The Best Things to do in Camden, Maine This Summer

Take in the Views in Camden, Maine!

There are quite a few fabulous getaway destinations in the beautiful state of Maine, but one of our favorites is Camden. Not only is it a charming seaside town, but there are plenty of great things to do in Camden, too - especially in the summer!

When it comes to idyllic seaside destinations in Maine, Camden is one town that easily pops into our minds. Many of the best things to do in Camden revolve around its charming harbor, nestled on the picturesque Penobscot Harbor in the midcoast region of Maine. 

Camden's harbor is a working harbor, which means you'll find it bustling with fishing vessels and schooners. Get beyond the bay, and you'll find plenty of historic charm and a vibrant, artistic community. Besides its bustling harbor, Camden is renowned for its charming 19th-century homes and historic district. 

Camden is the perfect place to consider relaxing for a few days this summer. That is especially true when you factor in accommodations at the top-rated places to stay in Camden, Maine, our two Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts. 

Select Registry is a diverse collection of Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and small boutique properties around the country. Each Select Registry property provides an exceptional hospitality experience from start to finish. From the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave, you'll feel as though you've found your home away from home.

Travel to the best of coastal Maine this summer, and choose one of our extraordinary Camden, Maine Bed and Breakfasts for your next getaway. We'd love nothing more than to share with you all of our favorite things to do in Camden, Maine this summer! 

The Best Things to do in Camden, Maine

If you're looking for a quintessential getaway to the beautiful Maine coast, you've found it in Camden. Whle there are plenty of things to do in Camden, trips here are about so much more than "doing."

While in Camden, you'll be treated to spectacular ocean views, gorgeous scenic drives, plenty of outdoor adventure, and a welcoming and artsy community here. It's nothing short of the quintessential New England coastal town, and there are more than enough things to do in Camden, Maine to keep you as busy as you want to be throughout your visit. 

With a stunning and protected harbor in which to set sail and a charmingly historic downtown to explore, there's no shortage of things to do in Camden, Maine. From fun festivals and sailing on the harbor to noshing on delicious and fresh seafood, you won't have a second to be bored this summer. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Camden, Maine this summer. 

1. You can't visit Camden without going sailing on Penobscot Bay. It's one of the most quintessential things to do in Camden! If, like most, you don't come to town with your own yacht, booking a cruise with companies like Schooner Surprise or Schooner Olad & Cutter Owl are great options. Camden Harbor Cruises are also a great option. 
2. Like much of coastal Maine, one of the most popular things to do in Caden is to visit the area's lighthouses. There are 18 of them within 40 miles, many of which are only accessible by boat. 
3. It's probably not a surprise that one of our favorite things to do in Camden, Maine during the summer is to spend a day at the beach. A great place to go is Laite Memorial Beach, but if you want to avoid the crowds, head to Barrett's Cove on Megunticook Lake. 
4. Taking in the views from Camden Hills State Park is one of the most popular things to do in Camden, Maine. There are more than 30 miles of trails here - which we will take a closer look at below. While at Camden Hills State Park, don't miss the chance to climb the Mt. Battie Tower. It's a 26-foot-tall stone tower that provides panoramic views of the area.
5. If you're in town over Labor Day Weekend, don't miss the popular Camden Windjammer Festival! It's a wonderful celebration of the town's maritime heritage, and one of our favorite late-summer things to do in Camden. 
6. Take in a show at the historic Camden Opera House, which hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. The Opera House seats 489 people in its historic auditorium that dates back to 1894. 
7. Eating your fill of seafood is one of those time-honored traditions and cherished things to do in Camden in the summer. Some places to consider are Peter Ott's on the Water and the Waterfront, whose harborside deck boasts some of the best views in Camden.
8. When it's not snowing outside, the Camden Snow Bowl is the perfect place to go for a hike or do a little mountain biking. You can even kayak on Hosmer pond here if you're so inclined. It's also a fabulous place to enjoy fall foliage in October.
9. Walk and shop your way through downtown Camden, home to plenty of unique, independently owned shops offering a variety of interesting goods. 
10. Don't miss the opportunity to walk along Camden's High Street Historic District. It's one of the top-rated things to do in Camden for a good reason! The 19th and 20th-century homes and buildings are beautiful. 

