Bristol and Camden: Taking the Scenic Route

The scenery along the coast in Maine is so gorgeous that we decided to continue cruising along US 1 to visit more of the picturesque towns along the way. Bristol and Camden were highly recommended so we stopped there before heading up to Acadia National Park.

Scenery along US 1
Scenery along US 1

Bristol, ME

When passing through Bristol make sure to visit Pemaquid Lighthouse Pointe Park. The entrance to the park costs $2.00 pp and includes parking, a visit to the Fisherman’s Museum, access to the park grounds and a climb up the lighthouse. We arrived as the fog rolled in and the scenery was picture perfect. Take a leisurely hike along the rocks to get some great pictures of the lighthouse and surrounding areas.

Pemaquid Lighthouse in Bristol
Pemaquid Lighthouse
pemaquid lighthouse
Lighthouse picture take 1
pemaquid lighthouse
Let’s try again… take 2
Walking around the lighthouse property
Walking around the lighthouse property
Hike along the rocks
Hike along the rocks
Fishermen's museum Pemaquid
Fishermen’s museum
climbing up Pemaquid lighthouse
Climbing up
Lens at the top of lighthouse
Lens at the top

 

Camden, ME

Camden is lovely, quaint and walkable. We parked near the gorgeous Harbor Park near the Library and Amphitheatre. The views from here were incredible and the park was perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. We headed into town through the park and ended up having a great lunch on the dock. From here you could also book sailing tours that take you to some of the adjoining islands. Back on land just walking around the main street is a treat. There are numerous cute shops in town and ice cream parlors where you could cool off. Make sure to tour the gorgeous library and amphitheatre grounds as well.

Gorgeous Harbor Park in Camden
Gorgeous Harbor Park in Camden
Chartered boats to visit islands near Camden
Chartered boats
Exploring Camden - Main Street
Exploring Camden
Local pup
Local pup
Relaxing at the amphitheater
Relaxing at the amphitheater
Great detail on the library bench-- book sculpture
Great detail on the library bench

After lunch we visited Camden Hills State Park. Since we were only staying for a short while we felt the entrance to the park was a bit steep at $6.00 pp but one could easily spend a whole day exploring the area (including hiking). The fog was rolling in so we decided to quickly drive up the highest peak in the park at the summit of Mount Megunticook to take some pictures. From here you get incredible views of the harbor and the town below while enjoying a nice cool breeze.

Camden from the viewpoint at Camden Hills Park
Camden from the viewpoint
Fog rolling in
Fog rolling in
Great views from above
Great views from above
Last picture before we hit the road
Last picture of this great place before we hit the road
We loved Camden!
We loved Camden!

 

Where we’re headed next

  • Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park