1. Camden & Camden Hills State Park (15 minutes)

Perfect for: Hiking, harbor views, and small-town charm.

Just up Route 1, Camden is a must-visit with its classic white-steepled town center, quaint shops, and working harbor. Hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for a panoramic view of Penobscot Bay—it’s short, steep, and stunning. Grab lunch at Camden Deli or Long Grain before exploring the town’s indie bookshops and galleries.

 

2. Owls Head & Birch Point Beach (10–15 minutes)

Perfect for: Lighthouses, picnicking, and a local beach day.

Closer than a coffee break, Owls Head offers a quick escape with big rewards. Visit Owls Head Lighthouse for clifftop views, then relax at Birch Point Beach State Park, a peaceful crescent of sand perfect for a swim or picnic.

 

3. Damariscotta & Pemaquid Point (1 hour)

Perfect for: Oysters, sea cliffs, and colonial history.

Follow the scenic riverside drive to Damariscotta, a charming town known for its oyster farms, bookstores, and riverfront dining. Grab a dozen at Glidden Point Oyster Farm or Schooner Landing, then continue to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse—one of the most photographed in New England. The crashing surf, museum, and rock ledges are unforgettable.

 

4. Belfast & the Rail Trail (50 minutes)

Perfect for: Art, river walks, and a relaxed downtown.

The creative town of Belfast has a working waterfront, cool boutiques, and a growing food scene. Stroll the Belfast Harbor Walk or bike the Passy Rail Trail, which winds through woods and along the Passagassawakeag River. Don't miss the Belfast Co-op Café for local produce and coffee.

 

5. Monhegan Island (Day Trip via Ferry – 75 mins each way)

Perfect for: Hiking, art, and unplugging.

Catch the ferry from Port Clyde to Monhegan, a tiny, car-free island that’s been an artist’s haven for over a century. Rugged cliffs, wildflower meadows, and 17 miles of hiking trails await. Visit Monhegan Museum, browse open studios, and enjoy a pint at Monhegan Brewing Co. before your boat ride back.

 

6. Boothbay Harbor (1 hr 20 mins)

Perfect for: Gardens, boat tours, and family fun.

Wander the seaside charm of Boothbay Harbor, where you can take a whale watch, seal cruise, or sailing trip. Visit the lush and expansive Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, or stroll the footbridge across the harbor for ice cream and gallery browsing.

 

7. Mount Desert Island & Acadia National Park (2 hours)

Perfect for: Mountain views, ocean hikes, and iconic New England beauty.

A longer day, but well worth it. Head north to Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park. Drive or bike the Park Loop Road, hike Gorham Mountain or Beehive Trail, and take in the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain if you start early. Stop in Bar Harbor for lunch and lobster rolls before heading back to Rockland.

 

8. Wiscasset & Edgecomb (45 minutes)

Perfect for: Antiques, riverfront strolls, and Maine’s “prettiest village.”

Wiscasset may be small, but it’s packed with charm. Shop antique stores, walk the Sheepscot River waterfront, and grab a lobster roll from Red’s Eats (the line is worth it). Nearby Edgecomb Potters for exclusive hand crafted original pottery.

 

9. Thomaston & Montpelier Mansion (10 minutes)

Perfect for: A quick dose of history and quiet charm.

Just inland from Rockland, Thomaston is a small town with big history. Tour Montpelier/Knox Museum, the replica home of General Henry Knox (couldn't have had a The American Revolution without him!) and take a drive down Water Street for lovely views of the Saint George River.

 

10. Union, Washington & Appleton (30–40 minutes)

Perfect for: Backroad beauty, vineyards, and farm visits.

Explore the rolling countryside west of Rockland. Visit Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery, stop by Washington General Store for nutritious snacks and beverages and round out your tour with Savage Oakkes Vineyard and Winery. This tour is a slower pace, perfect for a scenic, rural afternoon.

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12.Blue Hill Peninsula (2 hours)

Perfect for: Art, quiet coastal drives, and a true taste of old Maine.

The Blue Hill Peninsula feels like stepping into a quieter, slower version of coastal life. The town of Blue Hill itself is a haven for artists, writers, and makers, with a fantastic bookshop (Blue Hill Books), pottery studios, and galleries. Drive to Brooklin, the former home of E.B. White, or wander down to South Blue Hill for rocky beaches and harbor views. Stop at Blue Hill Co-op for lunch or stock up on picnic goodies before heading to nearby trails like Blue Hill Mountain for an easy summit with sweeping views.

 

12. Schoodic Peninsula & Schoodic Point (2.5 hours)

Perfect for: Wild coastal beauty without the crowds of Acadia.

Often described as Acadia’s secret side, (shhhh!) Schoodic Peninsula is part of Acadia National Park but gets only a fraction of the visitors. The drive out to Schoodic Point leads you through fishing villages like Winter Harbor and Prospect Harbor. Once you arrive, you're rewarded with dramatic granite slabs, crashing surf, seabirds, and a peaceful atmosphere. Walk or bike the Schoodic Loop Road. You can rent a bike or kayak at Sea Schoodic at the entrace of the park. stop for popovers at Bunker's Wharf Restaurant, or simply sit and let the Atlantic do the talking.

 

Travel Tips for Day Trips:

 

*For longer day trips like Blue Hill or Schoodic, consider staying flexible and bringing dinner provisions or picnic gear—many small towns close early or operate seasonally.

 

*Start early and pack snacks or a picnic for longer excursions.

 

*Bring layers—coastal weather changes quickly.

 

*If you’re traveling in high summer (July & August), plan ahead for parking and crowds in popular areas.

 

*Always check ferry schedules (especially for Monhegan) in advance.

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One of the greatest joys of staying in Rockland is how it gives you access to both vibrant town life and the wide-open wonder of coastal Maine. Whether you’re tracing sea cliffs, savoring oysters by the river, or exploring mossy, postcard towns and oyster farms to secret views, Rockland is more than a destination—it’s a launchpad. With a little gas and curiosity, you can explore a dozen different flavors of Maine, each with its own rhythm and beauty. So grab a paper map, cue up a mellow playlist, and see where the road—and tide—takes you.