Camden and Mid-coast Maine- Camden, ME, is a coastal town full of luxury, history, exceptional dining, and shopping. The mid-coast runs from Brunswick to Bucksport, along rocky shores of inlets, harbors, and islands, focused on maritime activities. Costal life revolves are the tides, views, natural beauty of the region, and how those elements are immersed in the experiences of food, accommodations, and activities.
You may have to drive a bit to see everything on our list, but it is so worth it!
The mid-coast region offers such a diverse selection of things to do from the natural phenomenon of the Tidal Falls, viewing the rare puffin colony, to standing atop the highest bridge observatory in the world.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge, Observatory, and Fort– Taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory is tallest bridge observatory in the world, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of the river and countryside. Be sure to hop over to the fort, in the same area.
Maine State Prison Showroom– Shops the exceptional handmade crafts from local prison inmates
Camden Opera House– If you’ve never seen the opulence of an 1800s opera house with balconies, the Camden Opera House is your chance to take in a show!
Camden Hills State Park– Award-winning, Camden Hills State Park has scenic vistas from Mt. Battie and trails for hiking.
Island Hop- Take the ferry over to Islesboro Island for lunch and a hike at Warren Island State Park (make sure to register when you arrive on the island at the Visitors Center).
Owls Head Transportation Museum– Offering a variety of exhibits and festivals, Owls Head Transportation Museum is the place to visit.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens– Blooms, sculptures, and unique exhibits at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens make for stunning photo backdrops. So be sure to Insta your way through the park!
Hiking with Corgis– Experience the joy of hiking with a pack of Corgis on a privately owned reserve, guided through an enchanted forest with this AirBNB experience.
Horse Grooming– Ever wanted to learn how to groom a horse or just have fun brushing a beautiful stallion? Want to tour a working horse ranch? CLICK HERE to watch Nichole Rackliff, owner, and Untamed Soul, talk about how she achieved her dream of owning and running a horse ranch after resigning her corporate job on our podcast- scroll to her episode, you can listen or watch on your favorite app.
Runs With Wolves Sanctuary– Meet the wolf pack, hear them howl, and how breeding with dogs for money by mills are creating health issues for hybrid dog/wolves at the Runs With Wolves Sanctuary.
Maine Wildlife Park– The Mane Wildlife Park is run by the Main Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for animals that cannot return to their natural habitat for various reasons. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about these animals.
Tidal Falls– Enjoy the tidal pools, at Tidal Falls, (if you see a starfish at low tide, remember they can only hold their breath for 30 seconds out of the water and begin to die) and natural phenomena of reversing tides creating what looks like rapids.
Cap’n Fish’s Cruises– Take a cruise to see the puffin colony, beautifully unique birds once extinct in Maine that have made a comeback thanks to the Audubon Society and the attention to conservation Cap’n Fish’s Cruises brings to these animals and their plight.
Rockland Breakwater Light– Walk the mile-long granite pier leading to the lighthouse at Rockland Breakwater Light.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School– With year-round rock and ice climbing opportunities for solo, couples, or family adventures, the Acadia Mountain Guide Climbing School has multiple locations and options for climbing. It was an amazing experience. I highly recommend it.
Beech Hill Preserve– It’s a cool feeling to pick wild blueberries and eat them like candy as you move from bush to bush. At the Beech Hill Preserve, be sure to take in the epic scenery!
Alpaca Experience– Admission is FREE for everyone in your party, making this experience accessible to everyone. So frolic with and learn about the smiling Alpaca herd at the Alpaca Experience.
Downtown Camden– Fun and eclectic shops are waiting for you in Downtown Camden. Shops are full of beautiful and unique items you might need to buy beyond the tourist t-shirts.
Cellardoor Winery– Stroll the vineyard at Cellardoor Winery, and breathe the bouquet in the tasting room.
Maine Sport Outfitters– Equipment rentals or guided tours of every kind create outdoor adventures, Maine Sport Outfitters has you covered.
There is a huge selection of places to eat in Camden and they are all soooooo good! Each place we went could have been, and sometimes was, featured on travel channels and on the food network! I recommend everything, but here are my top five! Be sure to tag us on Insta with your favorite place to eat in Camden at @talesfromanuntamedsoul!
The View– There’s a reason it’s called The View, because the views are just exceptional from atop the hotel, and the food is just as exceptional. We must have shared 7 small plates, and each seemed better than the last.
Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn– Award-winning Maine inspired cuisine at Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn is made with fresh and often local ingredients.
Primo– Award-winning Italian, Primo, is farm to table food. Check out the OKM Bungalow, an open air venue with live music.
Nina June– Mediterranean meets Maine’s fresh ingredients at Nina June’s. Be sure to shop, dine in or take home.
A1 Diner– Touted by famed chef Guy Fieri as amazing comfort food, A1 Diner is worth the extra drive inland, away from the coast.
Whether you are on a romantic getaway or here with your friends, you will not be disappointed with any of these places to stay in Camden, ME! Many of these accommodations have won awards and been graced with celebrities.
Sebasco Harbor Resort– Sleep in a lighthouse at the Sebasco Harbor Resort, take in a spa treatment, play an old-fashioned bowling game, or rent a kayak.
16 Bay View– 16 Bay View Is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel with excellent service, delicious food, and a sexy atmosphere. It’s time for the adults to play!
Camden Harbour Inn– Luxury awaits atop a hill with beautiful scenic views at the Camden Harbour Inn.
Samoset Resort– Award-winning, the Samoset Resort is right on the ocean, where you can play a round of golf, enjoy the spa treatments, or run with the kids in the “backyard” playscape.
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With so many amazing hotels, restaurants, and activities in Maine, it’s hard to pick my favorites, but the Sebasco Harbor Resort where you can sleep in a lighthouse is quintessential to the Maine coastal experience. The View Restaurant had the best view to watch the sunset and the ships roll in. I would also have to say as a birder, seeing puffins in real life brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it was easier to decide than I thought! Be sure to tag us on Insta when you go! We want to see your amazing pictures too @talesfromanuntamedsoul.
Accommodation– Sebasco Harbor Resort – Where can you sleep in a lighthouse but Sebasco Harbor Resort, looking out over stunning ocean views, with so much to do just steps away.
Food – The View – Aptly named due to its exceptional views, The View sits atop a hotel. The views are almost outdone by the exceptional small plate cuisine and drinks (including zero-proof). I have to recommend the noodles. I think we ordered it twice.
Things to Do – Cap’n Fish’s Cruises – The Cap’n Fish’s Cruise is narrated by the Audubon Society so you come to understand the plight of the puffins and the efforts to bring them back from extinction. With so many extinct species, seeing these rare birds in person was such a delight!
Alise’s Favorites and Suggestions –
– I’m not sure how far you’re willing to drive for a Donut, but I do say the drive to Portland to Holy Donut is worth it. Just go early because they can sell out by 11 am.
– Gas stations close early, even in peak summer times, so make sure to fill up before dark if you plan evening driving
– Bath, Brunswick, and Topsham are great for in-town biking, often with bike lanes
– Use the Bike Maine app to see bike options
– Cell phone reception is very spotty
– Maine has 9 covered bridges, 2 are near Bangor, a bit of a drive but you might think it’s worth the adventure
Gregg rode U.S. 1 from Bucksport to Belfast (the road was mostly smooth except a 2-mile section in Searsport) and back. The highway is so good you could also ride from Bucksport toward Acadia (there are steep ascents and descents) until the road hits Ellsworth and it’s just too narrow to continue. Additionally, you could continue from Belfast south along the coast to North Port, where the road maintains a small shoulder for riding except in a few short places.
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