The Local’s Travel Guide to Camden, Maine
Whenever I travel, I find myself yearning to do whatever it is the locals do. To me, talking to the locals, going to the restaurants and places they go, and walking around while you do so, is how you truly get to know a town or city. It’s also where you can receive the best recommendations. Let’s be honest, a lot of places that we encounter along our travels are “tourist traps.” You know the deal… It’s rated #1 on TripAdvisor and Yelp, but it’s nothing special. I try to avoid tourist traps at all costs, because they’re exactly that, tourist traps. Not worth your time or hard earned money!
I grew up on the coast of Maine (Owls Head to be exact), which is an area about half way up the coastline of Maine (known as the Midcoast). The Midcoast is brimming with cute little towns that beg to be explored. Camden, Maine is one of those towns that makes up the Midcoast, that’s so quaint, it will have you dreaming of packing your bags and calling the moving truck. It overlooks beautiful Penobscot Bay, has a very walkable downtown Main Street, and is a wonderful foodie destination.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Midcoast Maine is in September when the majority of tourists have cleared out; the weather’s still sunny and warm during the day, yet a bit crisp during the evening and morning. Camden, Maine is the perfect cozy town for cuddling up with a cup of clam chowder, a blanket, and a good book. Continue reading to find my top picks for things you need to do in Camden, Maine and my complete Camden, Maine travel guide.
The Local’s Travel Guide to Camden, Maine
Where to Stay in the Camden, Maine Area
As you can see below, there are so many hotels to choose from in Camden, Maine and Midcoast Maine. Here are a few of my favorites!
16 Bay View
My #1 pick for those who want to stay in downtown Camden and walk everywhere. You enjoy modern touches.
250 Main Hotel
Located in nearby Rockland. You can read my thoughts about my stay there in this post here. (lo
Samoset Resort
Located in nearby Rockport. My pick for if you’ll be traveling with kids.
Inn at Ocean’s Edge
Located in nearby Lincolnville and where I got married in August 2021. My #1 pick for a romantic couples weekend and for those who want to truly relax away from it all.
Lincolnville Motel
Located in nearby Lincolnville.
Glenmoor By the Sea
Located in nearby Lincolnville.
The Inn at Sunrise Point
Located in nearby Lincolnville.
Where to Eat in the Camden, Maine Area
Coffee/Breakfast:
Lunch:
The best Thai you’ll ever have that I crave 24/7. Long grain has house made noodles and is very much a farm to table style Thai restaurant. Friends who have visited Thailand say the food compares to food they’ve had there if not better than food they had in Thailand. They have a new beautiful space that includes an Asian style market. Sadly you can’t buy their house made noodles but it’s fun to check out. I recommend making a reservation for both lunch and dinner. If they’re booked, you can also call and order takeout and eat in on the grass near the Camden Public library for a fun picnic.
Update: No longer open after a fire as of late 2020. Hopefully coming back in the spring of 2022. Awesome casual spot for eating outside with ocean views during the summer months, however they also have an indoor space. I love that they have an outdoor bar and you’re literally eating right on the wharf with the best ocean views. Get the lobster roll, fish tacos, + the “Skinny Dip” cocktail, although you can’t go wrong with any of their cocktails. They are seasonal so make sure to check their website/Facebook page or call to see if they’re open for the season!
Dinner:
Located in nearby Rockport. My #1 pick for a delicious dinner. Definitely make a reservation.
Primo
Located in nearby Rockland and is a true experience.
Long Grain
See my notes above.
Peter Ott’s
Great for steaks + their lobster corn chowder is out of this world! They are a seasonal restaurant so I recommend calling first to make sure they’re open for the season.
Blaze
Blaze, formerly Hoxbill, has a great wine list and a gorgeous space. I prefer going to Blaze for a nice dinner because I think their lunch is just so-so compared to other places in Camden.
Ice Cream:
Notable Spots / Things to do
Camden Hills State Park / Hike Mt. Battie (Note: you can also drive up if you’re just interested in seeing the view or if the weather’s bad)
Go sailing (this is a good option + also here + here)
Have a picnic or just take a blanket and lounge in Camden Harbor Park / Amphitheater
Sip wine and treat yourself to a wine tasting at Cellardoor Winery in nearby Lincolnville (SUCH a gorgeous property both inside + out)
Walk the Rockland Breakwater in nearby Rockland, Maine (almost a mile long each way + leads to a beautiful lighthouse. Don’t forget your sneakers)!
Take a boat to Curtis Island Light
Relax at Lincolnville Beach
Go apple picking at Hope Orchards (if visiting in the fall)
Walk Beech Hill Preserve
Explore some of the many art galleries, including the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland
Shop in downtown Camden
Where to Shop
Jo Ellen Designs
One of my favorite gift shops EVER. Trust me, you’ll want everything. They organize everything in this store according to color and it is so satisfying haha.
When to Visit
While Camden, Maine is gorgeous all year round, I recommend visiting in the summer or fall. If you like things more lively and don’t mind being around other tourists, the middle of August is a great time to visit. It’s when the weather’s the best for sitting on a patio and enjoying a glass of rosé paired with a lobster roll. On the other hand, if you don’t mind the cooler weather, and want a slower-paced, more relaxed atmosphere, the fall is also a great time to visit. For optimal leaf-peeping, plan on visiting near the end of September or the beginning of October.
If you enjoyed this Camden, Maine Travel Guide, you may also enjoy reading A Weekend at 250 Main Hotel in Rockland, Maine, Rockland, Maine: The Ultimate Local’s Travel Guide and 6 of the Best New England Hotels on My Summer Bucket List.
Great photos! You write a useful information so thanks for sharing!
Hi Dana! Have you been to Camden?! If not, I hope you get the chance very soon! Thanks for reading!
I would definitely recommend you check out the Inn at Sunrise Point next time you are travelling. It is a beautiful Camden Maine bed and breakfast with beautiful rooms, cottages, lofts and suites, delicious breakfast and stunning ocean views! https://www.sunrisepoint.com
Hi MJ, Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve never heard of it. I’m actually from that area originally so I’m there quite frequently. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you for this great information. I noticed you had 16 Bay View marked out in your recent updates and was wondering if you could give your thoughts. We are visiting a Camden this Summer and currently have a reservation there and want to be sure to stay at a recommended location while visiting. Thanks for your insight!
Hi Michelle, thank you so much for reading the post! I’m not sure why it’s showing as a crossed out link! Trying to fix it, but YES you should definitely stay there! You’ll love it! Hope you have the best time and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the area 🙂 -Mackenzie
Love this post! We’re looking to potentially travel here this fall after everything settles down!
You will love it! 🙂