With a guide to Penobscot Bay, we will introduce you to some of the most scenic vistas found anywhere along the coast of Maine. Often referred to as “the jewel of the Maine coast,” it’s a haven for pleasure boaters and commercial fishers alike. With secluded offshore islands and the verdant hills of Camden State Park bordering the shoreline, spectacular scenery awaits around every turn.
Visit Penobscot Bay
Picturesque fishing villages, uninhabited islands, and dozens of secluded coves populate Penobscot Bay. The deepest body of water in the Gulf of Maine, and home to an active lobster and fishing industry, it’s also a popular summer resort destination. And for good reason. The Maine Windjammer fleet calls on charming ports of Rockland, Camden, Rockport, and the offshore islands of Vinalhaven and Islesboro throughout the busy cruising season.
Penobscot Lighthouses
Dozens of Maine’s iconic lighthouses that warn sailors of potential hazards enhance the beauty of the bay. Casting their beacons far out to sea, each lighthouse is unique in structure and signal. While many are accessible by land, viewing lighthouses from the vantage point of the ocean brings a new perspective to their vital role in Maine’s maritime history.
Hiking the Penobscot Bay Region
But viewing Penobscot Bay from the water is not the only way to enjoy its magnificent beauty. Some of the best hiking in Maine is in the Penobscot Bay region. Hiking the trails in Camden Hills State Park offers a remarkable view of the bay from high above it. Windjammers, schooners, sailboats, and power craft lay at anchor or mooring in the deepwater ports. Additionally, witnessing the vibrant harbors, distant islands, and picturesque villages sparkling in the sunshine quite literally takes your breath away.
Sailing Festivals
Among the highlights of a getaway to mid-coast Maine and the Penobscot Bay region is a chance to experience some great sailing events. They are held annually and revered by sailors and landlubbers alike. Certainly, the Great Schooner Race and the Camden Windjammer Festival are favorites. They draw crowds from near and far to witness these magnificent sailing vessels in all their glory.
Take a Harbor Cruise
However, enjoying the waters of Penobscot Bay is not limited to sailing vessels. Harbor cruises, lobster boat tours, and island ferry routes take visitors out on the bay with varying purposes. Spend an hour or two cruising the bay with a knowledgeable guide. In doing so, you’ll get a true feel of the intimate relationship between land and sea for the residents of the region.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Finally, a visit to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge offers a stunning view of the Penobscot River and the islands of Penobscot Bay. Take the elevator to the top of the observation tower for a 360-degree view from 420 feet above sea level. On a gin-clear day, the vista extends 40 miles in every direction.
A trip to Rockland and a stay at the Berry Manor Inn puts you in a position to take in all the beauty of Penobscot Bay. And with our guide to Penobscot Bay, you’ll be well-informed about all the wonderful ways to enjoy the view and all the region has to offer.
Published April 2023