23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Rockland (Maine)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Rockland, Maine?

Rockland is a beautiful city nestled in the Knox County of Maine, with a population of over seven thousand people.

This city is filled with lots of exciting attractions, making it the best place for a family, couples, or friends vacation.

There is something for everyone here, from outdoor activities to laid-back, relaxing vibes for those who just want to relax.

There are fun parks, art galleries, markets, museums, innovative centers, sports facilities, refuges, restaurants, and more, to explore for a fun time.

Are you planning an exploration of Rockland? Here are the top things to do in Rockland, Maine.

Things to Do in Rockland, Maine

1. Rockland Breakwater Light

Rockland Breakwater Light
Credits: Allan Wood Photography / Shutterstock
Rockland Breakwater Light

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse stretches more than 4 340 feet into the Rockland Harbor, located close to the end of the granite breakwater.

This breakwater lighthouse was completely constructed in 1902, although the Rockland Breakwater Seawall was fully built-in 1900.

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is open on weekends to everyone during the summer season; guests should prepare for a long walk of about two miles.

You get the opportunity to walk along the ocean while also appreciating the mesmerizing beauty of the lighthouse.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes with good traction; the road is a bit rough; always watch your steps and don’t forget to come with your camera.

Address: Rockland, ME 04841, United States

2. Farnsworth Art Museum

Farnsworth Art Museum
Credits: Kevin Dooley / Flickr
Farnsworth Art Museum

For art buffs, make sure you add a visit to Farnsworth Art Museum to your bucket list of fun things to do in Rockland, Maine.

Farnsworth Art Museum is an art gallery space of more than twenty thousand square feet consisting of more than fifteen thousand artworks.

This is the only art Center that is entirely committed to Maine-inspired and American artwork.

Farnsworth Art Museum consists of the largest collection of sculpture works in the whole country made by Louise Nevelson.

The art museum houses a library, the Farnsworth Homestead, the Olson House, and Wyeth Center; Farnsworth Art Museum is open throughout the year.

You’ll find lots of artwork made by reputable artists, including Jamie Wyeth, Andrew, N.C, and more, so be sure to spend hours browsing through.

Address: 16 Museum St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

3. Snow Marine Park

Snow Marine Park
Credits: 9dream studio / Shutterstock

Another fun thing to do in Rockland is spending the day at Snow Marine Park with your family and friends.

Snow Marine Park is a large park filled with fun activities to choose from, perfect for families with kids.

This park has an ample lawn for a walk, especially with your dogs, and picnics with your loved ones, where you can grab a meal together.

Snow Marine Park consists of a beautiful river available for a public boat launch for those who would love to go boating.

There is a large space for boat trailers and vehicles parking; Snow Marine Park is well taken care of and always clean.

Your pet will wag its tail in excitement whenever you visit Snow Marine Park; it is definitely worth the stop.

Address: Mechanic Street, Rockland, ME 04841 United States

4. Project Puffin Visitor Center

Project Puffin Visitor Center
Credits: Crispins C. Crispian [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Project Puffin Visitor Center
The Project Puffin Visitor Center was founded in 2006 and is the first in Rockland, Maine community built through the help of private donors, Audubon and local businesses.

Since its establishment, it has become a favorite destination for many citizens and tourists, as a unique place dedicated to the successful project puffin.

The Project Puffin Visitor Center is solely concerned with bringing back puffins and other rare seabirds of Maine back to their historic nesting islands.

Visitors get to watch puffins and many other seabirds through a spectacular video system in real-time.

The Project Puffin Visitor Center is home to a theater that displays a twenty-minute film, a gallery, and several exhibits.

The center educates the visitors about these birds, the history of the Project Puffin Visitor Center with the obstacles they had to withstand.

The Project Puffin Visitor Center features a well-packed gift shop with puffin-inspired gifts; the staff is friendly and helpful.

