Things To Do in Rockport and Rockland, Maine
Are you looking for a Maine vacation guide? You’d be making a mistake to skip out on Rockport and Rockland, Maine. Rockland sits on Penobscot Bay, which is often touted as one of the top cruising bays in the world. It’s just stunning here.
This comprehensive guide gives you recommendations on where to eat, things to do, and where to stay during a trip to Rockport and Rockland, Maine.
The two cities are about a 15 minute drive from one another and it’s easy to explore both on the same trip. While a one-day visit allows you to see quite a bit in the small towns, two nights or more is optimal as there’s an amazing food scene here and plenty of outdoors to enjoy.
Visiting Rockport and Rockland was a highlight of our Maine coastal road trip. Now let’s get into it!
Things To Do in Rockport and Rockland, Maine
What To Do In Rockland Maine
Visit Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse sits at the end of a 7/8 mile long breakwater and you can walk all the way out to it on the giant stepping stones.
The nearly mile long granite path is a good spot to wear sneakers, and if you are coming with small kids, they may need some help at times for some of the gaps. But overall, it’s so incredibly fun!
Beech Hill Preserve
Beech Hill is a natural reserve in Rockport that encompasses almost 300 acres of diverse landscapes. You can explore multiple trails that are easy to moderate and take in the stunning views.
Address: 316 Beech Hill Road, Rockport
Rockport Village Trail and Beauchamp Point
This 3.4 mile loop begins at Rockport Marine Park and circles around Beauchamp Point. You’ll take in a scenic loop on trails, dirt roads and some paved streets that may not have sidewalks so please be mindful of traffic. However, you’ll get to take in gorgeous views in about a 90-minute walk.
Shopping on Main Street in Rockland
You’ll find several local shops, including:
Archipelago
One of several art galleries in town and a curated shop featuring made in Maine items.
Address: 386 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Black Parrot
This boutique offers clothing and lifestyle items and has been around since 1995. You’ll find the most unique clothing here to remember your trip by. Plus, various trinkets and a great selection of calligraphy pens.
Address: 328 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Barefoot in Denim
This women-owned shop specializes in denim jean fittings and offers much more clothes shopping options.
Address: 434 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Hello hello books
A cozy bookstore that offers a carefully curated selection of new and used books.
Address: 316 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars
You can sample before buying! There are multiple locations throughout the state of Maine and the owners clearly care about their craft. You’ll find a vast selection of olive oils and vinegars and a friendly staff to help you make your shopping decision.
Address: 503 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
fourTWELVE
fourTwelve offers women’s clothing.
Address: 412 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Puffin’s Nest
Gift shop for nautical mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, and more.
Address: 464 Main St Ste 2, Rockland, ME 04841
The Grasshopper Shop
Family-owned for multiple generations, The Grasshopper Shop offers an eclectic mix of clothing, household items and gifts with many items made in Maine.
Address: 400 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Go Sailing
This was one of our favorite activities of our entire Maine road trip. You’ve got to do at least one sailing excursion while visiting Maine and Rockland Harbor, a working harbor, is a great spot to do so.
I recommend A Morning in Maine sailing as they offer several 2-hour sailing trips each day during the warmer months along with a variety of other trips, like the Monroe Island Adventure.
See Andre the Seal
Do you remember the Andre movie from the 90’s? It’s about a family who essentially adopt a wild seal who was separated from his mother and while they care for him he basically becomes another member of their family.
He gets into all sorts of hijinks and even though he started spending his winters in aquariums he’d always return to Rockport to the same family that saved him until he passed away after a long life. The movie was based on a book based on real-life events in Rockport!
You can visit the Andre the Seal statue at the Rockport Harbor which memorializes the joy he brought to the community over several decades.
Visit Samoset Resort
You can pop into Samoset Resort and enjoy their golf courses, visit the spa or grab a seat at their bar. It’s a very popular resort in the region and has amazing amenities.
Maine Lighthouse Museum
The Maine Lighthouse Museum is home to the largest collection of lighthouse, lifesaving, and US Coast Guard artifacts in the nation. The goal of the museum is to educate the public regarding the long-standing traditions and heroism of Lighthouse services.
Address: 1 Park Dr, Rockland, ME 04841
Farnsworth Art Museum
The Farnsworth Art Museum is home to a collection of approximately 15,000 works focusing on American fine art from the 18th century to the present. There is, of course, an emphasis on artists and works with strong connections to Maine.
Address: 16 Museum St, Rockland, ME 04841
Go Kayaking
You can’t stop anywhere along the Maine coast without finding some options to kayak. Breakwater Kayak is the go-to company in town and they offer a variety of trips from a few hours to full-day kayaking.The Rockland Harbor tour is great for beginners.
Maine Lobster Festival
Every August you can enjoy five days of Lobster fun and feasting during the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. You’ll enjoy the freshed of local lobster dinners, entertainment, live music, cooking contests, and art.
Where to Eat in Rockport and Rockland, Maine
For two small towns, there are an amazing amount of awesome places to eat. Unless you’re staying in the area a few nights, you’ll have to narrow the list down to your preferences. But, all these delightful restaurants just mean that you’ll need to come back.
Nina June
You can take a break from the usual dining options in Maine with Nina June. The restaurant is Mediterranean inspired. Eat all the pastas and make a reservation for a table outside to enjoy the views.
Address: 24 Central St, Rockport, ME 04856
18 Central
18 Central is an oyster bar and grill. Go for the oysters and their extensive cocktail menu. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Address: 18 Central St, Rockport, ME 04856
Sea Folk
A coffee shop with a limited, but tasty breakfast menu and fresh pastries. I highly recommend the avocado toast to start your day.
Address: 22 Central St, Rockport, ME 04856
Suzuki’s Sushi Bar
Some of the best sushi on the Maine midcoast. Make a reservation if you’re a sushi lover like me.
Address: 419 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Primo Restaurant
Chef Melissa Kelly is a 3-time James Beard Award Winner so expect fine dining at this upscale eatery specializing in Italian dishes. There is a focus on being as local as possible with the food – it’s a truly unique dining experience.
Address: 2 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Wasses Hot Dogs
An inexpensive, but local favorite spot serving up hot dogs and cheese fries.
Address: 2 N Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
American Flatbread
At American Flatbread you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas with organic ingredients and free-range meats. They’re so thoughtful about every ingredient in each dish. And the pizzas are baked in traditional clay ovens for an extra unique flavor. The Maine Potato & Chive pizza is especially delicious.
Address: 399 Commercial St, Rockport, ME 04856
Where to Stay in Rockport
We stayed at a cozy Airbnb in Rockport. It’s a one-bedroom that’s located behind a wine and cheese shop and they will even curate a special basket for your arrival at your request.
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