Washington MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Washington, Maine.
1. Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery
LOCAL WINE AND SPIRITS
Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery is a popular attraction in Washington offering locally produced wines and spirits. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their unique products while taking in the beautiful farm setting. The winery has earned a strong 4.5 rating from visitors who appreciate both the quality of their beverages and the overall experience.
2. Washington General Store
HEART OF THE TOWN
The Washington General Store serves as the heart of Washington, Maine, providing locals and visitors with essential goods and services. This charming establishment offers a glimpse into small-town Maine life with its welcoming atmosphere. The store is not just a place to shop but also a community gathering spot that represents the character of Washington.
3. Farnsworth Museum and Wyeth Center
RENOWNED ART COLLECTION
The Farnsworth Museum and Wyeth Center in Rockland showcases an impressive collection of American art with a focus on artists who have worked in Maine. The museum is particularly known for its extensive collection of works by three generations of the Wyeth family. Visitors can explore multiple gallery spaces filled with paintings that capture the essence and beauty of Maine's landscapes and people.
4. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse stands at the end of a nearly mile-long granite breakwater extending into Penobscot Bay. Visitors can walk the breakwater to reach this historic lighthouse, enjoying spectacular views of the harbor and surrounding coastline along the way. The lighthouse, built in 1902, offers a fascinating glimpse into Maine's maritime heritage and the importance of these beacons for coastal navigation.
5. Camden Hills State Park
SCENIC COASTAL HIKING
Camden Hills State Park offers breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay from its network of well-maintained hiking trails. The park encompasses over 5,700 acres of hills and woodlands, with Mount Battie providing one of the most spectacular panoramic views on the Maine coast. Visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons.
6. Owl's Head Transportation Museum
VINTAGE VEHICLE COLLECTION
The Owl's Head Transportation Museum houses an impressive collection of antique aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and carriages. Many of the vehicles are maintained in operating condition, allowing visitors to see and hear these historic machines in action during special events and demonstrations. The museum celebrates the evolution of transportation technology and its impact on American life through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
7. Liberty Graphics
ARTISTIC LOCAL APPAREL
Liberty Graphics produces distinctive, nature-inspired t-shirts and apparel that has become synonymous with Maine fashion. The company is known for its environmentally friendly printing processes and commitment to creating high-quality, artistic designs. Visitors can browse and purchase unique garments featuring Maine wildlife, landscapes, and culturally significant imagery that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
8. Windjammer Schooner Tours
CLASSIC SAILING ADVENTURES
Windjammer Schooner Tours offer visitors the chance to experience Maine's coastline from the deck of a traditional sailing vessel. The Appledore II and other historic schooners depart regularly from Camden Harbor for day sails and longer cruises. Passengers can help raise the sails, learn about maritime history and ecology, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife.
9. Lively Lady Too Lobster Boat
AUTHENTIC LOBSTERING EXPERIENCE
The Lively Lady Too offers a two-hour cruise from Camden that provides an authentic look at Maine's lobster industry. Passengers can watch demonstrations of lobster trapping while learning about the sustainable harvesting practices that have made Maine lobster famous worldwide. The tour also functions as an eco-tour, allowing visitors to observe coastal wildlife including seals, porpoises, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
10. Maine Lobster Festival
CELEBRATED SEAFOOD EVENT
The Maine Lobster Festival is a renowned annual celebration held in Rockland at the end of July and beginning of August. Visitors can enjoy fresh Maine lobster prepared in various ways, along with other local seafood specialties, entertainment, arts and crafts, and community events. This five-day festival has been a tradition since 1947 and attracts thousands of seafood lovers from around the world each year.
11. North Atlantic Blues Festival
PREMIER BLUES CELEBRATION
The North Atlantic Blues Festival brings world-class blues performers to Rockland during the second weekend in July. The two-day outdoor event features continuous live music on the main stage overlooking beautiful Rockland Harbor. After the scheduled performances end each day, the festival continues with a Club Crawl throughout Rockland's downtown area where attendees can enjoy more blues music at local venues.
12. Samoset Golf
OCEANSIDE GOLF EXPERIENCE
Samoset Golf offers players a breathtaking oceanside golfing experience on its championship 18-hole course. The course features challenging holes with spectacular views of Penobscot Bay, with seven holes situated directly alongside the ocean. The meticulously maintained grounds are part of the historic Samoset Resort, which provides additional amenities including dining, spa services, and accommodations for those wanting to extend their visit.
13. Old Fort Western
COLONIAL LIVING HISTORY
Old Fort Western, established in 1754, is America's oldest surviving wooden fort and serves as a living history museum in Augusta. Visitors can tour the original fort building and attached store house while costumed interpreters demonstrate aspects of colonial life. The fort offers educational programs throughout the year that bring to life the experiences of early settlers and the military history of the Kennebec River valley.
14. Maine State Museum
STATE'S CULTURAL TREASURY
The Maine State Museum in Augusta showcases the state's natural environment, prehistory, and cultural history through extensive collections and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore detailed recreations of Maine environments and industries including a three-story working mill, an ice-harvesting operation, and natural habitat dioramas. The museum's collections contain over 800,000 objects that tell the story of Maine from prehistoric times to the present.
15. Monhegan Island
ARTIST COLONY HAVEN
Monhegan Island is a renowned artist colony accessible by ferry from Port Clyde, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Maine island life. The small, rocky island features over 12 miles of walking trails that wind through forests and along dramatic cliff faces rising 160 feet above the ocean. Visitors can explore the charming village with its art galleries, the historical lighthouse, and the natural beauty that has attracted painters and other artists for generations.