Address: 311 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

5. The Strand Theatre

The Strand Theatre
Credits: JR P/ Flickr
The Strand Theatre

Are you ready for a tremendous entertainment experience in Rockland? Then, a visit to the Strand Theatre should be included in your list of fun things to do in Rockland, ME.

The Strand Theatre opened its doors in 1923 and is one of the oldest theaters consistently served the people.

This theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it was transformed into a non-profit organization in 2014.

The Strand Theatre underwent series of renovations in 2005 with an impressive addition of modern equipment.

The new sound system and projection equipment are top-notch, with an entirely transformed interior and exterior as well as a colorful new marquee.

The Strand Theatre is a multi-purpose venue used for various events like the best of current first-run, educational programs, comedy, independent movies, conferences, and more.

The renovation made it more beautiful, and comfortable. In addition, there are concessions serving delicious traditional meals and old-fashioned soda pop.

Address: 345 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841-3303 United States

6. Home Kitchen Cafe

 Home Kitchen Cafe
Credits: Home Kitchen Cafe / Facebook
Home Kitchen Cafe

Home Kitchen Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Rockland; that opened its doors in 2009 to serve delicious meals.

The restaurant offers fresh and healthy meals that offer high satisfaction and hearty fulfillment that will surely make you return.

Home Kitchen Cafe serves American Southwest made with the best quality seasonal and local ingredients.

They offer an extensive food menu, including oatmeal, huevos rancheros, biscuits & sausage gravy, blueberry pancakes, haddock chowder, grilled cheese, sticky bun French toast, breakfast fried rice with chorizo, taco salad wrap, and more.

Home Kitchen Cafe is always open Monday, Wednesday to Saturday from 7am-3pm, and Sunday from 8am-3pm.

 Address: 650 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

7. Swing & Sway Dancing

Swing & Sway Dancing
Credits: Mihai Blanaru / Shutterstock

You wanna something new? or improve your dancing skills, Swing & Sway Dancing is the right place for you.

Swing & Sway Dancing is open to beginners and expert dancers; they offer dancers a stage to express themselves and showcase their talent.

They offer wonderful dancing lessons, including private and group classes open to everyone regardless of their age.

Swing & Sway Dancing hosts classes taught by a US National Ballroom Champion, Christian Clayton. The dance studio features pretty competitive dancers, with many ballroom champions on one stage.

This dance studio offers yoga for dancers, workshops, dances, displays, and many other unique occasions.

Christian Clayton also offers training to those who want to compete with him; Swing & Sway Dancing staff is friendly and professional.

Address: 143 Maverick St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

8. Primo

Primo
Credits: J Driskell / Flickr
Primo

For a fun dining experience, one of the best things to do in Rockland, Maine, is dining at Primo with your family and friends.

Primo was established in 2000, and it is founded in a farmhouse of more than one hundred and thirty years old.

They offer many dining options for visitors to choose from with the beautiful homey building with two intimate and historic dining rooms.

Primo restaurant consists of a cocktail lounge, cozy tables, and the counter room in a contemporary country design style.

Some of the meals served include Pork Saltimbocca, Charcuterie Platter, Eggplant Caper Pizza, Cobbler, Wild Oysters, Housemade Cannoli, bread & fish soup, pork saltimbocca, ricotta cavatelli, and more.

Primo restaurant also offers a wide variety of drinks, including cocktails, wines, beers, and other beverages.

Address: 2 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

9. The Rockland Public Library

Rockland Public Library
Credits: Doug Kerr [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons
Rockland Public Library
For the book worms, here is something for you, add a visit to the Rockland Public Library to your list of fun things to do in Rockland, Maine.

The Rockland Public Library is housed in a 1903 building with a unique architectural structure.

Due to the vital role the Rockland Public Library plays in the city, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The Rockland Public Library is a non-profit organization managed by the Friends of the Rockland Public Library.

The library offers great deals on books, DVDs, and CDs for costs you can’t get elsewhere; Rockland Public Library is run by donations, volunteer work, memberships, and fundraising events.

