The Secret Joy of Spring in Camden

Camden in May is Maine at its most quietly beautiful. The summer crowds haven’t yet arrived, but the town is stretching awake. Sails are going up in the harbor, the lilacs are starting to bloom, and the granite peaks of Camden Hills still have that brisk spring air that’s perfect for a long walk. This is a time for coffee on a misty porch, for the first lobster rolls of the season, and for long, meandering afternoons that might end in a bookstore, a wine bar or a clifftop hike.

Camden is walkable, photogenic and full of things to do without feeling like it’s trying too hard. It’s where the mountains meet the sea—literally. Whether you’re coming up from Portland or down from Acadia National Park, it’s a perfect base to explore Maine’s Midcoast with time to breathe.

Where to Stay

In May, you’ll find deals and availability that disappear come high season—plus the peace and quiet to enjoy them.

Hideaway Inn Maine

Tucked along a leafy stretch just outside the bustle of town, Hideaway Inn Maine is a historic B&B that is exactly what it sounds like—quiet, welcoming and cozy. The downstairs is perfect for a slow morning with a mug of coffee, and the innkeepers always have a good recommendation for a tucked-away trail or gallery.

Whitehall Inn

The design-forward Whitehall Inn mixes historic architecture with modern details: painted floors, artfully mismatched patterns, and porch rockers that practically demand you linger.

16 Bay View

Located right downtown, the elegant 16 Bay View boutique hotel blends luxury with comfort. Rooms are spacious and modern, and the Vintage Room downstairs is an inviting cocktail lounge with tufted velvet furniture and an excellent espresso martini. On clear days, head to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the harbor and hills.

Where to Eat

Spring in Camden means the return of seasonal menus, outdoor seating and the first of the soft-shell lobster.

The Waterfront Restaurant

For over 45 years, The Waterfront Restaurant has served up seafood classics with a local touch—fresh catch from area fishermen, local farm ingredients and hometown hires. Enjoy the sunshine on the waterfront patio to take in harbor views while indulging in Maine crab rolls, lobster rolls and fresh oysters.

Long Grain

Arguably the most famous restaurant in town, Long Grain is a must-visit for its fresh, locally sourced Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. The wide rice noodles with mushroom soy are a crowd favorite, and the house kimchi sells out fast. Reservations are recommended, even in shoulder season.

Franny’s Bistro

Tucked into a residential stretch just outside downtown, Franny’s Bistro is beloved for its creative, locally inspired menu and warm neighborhood feel. The seafood is fresh, the steak is divine, and the cocktails lean seasonal and well-balanced. Inside feels like dining in a friend’s (beautiful) home.

Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s Restaurant

Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s Restaurant is a low-key, classic New England breakfast and lunch spot perched right above the waterfall in the heart of town. The coffee’s hot, the home fries are crispy, and the harbor views out back are postcard-worthy. This is the kind of place where you can sit with a local paper and a plate of blueberry pancakes and feel like you live here.

Find even more restaurants in downtown Camden.

Where to Drink

Paper Plane

Tucked along the wharf at Lyman-Morse, Paper Plane is a chic little cocktail bar feels like a secret; it’s walk-in only, with a cozy indoor bar and a handful of waterside seats that feel especially magical at dusk. Come for a pre-dinner sip or settle in as the main event, and get ready to be charmed by Clementina, the owner.

Vintage Room at 16 Bay View

Retreat to a moody, velvet-draped lounge with expertly made cocktails and fireplaces roaring to keep away the spring chill when you cozy up at Vintage Room. It’s perfect for a post-dinner nightcap or a rainy-day refuge with a glass of red and a good book.

Outdoor Activities

Camden Hills State Park

The classic Camden hike is Mount Battie—short, steep and with one of the most iconic views in Maine. On a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Mount Desert Island. But in May, the Carriage Road Trail is ideal for a longer, gentler climb lined with budding birches and spring ephemerals. Pack layers; the summit is often windier than you’d think.

Harbor Walk & Waterfront

Camden’s harbor is ridiculously photogenic. Walk along the docks, admire the schooners coming out of their winter wraps, and follow the path to Harbor Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers. Bonus: if you’re lucky, you might catch a boat launch or a spring regatta starting up.

Merryspring Nature Center

Just outside of town, Merryspring Nature Center is a hidden gem: 66 acres of gardens and trails that start blooming in earnest in May. The lilac collection and rock garden are especially lovely this time of year, and the easy paths are great for a relaxed afternoon walk.

Harbor Park & Town Walk

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the waterfront park is beautifully proportioned and great for meandering. Grab a bagel or ice cream and walk along the docks as the schooners prep for their first sails of the season.

Shopping in Camden

Topo: Paper & Post

A must-visit for anyone who loves modern art, maps and clean design, Topo features work by local artisans and has a sharp eye for form, texture and balance. There is also a great selection of stationary, pens, markers and other art and design focused sundries that are worth a peep.

Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café

A classic, independent bookstore, Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café has a well-curated mix of new releases, local titles and cozy nooks. The attached cafe serves excellent espresso drinks, and there’s usually a dog or two making themselves at home in the reading chairs.

Sugar Tools

Explore a beautifully curated home and lifestyle store with French linens, handmade soaps and Maine-crafted goods that toe the line between rustic and refined. Sugar Tools is a great stop for gifts, or just to treat yourself to something soft, scented or useful.

Glendarragh Lavender

Steep in all things lavender, grown on a farm just up the road in Appleton. The Glendarragh Lavender shop in Camden is a little slice of aromatherapy heaven, stocked with oils, sachets and skincare products made right in Maine.

Cashmere Goat

For knitters, Cashmere Goat yarn shop is a dream. Revel in locally spun and hand-dyed fibers, kits, patterns and a welcoming staff who can help you troubleshoot your next project or just help you pick out your next rainy-day obsession.