Charming, Coastal, Calming – Camden

2026 Guide

There’s a reason Camden is called the “Jewel of the Maine Coast.” This picturesque harbor town feels like stepping into a postcard, complete with sailboats bobbing in the bay, mountains rising behind Main Street, and the kind of slow-paced charm that makes you daydream about packing up and moving here for good.

Camden is a small town in Maine’s mid-coast region, founded in 1791. Like Bar Harbor, Nantucket, and Kennebunkport, it’s long been a summer retreat for those seeking beautiful coastal weather and classic New England vibes. But don’t let that stop you from visiting. If you want to feel like you’re living in one of those charming Hallmark movies, Camden, Maine, is the place for you!

🐾 Traveling with dogs? Good news, Camden is surprisingly pup-friendly, and I’ve noted dog-friendly spots throughout this guide.

The Basics:

Where Is Camden, Maine?:

Camden is in Mid-Coast Maine, north of Rockland and south of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Camden isn’t the only charming place to visit in this region. It’s an easy addition to any Maine road trip, sitting right along Route 1. You can find my complete Coastal Maine Road Trip Guide here. In fact, there are so many amazing places to explore in Maine. For more great options, check out Wanderu’s Best Vacation Destinations In Maine.

When Should I Visit Camden, Maine?:

While it’s gorgeous any time of the year, there is something special about Camden in summer! Those ocean breezes make it the perfect summer spot to explore. Fall is equally stunning with Mount Battie and Camden Hills State Park exploding with color, making it one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in New England.

Where Should I Stay?:

The Hawthorne Inn

9 High St, Camden, ME 04843
(207) 236-8842
Rooms typically run around $139 a night
Check current rates and availability Here

This charming Bed and Breakfast will relax you immediately with its breezy decor, friendly staff, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great location just minutes from downtown and a great place to stay.

Whitehall Inn

52 High St, Camden, ME 04843
(207) 236-3391
Rooms typically run between $120-$150
Check current rates and availability Here

At Whitehall Inn, you can relax on rambling porches or take a stroll to downtown Camden, just 10 mins at a meandering pace. This is the kind of place that transports you back in time with its sprawling porches, beautiful coastal decor, and 36 rooms and suites to choose from.

Lord Camden Inn

24 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
(207) 236-4325
Rooms typically run between $128-$142
Check current rates and availability Here

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown, then Lord Camden Inn is your spot. Bonus: for a limited time, they have a penalty-free 48-hour cancellation fee. This charming inn consistently ranks as a top choice on Trip Advisor.

A Quick History of Camden

Before diving into what to do, a little context: Long before people flocked to Camden each summer, it was known by the Penobscot Abenaki natives as Megunticook, meaning “great swells of the sea,” most likely in reference to the Camden Hills. In 1605, Captain George Weymouth of the ship Archangel sighted the Camden Hills on his voyage to midcoast Maine, anchoring in Penobscot Bay not far from where the harbor sits today.

The area remained wilderness until after the French and Indian War, when settlers finally arrived around 1769. Today, Camden maintains that same maritime character that’s defined it for centuries, just with better coffee and lobster rolls.

11 Things To Do In Camden

1. Explore The Charming Downtown Shops –

Camden is such a charming town, but the shops are on a whole other level here. There are rows and rows of quaint shops and restaurants. Make sure to take some time to explore and wander around in at least a few of them.

Swans Island

2 Bay View Street, Camden, ME 04843
Check current hours
Cost: $$$ but justified because these are really high-quality products

This is the home of Maine’s finest handcrafted home textiles, apparel, and knitting yarns since 1992. Not only does the shop feature gorgeous merchandise, but the owner is incredibly friendly. I loved the shopping experience here.

Jo Ellen Designs

21 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Check current hours

One of my absolute favorite shops in Camden. It’s also incredibly aesthetically speaking, everything in the store is arranged by color.

Once A Tree

31 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Daily 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: $-$$

If you are looking for unique items that you won’t find anywhere else, look no further than Once A Tree. This shop has a little bit of everything, but in the best way possible.

The Smiling Cow

41 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Cost: $

If you’re looking for great Maine souvenirs, you can’t do better than The Smiling Cow.

Uncle Willy’s Candy Shop

57 Bay View Street, Camden, ME 04843
Cost: $

Hailed as one of the best candy shops in Maine, you’ve gotta stop in to Uncle Willy’s for that good old-fashioned sweet shop feel.

2. Grab Some Coffee –

First, head to the Owl & Turtle to browse for a book and grab some yummy coffee and breakfast pastries.

The Owl & Turtle Bookshop

33 Bay View Street, Camden, ME 04843
Check current hours
Cost: $-$$

The Owl & Turtle is an independent bookstore, friendly gathering place, and cozy neighborhood café. The owner of Swans Island recommended that I get coffee here. It did not disappoint. Although, I admittedly always get iced chai tea lattes anywhere new because I know I will love them no matter what. The biscotti and baked goods were amazing too!

You can enjoy a good book, your coffee, and food inside the café or at the small table available outside.

Or…

3. Take In Those Harbor Views –

The gorgeous harbor is arguably the best view in Camden. You can take your yummy coffee and baked goods to the harbor and experience those amazing views while you enjoy your food. The harbor can get busy in peak summer, but the views from the Camden Amphitheater/Camden Harbor Park area are worth it

🐾 Dog-Friendly: The harbor area and park are great for leashed pups who want to people-watch with you!

