What to do in Rockland Maine

Nestled at the southern end of scenic Penobscot Bay, the working port of Rockland has transformed into a must see destination on the Maine Coast.

Walking through Rockland is to step backward in time. The brick buildings housing shops along route 1 in downtown give you the idea of a 19th century town in it’s heyday. Take a walk along the waterfront, and you will see a wide assortment of craft working the waters. From the iconic Maine lobster-boat, to well kept antique yachts of all types, to wooden sailing craft built 150 years ago, and still working the waters of Penobscot Bay.

Where is Rockland Maine?

Located along US Rt 1, about 80 miles Northeast of Portland, Rockland is nestled at the southern edge of Penobscot Bay. On clear days you can just make out Mount Dessert In Acadia National Park to the east, but while only 50 miles away, most of that is over water and the drive on US 1 is about 2 hours. But don’t worry about that too much, there is plenty to do here in Rockland.

What to do in Rockland Maine?

• Walk the waterfront
• Visit a Lighthouse
• Check out the local Museums
• Eat Local
• Go Sailing in the historic working harbor
• Take a Cruise on Penobscot Bay
• The Maine Lobster Festival
• Where to stay in Rockland Maine

Walk The Historic Rockland Waterfront

The Rockland waterfront covers about 3 miles from the breakwater to the South End. Not all of it can be traversed along the water, but much of it can. The downtown boardwalk is a good place to start. Just behind the shops on Main Street you can park and walk down Captain Spear drive to check out the historic sailing vessels docked at Windjammer Wharf. The Stephan Tabor, built in 1871 is the oldest in Rockland, and the Victory Chimes, at 170′ long, dwarfs everything around it. Sunday is the best day to see the boats alongside, as they are off plying the waters of the bay during the week with rustic passenger cruises.

Coast Guard Station Rockland Maine

From there, you can either walk towards the Landing’s Restaurant, and continue around the harbor, or head on down to the Coast Guard Pier. The US Coast Guard station in Rockland Maine is very active in the community, even escorting Santa by boat when his reindeer need a break. The base is often closed to the public, but during the summer months they have tours of the vessels docked there, and you can follow their Facebook page for announcements and updates on events. The main ships in Rockland are the Thunder Bay, a USCG Ice Breaker that works tirelessly all winter, and the Abbie Burgess a Buoy Tender responsible for all of the aids to navigation from Boothbay to the Canadian Border.

The Working Harbor and Mooring Fields

The Harbor walk working south from the Coast Guard Station showcases the massive mooring fields of Rockland Harbor, with all manner of craft bobbing gently in the breeze. There are often sailing regattas going on, lobstermen hauling traps, and even seals popping their heads up to say hello.

Past the waterfront restaurants you will come across the Harbor Park. On Thursdays during the summer you will be treated to a bustling farmer’s market here, and many other events during the summer including the Maine Boats and Harbors show.

A wooden walkway meanders along the water from the Harbor Park to South End Beach. After a pleasant stroll, you can treat yourself to a drink at Archer’s on the Pier, and let the kids explore the beach chasing hermit crabs and looking for sea-glass.

Visit some of the local Lighthouse’s while you’re out

Next to the Harbor Park you can find the Maine Lighthouse Museum. A good diversion for a rainy day, or to wile away an hour or two, the museum offers a wide variety of information on the happenings along the Rockland waterfront. They also will have updated schedules on when lighthouse tours are available. Both the Rockland Breakwater light and the Owl’s Head lighthouse are open for public tours at certain times. Even when they are not, a walk out to either one of them will not disappoint, and the walk down the Rockland Breakwater is a must do when visiting in any case.

Tour Rockland’s Local Museums

In addition to the Lighthouse Museum, there are a few other spots worth checking out. Just past the southern end of your walk is the Sail, Power and Steam Museum. This museum is run by Captain Jim Sharp, and showcases a wide variety of the maritime history of the area. It is also the home to some of the area’s iconic sailing craft, including the oldest Friendship Sloop still sailing. These vessels were the lobster-boats of the early 1900s, and have carried on their tradition of sturdy sailing craft in many of the modern cruising boats that you see today.

There are also a variety of art museums and galleries in downtown Rockland Maine. The Farnsworth Museum has regular events and showings, including studio workshops.

Where to Eat in Rockland Maine

It is really hard to go wrong when looking for a bite to eat in Rockland. But there are a few places that you should make it a point to stop into if you can.

Café Miranda:

Chef Kerry Altiero blends traditional Italian food with local ingredients and an Asian flair to create some of the most surprisingly delicious meals I have stumbled across. And everything tastes light and fresh. Don’t be afraid to order the Fabulous Bowl of Meat, it is delicious, and doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. You won’t ever go hungry here, but you also walk away feeling energized from the food. Always my top pick in downtown, and the prices are very reasonable.

In Good Company:

This restaurant and wine bar has an ambiance that is hard to find. Set right on the busiest part of route 1 in downtown Rockland, it gives a feeling of being off the grid in a secluded town once you step inside. There is no better wine selection available at a restaurant in Rockland, and you can’t help but feel welcome here. If you can grab a seat at the bar, you should. The kitchen is right in the center of the restaurant, and open. You’ll be treated to cooking and adventure stories by Mel or Anna as they prepare meals, creating something magical right before your eyes.

