15 Best Things to Do in Camden, Maine

By VacationIdea Staff on October 22, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of cfarmer - Fotolia.com

High above the harbor on nearby Mount Battie stands the best place to see just how beautiful Camden, Maine, is. This scenic lookout at the rocky top of Mount Battie looks like it is guarding the lovely little seaport and its quaint harbor in Penobscot Bay, dotted by sailboats of all sizes and colors. Camden, ME, is even more beautiful in the fall when the trees around the city perform their full colorful show. Here are the best things to do in Camden, Maine.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Mount Battie & Camden Hills State Park, Camden, Maine

A pleasant and easy two hour hike up the Camden Hills that loom above the charming harbor village of Camden will take you to the verdant 5,700 acre Camden Hills State Park. Offering 30 miles of hiking trails through the forests and wonderful views of surrounding lakes and hills on every corner, this park is the perfect spot for a day of outdoor adventure.

Visitors can even bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the well-maintained campground which features a spacious picnic area for families. The Maiden's Cliff Trail provides wonderful views of scenic Megunticook Lake, and the park's 800 foot rocky summit Mount Battie offers breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay and the nearby islands. The view is said to have been the inspiration for Edna St. Vincent Millay's renowned poem "Renascence."

280 Belfast Road, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-3109

2.Things to Do in Camden, Maine: Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre

Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre are two beautiful parks in Camden, located on the grounds of the city's stately Public Library, just off Main Street. The amphitheater is the centerpiece of the library's grounds and was designed by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele. Harbor Park is a 2 acre naturalistic park located just across Atlantic Avenue designed by the Olmsted Brothers between 1928 and 1935.

The park continues the magnificent views of the harbor and the bay from the Amphitheatre. The parks were given as a gift in 1931 to the Town of Camden by the philanthropist Mary Louise Curtis Bok Zimbalist to add to the renovated Camden Library. Serene, beautifully tended gardens are popular for just about any social event in Camden, from picnics, weddings, graduations and craft fairs to concerts, festivals and theater productions. Both parks are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Atlantic Avenue, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-3440

3.Megunticook Lake, Camden, ME

Just a short drive from the charming and tourist-friendly village of Camden, serene Megunticook Lake is snuggled at the base of the Camden Hills. Only three miles from the Camden harbor, at the east end of the lake is Barrett's Cove Beach, a lovely spot for picnicking and swimming that is seldom crowded. The beach has a shallow area for kids and a diving platform floating in the lake. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards.

There is a nice grassy picnic area with tables and grills and a boat launch around the cove, for those who want to explore the lake by kayak or boat. From the beach you can enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastal cliffs as they drop into the sea on the western slope of Mount Battie, the highest peak of Camden Hills.

Barrett's Cove Beach, Beaucaire Lane, off Route 52, Megunticook Lake, Camden, ME

4.Merryspring Nature Center, Camden, Maine

Merryspring Nature Center is a nature-lovers paradise. This 66 acre park is open to visitors for free from sunrise to sunset every day. Guests can stroll through the park's beautiful specialty gardens, which feature plants such as herbs, roses, daylilies, annuals and perennials, or take a hike on one of ten nature trails that wind throughout the preserve.

Merryspring is also a non-profit educational center that features weekly talks on such topics as local plants and wildlife, beekeeping, gardening and more. Guests can also enjoy seeing and learning about the native plants, wildlife and birds of Maine at Merryspring.

30 Conway Road, P.O. Box 893, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-2239

5.Camden Opera House, Camden, Maine

At the Camden Opera House, history, art and culture all combine for one incredible experience. This 500 seat auditorium is over 120 years old and features beautiful Victorian-era details such as antique moldings, gilt stenciling and large chandeliers.

The venue hosts a variety entertainment, including ballets, musicals, comedians, films and classical music concerts. The Camden Opera House is owned by the city of Camden and is a featured part of the one-hour Walking Tour of Camden. Event tickets are available through the box office or can be purchased online or by phone.

