downtown — at 10 Mechanic.
Formerly the town theater in Camden, the site hosted the 1957 movie premiere for Peyton Place which was filmed in town.
You honestly won’t believe the bounty of cool things you’ll find here and the (very inexpensive) prices to go with it. This place is amazing!
If you’re out and about, also be sure and stop at The Red Barn Marketplace just a mile or two north of town. You can’t miss the bright red barn — and there are several floors of good finds to be had.
Swim at Barrett's Cove at Megunticook Lake
If you’re looking for things to do in Camden, Maine in the summer then head over to Barrett’s Cove. This idyllic cove on Megunticook Lake is home to a lovely beach.
Barrett’s Cove is the perfect spot to escape the crowds of summer. With warm waters its ideal for swimming.
Plus, it offers views of Mount Battie!
Take a VIP Lobster Boat Tour from Belfast
If you’re looking for a cool and unique tour in Camden — how about this private VIP Lobster Boat Cruise!
Just up the road from Camden, you can hop aboard a wooden lobster boat for a cruise around nearby Belfast Harbor and learn all about the history of Midcoast Maine, while keeping an eye out for harbor seals, dolphins, and the elusive grey seal!
Plus, you’ll get an opportunity to stop by a local restaurant to grab some fresh lobster to enjoy on the boat.
Check prices and book your tour here before you go!
Explore Rockport
Rockport is another beautiful harbor town in Maine you don’t want to miss and it’s less than 2 miles from Camden, so it’s an easy half-day trip.
In Rockport you’ll find lots of activities like boat tours and hiking.
There’s also a lighthouse, a waterfront park with excellent an excellent food truck called Mother Shuckers, and other fun things to do with kids!
See a Show at the Camden Opera House
A landmark in Camden is the Opera House. Built over 100 years ago, enjoying a show at the Camden Opera House is a must.
Along with hosting the Camden International Film Festival, it offers a variety of shows. They put on films, concerts, comedy shows, and more.
Explore Merryspring Nature Center
For those looking for free things to do in Camden, visit Merryspring Nature Center.
This scenic 66-acre park is home to themed gardens and walking trails.
Behind the rose garden you’ll find an enchanting cottage and next door is a greenhouse. It’s also a popular birding spot during the spring migration.
The entrance to Camden’s Harbor Park
Hang out in Harbor Park and Amphitheatre
Plan to spend some time at Harbor Park and Amphitheatre. These two lovely parks are located on the Camden Library grounds. They offer a great spot for a picnic or casual afternoon stroll.
Covering 2 acres, Harbor Park offers sweeping views of the harbor. It’s also home to the picturesque Megunticook Falls.
Harbor Park and Amphitheatre host a wide array of events too! Throughout the year you can find festivals, concerts, fairs, and more!
Take a Sunset Sailing Cruise
Sailing is one of the top things to do in Camden, Maine and this 2-hour Sunset Sailing Cruise adds a more romantic vibe to the experience.
Set sail on a legendary schooner as you cruise the stunning shoreline at sunset. Watch as the sun sets behind some of the top Camden landmarks.
Enjoy a glass of bubbly as you toast to another wonderful day in Camden.
Why wait? You can check prices and book your tour here!
Things to Do in Camden Maine with Kids
Visit Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe
Set over two floors, Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe will satisfy all your sweet tooth needs.
A visit to this fun shop is one of the top things to do in Camden ME with kids! They’ll love browsing the shelves full of all sorts of gourmet candies.
The trick is deciding what to choose! A few classics include their handmade chocolates and caramel corn.
Visit the Camden Snow Bowl in Winter
For families visiting Camden in the winter visit the home of the US National Toboggan Championships.
Set on the eastern slope of Ragged Mountain is Camden Snow Bowl. This ski resort is perfect for families looking for fun things to do in Camden Maine with kids.
Camden Snow Bowl offers skiing, tubing and toboggan rides. Plus, it’s the only East Coast ski destination with views of the ocean!
Play Mini Golf
One of the best activities to do with kids in Camden is play a round of mini golf!
One of the top mini golf courses in Midcoast Maine is Golfer’s Crossing Mini Golf, a fun mini course that’s expertly designed and has plenty of cool water features.
Plus, kids will love choosing from their range of colorful golf balls.
Eat Ice Cream at Camden Cone
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Everyone grabs a quick cone from Camden Cone when they’re in town. It’s the best ice cream walk-up in Camden and steps from the harborfront!
A Few Packing Essentials for Maine
Whenever I start packing for a trip to Maine, the same thing happens — that dazed and confused feeling sets in. Seriously, it’s like my first time packing for Maine all over again and I’ve done it at least 20 times!
Maine is one of those places where the weather can turn on a dime, and frequently does. Wet and cold one minute, but then the sun comes out and you start peeling off layer after layer.
Here are my suggestions for basic Maine essentials, but check out our full packing list for when we go sailing to help you pack for your next trip to Maine.
Blundstones for your sea dogs — I can’t think of a more comfortable pair of shoes to wear in Maine. These boots look great with pants, shorts, and even casual skirts and dresses — I wear mine with everything, and only have to pack one pair of shoes, and maybe a pair of flip flops! What else do you wear when you’re walking on breakwater boulders and rocky beaches one minute and popping into restaurants the next?
Stella leggings by Woolx
I’m a big fan of leggings but had yet to find a perfect pair that didn’t stretch out of shape (or were see-through) in the knees and butt. But my (merino) wool Stella leggings from Woolx are the best I’ve ever tried.
I wore them for a week straight in northern Italy during Christmas, and a week sailing on our windjammer cruise in Maine. They keep you warm in winter and cool in a Maine summer (or any place where summer nights are a bit cooler). They also don’t stretch out of shape!
UPF-Rated Sunhat
The sun along the coast of Maine can be as strong as the wind, and a good sunhat that’s UPF-rated will keep your head cool and your face protected. Oh, and get one with a string lanyard you can tighten and loosen with the wind!
Annual Festivals in Midcoast Maine
Labor Day Maine Windjammer Festival
One of the top Maine festivals is the Camden Windjammer Festival. This annual Labor Day weekend festival pays homage to the area’s strong maritime roots.
The Windjammer Festival is full of fun activities. These include a lobster crate race, chowder challenge, and a contest where you get to build your own boat. Plus, there are tours of the windjammers!
Rockland Lobster Festival
Celebrating Maine’s finest food is what the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is all about! This annual five-day festival takes place in Rockland every August.
Rockland’s Harbor Park transforms into a foodie’s paradise! Throughout the festival numerous activities take place. These include a seafood cooking contest, live entertainment, and one of the largest parades in Maine. Plus, there’s plenty of things to do for the kids too!
The main focus of the festival is lobster! You’ll want to try it in all its forms like lobster rolls, lobster mac & cheese, and more!
Others Festivals in Camden
One of the best festivals in Maine is the Union Fair & State of Maine Wild Blueberry Festival.
Honoring the Maine blueberry, this fair takes place every August in Union, just outside Camden. There’s an array of fun things going on including blueberry pie eating contests and pig scrambles.
Christmas By the Sea is a lovely end of year event that takes place across Camden, Rockport and Lincolnville.
Festivities include everything from visits with Santa to shopping and live performances.
Visitors will find a long list of things to do in Camden, Maine! With boat tours, fabulous food, and fun kid-friendly attractions, Camden is ideal for all travelers!