Maine Coastal Towns: Why Belfast & Camden Should Be on Your Bucket ListA Scenic Detour: Mountains & Lakes

Belfast from the Hwy 1 bridge

Exploring Two Charming Coastal Towns in Maine: Belfast & Camden

Our Coastal Maine adventure began with two delightful nights exploring the picturesque towns of Belfast and Camden—each offering its own unique blend of history, coastal beauty, and small-town charm. 

Belfast: A Shipbuilding Legacy & Artsy Appeal

Founded in 1770 by Scottish-Irish families, Belfast flourished as a major shipbuilding hub thanks to its abundant timber resources. Hundreds of wooden ships were crafted here, and later, the same timber helped build the railroads that connected Belfast to the rest of Maine. Though devastating fires in 1865 and 1873 destroyed much of the town, Belfast rebuilt with brick—many of these historic buildings still stand today, lending the town its distinctive character. 

Nowadays, Belfast is a captivating mix of artsy boutiques, welcoming locals, and maritime heritage. Its streets are lined with impressive 19th-century architecture, all perched above a working harbor where massive ships are still hauled in and out of the water—a fascinating sight! 

Manny and I spent a sunny day wandering the town, popping into quirky shops and picking up a few gifts before strolling along the Front Street Shipyard Walk. The harbor was dotted with boats of all sizes, from sleek yachts to rugged working vessels. 

 For lunch, we chose the Dockside Family Restaurant, drawn in by its inviting patio and ocean views. The blackened haddock sandwich was delicious, and the warm sunshine, salty breeze, and sight of historic buildings made for a perfect afternoon. To top it off, we couldn’t resist stopping by Wild Cow Creamery for a scoop of their organic blueberry ice cream in a homemade waffle cone—a true Maine delight! 

Camden: A Postcard-Perfect Harbor Town 

The next morning, we continued south to Camden, a town so charming it’s been featured in multiple films. We meandered through boutique-lined streets, with one standout being a lovely lavender shop filled with products sourced from the owner’s nearby farm. 

A unique feature of Camden is the Megunticook River, which flows right beneath some of the downtown buildings—a quirky and unexpected detail! Another highlight was the 1808 Chestnut Street Baptist Church, a quintessential New England landmark with a striking white steeple and clock tower. The streets were also lined with beautifully restored 19th-century homes, each one more picturesque than the last. Instead of retracing our steps, we took the scenic route back—winding through the mountains and along serene lakes. The drive along Route 52was breathtaking, offering a completely different perspective of Maine’s natural beauty. If you’re making the trip, I highly recommend this loop: take Hwy 1 along the coast from Belfast to Camden, then return via Hwy 52 for stunning inland views. 

Both towns left us enchanted, each with its own personality and coastal allure. If you’re planning a Maine getaway, Belfast and Camden are absolute must-visits!