29 Elm Street, P.O. Box 1207, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-7963

6.Things to Do in Camden, Maine: Camden Snow Bowl

The Camden Snow Bowl is the place to be for outdoor fun, all year-round. In the winter months, guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snowshoeing on 5 miles of trails and 20 ski runs of various levels of difficulty. In the summer months, the Snow Bowl becomes a warm, green mountain forest perfect for hiking, biking, tennis, baseball and softball.

Boating and fishing on Hosmer Pond are also available, and The Snow Bowl offers camps for children during the summer. The Snow Bowl Lodge seats 100-150 people and is perfect for wedding receptions, parties and family reunions.

20 Barnestown Rd, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-3438

7.The Schooner Surprise, Camden, Maine

The Schooner Surprise is a historic schooner ship harbored in Camden, Maine. This 57-foot racing ship was built in 1918 and had a distinguished racing and sailing career before being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Today, Surprise is available for two-hour trips during the summer and early fall months. Passengers will see various kinds of wildlife, lighthouses and beautiful views of Penobscot Bay while on board. There is even a sunset cruise available in the evening. Surprise can also be chartered for private parties of up to 18 passengers. (Phone: 207-236-4687)

8.Things to Do in Camden, Maine: Schooner Olad Windjammer Cruise

The Schooner Olad is a historic sailing yacht built in 1927. The Olad is housed in Camden, Maine and offers two-hour tours daily during the summer and fall months. Passengers on tours of Penobscot Bay aboard the Olad will see sights such as bald eagles, lighthouses, small islands, other ships and the beautiful, rocky shoreline of Maine.

Guests can also take a trip on the wooden sail boat Owl, which can hold up to six passengers. Both the Olad and the Owl are also available for private charters and special Lobster Bake cruises. (Phone: 207-236-2323)

9.Mike Kinney Maine Guide, Camden, Maine

Mike Kenney is your man if you're interested in getting the most out of your time in the great outdoors of Maine. He offers canoeing, fishing and camping all over northern and coastal Maine. His goal is not only to help you catch big fish, but to teach visitors more about Maine's waters, hills and woods and give them memories that will last a lifetime.

Mike has several different trips for outdoorsy people and anglers of all experience level and age, whether you are looking for a trophy bass, trout or pike, or are just trying your hand in fly fishing. While enjoying the beautiful outdoors, you'll get the chance to reel in all types of different fish including smallmouth and largemouth bass, salmon, pike, brook, brown and rainbow trout, perch and pickerel. There is also a three hour tour of the serene Megunticook Lake in a traditional canvas and cedar freighter canoe. (Phone: 207-975-2226)

10.Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe, Camden, Maine

Take a trip back to a simpler time at Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe. The candy shop is housed in an old-fashioned building and is a fun, happy place for children and adults.

Uncle Willy's offers both modern and classic candies such as lollipops and suckers, jelly beans, gumballs, bubble gum and taffy. Uncle Willy's also makes their own fudge and chocolates in-house.

57 Bay View Street, Houlton, ME 04730, Phone: 207-532-3640

11.Camden Windjammer Festival, Camden, Maine

The Camden Windjammer Festival is a showcase of Camden's rich maritime history. From sailboats to schooners and yachts, sailing and boating have always been a big part of the Camden community. You don't have to be an experienced sailor to enjoy the festival since there are activities for all ages and experience levels. All guests can enjoy the parade of boats on Sunday afternoon.

Children and adults can try their hand at basic sailing skills such as raising a sail, knot tying or course reading. There is even a “build your own boat” contest with materials supplied by local businesses.

12.Camden Harbor Cruises, Camden, Maine

Explore the beautiful coast of Penobscot Bay aboard the “Lively Lady,” a wooden vessel that is harbored in beautiful Camden, Maine. Camden Harbor cruises offers a variety of trips, including lighthouse tours and beautiful sunset cruises around the harbor.

