Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Camden, Maine

The town of Camden is located along the picturesque Maine coastline and is recognized as a serene seaside community. Its splendid harbor, frequently adorned with a diverse range of pleasure and sailboats, renders it one of the most visually appealing destinations in the region.

With a population of fewer than 5,000 residents, Camden experiences an influx of tourists during the pleasant spring and summer months, many of whom arrive to enjoy the various festivals hosted in Camden and the nearby towns of Union and Rockport.

Given the abundance of natural and historical attractions within a short driving distance, discovering activities to engage in will be effortless.

The following are 15 recommended activities in and around Camden, Maine.

1. Christmas by the Sea

For those visiting Maine seeking a distinctive holiday experience, Camden’s Christmas by the Sea celebration occurs annually during the first week of December.

The festivities extend into the adjoining towns of Rockport and Lincolnville, with numerous local neighborhoods, communities, and businesses participating by decorating and organizing a variety of enjoyable and complimentary activities.

While Maine winters can be particularly severe, December often presents a wonderful opportunity to visit. This is especially true as the crowds of tourists who flock to New England in the summer months have long departed.

2. U.S. National Toboggan Championships

Maine’s rugged mountains, extensive forests, and harsh winters render it somewhat reminiscent of Alaska, in contrast to many other U.S. states. The U.S. National Toboggan Championships provides visitors with an opportunity to engage with a truly unique facet of local culture.

This event takes place annually on the first weekend of February and involves hundreds of teams, over 1,000 individual participants, and nearly 5,000 spectators from across the nation.

The venue is the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area, located just outside of Camden. Besides the races, the event features various family-friendly activities, making it an extraordinary occasion.

3. North Atlantic Blues Festival

Maine hosts an abundance of events and festivals. Unlike many other areas of the country that predominantly organize events during the warm spring and summer seasons, several of Maine’s festivals are hosted in the winter.

One of New England’s most renowned annual events is the North Atlantic Blues Festival. It conveniently occurs in July, when the Maine climate is ideal for outdoor enjoyment.

Taking place at Harbor Park in Rockland, which overlooks the beautiful Penobscot Bay, this festival is regarded by many blues enthusiasts as one of the premier events of its kind in the country.

4. Project Puffin Visitor Center

Puffins are uniquely attractive seabirds characterized by their large, vibrant beaks that inhabit the New England coastline.

Due to a significant decline in their population, the Audubon Society initiated a program in the early 1970s to restore puffin numbers to more natural levels.

The Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland aims to educate visitors about the significance of local ecosystems and species such as puffins that play vital roles within them.

The center features a variety of informative displays and exhibits, documentary films, and even boat tours of the birds’ habitat along the rugged Maine coastline.

5. Camden Harbor Arts & Crafts Show

Thanks to its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, New England has continuously inspired artists for over two centuries.

The Camden harbor area hosts one of New England’s most frequented arts and crafts shows, which conveniently occurs twice a year.

The Camden Harbor Arts and Crafts Show takes place in July and October, both ideal times for a visit.

This two-day event is free to attend, sponsored by local chambers of commerce, and showcases a diverse selection of artists and artisans presenting their work in a picturesque, open-air environment.

6. Barrett’s Cove Park

Located along Route 52 just outside Camden’s town limits, Barrett’s Cove Park features a striking vertical granite rock formation known as Maiden’s Cliff.

The park is situated along the beautiful shores of Megunticook Lake and boasts a pristine beach, providing an ideal location to relax and soak up some sun, particularly for those seeking respite from the chilly winds and salty air of the nearby ocean beaches.

Merely a few miles from downtown Camden, the park includes BBQ grills, a playground, restrooms, and a boat ramp for fishing enthusiasts. Ample free parking is available on-site.

7. Maine Antiques Festival

For over thirty years, the Maine Antiques Festival has been a cherished event for locals, tourists, and antique enthusiasts alike.

Promoted as Maine’s largest antique show, it occurs in August at the Union Fairgrounds, easily accessible from Camden.

The festival showcases over 300 dealers, collectors, and vendors from various locations, featuring items such as art, coins, furniture, household goods, glassware, and a range of collectibles.

