Travel + Discover Rockland: Maine Vacation Guide
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If you could go back 100 years and tell the people in Rockland, Maine, that this city would someday be a tourist attraction, they likely would’ve thrown you overboard … in winter. The iterations of this coastal city are one reason it is so fascinating.
Some MidCoast Maine towns are known for lobster, others for agriculture, and others for shipbuilding. Rockland did it all and then some. Its formidable reputation comes from an endless effort to keep this city afloat on one of the best deep harbors on the New England seaboard.
That same tenacity now makes the city one of the top spots along the Maine coast and earned its place as the home of the Maine Lobster Festival.
Though just 8 miles apart, this is a distinct and separate city from Rockport. Rockland is the larger of the two.
Where Is Rockland, Maine?
Rockland is halfway between Freeport and Bar Harbor, making it a great stop for a meal or a meandering, long day through the downtown shops. The Maine ferry ports are right in the center of town, opening up the islands for exploration, too.
If you’re flying from one of the nearest commercial airports, here are some distances to help plan your Rockland itinerary:
- Bangor: 61 miles | 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Portland: 92 miles | less than 2 hours
- Boston: 183 miles | about 3 hours, 45 minutes
Rockland would also be a great excuse to take a Route 1 road trip.
Rockland Maine History
The area we now know as Rockland was part of Thomaston when it was first settled. The “shore village” began the dangerous industrial task of turning limestone into quicklime.
Then, the rock industry hit granite, a building material much in demand. The only challenge was that they didn’t have ships to transport it. After that, Rockland became a huge shipbuilding center, creating clippers, schooners, and windjammers.
When granite demands gave way to concrete roads and railroads replaced boat transportation, Rockland turned to its deep harbor for fish. The city’s evolution led to a fish canning business that provided military rations.
That kept the money coming in but caused a bigger problem from the stench and harbor pollution. While Rockland and Camden go hand in hand today, Camden was once the elite MidCoast Maine location while Rockland … well … stunk and had a reputation for trouble.
“What was once a joke … Yachties wouldn’t be found dead in Rockland Harbor. They wouldn’t ‘sully’ their glistening hulls with the waters of this perceived industrial hellhole.”
Peter Ralston, co-founder of the Island Institute
The late 20th century brought a new harbormaster who cleaned up the city’s sights and smells. Maine lobster — once used to feed prisoners and the poor — became an acquired taste thanks to the canning span of Rockland’s industrial timeline.
Now, this charming city is reinvigorated for yet another iteration of tourism!
Outdoor Things to Do in Rockland
Rockland is a four-season destination with plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. We’re also going to include options in nearby Owls Head, Maine.
Visit the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
Walk along the iconic Rockland Breakwater, a mile-long 700,000-ton granite path completed in 1889, to reach the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
The breakwater was built of the very granite that fueled Rockland for years, with the only goal being to protect the vital harbor from the worst of the North Atlantic storms.
The lighthouse is still open for tours and hosts regular events. Marie Reed Park surrounds the entrance to the breakwater, with grassy hills and a small beach.
Take a Ride on the Water
Boat cruises range from two hours aboard a ketch with A Morning in Maine to several days on a schooner to see the Maine coastline from the sea aboard the Schooner American Eagle. Also, you can have a paddleboard or kayak delivered to you by Ducktrap Kayak & SUP.
Walk the Rockland Harbor Trail
Take the 5-mile walk around the harbor between the lighthouse and Snow Marine Park. Along the way, stop at the El Faro memorial. It honors the 33 merchant mariners who died en route to Puerto Rico when overtaken by Hurricane Joaquin. Four Mainers were on that boat.
Additionally, the Rockland Harbor Trail passes Sandy Beach, where you can soak in the views of the busy harbor.
Ferry Your Way to the Islands
The Maine Ferry runs regular routes from Rockland to North Haven, Vinalhaven, and the distant island of Matinicus. Even just taking the ferry ride out and back is a great way to get a boat tour of the water at a discounted price compared to charter tours.
Owls Head State Park & Lighthouse
A 10-minute drive from Rockland Harbor gets you to Owls Head State Park and Lighthouse. The beacon is stout, but stands out for its prominent position atop a 100-foot-tall stack of granite.
The lighthouse itself isn’t open, but you can walk the 50 or so stairs to the vantage point. Plus, the park has a short trail with scenic views in wooded areas and several beaches.
Pet lovers should know that there’s an incredible story here of Spot the Lighthouse dog that has been turned into several children’s books. Spot’s headstone is at the base of the stairs leading up to the lighthouse.
Georges River Land Trust Properties
When you want to escape the crowds or find a place where you can be alone with your thoughts, choose one of the Georges River Land Trust preserves in Rockland. These public lands are protected, free, and welcome to pets … most of the time.
- Rockland Bog Trail: A 7-mile trail weaves through 700 acres of peat bog and 5,000 acres of woodlands. The trail is somewhat challenging in spots and more remote.
- Rockland Bog Overlook Trail: This option is closer to downtown Rockland and only runs half a mile before taking you to an overlook of the bog and woods.
- Jack Baker Woods Trail: Another short trail at just half a mile, this wooded boardwalk can be an easy walk or take you to the trust’s Thomaston Town Forest or Rockland Bog Trails.
Indoor Things to Do in Rockland
The stunning outside views throughout Rockland make it hard to stay inside. However, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best museums in Maine.
Farnsworth Art Museum
The Farnsworth is the crowned jewel of the art community in the MidCoast. It’s renowned for its extensive collection of American art, particularly works from Maine artists, such as Andrew Wyeth and Fitz Henry Lane.