Primo:

No restaurant tour of Rockland Maine would be complete without Primo. Like the other’s that I have listed, they source locally grown ingredients, but take that one step farther. A large portion of the food served at Primo is actually grown on the grounds around the restaurant (this even includes the pigs). Much of this 4 acre farm can be explored while you wait for a table. Chef Kelly brings the term “Farm to Table” into it’s full force here. And a more personalized dining experience is hard to find anywhere.

Go Sailing in Rockland Harbor

Rockland Harbor is big. Nearly 2 miles across and 1 mile from downtown to open water, it is protected by a 4000 foot granite breakwater that spans half of it’s entrance. There are an abundance of opportunities to explore the working harbor from the water. On a summer day here you can be treated to seals, porpoise, ospreys, and even sturgeon leaping out of the water. If you are looking to wet your feet with a two hour sail, Bufflehead Sailing Charters would be my first recommendation. Captain Daniel rebuilt Bufflehead himself and began taking out passengers to share her with the public in 2011. His knowledge of the area is unparalleled, and you won’t find a better host for a sail.

If sailing isn’t you thing, maybe Lobstering is. If you are looking to get right into the meat of Rockland Maine in the summer, check out the Captain Jack and their lobster fishing tours. Bonus; like what you see? You can buy lobsters that you saw caught right off the boat for dinner.

Take a Cruise on Penobscot Bay

So you got your feet wet, sailed around, saw a few lobster traps hauled, and now you’re itching for more. This is where you get to the good stuff. Pack your bags for the week-long adventure of a lifetime.

The Maine Windjammer Association lists a wide variety of vessels on which you can cruise the coast for 3-7 days. Most of them are historic wooden sailing vessels, though some were built purposely for the passenger trade. All of these trips are worthwhile, and they come in a wide range of prices based on your budget and what you expect for creature comforts. But take a second while looking over them. Every one of them is all inclusive, and includes a traditional Maine lobster bake. Honestly, you can’t go wrong.

One of the most beautifully rebuilt vessels sailing right now is the Ladona. I had the opportunity to see the various stages of her restoration in Thomaston, and am amazed by the amount of care that went into it. Rather than fixing up an old tired vessel to get 10-15 years of life out of her, the Ladona’s rebuild will have her sailing the coast for another 100 years.

I had the privilege of taking a cruise with Ladona’s Captain J.R. and Chef Anna many years ago on the Schooner Grace Bailey and cannot speak highly enough of the service that they offer. For the culinary minded cruise, the Ladona is the pick of the fleet.

Looking for a longer sailing adventure?

If you’re looking to stretch your legs a little farther afield, Captain John Foss takes his schooner, American Eagle, on the longest voyages of the fleet. With a 10 day international voyage into Maritime Canada, and a 9 day voyage to the American Eagle’s birthplace as a fishing schooner in Gloucester, MA, you can find any level of adventure that you are looking for.

The Maine Lobster Festival

Rockland is home to the Maine Lobster Festival, celebrating all things lobster. This event takes place annually during the first weekend of August and since it’s inception, has donated over $500,000 to local Maine communities. Serving almost 19,000 lbs of lobster last year, you are sure to be able to get your fill of Maine’s number 1 crustacean here! Head to the main food tent, and get yours with all the sides!

In addition to the food, the lobster festival has a variety of educational and vending booths, and even a small carnival park with rides for kids, adults, and an enormous Ferris Wheel.

Where to Stay in Rockland Maine

You aren’t going to find any large hotels in downtown Rockland, but there are a lot of options depending on your budget and preference. The Samoset Resort in Rockport is near the edge of town and everything that you could hope for in a resort on the coast of Maine. It has a connected golf course, zero entry outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant and cocktail bar. It even is a short walk from the Rockland Breakwater. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a true resort experience.

Find a Bed & Breakfast

If you are more like me, you may be better off looking a little smaller though. One of the things that Rockland does incredibly well is the Bed & Breakfast. Yes, you can even book an AirBnB in Rockland or the surrounding area (I have stayed at one in Saint George that was quite an amazing deal). And rentals such as the Sadler House are also a great idea. But there is a certain charm about the traditional Bed and Breakfast scene of midcoast Maine that is worth checking out.

I once spent a few days at the Berry Manor Inn on Talbot Ave in Rockland, and it was worth every moment. A short walk from downtown, and with gracious hosts, it is the type of place that people come back to year after year. Even better, there is free pie. I don’t mean the type of free pie that you get for purchasing the meal combo at Denny’s. What I am talking about is an assortment of fresh pies, set out strategically throughout the B&B that you can serve yourself a slice of whenever your heart desires. And they are good. Some of the best pie I’ve ever had (though the general mood of the place may have nostalgia sneaking in for added flavor).

There are a plethora of other Bed & Breakfasts to choose from, and I am sure that there is one that is perfect or your stay. And they all serve amazing food. But I’ll always recommend the pie at Berry Manor

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