Maine's Working Coast at Its Best
Rockland calls itself the "Lobster Capital of the World" and hosts the famous Maine Lobster Festival every August. But there's more to Rockland than crustaceans. It's a working harbor with fishing boats and ferries, a downtown packed with art galleries and great restaurants, and home to one of the most-walked breakwaters in New England.
What to Do
- Walk the Rockland Breakwater. A 7/8-mile granite jetty leading to a working lighthouse. Round trip takes about 45 minutes. One of the most popular walks in Maine.
- Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum. A surprisingly world-class art museum with major collections from Andrew Wyeth, N.C. Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth. Worth the trip alone.
- Take a windjammer cruise. Rockland is home to several historic schooners offering day sails and overnight trips around Penobscot Bay.
- Attend the Maine Lobster Festival. Held the first weekend of August. Tens of thousands of pounds of lobster, parades, music, and the crowning of the Maine Sea Goddess.
Where to Eat
Rockland's food scene rivals Portland's. Multiple James Beard nominated chefs, working waterfront seafood spots, craft cocktail bars, and great breakfast joints. You can eat well at every price point, from a $12 lobster roll to a $90 tasting menu.
Use Rockland as a Base
Rockland is the perfect base for exploring the entire midcoast. From here, you can easily day-trip to Camden (10 min), Belfast (25 min), Pemaquid (30 min), or take ferries to North Haven and Vinalhaven islands.
Practical Tips
- Lobster Festival weekend is INSANE — book lodging months ahead or skip it
- Ferries to the islands leave from the Rockland terminal — plan ahead
- Free parking is available a short walk from downtown
- The breakwater walk is best at low tide and on calm days