Morning cruises are perfect for children, and the ship's crew loves letting kids explore the boat and see what's in the lobster traps in a comfortable, safe environment. Eco-tours let guests travel to a remote seal habitat in the bay and see fascinating wildlife such as seals, eagles, porpoises and various kinds of fish. The Lively Lady can also be chartered for private tours and wedding events.

9 Brandy Brook Rd, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-6672

13.Things to Do Near Me: Natalie's, Camden, Maine

Located in a beautiful New England Victorian inn with spectacular views of the old Windjammers that sway in the shimmering harbor of Camden, Natalie's is a sophisticated restaurant that brings to mind elegant Parisian dining rooms. A stylish bar is illuminated by vintage chandeliers and the elegant, bright red dining room with sparkling white linens and dark wood is glamorous and inviting. The best seat in the house is on the wide, airy porch that overlooks the harbor.

Executive Chefs Chris Long and Shelby Stevens offer globally inspired, contemporary cuisine that uses seasonal local ingredients focusing on locally caught fish and shellfish, greens, herbs, fruits and berries from nearby farms, as well as cheese and butter from local dairies. The result is original, modern fine cuisine paired with a fine selection of wines from all over the world.

83 Bayview Street, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-7008

15 Best Things to Do in Camden, Maine

Mount Battie & Camden Hills State Park, Camden, Maine, Photo: Courtesy of Chris Soucy - Fotolia.com
Things to Do in Camden, Maine: Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, Photo: Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com
Megunticook Lake, Camden, ME, Photo: Courtesy of Bert Folsom - Fotolia.com
Merryspring Nature Center, Camden, Maine, Photo: Merryspring Nature Center
Camden Opera House, Camden, Maine, Photo: Camden Opera House
Things to Do in Camden, Maine: Camden Snow Bowl, Photo: Camden Snow Bowl
The Schooner Surprise, Camden, Maine, Photo: The Schooner Surprise
Things to Do in Camden, Maine: Schooner Olad Windjammer Cruise, Photo: Schooner Olad Windjammer Cruise
Mike Kinney Maine Guide, Camden, Maine, Photo: Mike Kinney Maine Guide
Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe, Camden, Maine, Photo: Uncle Willy's Candy Shoppe
Camden Windjammer Festival, Camden, Maine, Photo: Camden Windjammer Festival
Camden Harbor Cruises, Camden, Maine, Photo: Camden Harbor Cruises
Things to Do Near Me: Natalie's, Camden, Maine, Photo: Natalie's
Cover Photo: Courtesy of cfarmer - Fotolia.com

More Ideas: The Norumbega Inn

Set in a historic 1886 stone castle, the Norumbega Inn in Camden, ME is a luxurious bed and breakfast that offers elegant accommodations with fireplaces and private balconies with water views, modern amenities, and sumptuous cuisine. Located in the heart of beautiful mid-coast Maine, this iconic landmark is a short walk from the beach and close to various attractions in the area like the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Camden Hills State Park. Beautifully appointed guest rooms have en-suite bathrooms and private balconies, while deluxe suites boast separate living areas with pull-out sofas and/or fridges, whirlpool or claw-foot tubs, and stunning views. Guests are treated to a delicious hot breakfast every morning and have use of the hotel’s facilities such as a fine-dining restaurant, a fully-stocked library and several communal decks with outdoor seating and breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Guest Accommodations

The Norumbega Inn features 11 beautifully appointed guest rooms, two of which are luxury suites. All accommodations have comfortable king-size beds in luxury linens, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, claw-foot tubs, thick towels and bathrobes, and Antica Farmacista bath products. Living areas have comfy armchairs and seating, gas fireplaces and air-conditioning in season, while suites offer separate living areas with plush pull-put sofas, armchairs, and mini fridges. Shared or private terraces have outdoor seating and provide spectacular water views, and modern amenities abound, including flat screen televisions with cable channels, Bluetooth wireless speaker systems, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Library Suite is an enchanting two-room suite situated in what was once the castle's original library and features an upper balcony of hand-carved mahogany, a king-size bed (can be converted into two twin beds) with deluxe linens, and breathtaking harbor views. An en-suite bathroom offers a bath/shower combination, thick towels and bathrobes, and Antica Farmacista bath products, and a cozy sitting room has a gas fireplace and comfortable pull-out sofa for relaxing and hosting additional guests.