4. Hike In Camden Hills State Park –

280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843
$6 Entrance Fee For Non-Maine Residents

On a clear day on Mount Battie, you can see all the way to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. And on average, you can enjoy sprawling views of the various bays and islands off the mainland. Here are a few different hikes in Camden Hills State Park.

🐾 Dog-Friendly: Great news for dog owners – Camden Hills State Park welcomes leashed dogs on all trails!

There are a few options for hiking Mount Battie:

Mount Battie via Nature Trail Trailhead

Distance: 3.1 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 623 ft

Mount Battie Trail

Distance: 1.1 miles
Rating: Difficult (Steep)
Elevation Gain: 590 ft

The rating of this trail has recently been upgraded to difficult on All Trails due to the steep nature of the trail.

Mount Battie via Carriage Road Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 564 ft
Best for: Dogs and those who prefer a gentler climb

Scenic Trail Cut-Off To Maiden Cliffs

Distance: 1.7 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 731 ft

Ocean Lookout Via Nature Trail

Distance: 2.8 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation: 984 ft

5. Take A Stroll On The Riverhouse Footbridge –

The footbridge was built in 1953 and looks incredibly charming. Like something out of a dream, from one end to the other, the popular footbridge is filled with colorful flowers and, of course, its signature sunflowers. This is a great place to take a stroll, and don’t forget your camera because it’s gorgeous!

🐾 Dog-Friendly: Perfect for a quick photo op with your pup!

6. You Can’t-Miss A Camden Harbor Cruise –

Camden Public Landing, Camden, ME 04843
Daily 8:30 am – 9 pm
207-236-6672
Check current schedule and book

While the harbor views are stunning, you HAVE to get out on the water when you visit. Camden Harbor Cruises offers all kinds of sea excursions. Whether you choose a Wildlife Cruise, a One Hour Lobstering & Lighthouse Cruise, or A First Morning Lobster Haul, you can’t go wrong!

The Well Worn Shoes Tip: Book in advance during peak summer season!

7. Visit A Lighthouse Or Two –

When you find yourself in coastal Maine, you have to visit at least one lighthouse. There are several options in Camden.

Curtis Island Lighthouse

Established in 1836, this lighthouse is part of a public park. It’s not open to the public but can be viewed by boat or from the Curtis Island Overlook (148 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843).

Grindle Point Lighthouse

You must take a boat ride from Camden Harbor to visit the Grindle Point Lighthouse. Originally established in 1850, the current tower and other buildings were built in 1874. The lighthouse and Sailor’s Museum, which is located in the keeper’s house, are open for tours during the summer. And you can even walk to the top of the lighthouse! You will need to take the Isleboro Ferry to get to Grindle Point.

8. Take A Paddle Around Curtis Island Lighthouse –

Maine Sports Outfitters

24 Main Street, Camden, ME 04843
Check the current schedule and book
Cost: Approximately $50/Adult (16+) / $40 Child (10-15)

If you love to kayak, you don’t want to miss your chance to take in stunning lighthouse views in Camden, Maine. You will paddle by the Curtis Island Lighthouse and take in the beautiful views of the Camden Hills and the islands of the bay as you pass schooners and yachts. Bonus for my fellow history nerds: your guide will tell you all about the local history while you paddle.

9. Sip & Eat Your Heart Out –

There are so many excellent restaurants in Camden that you really can’t go wrong, but here are a few suggestions…

For Amazing Views:

The Waterfront

48 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
See menu and hours

For some of the best views in Camden, head to Waterfront.

For A Lobster Roll:

Marriner’s Restaurant

35 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
See menu and hours

Whether you want blueberry pancakes or a great lobster roll, Marriner’s is your spot!

Grab A Drink At:

Sea Dog Brewing Company

1 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
See hours and menu

If you’re a beer fan (raises hand), try the Bluepaw Wild Blueberry Ale or Owls Head Light for something refreshing. Don’t skip the warm crab rangoon dip and the lobster roll for a yummy light lunch!

🐾 Dog-Friendly: Sea Dog has outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly in warmer months!

10. Don’t Skip The Ice Cream

Is there anything better then ice cream in summer? Nope! So don’t skip the ice cream on your next trip to Camden, Maine.

Camden Cone

31 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Check current hours

River Ducks Ice Cream

19 Mechanic St, Camden, ME 04843
Seasonal – check for current hours

11. Relax & Enjoy –

There is no better place than Camden, Maine, to spend a relaxing summer day, long weekend, or week. The pace here slows down, no one is in a hurry, and why would you be with views like these? No matter what you do, take some time to relax in this picturesque coastal town.

Plan Your Camden Trip

Getting There: Camden is located along Route 1, about 2 hours north of Portland, Maine, and about 1.5 hours south of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

How Long To Stay: While you can see the highlights in a day, I recommend at least 2-3 days to thoroughly soak in the charm, especially if you want to hike Mount Battie AND enjoy the harbor.

Best Time To Visit: Summer (June-August) for perfect weather and full town activity, or fall (September-October) for stunning foliage and smaller crowds.

Camden is a can’t-miss destination! If you are looking for New England charm with a side of ocean views, Camden has you covered.