The museum showcases a range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Maine Lighthouse Museum
Why do some lighthouses have red lights and others white lights? What do the markings on a lighthouse mean? What message do the flickering lights send? Answers to those questions and many more are waiting at the Maine Lighthouse Museum.
The museum also details the risky work of the United States Life-Saving Service before the U.S. Coast Guard was formed, with workers who lived by the motto, “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.”
Project Puffin Visitor Center
Learn about the lives of puffins and the efforts to protect these rare birds at the Project Puffin Visitor Center. Check for local events during your trip. This is an excellent stop for anyone going on a puffin tour during the trip, with Matinicus Excursions leaving out of the Rockland dock.
Sail, Power, and Steam Museum
This unique museum focuses on the history of sailing ships, steam-powered vessels, and the maritime heritage of the region. The Sail, Power, and Steam Museum houses an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, models, and tools.
Visitors can see antique engines, wooden boats, and some of the most famous ships that set sail here. The attached MidCoast Sailing Center can teach you a thing or two about sailing with hands-on experiences for kids and adults.
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Plan this visit on your way to or from Owls Head State Park and Lighthouse. The Owls Head Transportation Museum shows how transportation was powered through the decades in the state.
It features an impressive collection of antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, and engines.
The museum hosts special events and showcases vehicles from different eras, with a unique exhibit on transportation ideas that didn’t quite work out and another on how the roads of Maine were paved to make it the Vacationland we love today.
Children’s Coastal Museum
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the wonder of the Children’s Coastal Museum in Rockland. Various exhibits take you under the sea, into sea caves, and through Maine’s topography. There’s even a section just for toddlers. It’s a great rainy day activity!
Center for Maine Contemporary Art
Rockland’s vibrant arts district is anchored by the Center for Maine Contemporary Art. This isn’t your typical small-town gallery. It’s a striking, modern space with rotating exhibits that highlight some of the most compelling contemporary artists with ties to Maine.
The architecture alone is worth a look, but what makes it a must-visit is how it taps into the creative energy shaping the state’s art scene right now.
Plan Your Trip Around a Local Festival
- The Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day event with plenty of lobster but also crate racing contests, performances, arts and crafts, and kids’ activities.
- Sing a different tune at the annual North Atlantic Blues Festival, which runs for two days.
- The Maine Home & Boat Show will surely give you boat fever. Live music, food, and activities for children are included in the event.
- During the holidays, the Rockland Festival of Lights is held on Thanksgiving weekend. Pair that with a trip to Camden for Christmas by the Sea.
Casual & Family Eateries
Rockland, Maine, offers a delightful array of dining experiences that capture the essence of coastal New England. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, the town’s restaurants provide flavors to satisfy every palate.
Home Kitchen Cafe
Enjoy the scratch cooking at Home Kitchen Cafe, a Rockland staple. The kitchen serves hearty portions of breakfast and lunch with classic dishes and Maine favorites. Plus, there’s a creative vibe to the menu (breakfast fried rice, anyone?) and a bakery with freshly made treats.
Claws
When you’re in the Lobster Capital of the World, you must get your claws into Maine lobster, right? Claws is one option with lobsters coming right from the bay, while scallops are brought in from Vinalhaven and clams come from St. George.
If you like sweet and salty combinations, bite into a Maine lobster stuffed doughnut. Super hungry? Go for the Claw’ssol lobster roll with a pound of meat!
The Landings
The Landings offers a secluded waterfront dining location with a robust menu of seasonal favorites, like fiddlehead salads in late spring and early summer. Check the Facebook page or Instagram for weekly specials.
Primo Restaurant
When Primo Restaurant says it is a farm-to-table establishment, which means the farm is out back. Daily specials are posted based on what’s available and cooked by an award-winning chef.
If you’re looking for a quick drink and can be swayed by oysters, check out the restaurant’s 0km bar and bungalow.
Trackside Station
Dine in the historic train station with prices that won’t knock your budget off track at Trackside Station. Live music at night is a great excuse to dance or sing along. Trivia nights might be the best time to meet a new Maine friend.
Archer’s on the Pier
Archer’s on the Pier is seaside fine dining that’s popular with the local crowd. If you’re gonna try the lobster, go for the King of Clubs lobster sandwich that inspired the “Throwdown! with Bobby Flay.”
Tired of lobster already? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other surf, turf, and salad options. The creative drink menu includes the French Martini Birthday Special, Pumpkin Cheesecake Martini, and Fluffernutter Martini.
Bixby Chocolate
Maine is a smorgasbord of ice cream windows, but in Rockland, it’s all about the chocolate. Bixby Chocolate creations are made locally and now include a bean-to-bar chocolate treat. Chocolate lobsters, spice rubs, bonbons, and so much more fill out a growing menu of sweet surprises.
A Seaside Town That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Rockland, Maine, has a way of blending art, culture, and coastal beauty into something that just feels easy to love. You can spend the morning walking along the harbor, your afternoon exploring galleries or hopping between unique shops, and your evening enjoying local seafood with a view.
There’s a creative spirit here that shows up in everything – from the murals downtown to the menus at local cafés. And, whether you’re staying in a cozy inn or a waterfront hotel, you’ll feel welcomed the moment you arrive.
It’s not a flashy destination, but that’s part of its charm. Rockland is for slow mornings, thoughtful wandering, and conversations over good food. If you’re looking for a place that feels both laid-back and full of life, this coastal gem is well worth the visit.