Camden

Laite Memorial Beach

Just outside of Camden village, this small, peaceful beach is perfect for swimming and picnicking.

Camden Harbor Park & Amphitheatre

In downtown Camden, along the harbor. While not a traditional beach, this park offers a lovely waterfront area with access to the harbor. It's a beautiful spot to watch boats come and go and relax on the grassy areas.

Belfast City Park

About 30 minutes north of Camden, located in Belfast, great for a day trip. The beach is on the Penobscot Bay and is great for swimming or picnicking.

Rockland

Rockland Harbor Park

Downtown Rockland along the waterfront. Similar to Camden Harbor Park, this park offers a lovely waterfront spot for relaxing, walking, and enjoying the harbor views. It's not a beach in the traditional sense, but the park is close to the water, making it an ideal place for scenic walks or picnics by the ocean.

Spruce Head Island

A short drive from Rockland, towards South Thomaston. A charming, less-developed island that offers small, scenic beaches. You can enjoy a peaceful day on the shores, with the added bonus of exploring the nearby island trails and nature.

Samoset Resort Beach

On the grounds of the Samoset Resort in Rockport (near Rockland). This beach offers a great spot for enjoying the scenic beauty of the area, with views of the bay and access to the hotel's amenities. It’s perfect for visitors who are staying at the resort or those looking for a quieter, more private beach experience.

Maiden’s Cliff Trail (Camden Hills State Park)

2.6 miles round trip (moderate to challenging)

This hike takes you to the top of Maiden’s Cliff, offering views of Megunticook Lake, Camden Harbor, and Penobscot Bay. The trail is steep in places, but the summit provides panoramic views.

Camden Hills State Park (Various Trails)

Multiple trails, ranging from easy to moderate, including:

Mount Battie Trail (1.5 miles): A short and relatively easy trail with views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.

Megunticook Trail (3.5 miles): A moderate trail leading to the summit of Megunticook Mountain, the highest peak in the park with expansive views.

Mount Zed Trail (1.5 miles): A quieter, wooded trail that offers peaceful surroundings and a scenic view of the Camden Hills.

Ragged Mountain Trail

4 miles round trip (moderate to challenging)

Located just west of Camden in Rockport, the Ragged Mountain Trail is a challenging hike that ascends steadily to the summit with panoramic views of the Camden Hills, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. The trail is rocky in sections, but the view is worth it.

Bald Mountain Preserve

1.8 miles round trip (moderate)

The Bald Mountain Preserve trail offers a short but satisfying hike through mixed forest to the summit with views of Camden, Megunticook Lake, and the surrounding hills. This hike is quieter and less trafficked than some of the more popular trails in Camden Hills State Park.

Beech Hill Preserve

1.4 miles round trip (easy to moderate)

Located in Rockport, Beech Hill Preserve is an easy hike with fantastic views. The summit provides panoramic vistas of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and nearby islands. This is an excellent choice for a short and rewarding hike, and it’s particularly beautiful at sunset. The preserve is also a great spot for birdwatching.

Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse

Distance: 1 mile one way (easy)

This walk takes you along a mile-long stone pier to the Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse. The path is uneven in places but generally flat. Once at the lighthouse, you can enjoy a scenic view of the coast and a great spot for photos. This is a relaxing and picturesque walk, perfect for a short outing.

Curtis Island Lighthouse Overlook

Distance varies (easy, viewpoint accessible by short walks)

The Curtis Island Lighthouse is visible from various spots around Rockport, including the Curtis Island Lighthouse Overlook, located along the coast. While there isn’t a trail directly to the lighthouse, you can enjoy short walks along the water at places like Grassy Point or Rockport Harbor, where you’ll have great views of the lighthouse and Penobscot Bay. This is an easy, scenic spot for a stroll and coastal views.

Located in Boothbay, an hour drive from Camden and Rockland, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers a stunning array of 17 landscaped gardens, walking trails and breathtaking views on 300 acres. Artist Thomas Dambo has famous trolls installed throughout the gardens. One of Charlie and Katherine's favorite places and well worth a visit!

Sailing tour, schooner, or sea kayaks out of Camden or Rockport Harbor

Shop along Rockland's Main Street and in downtown Camden.

Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, home to works by famous Maine artists like Andrew Wyeth, the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the Owls Head Transportation Museum.

There are a number of art galleries to explore as well.

Held annually in Rockland, the Maine Lobster Festival is a beloved celebration of Maine’s iconic seafood. This five-day event features fresh lobster, live music, local arts and crafts, and activities. July 31 - August 4; admission is free.