Located on Maine’s coastline, about an hour and a half from Portland, Rockland is known for being one of the largest shipping centers in the world for lobster. Besides that, Rockland has received high praises as a fun and exciting small town in the US to visit, being an especially top notch destination for food lovers. There is much more that is has to offer than some of the best lobsters of your entire life, it has many other diverse activities to offer its visitors. Let’s take a look at just what kind of great things you could experience if you chose to make the trip to Rockland, Maine.
Rockland Maine Bucket List: 9 Fun Things to Do
1. Farnsworth Art Museum
Ranked the top attraction in Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum features art pieces from all three generations of the men of the Wyeth family, all of whom were respected and well-known painters in the 20th century. In addition, the 20,000 square foot art museum also houses some other exhibitions from some of America’s greatest artists that are worth checking out.
2. Walk to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
With its history exceeding more than 100 years, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places, making the lighthouse a highly respected spot in Maine. But, an even bigger draw is walking the mile-long granite blocks that jut out into the harbor. This breakwater path leads to the lighthouse and in the summer months is loaded with people out for a unique afternoon stroll that not only takes you to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, but gives you a panoramic view of the city.
3. Get Chocolate at Bixby & Co.
The specialty of this candy factory is its commitment to making chocolate (and some other sweets) that are non-GMO, gluten free and organic. Talk about a triple whammy! And it’s actually delicious, too—don’t miss tasting the sea-salted caramels. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your loved ones, you absolutely should drop by Bixby & Co. for the perfect gifts to treat yourself and others with. The best part of the chocolate is that it’s exactly the type of chocolate you can get addicted to and not feel too guilty about it!
4. Explore the Local Waterways like Penobscot Bay
Penobscot Bay is an inlet of the North Atlantic Ocean, located at the mouth of Penobscot River. It’s an incredibly scenic location to visit on your trip to Rockland—especially when the weather is nice! Penobscot Bay is also likened as one of the world’s top cruising spots. There are several different kind of cruises you can take from Penobscot Bay, ranging from one hour cruises to cruises lasting multiple nights, and especially the shorter harbor tours promise you beautiful surroundings to look at.
5. Go on a Lobster Boat Adventure
Remember when I mentioned at the start how Rockland has some of the best tasting lobster in the world? Well, one of the best ways to try it for yourself to see if this is true is to hop on a lobster boat adventure! By boarding a lobster boat tour, you get to see firsthand how these sea creatures are hauled in from the sea, as well as catch glimpses of seals and sometimes even whales. These freshly caught lobsters are then available for purchase.
6. Grab a Made in Maine Souvenir from Archipelago
Archipelago is a locally owned shop that sells and showcases art and other crafts created by local artists. From pottery to jewelry, the pieces are truly unique and they make for incredible gifts to bring home with you – it’ll be a lovely memory to keep for yourself and it’d also be the type of a souvenir your loved ones would surely know to appreciate and love.
7. Enjoy a Meal with Waterfront Views
Archer’s on the Pier is a seafood restaurant located right at Rockland’s waterfront. It offers you a charming atmosphere to eat and relax in, as well as some pretty awesome views. They also make super fun looking cocktails! You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant, so don’t hesitate to drop in at any time.
8. Attend the Maine Lobster Festival
If you’re one of the biggest shipping centers for lobster in the world, it’s only appropriate to host a Lobster Festival centered around it as well, right? Held every August and lasting five days, it has over the years grown from being a small local celebration to an internationally recognized festival celebrating lobsters and seafood in general. In addition to food stalls, specializing in the yummiest of seafood dishes, there is also a seafood cooking contest held at this festival. There’s also a variety of other activities and entertainment available to explore, including a running event. Everything climaxes with a big parade!
9. Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum
The Maine Lighthouse Museum holds the largest U.S. collection of artifacts related to lighthouses, lifesaving and U.S. Coast Guard. It may not be the first museum you’d ever think of visiting, but it’s actually pretty unique and interesting, and well worth the visit to accompany your visit to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. It’s a great chance to learn about the history of lighthouses and lifesaving as well as the Coast Guard.
Where to Stay in Rockland, Maine: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. 250 Main Hotel is a great choice in the Rockland district. For something on the less expensive side, try Claddagh Motel & Suites located a couple miles from Rockland city center. For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the Relais Chateaux Camden Harbour Inn. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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You missed Wasses Hot Dogs! Been in the area for many decades and considered one of the best hot dog stands in the State! Archers is great, but there’s a lot of other really great restaurants as well, Main Street is loaded with them, from upscale homemade pasta at Rustica or Primo to the best sushi you’ve ever had at Suzuki’s. And you can dine out ON the water with a panoramic view of Rockland Harbor at Eclipse of the Pearl. Also, the local beaches and the Owls Head Light and Transportation Museum. You can’t visit the area and not see those!