Things to Do in Camden: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Camden is a postcard harbor town on Penobscot Bay, where schooners still sail from the inner harbor and the Camden Hills rise right behind Main Street. Waterfalls, white churches and lobster shacks make it a classic stop on the Maine coast.
This guide covers the best things to do in Camden, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Rockport, Rockland, Owls Head, Belfast and Acadia, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Camden
Camden Harbor
Schooners and a waterfall into the sea.
Mount Battie
Panoramic view over the bay.
Curtis Island Lighthouse
At the harbor entrance.
Harbor Park
Lawn and amphitheater by the water.
Camden Hills State Park
Trails to Maiden Cliff.
Rockport Harbor
A tiny neighboring port.
Merryspring Nature Center
Gardens and woods.
Rockland
Art museums and lighthouses.
Camden in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Harbor and Main Street
Start at Harbor Park, where the Megunticook River tumbles into the harbor, then walk Main Street's shops and bookstores. Eat a lobster roll on the dock. In the afternoon sail on a historic windjammer schooner for two hours on Penobscot Bay. End with a seafood dinner overlooking the boats.
2Day 2 · Mount Battie
Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for the famous view of the harbor and islands that inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay. Picnic at the stone tower. In the afternoon hike to Maiden Cliff or Ocean Lookout, then return to town for a relaxed dinner.
3Day 3 · Rockport and Rockland
Visit Rockport Harbor and the Rockport Marine Park, then continue to Rockland for the Farnsworth Art Museum and its Wyeth collection. Have lunch in Rockland. In the afternoon walk the nearly mile-long granite breakwater to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Camden in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Lighthouses
Drive to Owls Head Light and the Maine Lighthouse Museum, then on to Port Clyde and Marshall Point Light, seen in Forrest Gump. Have lobster at a dockside shack and return to Camden for the evening.
5Day 5 · Islands
Take the ferry from Lincolnville to Islesboro or from Rockland to Vinalhaven for a quiet island day by bike. Have lunch on the island and catch the afternoon ferry back for dinner in Camden.
Camden in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Belfast and Bar Harbor
Drive up the coast to Belfast's waterfront, then on to Acadia National Park for Cadillac Mountain and the Park Loop Road. Have lunch in Bar Harbor and return in the evening, or stay overnight.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast with blueberry pancakes, buy maple syrup, wool goods and local art, and enjoy a farewell lunch by the harbor. Portland's airport is about two hours away, and Bangor's about ninety minutes.
What to do in Camden on a weekend
For a weekend in Camden, combine the harbor, a windjammer sail and Mount Battie.
Add Rockland and its lighthouse with a third day.
What to do in Camden in the evening
Evenings mean sunset sails, dinner by the harbor, live music at the Camden Opera House and stargazing from the hills.
Town quiets down early.
Camden for couples
Couples will enjoy a sunset windjammer cruise, a harborside inn and the view from Mount Battie.
Camden with kids
With kids, try tide pools, the lighthouse museum, ferries to the islands and easy trails in the state park.
What to eat in Camden
Lobster roll
Maine style with mayo or butter.
Blueberry pie
Wild Maine berries.
Steamed clams
With drawn butter.
Whoopie pie
Maine's official treat.
Chowder
Rich and creamy.
Where to stay in Camden: best areas
Downtown Camden
Historic inns.
Rockport
Quieter harbor.
Lincolnville
Beach cottages.
Rockland
More options.
What to do in Camden when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Farnsworth Museum, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, bookstores and the Camden Public Library.
How much does a trip to Camden cost?
Expect $200–400 per night in summer, $20–40 for lunch and about $50 for a windjammer sail.
Practical tips for Camden
Best time to visit
June to mid-October.
Getting around
By car along US Route 1.
Our practical tips
- Book summer inns early.
- Sail on a schooner.
- Drive up Mount Battie.
- Bring a sweater for evenings.
- Visit in fall foliage.
- Reserve island ferries.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting warm ocean water.
- Traffic on Route 1 in August.
- Skipping the hills.
- Arriving in winter when much is closed.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Camden?
Sail a windjammer, hike Mount Battie and visit lighthouses.
How many days do you need?
Two to three days, a week with the coast.
When are the fall colors?
Early to mid-October.
Can you swim in Camden?
Yes, at Lincolnville Beach, though the water is cold.