Though many people think of Camden, and coastal Maine in general, as only a summer destination, we're here to tell you there are plenty of great things to do in Camden at any time of year! Take in the vibrant fall foliage in the fall, and ski at the Camden Snowbowl come winter. Each February, Camden also hosts the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. 

A Day at Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park is one of the most popular things to do in Camden, Maine for a reason. There are excellent opportunities for hiking here, with over 30 miles of trails throughout the park. But it's also home to Mt. Battie, where you'll enjoy one of the most breathtaking vistas on the Maine Coast. 

You can drive to the top of Mt. Battie to soak in the views or take an approximately 2-hour hike. Once you reach the top, you'll find sweeping views of Camden and Penobscot Bay. But if the day is really clear, you can see all the way to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.

As beautiful as Mt. Battie is, it's just one of many great hikes in the area, and hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Camden Hills State Park. Another great hike to consider is Mt. Megunticook. It's the highest of the Camden Hills, not to mention the highest peak on the mainland. The view isn't quite as good as Mt. Battie, but it's still worth the trek. Maiden's Cliff Trail is another popular hike in Camden Hills State Park, and it's from here you'll get a great view of Megunticook Lake.

Access to these and other hikes is via one of five main trailheads, but you'll want a map with you as the routes aren't very well marked. Otherwise, the trails are very well maintained and are mostly considered moderate, with most being 2 - 3 miles in length.

If you miss your chance to visit Camden Hills State Park this summer, you still have plenty of time to get here for fall. Witnessing fall foliage is one of the best things to do in Camden, Maine, and Camden Hills State Park is a great place to do it. Fall foliage is spectacular in Camden Hills State Park and far less crowded than popular places to the north like Acadia National Park. A popular fall activity in the park is to drive Mt. Battie Auto Road for exquisite fall views. 

Whenever you choose to visit, we know you're going to have a great time in the charming seaside town of Camden. Partner with Select Registry and stay at one of our Camden, Maine Bed and Breakfasts for a getaway you won't soon forget. Book your stay today!

Best Places to Stay in Camden, Maine

Camden Maine Stay Inn

The Camden Maine Stay Inn is a historic coastal Maine bed and breakfast inn located in the quaint, beautiful seaside village of Camden. The Inn is widely known and appreciated for our elegant, refined and romantic accommodations, our multi-course, gourmet breakfasts, and our relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The Inn is open year-round for the enjoyment of our guests.

The Inn is situated near the center of Camden, commonly regarded as the most beautiful seaside village in Maine. Camden’s geography is unique – quite literally, it is where the mountains meet the sea. Camden is one of the few places in the United States, even the world, where one can hike or ski a mountain and cruise the ocean in the same day. When you combine Camden’s natural beauty with its quaint, coastal Maine setting and its varied cultural offerings, it is no wonder that the town is labeled the “Jewel of the Maine Coast.”

Our coastal Maine bed and breakfast inn is blessed with an incredibly favorable location in the charming Historic District of Camden. It is set among several lovely, quintessentially New England residences that date back to the earliest years of Camden’s existence. From the Inn it is only a short distance – a stroll of about four minutes – to Camden’s gorgeous harbor and quaint downtown. From there one can easily walk to Camden’s many fine shops and excellent restaurants.

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The Captain Swift Inn

Inviting. Welcoming. Indulgent. Our stylish 1810 village Inn is the perfect backdrop for your mid-coast Maine getaway! We are located in quintessential Camden, showcasing a picturesque harbor where the mountains meet the sea, with activities and events for all seasons.

You’ll be greeted at the Captain Swift Inn by the sounds of soft music, fresh flowers and, depending upon the time of day, candlelight and the sweet smells of baking breads. In cooler months, you’ll find fireplaces warming our three sitting rooms.

Our inn features nine beautifully appointed guest rooms, three of which are sumptuous luxury suites, all individually and tastefully decorated, most boasting king size beds. All guest rooms feature new en-suite baths with spa showers and message body sprays. There are ten fireplaces, seven of which are in guest rooms. Our luxury suites boast over-sized whirlpool tubs and spa showers, fireplaces, and refreshment bars including a stocked mini refrigerator; a microwave with popcorn and a Keurig with an assortment of coffees, teas and hot chocolate. All rooms feature new quality linens, plush euro pillowtop Serta mattresses, flat screen TVs with select premium channels and bedside charging ports. Lush spa robes, slippers, Turkish towels and Poggesi bathe goods with scents of coco, orange and mango are a joy to the senses. 

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