Things to Do in Camden, Maine
Our personal guide to the best experiences in Camden — on the water, on the trails, in town, and on a rainy day.
Camden is one of those places where the hardest part isn't finding something to do — it's choosing. Mountains that drop straight into the ocean. Schooners leaving the harbor every morning. Trails for every level. A town small enough to walk everywhere but interesting enough to fill a week. Everything below is something we've done ourselves or heard about consistently from guests we trust. — Lauren & Greg
On the Water
Camden is a working harbor town — and the water is the whole point. Penobscot Bay stretches out right in front of you, dotted with islands, lobster boats, and wooden schooners. Whether you want to sail, paddle, or just get out on the water, here's what we recommend.
CUTTER OWL
We sailed with Captain Aaron — a local Mainer with a wealth of stories about the area and the schooner trade. The Owl is his intimate 6-passenger vessel, designed by famous yacht designer John Alden — perfect for a more personal experience on the water. Two and three-hour public sails available, plus private charters. With advance notice, Aaron can even sail you to a remote island for an overnight or a lobster bake on the beach. May–October.
SCHOONER SURPRISE
An intimate 6-passenger sail — guests even get to take the wheel. Perfect for a more personal experience on the water. One of the most unique things you can do in Camden.
CAMDEN HARBOR CRUISES
A lobstering and lighthouse tour right from the Public Landing — guests haul traps, learn the history, and spot seals along the way. Fantastic for families and first-timers alike. One of the most popular activities in Camden all summer.
GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
A 2-hour guided sea kayak tour right out of Camden Harbor — all equipment provided, no experience necessary. Find their kiosk at Bay View Landing next to Peter Ott's Restaurant. $60 adults, $50 ages 10–15. June–September. They also offer a 4-hour Harbor to Harbor paddle with a gourmet picnic lunch — Thursdays and Saturdays.
Hiking & Running
Camden sits at the intersection of mountains and ocean — which means the trails here are unlike anywhere else in New England. You can summit a peak and see open water in every direction. Greg and Lauren both spend a lot of time on the trails and roads around the inn, and everything below is a personal recommendation or a consistent guest favorite.
MOUNT BATTIE
Greg hikes Mount Battie from the inn — you can walk straight from our front door to the trailhead. The views from the summit over Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay are unforgettable. Drive up or hike up, both are great. If you're hiking, be prepared for some scrambling and steep sections. $6 entry at Camden Hills State Park. Trail maps available in our lounge.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees/camden_hills.shtml
BEECH HILL PRESERVE
Lauren runs Beech Hill regularly — it's one of her favorite trails in the area. A gentle climb through blueberry fields to an open summit with sweeping views of the bay. The restored historic stone barn at the top is a bonus. Free, open year-round.
BALD ROCK TRAIL
Greg has done this one too — a less-traveled trail in Camden Hills State Park with a rewarding open ledge summit and beautiful views of Penobscot Bay. Less crowded than Mount Battie, equally worth it.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees/camden_hills.shtml
MAIDEN CLIFF
A popular trail with a dramatic cliff-top view over Megunticook Lake and the surrounding hills. Moderate difficulty, well-marked, and a perspective of Camden that most visitors never see. About 2 miles round trip. A consistent guest favorite.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees/camden_hills.shtml
MERRYSPRING NATURE CENTER
Two minutes from the inn — 66 acres of gardens, woodlands, and walking trails free and open to the public. Beautiful any time of year but especially stunning in spring and early summer. A wonderful easy morning walk.
LAUREN'S BAYVIEW ROAD RUNNING ROUTE
If you're a runner, here's Lauren's go-to route right from the inn's front door — no car needed. A scenic road route through some of Camden's most beautiful neighborhoods: Elm to Belmont to Bay View Street, then Russell and Union back to Belmont and home. About 4–5 miles with gentle hills and great scenery. Add Calderwood and Beauchamp Point to extend it to 6–7 miles — Beauchamp Point is a stunning dirt road extension overlooking Rockport Harbor and absolutely worth the extra miles.
MOUNT MEGUNTICOOK
The highest mainland mountain on the Atlantic Coast — and one of the best hikes in Camden Hills State Park. A moderately challenging 2.7-mile out-and-back with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. From Ocean Lookout you can see Mount Battie, Camden, and the full sweep of Penobscot Bay from Acadia to Monhegan Island. On a clear day you can even spot Mount Washington to the west. About 1.5–2 hours. $6 entry at Camden Hills State Park.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees/camden_hills.shtml
FERNALD'S NECK PRESERVE
A magical 315-acre peninsula jutting into Megunticook Lake — thick stands of mature pine and hemlock, nearly 3 miles of protected shoreline, and four miles of easy to moderate trails. The Blue Loop offers beautiful lake views; the Orange Loop takes you through the Great Bog, a hauntingly beautiful wetland. Shoreline swimming is accessible via Balance Rock on the Orange Trail — a highlight in summer. About 10 minutes from the inn. Open daylight hours only.
https://www.coastalmountains.org/preserves/fernalds-neck/
RAGGED MOUNTAIN — GEORGES HIGHLAND PATH
For serious hikers looking for a longer, more challenging day — the Ragged Mountain Trail via the Georges Highland Path is a 4.6-mile out-and-back with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain and an exposed ridgeline with some of the most dramatic views in Midcoast Maine. Westerly vistas stretch to Mount Washington and the White Mountains; to the east, Penobscot Bay and its islands. Part of a 50-mile trail network maintained by the Georges River Land Trust. Access from Hope Street trailhead in Rockport or Route 17. Moderate to strenuous, 2.5–3 hours.
