Your Guide to Camden/Rockport/Rockland, Maine
The perfect coastal vacation includes a mix of peaceful moments in nature, quaint trips into town, and visits to local landmarks. Here are our top picks of things to do in Rockport and beyond during your trip to mid-coast Maine.
Perched on one of the most scenic stretches of the Pine Tree State, the coastal area that contains Camden, Rockland, and Rockport also happens to be one of the most exciting areas for art, dining, and adventure. With so much to do and see, we’ve hand-picked the unique and memorable ways you can spend a few days in mid-coastal Maine.
Top Rockland/Rockport/Camden Landmarks
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
Watch the breakwater at work during a visit to the Rockland Lighthouse, which was built in the late 1800s as a way to keep damaging storms at bay from the waterfront. We particularly like mornings here, when you can get in a refreshing workout while marveling at the sights.
44.104031, -69.077487,
Rockland, ME 04841
Owls Head State Park
Bring a picnic to settle in among the groves of this state park, a locals’ favorite for its views of Rockland and fun, rocky beach. You can also check out another lighthouse here; the 30-foot structure is closed to the public but open to plenty of Instagram-worthy photography.
186 Lighthouse Rd,
Owls Head, ME 04854
Penobscot Bay
Sailors from around the world flock to Penobscot Bay because of its ideal cruising grounds. Forty miles wide and 20 miles long, it’s home to hundreds of islands speckled with summer resorts, delightful fishing villages, and working harbors. Be sure to take a boating tour (by power or by sail) to experience this breathtaking area.
Most Popular Things to Do in Rockland/Rockport/Camden
The Camden Snowbowl
Home to the U.S. National Tobogganing Championships every February, the Camden Snowbowl is also one of a few places in the country where you can ski and enjoy views of the sea. In the summer and fall, you can hike, bike, and ride a chairlift to see some spectacular New England foliage.
20 Barnestown Rd,
Camden, ME 04843
Camden Hills State Park to Mt. Battie
This 2-mile nature walk will reward you with some seriously inspiring 360-degree panoramic views overlooking Penobscot Bay. Admire the scenery from down below or climb to the top of Mount Battie’s iconic stone tower to soak it all in. Do yourself a favor and pack yourself a picnic, you’re going to want to stick around a while for this one.
Farnsworth Art Museum
This Rockland complex is recognized nationally for its 15,000 works of art, beautifully curated and displayed in 20,000 square feet of gallery space. Stroll among the sculptures of Louise Nevelson before checking out the Wyeth Center and the Gamble Center for Education; it’s an ideal way to spend an afternoon in mid-coastal Maine.
16 Museum St,
Rockland, ME 04841
Beech Hill Preserve
Explore 295 acres of rolling blueberry fields, hiking trails, and stretches of mixed hardwood forests at this conservation preserve. Trek up to the summit, where you’ll enjoy unbeatable views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding Camden Hills from the Beech Nut, a charming 1914 stone hut managed for bird habitat and organic blueberry production. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger – and a must for any Rockland itinerary.
316 Beech Hill Rd,
Rockport, ME 04856
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Just a short drive from downtown Rockland, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by the evolution of transportation. Home to more than 150 operational antique vehicles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, and engines, this museum offers displays that bring history to life. Seasonal events feature live demonstrations, vintage car rides, and even biplane flights.
117 Museum St,
Owls Head, ME 04854
The Best Restaurants in Rockland/Rockport/Camden
Obviously no trip here is complete without eating your way through Samoset Resort’s signature restaurant, La Bella Vita, but if you decide you want to venture off property and into town for a bite – here are our local favorites.
The Waterfront Restaurant
There’s a good chance you’ll see the fishing boat that captured your dinner while kicking back at this oceanside eatery, known for its locally foraged food and one-of-a-kind views. Savor Maine scallops and mussels, or dig into Atlantic haddock fish and chips while sipping on your favorite cold beverage from the bar.
48 Bay View St,
Camden, ME 04843
North Beacon Oyster
Located in the heart of downtown Rockland, this casual oyster bar has been serving up fresh local seafood since its opening in 2018. On any given day, diners can enjoy up to eight varieties of Maine oysters, offering a diverse tasting experience that highlights the unique flavors of the region. If you’re more of a land-lover, don’t worry. North Beacon Oyster also offers a rotating menu of small plates and hearty mains, such as their ooey-gooey cheeseburger that’s just as crave-worthy as the catch of the day.
421 Main St,
Rockland, ME 04841
13 Oak
With a menu full of globally inspired dishes made from locally-farmed ingredients, this downtown eatery centers its cooking around a wood-fired oven, infusing each dish with enhanced flavor. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels thoughtful and every detail feels local.
13 Oak Street,
Rockland, ME 04841
Primo
The seasonal farm-to-table style restaurant, Primo, is a staple on Rockland’s Main Street. With a focus on sustainable agriculture, they use produce grown in their own garden and animals raised on property to create artfully done classics like Chicken Cordon Bleu, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Porcini Rubbed Bistro Steak.
2 Main St,
Rockland, Maine 04841
Natalie’s Restaurant
Natalie’s, a AAA 4 Diamonds restaurant located inside a charming New England Victorian inn, transports its guests across the pond to an upscale Parisian bistro. Sourcing the freshest ingredients in the area from the harvest of Maine fishing boats and local farms, you can expect this fine dining experience to bring you an authentic taste of Maine matched with culinary influences from abroad.
83 Bayview St,
Camden, Maine, 04843
18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill
This open-concept kitchen is a Rockport, Maine favorite – best known for it’s raw bar, locally-caught seafood, and grilled entrees. 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill features a wide range of menu items, with nearly all of the main dishes coming right off their wood-fired grill. Grab a seat on the patio overlooking the harbor (open seasonally) and try a local beer or craft cocktail like the Cinnamon Bourbon Fizz, made with Makers Mark, Aperol, cinnamon, rosemary, honey, lemon, and orange bitters.
18 Central St,
Rockport Maine 04856
In Good Company
An ever-changing daily menu and a wine list curated for the perfect pairings? Chefs kiss. In Good Company focuses on serving locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal produce in a welcoming atmosphere. Created as a casual place to drink good, quality wine, In Good Company encourages diners to slow down and really enjoy their food, drinks, and of course, good company.
415 Main St,
Rockland, ME 04841
A Local’s Favorites in Rockland/Rockport/Camden
Maiden’s Cliff & Megunticook Lake
Overlooking the sparkling Megunticook Lake in Camden Hills State Park, Maiden’s Cliff is marked by a white cross memorializing the life of an 11-year-old girl who tumbled from the rocks in 1864. It takes 45 minutes to reach the top of the 800-foot cliff, where you can enjoy the overlook from safe, level ground.
Maiden Cliff Trailhead, 321-415 Turnpike Dr,
Camden, ME 04843
Sail Schooner Surprise
Whales and porpoises are among the surprises you may see during a two-hour sail aboard this classic Maine schooner, which sweeps around Penobscot Bay. Guests can help raise the sails and steer the mighty boat, or just relax on a cushioned seat to enjoy the famous windjammer.
1 Bay View St,
Camden, ME 04843
Shop at Archipelago
Featuring fine art, whimsical cards, hand-crafted Maine chocolate, kitchenware, and much more, Archipelago is buzzing with creativity. It’s the retail component of the Island Institute, advancing the careers of local artists while delighting shoppers with one-of-a-kind Maine souvenirs.
386 Main St,
Rockland, ME 04841
Where to Stay | Samoset Resort
