CAMDEN, MAINE
Enjoy all that the beautiful seaside village of Camden has to offer
There’s something about the stunning Maine coastline that brings visitors back year after year. With little fishing towns in rocky coves and a friendly community feel wherever you go, if you love the great outdoors, you’ll love coastal Maine.
If you’re looking for things to do in Camden, Maine, you’re in the right place. This popular town might look small but it’s bursting with wonderful activities, indoors and out.
How does sailing on a 1918 schooner sound to you? Or perhaps hiking in the beautiful landscape is more your style. Camden is perfectly placed for a relaxing vacation where nobody’s in a rush.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Camden, Maine and soon you’ll be dragging out your suitcase from under the bed.
Quick links to get you started:
HIKE MOUNT BATTIE
Sometimes you’ve got to head high to truly appreciate a place and that’s the case when you take a vacation in Camden. No matter how pretty the town is when you stroll around, you’ll love the view from Mount Battie. Many say the view on Mt. Battie rivals that of Cadillac Mountain on Mt. Dessert Island, Acadia National Park. In fact if you ar traveling to Acadia National Park, you should stop in Camden Maine on the way. Camden Maine is half way between Portland Maine and Acadia National Park. You can hike Mt. Battie while in town and see for yourself, that the State Park is worth a trip.
You can hike up to the tower on top of Mount Battie right from the town itself by going up the Mt. Battie Trail located at the top os Megunticook Street ir you can drive 1 mile to the entrance of the park and either drive to the top up the auto road or walk up the 2 mile auto road to the top. Details about fees and a hiking map can be found here, Camden Hills State Park Information
You’ll hike through Camden Hills State Park’s pretty forest before climbing up. When you reach the top, you’ll be well-rewarded.
Don’t forget your camera!
VISIT THE AMPHITHEATER AND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Designed by the famous Fletcher Steele, the amphitheater in front of the Camden Public Library is a special place in this town. It is designated as a National Landmark. Set in lush green surroundings and overlooking the harbor, everything from Camden Maine weddings to concerts have taken place here. In the summer there is a Shakespeare in the Park series that is very popular with visitors.
Take a stroll around Harbor Park and the amphitheater before visiting the public library itself. There is a beautiful reading room upstairs and a childrens room downstairs. The history center is on the 2nd floor. Opened in 1928, the library offers fantastic local services and even loans out telescopes.
GO ON A HISTORIC SAILING TOUR
Camden Maine shaped by its coastal location and from the harborside, you can look across to different islands in West Penobscot Bay.
To really get a feel for the history and geography of the area, why not take a historic sailing tour?
You can book a tour on the magnificent Schooner Surprise , Schooner Olad, The Appledore, or go to Rockport Harbor and sail on the famous Schooner Heron. You will see the coast line of Maine from the sea. You’ll be able to spot lighthouses, wildlife, and can even choose the sunset option.
MARVEL AT THE OPERA HOUSE
Built in 1893, Camden’s impressive opera house is the heart of the town. With a 500-seat theater inside, it holds a range of fantastic shows throughout the year. Check here for their schedule of shows and events at the Camden Opera House. The Camden Opera House is a short walk from any of the Camden Riverhouse Properties.
This historic building has played a significant role in the town’s history. Town meetings are still held here today within the walls that have seen dances, orchestras, conferences and school plays.
Showing everything from music and comedy to theater and movies, why not see what’s on at the opera house during your vacation and experience it for yourself?
EXPLORE BY KAYAK
Pick a SUP (stand Up Paddle Board) or kayak tour from Maine Sport and explore the area from the water-level. During spring and summer, there’s no better way to appreciate Camden’s lovely surroundings than by going paddling in the harbor, out to Curtis Island or going harbor to harbor.
The bay here is sheltered from the wind and your guide will always make sure you’re having a great time. Even if you’ve never tried this fun water sport before, you’ll receive full instruction and soon find out how easy it is. Sailors come from hundreds of miles away to sail in the Penobscot Bay area. The waters are sheltered by many islands making sailing in MidCoast Maine a unique experience.
You can kayak out to Curtis Island and spot the seabirds that call this area their home. You may see a seals or comarands. From the island, you’ll have fantastic views of Camden’s famous harbor and Mount Battie in the background. The island has a circular hiking trail. Walk around the entire island, stop on park benches to rest or eat lunch. The lighthouse is on the far side of the island.
GO ISLAND-HOPPING
The magic of this part of Maine is its many islands, hidden harbors, and quaint villages. From Camden harbor or Rockland to the south, or Lincolnville to the North, you can visit many of the Penobscot islands and truly get away from it all.
North Haven is one of the best locations in the islands to visit. With a tiny resident population, in summer it becomes popular with cyclists, hikers, and beach goers. This is the perfect destination for long, ambling walks in peaceful surroundings. North Haven Ferry Schedule.
With deserted beaches and plenty of wildlife, North Haven certainly lives up to its name.
Islesboro is another wonderful island town to visit. The best way to explore Isleboro is simply by walking around or bringing your bike. Many movie stars live on Iselboro. The ferry ride itself is very entertaining. Islesboro ferry schedule.
You can find Warren Island State Park just off this island too. Access it by water shuttle and spend a few hours walking across it. This park is the perfect spot for a picnic. For more information on Warren Island, click here.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN CAMDEN
Downtown Camden is ideal if you love to explore on foot. Strolling around its historic streets is one of the best ways to relax and get a feel for the town.
Camden has plenty of boutique shops and wonderful cafes where you can put your feet up and watch passers-bys. This quaint New England town has kept its independent feel and you’ll find shops here that you’d never find anywhere else. The Smiling Cow is one of our favorites.
During the summer vacation, Camden often hosts fairs, artistic events, and plenty more. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to be swept away by its traditional charm.
THE RESTAURANTS
If you are on a foodie tour from Portland Maine to Acadia National Park, Mid Coast Maine and Camden area is a definite stop along the way. For a list of Camden Maine Restaurants, check our Restaurants in Camden Maine Page.
CAMDEN MAINE WEDDINGS
Camden Maine is a destination wedding hot spot. Many travel to the beautiful coast line to get married by the sea. You can chose a wedding on a schooner, a mountain, a yacht club, a chapel, a lighthouse, or a traditional backyard wedding in one of the area inns. No matter where you have your special occasion, Riverhouse is ideal for all you guests. For more information on Camden Maine Weddings, see our Camden Maine Weddings page.