Address: 80 Union St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

10. Rustica

Rustica
Credits: Foodio / Shutterstock

Rustica is a restaurant in the city of Rockland located on Main Street in downtown Rockland that serves the best Italian dishes.

These meals are prepared using the freshest ingredients and made from scratch by professional chefs.

Rustica offers a diverse menu with meals such as Linguini with Scottish Salmon, caesar salad, grilled bistro steak, Roasted Tomato, House Made Cavatelli, Roasted Garlic, Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Sauce, Eggplant Parmesan, Chocolate Torte, Grilled Chicken Olivada, Sausage, and Crispy Eggplant, and so on.

They offer an impressive wine list and a good beer selection consisting of well-refined drinks with unique taste and high quality.

Rustica staff is nice and welcoming, offering a friendly atmosphere for the customers to relax and enjoy.

Address; 315 S Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

11. Archipelago

 Archipelago
Credits: Archipelago / Facebook
Archipelago

Visiting Archipelago is one of the top things to do in Rockland and a place that is loved by art enthusiasts.

The archipelago is an art gallery that features several unique and rare items in Maine, most of which you won’t find anywhere else.

It features some of the best jewelry collections, fine crafts, gifts, housewares, fine art, and other artworks.

Archipelago showcases and promotes the work of art of talented artists by giving them a chance to unleash their creative side.

They organized a platform for pre-recorded events, business resources, artists’ stories, and voices with chances to learn, interact and create.

Address: 386 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

12. Coastal Children’s Museum

Coastal Children's Museum
Credits: ercan senkaya / Shutterstock

For families with kids, make sure you visit the Coastal Children’s Museum in Rockland for an amazing experience for the little ones.

The Coastal Children’s Museum was established strictly for kids from one to nine years and allows their families to have fun and explore.

The children and their guardians or parents get to discover and learn about the natural world, the diversity of Maine’s coast, arts, and sciences.

The Coastal Children’s Museum features an indoor sailboat, general store, and CedarWorks indoor climbers.

They host several Maine Coast species and tropical sea life in their Gulf of Maine tank and under the sea room. There is a puppet theater, special puzzles, an art table for crafts, books, and tubes and tracks in the museum.

The Coastal Children’s Museum is available for birthday parties; they are open on Tuesday from 10am-4pm, from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm

Address: 75 Mechanic St Sharp’s Point South, Rockland, ME 04841-3513 United States

13. Maine Foodie Tours

Maine Foodie Tours
Credits: Maine Foodie Tours / Flickr
Maine Foodie Tours

Rockland is filled with numerous wonderful restaurants; you might get confused about where to eat.

Maine Foodie Tours is here to take you through the best eating spots in Rockland, not just restaurants but also culinary-based shops, beverage artisans, and pubs.

Maine Foodie Tours serves full-size meals in every spot you visit, unlike other tour companies that offer a small sample of each product.

Visitors also get an opportunity to meet with the owners and staff of the companies and also find out stories about each product.

Maine Foodie Tours is one of the best tour teams in the city, and they guarantee their visitors nothing but an amazing experience.

14. Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA)

Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA)
Credits: Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA)

Center for Maine Contemporary Art is a paradise for art lovers located in the seaside town of Rockland.

This center is a historic establishment built in 1952 and has grown and gained so much recognition over the years.

Center for Maine Contemporary Art displays a wide variety of rotating exhibitions all year round, including the artwork of arising and established artists relating to the state of Maine.

The moment you step into the building, you will be fascinated by the artworks displayed with the unique architectural structure with a one-of-a-kind sculpture right in front of it.

Center for Maine Contemporary Art is open from June to October on Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm and November to May on Wednesday to Saturday and on Sundays from 12pm-5pm throughout the year.

Address: 21 Winter St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

15. Craft

Craft
Credits: Needatang / Shutterstock

A visit to Craft is an excellent addition to your list of fun things to do in Rockland, ME, for an amazing experience.

Craft is a beautiful gallery that is highly recommended if you want to shop for unique gifts or souvenirs.

This small gallery host regularly changed shows with a good number of artists on each show; Barbara Michelena owns the gallery.