Although the event spans Saturday and Sunday, ambitious shoppers eager to get the first look at the treasures can enter on Friday afternoon for a fee.

8. Maine Lobster Festival

The lobster is an iconic emblem of Maine, with these clawed crustaceans inhabiting the cool Atlantic waters off New England’s coast, making them a highly coveted delicacy worldwide.

The Maine Lobster Festival stands as one of the region’s principal events and occurs in August when the weather is most agreeable.

This five-day event features lobster prepared in an assortment of delicious ways.

Festival activities encompass cruises, pageants, live performances, and even arts and crafts.

For those who do not favor seafood, a diverse selection of culinary options will also be available.

9. Camden Windjammer Festival

Camden’s maritime heritage traces its origins back to the early explorations by European descendants.

The Camden Windjammer Festival is celebrated over the Labor Day weekend, attracting thousands of visitors to the scenic coastal town to witness the magnificent tall ships, which are striking reminders of an era when wind and ocean currents were the primary forms of travel.

If possible, endeavor to attend the event’s opening ceremony—the arrival of the windjammers—which is truly an awe-inspiring sight.

The festivities feature a maritime fair, live music, dance performances, fireworks, a lobster race, and culinary competitions.

10. Aldemere Farm

Aldemere Farm, situated nearby in Rockport, is recognized globally as a premier breeder of Belted Galloway cattle.

Often affectionately referred to as “Oreos” due to their distinctive black and white coloration, these cattle are mainly raised for beef production.

The farm spans over 100 acres and is owned by a land conservation trust dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural, historical, and agricultural legacy.

While Aldemere serves as a working farm, it also functions as an educational facility, making it an exceptional destination for spending a few hours learning about cattle, conservation, and sustainable farming practices.

11. Center for Maine Contemporary Art

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland showcases works across various mediums from numerous artists and is operated by a non-profit organization focused on preserving and promoting Maine’s contemporary art scene.

Established in 1952, this center has evolved into one of New England’s most popular and esteemed facilities of its kind.

In addition to its exhibitions, the center offers a diverse array of educational and instructional programs, many aimed at fostering artistic expression for both professional and amateur artists.

To stay informed about their programs and exhibits, it is advisable to periodically check their website.

12. Coastal Children’s Museum

The Coastal Children’s Museum in Rockland is an excellent location for families traveling with young children to spend a few hours.

Located a ten-minute drive from Camden, the museum features numerous interactive exhibits that engage, entertain, and educate children simultaneously.

Exhibits cover topics such as history, science, animals, art, and the natural world. Many parents who have visited have noted that the museum exceeded their expectations, with children reluctant to leave even after spending several hours there.

During the busy summer months, the museum may become crowded; therefore, consider visiting on a weekday or in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience.

13. Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage

Situated in Union, the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage is just a few miles from Camden and boasts thousands of artifacts that highlight the cultural and economic history of Maine.

Its exhibitions feature a remarkable and distinctive collection of items, from historical books and photographs to weapons, clothing, and household goods utilized by the early settlers in the region.

Adjacent to the primary museum structure is an old one-room schoolhouse, which remarkably remained operational until the early 1950s.

The museum also presents an exhibit dedicated to one of the country’s first mass-marketed soft drinks, Moxie, which was produced locally.

14. Farnsworth Art Museum

The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland is best recognized for its extensive collection of paintings by renowned members of the Wyeth family.

Covering thousands of square feet, its exhibitions primarily focus on American artists from the past two centuries.

The museum grounds also feature the Farnsworth House Homestead, a Victorian-era residence filled with period art, furniture, and household items that provide visitors with a glimpse into rural life from centuries ago.

Hours for the museum and Wyeth Center vary seasonally, so it is advisable to consult their website prior to planning a visit.

15. Maine Lighthouse Museum

The rugged New England coastline is home to some of the nation’s most iconic lighthouses. For lighthouse aficionados seeking to experience them all, the Maine Lighthouse Museum should hold a prominent place on your itinerary.

The museum features the state’s most distinctive and comprehensive collection of artifacts associated with lighthouses, showcasing lenses, beacons, buoys, and remarkably detailed miniature ship models.

A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to the historical account of Maine’s search and rescue personnel, who have played an essential role in assisting the local populace throughout the years.