Visiting Camden, Maine
Camden is a cozy coastal town in Maine. It is a popular spot to be in during the summer months with local shops, great restaurants, entertainment and outdoor activities. If you’re looking to dress up and enjoy the finer things, this is the place for you. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation and some fun in the sun, you’ll fit right in too. Camden is located on Route 1 after Rockland if you’re heading North. It takes roughly an hour and forty five minutes to get there from Portland. The proximity to Rockland and Route 1 allows you to explore other towns with ease if you make Camden your central location.
What to Do
Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is a great park for a picnic, hike or day of relaxing. There is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a quiet spot for the afternoon. On the ocean side of the park is the Shoreline Trail, and on the other side of the road is the campground and uphill hikes. If you want to stay in the area I highly recommend trying out a site at the campground.
Camden Opera House
The opera house puts on everything from Jazz, to comedy shows. If you’ve found yourself with bad weather or are just in need of some entertainment this is a great spot to check out. Make sure you get your tickets in advance though, they sell out.
Take a Sailboat Ride
Camden Harbor is the best place to take a ride on a classic ship. Several companies offer sailings during the summer, and most offer sunset cruises as well. If you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons make sure you dress for the weather, it can get quite windy out there.
Shop
The main street of Camden is lined with local shops ranging from high end goods to souvenir shops. Some of our favorite shops to duck into while we are in town are Maine Sport Outfitters, Once a Tree, Sea Bags, Hearth and Harrow, Owl & Turtle Bookshop and Stonewall Kitchen. This list is not all inclusive, there are so many more great shops in Camden to check out.
Visit Merryspring Nature Center
Check out the 66-acre non-profit nature park right in Camden. Enjoy a nature walk or check out their workshop schedule or other events they host regularly.
Visit the Mt. Battie Tower
You can either hike or drive up to Mt. Battie Tower, located inside Camden Hills State Park. There is an entrance fee to drive and hike, so be prepared to check into the state park before you head up. The views from the top of the tower are absolutely stunning and a can’t miss on your trip. Pro Tip: Visit for sunset- you won’t be disappointed.
Walk the High Street Historic District
Restaurants
If you’re craving it, you’ll most likely find it. There are a lot of choices in Camden or in the immediate area that won’t leave you hungry. We chose our top three for this category for that reason. Don’t let our top three fool you though-it was hard for me to narrow it down just to three.
Wolf Peach
Wolf Peach is a fine-dining restaurant that was turned into a gourmet pizza and drinks spot. It has a unique, fun atmosphere for an afternoon of hanging out.
The Jack
Another very unique hang-out in Camden, the Jack has an indoor green for Bocce or Cornhole. This is another great spot to grab good food and drinks if its raining-or if its not.
Salt Wharf
Salt Wharf takes the cake for the best location and views. A rooftop bar with waterfront views will make your sunset dreams come true.
Best Hikes
If you’re an avid hiker, for the most part the hikes in and around Camden are not that long or incredibly strenuous. If you’re looking to get into hiking or enjoy a good walk in the woods this is a great place to be.
Mt. Battie
Trail: 1 Mile, Out &Back, 590 Feet Elevation Gain
The trail begins in Camden Hills State Park, at the end of the campground and takes you steadily up to the Mt.Battie Tower. The views of Camden Harbor are fantastic and we highly recommend hiking up for sunset or sunrise.
Mt. Megunticook Trail
Trail: 2.6 Miles, Out &Back, 958 Feet Elevation Gain
This trail can either begin in the same spot as the Mt. Battie Trail or you can start directly off of Mt. Battie Road. The trail increases in elevation steadily and makes for a good hike to the ocean overlook point. If you continue on the trail another quarter of a mile you’ll reach the Mt. Megunticook summit.
Shoreline Trail
Trail: 0.8 Miles, Out & Back, 65 Feet Elevation Gain
The Shoreline Trail is located on the ocean side (other side of the road) of Camden Hills State Park. It is an easy access trail that is wide and flat making it a great choice for families and those with limited mobility. The trail follows right along the coast and has beautiful rocky views.
Ragged Mountain (via Camden Snowbowl)
Trail: 2.9 Miles, Out& Back, 1,036 Feet Elevation Gain
A great place to hike if you want some good inland views as well as oceanside views. This hike goes up the Snow Bowl side of the mountain so you will be passing chairlifts and ski equipment. A beautiful place for sunrise or sunset.
Weather you’re here in the summer or the winter there are always fun things to see and do in Camden. It is one of our favorite spots to go and hangout for the afternoon and just enjoy the atmosphere. If you’re in town definitely try doing what we call “the trio”, pick one hike, one restaurant and at least one shop to check out. It’s perfect for a quick weekend getaway.