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Local Area Activities & Points of Interest We Recommend
Explore Camden: Camden Harbor is one of the most picturesque harbors in Maine. Since 1936, a fleet of wooden schooners has sailed from Camden carrying vacationers on scenic cruises amid the islands of Penobscot Bay. Maine is the host to the largest schooner fleet in the world, and is known as the schooner capital.
The 57-foot windjammer Surprise was launched in 1918 and today takes a maximum of 18 passengers on 2-hour nonsmoking cruises from the Camden Public Landing. Fruit juices and cookies are served on board; children 12 and older are permitted. Four excursions are offered daily July to mid-September; three are run daily in June, late September, and October. Reservations are helpful.
The Schooner Lazy Jack has been plying the waters since 1947 and is modeled after the Gloucester fishing schooners of the late 19th Century. They run four cruises per day from mid-May through October. There is a maximum of 13 passengers; children must be 10 or older.
Board a tour boat such as the Lively Lady Too to see wildlife, lighthouses and scenic unpopulated islands or enjoy a traditional Maine lobster bake on an island cruise. Knowledgeable captains demonstrate lobster fishing and explain the laws and customs that regulate our vital fishing industry.
Provide your own "power" and quietly paddle a sea kayak around Camden Harbor and along our beautiful coastline. Guided tours and rentals are available at the harbor.
Camden Hills State Park signature location is the scenic vista high atop Mt. Battie where sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands await. This 6500 acre park features an ocean-side picnic area camping at 107 sites, a winding toll road up 800-foot Mount Battie with spectacular views from the summit and a variety of well-marked hiking trails. On a clear day, visitors can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. The park is two miles north of Camden on U.S. Route 1.
Hike to the top of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park offers a spectacular view of Penobscot Bay. Whether facing Mt. Desert Island or overlooking Camden Harbor, the views are breathtaking and the photography excellent. Climb Mt. Megunticook for a higher viewpoint or hike along the shore beside the bay. Beautiful spots for picnicking and trails for hiking abound.
Chestnut Street heads out of Camden toward Rockport. After passing Aldemere Farm with its unique Belted Galloway cows, turn left at Calderwood Lane which leads to the Vesper Hill Children's Chapel and its beautifully landscaped gardens. Perched on a bluff overlooking the bay, the open-air chapel is a popular setting for summer weddings.
Camden is proud to be home to some of Maine's finest artists and craftspeople. Explore the art galleries, antique shops and unique craft shops and meet the artists and artisans. Nearby Rockport is home to Maine Coast Artists Gallery, which features changing exhibits of contemporary art by Maine artists. Our annual Country Roads and Artisans Tour showcases the highly refined skills of local craftspeople. It includes a wide variety of work, all carefully and thoughtfully handmade at our shops here in Midcoast Maine. Exceptional pottery, metal work, paintings, woodwork, blown glass, weaving, linens, jewelry, musical instruments, boats and wine all await your discovery.
Wonderful museums are within a short distance of Camden, including the Shore Village Museum in Rockland and the outstanding Owl's Head Transportation Museum. Do not miss the Farnsworth Museum and Homestead in Rockland. It is one of the finest regional art museums in the country and houses a permanent collection of NC, Andrew and Jamie Wyeth works. The museum is nationally recognized for its permanent collection which spans three centuries and specializes in Maine and American art. The Farnsworth Homestead, one of the finest Victorian homes in the country, adjoins the museum. Visit the Conway Homestead - Cramer Museum, home of Camden's Civil War hero William Conway. See traditional Maine craft demonstrations or explore nearby Merryspring Gardens, a unique horticultural treasure.
Explore nearby lighthouses. Maine has more lighthouses than any other state. In addition to Camden's Curtis Island Light, there are 3 local lighthouses and 10 within an hour's drive. Visit nearby nautical history museums.
Enjoy a concert or play at Camden's beautifully restored Opera House, many of which are produced and directed by the Camden Civic Theatre, continuous operation for more than 30 years. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through Camden's famous outdoor art festivals, held twice yearly.
Attend weekly Bay Chamber Concerts at the Rockport Opera House, featuring world-renowned artists year-round.
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