Shopping
Camden's downtown is entirely walkable from the inn — and genuinely worth exploring. Everything below is within easy reach.
ONCE A TREE
One of our personal favorites — beautifully made gifts and home goods by over 300 local and Maine artisans. Woodworking, pottery, jewelry, kitchenware. High quality and genuinely unique. They've been here 36 years and it shows.
Bags and accessories handmade from recycled sailboat sails — literally a way to bring the harbor home with you. Every piece is one of a kind. Right on Main Street, beautiful nautical designs.
https://seabags.com/pages/camden-maine
THE SMILING COW
A Camden flagship since 1940 — Maine-made gifts, homemade fudge, apparel, and local goods. A classic that's earned its place on every visit to Camden.
THE RED BARN MARKETPLACE
A charming antique marketplace in Lincolnville — two floors of classy finds and real bargains. Ceramics, candles, vintage goods, and house-made baked goods. About 10 minutes from the inn. Fri–Sun only.
A wonderful boutique on the pier at Lyman Morse — clothing, housewares, jewelry, and gifts. Paula, the owner, is a gem and a wealth of knowledge about Camden.
Lighthouses
Lighthouses are woven into the fabric of Midcoast Maine — and some of the best ones are within easy reach of the inn.
The postcard view of Camden — and one Lauren runs to almost every day. A short walk from the road to the overlook gives you a stunning perspective over the harbor and Penobscot Bay. We've also sailed past it on Schooner Olad and it's even more beautiful from the water. Free, always open, about 5 minutes from the inn.
BREAKWATER LIGHTHOUSE
One of the most unique lighthouse experiences in New England — and worth every step. A nearly one-mile walk along a granite breakwater jutting out into Penobscot Bay, with the lighthouse waiting at the end. The walk itself is the experience — surrounded by open water, wind, working boats, and big sky. About 15 minutes from the inn in Rockland. Wear sturdy shoes and check the weather first. Free, open daily. Photo credit: rocklandharborlights.org.
Best seen by kayak from Rockport Harbor — a beautiful paddle along the coast with this picturesque lighthouse as your destination. Private island, water access only or viewable from Rockport Marine Park. About 10 minutes from the inn. Photo credit: Robert English.
Indoors
Midcoast Maine has a surprisingly rich cultural scene — and Rockland, just 15 minutes south, is one of the best small arts cities in New England. Whether you're planning a dedicated museum day, looking for the best rainy day activities in Camden, or just want somewhere cozy and interesting to spend an afternoon, there's no shortage of options here.
FARNSWORTH ART MUSEUM
One of the most significant art museums in New England — and it happens to be 15 minutes away in Rockland. Nearly 16,000 works including one of the largest public collections of Wyeth paintings in the world (N.C., Andrew, and Jamie). Rotating exhibitions, a beautiful museum store, and a historic homestead on the grounds. Wed–Sun 10am–5pm. Adults $20, seniors $18, under 16 free. Photo credit: Farnworth Museum
Right across from the Farnsworth in Rockland — a striking building designed by architect Toshiko Mori, dedicated entirely to contemporary art with ties to Maine. Smaller and more intimate than the Farnsworth, with constantly changing exhibitions. A great pairing for an afternoon in Rockland. $8 admission, free on First Fridays. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm. Photo credit: CMCA
STRAND THEATRE
A beautifully restored historic movie theatre in Rockland — comfy seats, great programming, and the kind of movie-going experience that's hard to find anymore. About 15 minutes from the inn. Check their schedule online. Photo credit: Strand Theatre
A beautifully restored 1894 Victorian performance hall right on Elm Street — two blocks from the inn. Concerts, comedy, theater, film screenings, and speaker series year-round. This is where the Camden International Film Festival comes to life every September, and where Jazz in June takes the stage. Check their calendar before you arrive — there's almost always something worth seeing. 485 seats, intimate acoustics, and the kind of venue that makes every performance feel like an occasion.
THE MUNCHING MEEPLE
We love this place — spent hours here on a rainy afternoon playing games. Hundreds of board games, long tables, bocce ball, and genuinely great food and drinks. Perfect for families, couples, or a group of friends. Tue–Fri 2–8pm, Sat 11am–8pm.
OAKLAND PARK BOWLING LANES
A genuine time capsule — candlepin bowling, manual scoring, a jukebox, and an arcade. Doesn't look like much from outside but it's charming and a blast. About 10 minutes from the inn in Rockport. Tue–Fri 9:30am–10pm, Sat–Sun from noon.