The Penthouse Suite is Norumbega’s most luxurious room with spectacular panoramic views of the bay from the top floor of the castle. The suite has a spacious living area with pull-out sofa and comfortable armchairs, a mini-fridge stocked with soda and water and a gas fireplace. The bedroom boasts a king-size bed dressed in luxury linens, an en-suite bathroom with a marble shower and oversized oval soaking tub, thick towels and bathrobes, and Antica Farmacista bath products. Modern amenities include a flat screen television with cable channels, Bluetooth wireless speaker system, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Dining

A complimentary three-course hot breakfast is served every morning in the elegant dining room and includes a variety of warm made-to-order dishes, along with fresh fruit and juices, freshly baked goodies and hot coffee and tea. Optional dinner is available with a seven-course chef’s tasting menu offered on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Alternatively, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant is open for guests to enjoy at the leisure. The hotel also hosts exclusive dinner events for special occasions such as anniversaries, weddings and other gatherings.

Amenities and Recreation

Deluxe amenities at the Norumbega Inn include several communal spaces for guests to enjoy such as a central living room, an elegant sitting room, a fully stocked library, a 'couples' landing and the Inn’s beautiful dining room, where breakfast is served every morning. The Inn is surrounded by four acres of exquisitely manicured gardens and has several outdoor decks with seating where guests can relax and soak up the magnificent views. A fine dining restaurant serves award-winning cuisine, including seven-course chef’s tasting menu on Thursday and Saturday evenings and catering for special events.

The Norumbega Inn is ideally located for exploring Camden and its many attractions and activities, such as the Camden State Hills Park, the Farnsworth Art Museum, and the Penobscot Marine Museum. Other attractions include the Owls Head Transportation Museum, the Merryspring Nature Center, and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art.

Wedding & Events

The Norumbega Inn caters for special events such as weddings, receptions, and anniversaries, with the full use of the inn, including overnight accommodation, amenities and facilities, and sumptuous cuisine. Receptions can be held indoors for up to 50 guests or outside on the lawn for up to 100 guests, and customized menus and catering services are available from the Inn’s award-winning chef.

63 High St, Camden, ME 04843, Phone: 207-236-4646

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More Ideas: Camden Harbour Inn in Camden

Camden Harbour Inn is a luxury bed and breakfast on the rugged coast of Maine. Hailed as one of New England’s most exclusive boutique hotels, the historic inn offers a unique blend of luxurious accommodation with breathtaking views, indulgent amenities and gourmet cuisine at an award-winning restaurant, and gracious hospitality to create a memorable experience.

Guest Accommodations

Camden Harbour Inn offers a range of luxurious and beautifully appointed accommodations, ranging from Grand and Junior Suites to Oceanside Executive Rooms, Harbour View Deluxe Rooms, and Sea View Superior Rooms. All guest rooms and suites feature plush king or queen-size beds in designer linens, en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, thick bathrobes, and Molton Brown toiletries, and spacious living rooms with designer furniture and fine art, fireplaces, and modern conveniences. Premium amenities in every room and suite include flat screen televisions with cable channels, fully stocked refrigerators and wet bars, Illy Espresso Makers, Apple I-Pads (suites only), and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Grand Suites are opulent three-room suites with spacious living rooms with breathtaking views of the harbor, large master bedrooms with king-size beds dressed in designer linens, and en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, thick bathrobes, and Molton Brown toiletries. Spacious living rooms boast fireplaces, large flat screen televisions with cable channels, wet bars, and fully stocked refrigerators, and luxury amenities include Apple I-Pads, Illy Espresso Makers, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet.

