The 13 Best Things
to See and Do
in Castine, Maine

Fort George Park is a historic gem. It’s home to the ruins of Fort George, built in 1779 during the American Revolution. Although destroyed by the British in 1780, its ruins are still there for visitors to explore.

The park offers plenty of activities for everyone! Enjoy the stunning views from benches and picnic tables or join one of their exciting events such as concerts, reenactments or lectures. There’s also a playground for kids so they too can enjoy this historical destination.

Fort George Park is open year-round and admission is free – perfect for unaccompanied adventurers and families alike. For history buffs and anyone looking for a fun and educational outing, Fort George Park is an absolute must-visit destination.

Discover Maine’s scenic coastline with Castine Kayak Adventures! Located in Castine, they offer a variety of guided tours, bike rentals, and paddleboard tours. From beginner-friendly journeys to more extreme excursions for experienced paddlers, everyone can enjoy an adventure here. They even have private and custom tours for those seeking a personalized experience.

The knowledgeable staff at Castine Kayak Adventures are passionate about the area and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Plus, their retail shop is stocked with outdoor gear and clothing, souvenirs, and more – perfect for purchasing gifts or souvenirs onsite.

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or first-time paddler, Castine Kayak Adventures is the perfect destination to explore Maine’s natural beauty!

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Witherle Woods, a 185-acre nature preserve. The preserve features a network of hiking trails to explore and enjoy, suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. Along your journey, you will see breathtaking views of forests and wetlands, as well as wildlife including birds, deer, and squirrels.

Open year-round with free admission, Witherle Woods is the perfect place for anyone looking to connect with nature. In addition to hiking and birdwatching, visitors can also enjoy picnicking or snowshoeing in winter. For those interested in learning more about nature, there are plenty of educational programs and events available throughout the year such as guided hikes, workshops, and nature walks. Come discover why Witherle Woods is a must-visit destination in Maine!

The Wilson Museum is full of fascinating history and culture. With over 20,000 artifacts, including Native American objects, maritime memorabilia, and military artifacts, this museum has something for everyone! The 19th-century barn, ship model gallery, and local naval history display put the region’s past on proud display.

This museum offers educational programs throughout the year. Guided tours are available to explore the exhibits, while hands-on activities and workshops provide a more direct learning experience. Attend lectures and presentations by experts in various fields or tuck into the research library if you want to explore local history and genealogy.

No matter your age or background, the Wilson Museum provides a rewarding visit. If you’re looking for an engaging and educational experience – make sure you don’t miss out!

The Castine Historical Society is a non-profit in Maine, dedicated to preserving and promoting the town’s history and culture. Its museum features Native American artifacts, maritime and military memorabilia, local art and photography, as well as guided tours and lectures for visitors to enjoy.

The Society also hosts educational programs like workshops, seminars and walking tours of historic sites. Plus, its research library is open to the public providing resources on local history and genealogy.
For a great learning experience full of adventure, visit the Castine Historical Society in Castine, Maine!

The Wabanaki Cultural Center celebrates the history and culture of the Wabanaki people. Featuring exhibits and displays of art, music, storytelling and traditions of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac and Maliseet nations, this unique museum educates visitors with guided tours, lectures and presentations.

Throughout the year, there are craft workshops and cultural festivals featuring traditional dance performances. Knowledgeable volunteers staff the center to share their knowledge and love of Wabanaki culture with visitors of all ages. From history buffs to art lovers, everyone will find a must-visit destination at the Wabanaki Cultural Center.

Downeast Nature Tours specializes in guided tours and excursions showcasing the natural beauty of coastal Maine. Enjoy birdwatching, nature walks, and photography trips with experienced guides who provide exceptional insight into the region’s natural history.

Downeast Nature Tours focuses on ecological and sustainable tourism. Their knowledgeable guides provide detailed information about native birds, plants, and animals as you explore the Maine coast’s unique ecosystem. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply want to experience Maine’s great outdoors—they are an excellent choice for your next adventure!

The Harborview Gallery is a must-see for art lovers. Located in the historic Harbormaster’s Building on the Academy’s waterfront campus, it showcases a diverse selection of contemporary art, such as paintings, sculptures, and photography. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring work from local and regional artists, as well as highly acclaimed artists from around the country.

The gallery is also an educational resource for Maine Maritime Academy students who can gain experience in curatorial projects and exhibition design. Its mission is to foster an appreciation for the arts and support emerging artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their artwork. Art aficionados or those simply looking to explore Castine’s cultural attractions should add the Harborview Gallery to their itinerary.

Visit Wadsworth Cove for a relaxing retreat or an outdoor adventure! This picturesque coastal inlet is nestled between two peninsulas and surrounded by a mix of dense forest and rugged coastline.

Hikers can explore the rocky shoreline, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy taking in the natural beauty from the water. Plus, Wadsworth Cove is a great spot for wildlife spotting – catch glimpses of bald eagles, osprey and harbor seals! Fishing is also popular here, with striped bass and bluefish found in its waters.

No matter what your outdoor interests are, make sure to add Wadsworth Cove to your list of must-visit destinations!

Flora Funga Farms is a small, sustainable mushroom farm. They specialize in growing gourmet mushrooms, like shiitake, oyster and lion’s mane. These mushrooms are grown using organic techniques and natural fertilizers.

Visitors can tour the farm to learn about their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The farm also offers workshops on sustainable farming practices, mushroom cultivation, and foraging as an educational experience. If you’re looking for something unique to do in Castine, give Flora Funga Farms a visit!

This small independent bookstore, located in the heart of Castine, Maine offers an eclectic collection of new and used books, with a special focus on local authors and topics.

The store’s owner is passionate about literature, happy to share their expert recommendations and knowledge of books. Not only can you find your favorite reads here, but unique gifts and stationary items too!

What makes Compass Books stand out from other bookstores is their cozy atmosphere – you can relax as you browse through their shelves and have a cup of coffee. Plus, meet their friendly cat who loves visitors! 

Stop by Compass Books for a unique and charming bookstore experience in Maine.

Castine Harbor Cruises is your ticket to exploring the beautiful Maine coastline in style. From two-hour harbor tours to full-day island outings, they have something for everyone. During the cruises, visitors will get to see breathtaking sights such as historic lighthouses, rugged cliffs and bustling harbors. The knowledgeable captains and crew can also tell you all about the local culture and history.

Get ready for a wild life experience! You may catch a glimpse of bald eagles in flight, seals basking on the rocks, or even whales and dolphins. The boats are spacious with plenty of indoor and outdoor seats so you can kick back and take in the scenery. With Castine Harbor Cruises, you’re sure to have an unforgettable tour of Maine’s gorgeous coastlines.

Castine Touring Company offers a range of exciting tours in the charming coastal town of Castine, Maine. Their Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) tour is one of their most popular options, providing a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the area.
The LSVs are street-legal electric vehicles that are quiet and low-impact, perfect for taking visitors around town or to nearby attractions. Choose from a variety of tour options, such as the Historic Castine Tour or the Castine and Beyond Tour.
Knowledgeable guides provide interesting commentary along the way, giving you an entertaining and educational experience no matter who you’re travelling with. The LSV tours offered by Castine Touring Company are a fun and unforgettable way to explore this charming coastal town.