• Home
• Things To Do
• Arts Culture
• 36 Hours Rockport Camden

36 Hours in Rockport & Camden

You can pack a lot into a trip to this MidCoast region even if you only have time for a brief stay in Camden or Rockport – regardless of when you visit.

See what’s happening at the historic Camden Opera House – with concerts and movies - and if you visit in September, you might catch the Camden International Film Festival. Rockport’s Bay Chamber Concerts offers musical performances throughout the year as well.

For those looking to dive into the past, the six-building campus of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society provides an opportunity for visitors to walk through the 18th and 19th century buildings. The homestead is a 1780s dwelling built by a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the earliest settlers in the Rockport area. The campus is open Wednesday-Friday, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

A seaside view is never far – in warmer months, Camden Hills State Park is an excellent way to get the lay of the land – especially with the view of Camden’s Harbor from the top of Mt. Battie. And the 18-hole championship Samoset Golf Course’s spectacular views of the Atlantic. Or charter a private boat for a unique excursion into Penobscot Bay.

Winter is quiet but you can create your own thrills in Camden. You can ride down the 400-foot toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl, and even beginners can try ice climbing. And it’s always time to grab a book to cozy up with at either Camden’s Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café or Barnswallow Books in Rockport.

For a tasty breakfast, consider Zoot Coffee or the Rockport Diner. There are numerous dinner options – Rockport’s Nina June melds local flavors with a Mediterranean flair, Tomi Sushi & Noodle Bar has both Japanese and Thai food, and the Blue Spoon provides tasty dinners in a cozy atmosphere. For nearly 50 years, The Waterfront in Camden has been a favorite with great views, or head across the harbor to Salt Wharf to enjoy the dockside restaurant and rooftop bar. The options are endless.

Where to stay? Bed & Breakfasts and cozy inns reign supreme in Camden including the Captain Swift Inn, Camden Maine Stay Inn, and the Lord Camden Inn. Rockport’s Samoset Resort is continually a favorite, and the Rockport Harbor Hotel is nestled in the heart of Rockport Village.