Craft showcases jewelry, displayable, ceramics, fiber arts, and book arts, including wearable works by calligraphers and printmakers.

Each of the works displayed here is well crafted and unique, coupled with the fact that they were made by hand, the creativity of its maker, and the experience of the owner of the gallery.

There are incredible pieces of artwork that will leave you stunned and fascinated by the level of creativity and talents.

The gallery owner, Barbara, is super nice and friendly with quite a high level of knowledge about the craft and is always willing to answer questions.

Address: 12 Elm St, Rockland, ME 04841-2811 United States

West of Maine is New Hampshire, here are the top things to do in Laconiathings to do in Keene, and things to do in Concord, for a fun exploration in New Hampshire.

16. Maine Lobster Festival

Maine Lobster Festival
Credits: Coast Guard News / Flickr
Maine Lobster Festival

If you want to feel the authentic culture of Rockland, Maine Lobster Festival must be included on your Rockland to-do list.

Maine Lobster Festival hosts a wide variety of events and activities that attract visitors from different parts of the world.

This is a five-day festival of lobster feasting filled with lots of fun and excitement held annually, usually from the first weekend in August from Wednesday to Sunday.

Maine Lobster Festival features twenty thousand pounds of lobster, the world’s largest lobster cooker, the International crate race, cooking competitions, a marine tent, and more.

Several vendors and crafts people will be present with talented artists offering the best entertainment performances, including the sea goddess coronation, fine art, a large parade, and more.

Maine Lobster Festival is a historic event organized by a non-profit organization with all its earnings returned to the Midcoast Maine communities.

Address: Harbor Ln, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

17. Harbor Square Gallery

Harbor Square Gallery
Credits: kenkuza / Shutterstock

The Harbor Square Gallery was established in 1981 and is located in one of the most beautiful buildings, built-in 1912.

This gallery houses the Muir Garden for contemporary sculpture and the contemporary art gallery showcasing some of the best artworks in the state.

The Harbor Square Gallery features a stunning spiral staircase that heads up to the rooftop sculpture garden, which overlooks the blue harbor and the main street.

The gallery’s collection consists of mainly gold jewelry and is open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11am-5pm.

Harbor Square Gallery is one of the New England’s premier galleries of fine Art and contemporary American craft, with an amazing collection of carat gold crafted by some of the most talented and renowned gift designers.

Address:374 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

18. The Rockland Historical Society

 Rockland Historical Society
Credits: Rockland Historical Society / Facebook
Rockland Historical Society

The Rockland Historical Society is a place you should visit, especially if you want to learn more about the history of Rockland.

This society is known as the shore village historical society and was founded in 1977 with the duty of collecting and preserving the Rockland’s history.

The Rockland Historical Society houses documents, artifacts, photographs, books, and newspapers that focus on the local organization, businesses, and families.

Visitors also learn more about many local industries, including granite, shipbuilding, lime, fishing, and several other enterprises in the seacoast.

The Rockland Historical Society’s museum showcases an extensive collection of civil war artifacts and several marine arts, and local memorabilia.

The society’s main aim is to collect and preserve business records, photographs, and personal papers relating to schools, important resort hotels, churches, social and cultural organizations, and local railroads.

The Rockland Historical Society comprises one hundred members; the society has published six books and free educational programs on the history of Rockland.

In search of what to do in Rockland for some history time, this sould be added to your checklist of things to do in Rockland, Maine.

Address: 80 Union St #2925, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

19. The Rockland Harbor Trail

Rockland Harbor Trail
Credits: Brent Danley / Flickr
Rockland Harbor Trail

The Rockland Harbor Trail is a five-mile-long walking trail and a perfect escapade from the crowd and noise of the world.

It is located along the waterfront of Rockland, offering scenic views for visitors to enjoy as they take a walk or run through the trail.

The Rockland Harbor Trail links the commercial downtown with the working waterfront; it offers you a chance to admire the harbor, including beautiful attractions and important buildings.

