Charming, Coastal, Calming – Camden, Maine

Camden, Maine, is known as the ‘Jewel of the Maine Coast’, and for good reason! It is a picturesque town by the sea with a gorgeous harbor that you can imagine yourself enjoying on a daily basis. Camden is a small Penobscot Bay town founded in 1791 in Maine’s mid-coast region. It is also famous for its summer colony of wealthy visitors. Much like Bar Harbor, Nantucket, and Kennebunkport, the wealthy flock here for the beautiful summer weather, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. If you want to feel like you are living in one of those charming Hallmark movies – Camden, Maine, is the place for you!

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. 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. I haven’t been during fall yet, but I’ve heard it’s gorgeous, particularly Mount Battie and Camden Hills State Park.

Where Should I Stay?:

The Hawthorne Inn

9 High St, Camden, ME 04843
(207) 236-8842
Rooms typically run around $139 a night
Book And Find Out More Here

This charming Bed and Breakfast will relax you immediately with its breezy decor, friendly staff, and peaceful decor. 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
Book And Find Out More 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
Book And Find More 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. In 2020 this charming inn was rated a top travelers choice on Trip Advisor.

A Great Roadtrip Stop:

I visited Camden for the first time in the summer of 2019, and I can say, without a doubt, that it won’t be my last visit. I loved it and can’t believe it took me so long to find this gem. It’s one of those places that you daydream about moving to!

It was my first stop on a pretty epic maritime Canada road trip. Camden wasn’t actually part of my original plan, but I happily stumbled upon this beautiful coastal town one warm June Saturday morning. My first thought was, this is classic Maine! While it’s lively in June, it’s not overwhelming.

There are so many things to do in this charming town that one morning in Camden was just not enough time to fully explore, but I feel like I scratched the surface. And I now have a list of places that I want to visit the next time I make it to this adorable little town.

11 Amazing Things To Do In Camden

1. Visit The Charming 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
Fri – Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
Sun: 11 am – 4 pm
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
Tues – Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
Sun-Mon: Closed

One of my absolute favorite shops in Camden. It’s also incredibly esthetically 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 then 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
Mon-Sat 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday 10-5
Cost: $

If you are 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
Wed-Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
Sun: 12 – 5 pm
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
Tues – Sat: 10 am – 3 pm
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 the town of 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 is a can’t miss but it does get pretty busy in summer. I loved the views from the Camden Amphitheater/Camden Harbor Park area. It was nice to just sit and watch the boats in the harbor for a bit.

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. BONUS: They are dog friendly!

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
Elevation Gain: 590 ft

The rating of this trail has recently be 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

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!

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

Camden Public Landing, Camden, ME 04843
Daily 8:30 am – 9 pm
207-236-6672
Opening May 15, 2021

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!

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

This lighthouse was established in 1836, this lighthouse is a part of a public park. It is 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
Departs three times daily, Monday – Thursday, June – September.
Departs once daily Friday – Sunday, June – September.
207-236-8797
Find Out More And Book Here
Cost: $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 are paddling.

9. Sip & Eat Your Heart Out –

There are so many amazing 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
Daily 11:30 am – 7:30 pm
Find their menu here

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

For A Lobster Roll:

Marriner’s Restaurant

35 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Closed Tues
Every Other Day 6 am – 2 pm
Find their menu here

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
Thurs: Noon – 5 pm
Fri & Sat: Noon – 8pm
Sun & Mon: Noon – 5pm
(207) 230-1306
Find Out More Here

If you’re a beer fan (raises hand) try the Bluepaw Wild Blueberry Ale or Owls Head Light for something refreshing beer. Or the warm crab rangoon dip and the lobster roll for a yummy light lunch!

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
Mon – Sat: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Sun: 11:30 – 3 pm

River Ducks Ice Cream

19 Mechanic St, Camden, ME 04843
Reopening In May, 2021

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 as 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.

A Little History:

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. Then in 1605, Captain George Weymouth of the ship Archangel sighted the Camden Hills on his voyage to midcoast Maine. He sailed up to Penobscot Bay and anchored in June of 1605, not far from the Camden Hills.

It remained wilderness until after the French and Indian War, when it was finally settled in 1771. Sometime around 1769, the first settlers arrived in Camden. During Camden’s first 100 years, the town had a steady growth in population and a prosperous economy. By 1870 the population was at a booming 4,512.

Camden is a can’t miss destination! If you are looking for New England charm, Camden has covered you.