Three beautifully appointed Junior Suites provide tranquil sanctuaries with décor inspired by the surrounding rugged landscapes and coastline and furnished with designer pieces. Spacious living areas have comfortable seating, modern fireplaces, wet bars and fully stocked refrigerators, and flat screen televisions with cable channels, while master bedrooms feature king-size beds dressed in designer linens, and en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, thick bathrobes, and Molton Brown toiletries. Luxury amenities include Apple I-Pads, Illy Espresso Makers, and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet.

Oceanside Executive Rooms are opulent retreats offer relaxing and private oases decorated in calming hues and dark jewel tones. Three expansive rooms boast beautiful views of the harbor and feature spacious master bedrooms with king-size beds dressed in designer linens, and en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, thick bathrobes, and Molton Brown toiletries. Stylish living rooms have fireplaces, large flat screen televisions with cable channels, wet bars, and fully stocked refrigerators.

Six well-appointed Harbour View Deluxe Rooms are accented with designer furniture and fine art and feature plush king size beds with fine linens, spa-inspired bathrooms with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and Molton Brown products, and living areas have fully stocked refrigerators, wet bars, coffee makers, and beautiful harbor views.

Inspired by famous ports of trade and decorated in tones reminiscent of rich spices, Sea View Superior Rooms provide idyllic home-away-from-home retreats with plush king-size feather beds adorned with luxury linens, spa-inspired bathroom with rain showers, terry robes and Molton Brown toiletries and modern conveniences such as large flat screen televisions with cable channels, wet bars, and fully stocked refrigerators.

Dining

Natalie’s at the Camden Harbour offers an unrivaled dining experience. Boasting spectacular panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay, the award-winning Natalie’s blends European style with the inviting spirit of New England and serves a creative menu of modern New England cuisine. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create their innovative dishes, Executive Chef Chris Long and Shelby Stevens present a menu that features classic regional dishes with a worldly sophistication. The adjacent bar serves an acclaimed cocktail and wine list with over 200 hand selected bottles representing some of the world’s best vineyards, and dining can be enjoyed on a covered and heated wrap-around porch with breathtaking views of the harbor in the winter months.

For guests staying at the Inn guests, a complimentary gourmet Champagne breakfast of a buffet with a selection of homemade granola and yogurt, cold cuts and cheese, fresh fruits, pastries, and marmalades, as well as a choice of savory or sweet entrees is served every morning, and coffee, tea, and snacks are provided all day in the Juliana Lounge.

Amenities

Camden Harbour Inn offers an array of luxury amenities to enhance every guests’ stay, ranging from an award-winning restaurant and cocktail bar with beautiful ocean views to the luxury Juliana Lounge, which offers complimentary coffee, tea, pastries and snacks all day, along with a selection of magazines and newspapers, books, and board games. Other signature amenities and guest services include a nightly turndown service with premium Belgian chocolates, complimentary use of a guest computer, a library of DVDs and CDs, 24-hour front desk service, concierge services, a range of spa services including massages and Zero Balancing, and personal butler services. The Camden Harbour Inn is within walking distance of fitness, swimming, golf and tennis facilities, a small public beach, and downtown Camden’s boutiques and galleries.

Weddings & Events

Camden Harbour Inn provides a beautiful venue for the most elegant and memorable weddings in Maine. Surrounded by the natural beauty of exquisitely landscaped grounds and gardens and the backdrop of Camden Harbor, the Inn is the ideal place for a unique destination wedding. In addition to stunning venues, the Inn offers several all-inclusive wedding and event packages, which include gourmet cuisine and wine from the award-winning restaurant, Natalie’s, to luxurious accommodations and outstanding hospitality and personalized service.

83 Bayview Street, Camden, Maine, 04843, Phone: 800-236-4266 or 207-236-4200

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