The trail takes you through the history of maritime and the arts and culture of the city, as you explore and celebrate the beauty of the town.

The Rockland Harbor Trail encourages the public to engage in outdoor recreation and wellness, don’t forget to stop by one of the nearby eateries.

Address: 5 Laurel St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

20. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Credits: Friends of Maine Coastal Islands NWR / Facebook
Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

A visit to Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center should be on your Rockland to-do list.

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is characterized by more than sixty offshore islands, including four coastal parcels.

This wildlife refuge stretches to more than eight thousand two hundred acres of land with over two hundred and fifty miles of the coastline of Maine.

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is home to forested headlands, freshwater wetlands, estuaries, upland mature spruce-fir forest, and more.

A group of local individual were set up in 2003 as a community-based nonprofit organization devoted to boosting the wildlife refuge goal of protecting, conserving, and improving the rich diversity of wildlife and habitats.

Address: 9 Water St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

21. Sail Power & Steam Museum

For a more unique and educational place, add a visit to Sail Power & Steam Museum to your list of things ms to do in Rockland.

Sail Power & Steam Museum was founded primarily to increase visitors’ curiosity through educational and interactive experiences focusing on driven vessels, ships & small boats, and power & steam.

The Museum houses an outstanding collection of marine and industrial demonstrations, photographs, artifacts, and exhibits.

Sail Power & Steam Museum is a must-visit, especially if you’re a fan of boats and engines museum; you get to learn about the history of its construction and mission.

The Museum formed a program called the midcoast sailing center to attract the people to the sea and learn the history of Maine maritime.

Sail Power & Steam Museum features spaces perfect for meetings, waterfront events, weddings, and other functions.

Address: 75 Mechanic St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

22. RHEAL Day Spa

RHEAL Day Spa
Credits: New Africa / Shutterstock

A perfect way to escape from the stress and excitement in Rockland is visiting RHEAL day spa, where you get to relax and get relief from your stress.

RHEAL day spa offers a comfortable space with a touch of luxury for both women and men; guests just don’t receive but also learn about practicing self-care and whole-living.

This spa is solely concerned with making the visitors feel relaxed and offering wonderful spa treatments with high professionalism and great customer service.

RHEAL day spa offers services like massages, make-up spa treatment for men, hair removal pedicure & manicure, body treatment facials, and more.

They ensure the environment is safe and comfortable for both visitors and employees for professional and personal improvement.

Address: 453 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

23. Jess’s Market

Jess’s Market
Credits: Jess’s Market / Facebook
Jess’s Market

If you want to go shopping for your next delicious meal, head towards Jess’s Market in Rockland.

Jess’s Market offers a wide range of products and food ingredients, including different kinds of fish and shellfish.

This Jess’s Market is a number one destination for seafood and lobster, with a display case packed with luring items.

Jess’s Market was established in 1986 and has consistently served the public with fresh and quality items.

Their grocery shelves consist of important seafood items, side dishes, simmering sauces, and dips. You’ll find mine chef products, Fiore oils & vinegar, bloody mary mix, rock city coffee, waldostone mignonette, and chip’s hot sauce.

When you’re stressed and require a quick fix for dinner, they have something for you, such as seafood salads, smoked salmon, crabs, housemade crab & fish cakes, dumplings, stuffed clams, and more.

Jess’s Market offers different selection of fine wines and local microbrews; the staff is highly helpful in providing any information you need.

This answers what to do in Rockland, and makes one of the top things to do in Rockland, Maine, to add to your bucket list.

Address: 118 S Main St, Rockland, ME 04841, United States

Want more of  Maine? do check out our list of things to do in Ogunquit, and things to do in Bangor, for a memorable vacation.

Plan a trip to Rockland

Rockland is one city you should visit and get to explore all it has to offer.

It offers you several options to get outside and have fun for an unforgettable experience, you can start with exploring places listed on this guide.

When visiting, don’t forget to come along with your camera to capture all the amazing moments. Start planning your trip to Rockland.